News From Nigeria
This occasion of the first year anniversary of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is a moment of sincere national reflection, gratitude to God and positive reaffirmation of the indomitable Nigerian spirit that as one people we are tougher than our challenges.
2.0. For decades, a lot of tough national and sub-national leadership questions have been kicked down the road unanswered. The serious mistake in not making necessary decisions and investments to address these challenges has manifested in ways that have not allowed our country to develop to its full potentials.
3.0. Today, Mr. President and his great team are boldly taking on many fundamental systemic challenges in informed ways that are carefully designed to usher in sustainable national growth, development and prosperity for all.
4.0. The process of birthing all great gains comes with some pains, and so it is admittedly with our nation now, but we are tougher than these challenges. In this regard, it is the duty of responsible leadership at all levels, especially those with the honour and privilege to lead in our political environment, to make necessary sacrifices to support the President’s efforts to build a legacy of a fundamentally strong and viable Republic.
5.0. Therefore, let all summon a new spirit of patriotism for the good of the country and our people, even as we pray for President Tinubu, all other leaders across the spectrum and our blessed people for more wisdom and perseverance in the new sincere quest to build a modern and prosperous country for the good of all.
SIGNED:
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR
Deputy President of the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
HON. EME MUKORO’S PASSING IS TERRIBLY SHOCKING AND PAINFUL.
The Deputy President of the 9th Senate and Obarisi of Urhoboland, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR is terribly shocked by the sudden passing of Olorogun (Hon.) Eme Mukoro – his dear brother, good friend and respected stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
For the Obarisi, this is one solemn moment when words are just not enough to express the true feeling of a loss so terribly painful.
Hon. Mukoro was a wonderful political and business leader who has done a lot of good for our people. A major pillar of progressive politics in Ughelli South Local Government Area and beyond.
As we mourn this huge loss to the Urhobo Nation and Delta State as a whole, Senator Omo-Agege enjoins our people to pray for God, through His Holy Spirit, to comfort and strengthen the wife, children and entire family of Olorogun Eme Mukoro.
It is well!
Signed:
Olorogun Aruviere Martin Egharhevwa, Esq.
Office of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR
Former Deputy President of the Senate – 2019-2023.
May 28, 2024
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Governor Diri On Victory at Tribunal
…Says Judgment is Triumph for Democracy, Will of the People
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri over his victory at the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Tribunal which upheld his re-election at the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the State.
The verdict of the Tribunal is another resounding victory for Democracy and the expressed Will of the people of Bayelsa State in their unbending resolve to sustain purposeful leadership in the State.
The spontaneous jubilation in Bayelsa State at the news of the judgment reverberates as undisputed testimony that the decision of the Tribunal is in line with the democratic desire of the people as expressed at the polls.
The PDP is proud of Governor Diri’s excellent performance as evident in his massive infrastructural, citizens empowerment and human capital development programmes and projects in the State in line with the manifesto and policy thrust of the PDP and for which the people of Bayelsa State overwhelmingly re-elected him as governor.
Charging Governor Diri to continue in his good works, our Party commends and appreciates the people of Bayelsa State for their unwavering support for the PDP and urges them to continue in that spirit in their quest to sustain good governance in the State.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
May 28, 2024
Press Statement
May 29: Last One Year Most Challenging in Nigeria’s History – PDP
…Tasks President Tinubu to Prioritize Governance, Address Corruption, Fuel Crisis, Others
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after a thorough review of the worsening state of affairs of the nation in the last one year under the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration declares the period as the most challenging in Nigeria’s history since the Civil War.
The PDP insists that the current rising insecurity, excruciating poverty, economic hardship and general despondency in the country necessitating the fleeing of thousands of Nigerians especially the youths from our nation further confirm that there is no hope in sight with the APC on the saddle.
It is apparent that inflicting pain and misery on Nigerians remains the policy thrust of successive APC administrations which became heightened by the not well thought-out twin anti-people policies of removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira without due consideration for the citizens’ welfare and security.
As if these were not enough, the APC administration continues in its anti-people policies in the arbitrary hike in electricity tariff and imposition of multiple taxes on the already impoverished Nigerians with no corresponding tangible development directed towards the welfare of the people.
The consequences of these ill-thought and ill-implemented policies without any cushioning measures to mitigate the resultant rising cost and associated hardship on the masses have driven many into early death and extreme poverty.
The APC’s continuing use of poverty as a weapon of mass destruction is responsible for the wide spread despondency in the country where people are only preoccupied with survival rather than show interest in the government policies and activities which largely alienate them.
It is shocking that while the Federal Government announced the removal of fuel subsidy forcing Nigerians to pay more for fuel, trillions of naira is still being reportedly paid as fuel subsidy allegedly into private bank accounts associated with corrupt APC leaders.
Sadly, the APC in its insensitivity and disregard for the people has not bordered to render an account to Nigerians with respect to the expected savings accruable to the Federation Account as a result of the announced fuel subsidy removal.
Instead of addressing the grave economic challenges facing our nation, the APC administration continues to wreck our productive sectors with its ill-advised policies which have resulted in the exit of multinational giants including GlaxoSmithKline, Procter and Gamble, Microsoft among others and massive divestment by major oil and gas companies from our country in the last one year.
The consequence of these is massive loss of jobs and businesses with attendant socio-economic dislocation and uncertainty. This is compounded by the over 37% unemployment rate, inflation rate of over 33% and over 200% devaluation of the Naira in the last one year.
It is not therefore surprising that Nigerians have completely lost hope in the APC administration which has no operable economic plan to navigate our country out of the present despair.
More distressing is that on the security front, the APC has merely paid lip service to the security of lives and property of Nigerians with massive killings, kidnapping and marauding of communities by bandits and terrorists raging across the country.
Since May 29, 2023, over 5000 Nigerians have been reportedly killed with many more abducted in various parts of our country with no concrete measure by the APC administration to arrest this ugly trend.
From reports on governance at the sub-national levels across the country, it is clear that the only hope for our nation is the performance of governors elected on platform of the PDP who continue to deliver life-enhancing citizen empowerment, human capital and infrastructural development projects with positive effect on the wellbeing of the people.
Our Party therefore urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the occasion of his one year in office to have a deep reflection on the state of the nation under his watch; take a critical look at his policies and present a clear economic roadmap which will enhance the welfare of the Nigerian people. He should also address the allegation of corruption and profligacy in the administration.
The PDP commends Nigerians for their steadfastness and urges them not to allow the failures of the APC administration to make them lose hope in Democracy and the Nation.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
One Year of the Tinubu Administration: Building a safer, stronger and prosperous Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s historic victory and assumption of office on May 29, 2023, marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His commitment to democracy and visionary leadership, encapsulated in the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda, have inspired confidence and trust among Nigerians, promising a new era of hope and transformation.
Economic Rebirth: Facing economic turmoil, widespread poverty, and rising unemployment, President Tinubu implemented bold reforms to stabilise the economy. The withdrawal of the unsustainable fuel subsidy and the unification of the FOREX market were pivotal steps, redirecting funds to critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These measures have reduced petrol importation by 50% and boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange the top-performing bourse globally.
Strengthening National Security: President Tinubu has prioritised national security, leading to significant investments in modernising and equipping the nation’s security forces. Over 4,600 hostages have been freed, more than 9,300 hostiles neutralized, and over 7,000 terrorists and bandits arrested. Establishing the N50 billion Pulako Initiative and annually recruiting 30,000 new police personnel further underscore the administration’s commitment to a safer Nigeria.
Boosting Agriculture and Food Security: To tackle food security, the administration declared a state of emergency and launched the National Agricultural Development Fund with N100 billion. Initiatives like the Dry Season Farming Initiative and the Green Imperative Programme aim to promote year-round farming and provide farmers with access to modern equipment and low-interest loans, ensuring a stable food supply.
Unlocking Energy and Natural Resources: The Renewed Hope Agenda focuses on developing renewable energy sources and enhancing the efficiency of the oil and gas sector. Policy directives have improved the investment climate, increased crude oil and NLNG production, and initiated significant projects like rehabilitating the Port Harcourt refinery and constructing the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kano Gas Pipeline.
Transforming Infrastructure and Transportation: Significant investments in infrastructure are underway, including operationalising the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line and constructing the Lagos-Calabar Super Highway. The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund aims to raise N20 trillion to deliver critical projects and modernise ports and aviation facilities, creating an enabling environment for businesses.
Improving Education, Health, and Social Investment: The administration is expanding primary health centres and upgrading tertiary hospitals, ensuring better access to healthcare. The Student Loans Act 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund highlight a commitment to broadening access to education. Social welfare schemes, including cash transfers and microcredit programmes, aim to uplift vulnerable households and support small businesses.
Accelerated Diversification through Youth-Driven Industrialization, Digitization, and Innovation: Recognising the youth as invaluable assets, the administration has launched initiatives like the Three Million Technical Talent Initiative and the iDICE Programme to empower young Nigerians with digital skills. The National Job Centre and the National Talent Programme aim to create employment opportunities and support youth-owned enterprises.
Improved Governance for Effective Service Delivery: To enhance service delivery, the administration has introduced the MOBILIZER app for citizen engagement and launched the Citizens’ Delivery Tracker App to assess public officials’ performance. Reforms recommended by the Oronsaye Report aim to rationalise and restructure government agencies, increasing transparency and efficiency.
Conclusion: The Renewed Hope Agenda is a comprehensive strategy driving Nigeria towards sustainable development and improved quality of life. President Tinubu’s administration is laying the foundation for lasting progress and a brighter future for all Nigerians through strategic investments, youth empowerment, and improved governance.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO EXXONMOBIL EXECUTIVES: EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON OIL AND GAS REFORMS WILL MAKE NIGERIA GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the three Executive Orders on oil and gas reforms, which he signed, will make Nigeria’s petroleum sector globally competitive.
The President made the affirmation during a meeting with a delegation from ExxonMobil Upstream Company, led by its President, Liam Mallon.
He emphasized that these reforms will ensure that no oil company faces undue challenges in the country.
The three Executive Orders, which became effective from February 28, 2024, are: Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order, 2024; Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024; and the Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines.
President Tinubu also assured the ExxonMobil delegation that the federal government is committed to resolving the divestment issues between the company and Seplat Energy, which are currently under litigation.
“We have been pushing for closure on divestment issues, and I believe the other party, Seplat, is open to this,” the President said.
The President commended the company for its show of commitment to environmental protection in Nigeria, noting its efforts in reducing gas flaring in the country.
“Nigeria is going through a lot of reforms, and we have been navigating the leadership quarters carefully to ensure that we achieve a win-win situation for all parties and attract more investments,” President Tinubu said.
The President described ExxonMobil as a worthy partner in Nigeria’s development over the decades and urged the company to remain committed to contributing to the success of his administration.
“We are close enough to be fair and blunt with you, and we are not afraid to hear from you on better options and recommendations for the growth of the industry in Nigeria,” the President said.
The meeting, also attended by Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), discussed issues such as divestment, decommissioning, and abandonment as regards the company.
“Mr. President has given a clear directive to the NNPC GCEO and I to resolve the issue of divestment, and we are doing whatever we can to achieve that,” Lokpobiri stated.
On decommissioning and abandonment in the oil industry, Lokpobiri noted that the ministry is addressing the matter in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and global best practices.
“The reforms driven by the three Executive Orders will ensure that companies operating in Nigeria have the best environment to continue making their investments and that no company will seek to leave Nigeria,” the Minister said.
Liam Mallon, the President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, expressed his appreciation for the support and reassurances provided by the Nigerian government and pledged the company’s long-term commitment to the country’s energy sector.
He also commended President Tinubu for his courage and conviction to undertake bold reforms within his first year in office.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 28, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA IS AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS DESTINATION FOR TODAY AND THE FUTURE, SAYS RECKITT BENCKISER AS PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES DELEGATION
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, received assurances from Reckitt Benckiser, the global fast-moving consumer goods company, that they will continue to grow their investments in Nigeria.
Receiving a delegation from Reckitt Benckiser led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kris Licht, and Chief Olu Falomo, Chairman of Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, the President lauded the company for its over 60 years of investment in Nigeria and commitment to the country’s development.
”We are creating an environment for the private sector to thrive in. I am glad that you are here to stay for the long term. I am happy that you have been in the country for many years, and you have decided to invest more. We have embarked on challenging reforms to improve the economy. Our reforms will improve the ease of doing business for partners like you moving forward,” the President told the delegation.
President Tinubu assured investors of good returns on their investments, supported by a buoyant market and a large population.
In his remarks, Mr. Licht described Nigeria as a very important country to the company, saying: ‘‘We have had very good business here for many years, and we congratulate you on your first year in office. We see Nigeria as an important business destination for today and the future.’’
Chief Falomo, Chairman of Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, reiterated the company’s long standing commitment to Nigeria, stating: ‘‘We have asked our global team to come and assure you that we back your efforts. They have said they are not going anywhere. We are here to support this government.’’
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 28, 2024
Natufe to Tinubu: It makes no sense to concentrate Nigeria’s import-export business in Lagos seaports
President General of Okpe Union, Prof Igho Natufe has expressed concern about the concentration of seaports in Lagos.
‘’From the perspective of the Okpe Nation and the Niger Delta region, the concentration of seaports around Lagos grants overwhelming power to the Yoruba and the entire South West region of Nigeria’’.
Natufe spoke at the 94th anniversary of the Okpe Union in Lagos.
‘’It is baffling that imports from Asian countries are directed to Lagos ports, when Calabar, Port Harcourt, Sapele, and Warri seaports are closer to Asia than Lagos. This phenomenon clearly demonstrates an over balance of power problematic which we need to address in Nigeria, if restructuring is to be taken seriously’’.
He charged President Bola Tinubu to revive Sapele, Calabar, Koko, Port Harcourt, and Warri ports.
‘’Sapele seaport, a natural seaport, which was second to Lagos before the military coup of January 15, 1966, has been completely abandoned, while Calabar, Koko, Port Harcourt, and Warri seaports have been left to rot, and severely underutilized.
He lamented the concentration of seaports in the South-West geo-political zone.
‘’While political leaders of the Yoruba Nation have used their access to power to monopolize the concentration of seaports in their region, it must be stressed that this monopoly has caused a grave disequilibrium in access to power on the distribution of seaports in the Niger Delta region, including the Sapele seaport. It makes no sense to concentrate Nigeria’s import-export business in only the Lagos seaports.
The renowned scholar, activist and author described the performance of Okpe politicians as poor.
‘’It must be acknowledged that, since the establishment of Delta State in 1991, Okpe political leaders have performed very poorly in attracting businesses to Okpe Nation. Their access to power has not led to infrastructural development in Okpe Nation, compared for example, the achievements of Isoko political leaders in Isoko Nation. In fact, the Isoko Nation has debunked the argument that you need a governor of your ethnic nationality to develop your region. The Isoko political and traditional leaders conscientiously utilize their access to power to benefit their constituencies while, sadly, their Okpe counterparts are primarily concerned about their respective pockets’’
He listed the plans of the Okpe Union towards repositioning the Okpe Nation. .
‘’Okpe Union shall continue its advocacy of investments in Okpe Nation, including reaching out to the Delta State Government on this important subject. We shall intensify our lobbying of both the Federal and State governments to ensure the revival of Sapele seaport and the attraction of industries to Okpe Nation. We shall utilize the extensive experience of Okpe nationals, especially those in the Diaspora, to identify prospective investors to invest in Okpe Nation, under the framework of a public-private partnership (PPP)’’
To address the worrisome situation in Delta State, Natufe urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to improve the infrastructural deficits in Delta State, especially in Okpe Nation, make the environment attractive to foreign and domestic investors.
‘’An environment where an investor has to provide electricity, water, and good roads is hardly conducive for economic growth and development’’.
He underscored that Okpe Union must continue to instil positive change in Okpe Nation, by liaising with other Okpe organizations on the strategies for development.
The former university don also spoke on banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
‘’The fragility of the Nigerian state is aggravated by the insecurity in the country. We call on the federal government to take immediate actions to evacuate Fulani herdsmen, bandits and terrorists from the territories of the indigenous ethnic nationalities across Nigeria. While we advocate for the unity of Nigeria, we strongly believe that the unity can only be strengthened if it is anchored on the principles of justice, fairness and equity, serving the interests of the indigenous ethnic nationalities in the country’’.
He mentioned other ways of addressing the country’s challenges.
‘’We are facing an existential crisis in Nigeria. A resolution of this crisis requires inputs from all indigenous ethnic nationalities at a round table conference, if the National Assembly proves incapable of producing a renewed federalism of the 1963 variant. If not properly handled, the current crisis can lead to unwanted confrontations between ethnic nationalities with severe consequences for Nigeria. It is on record that the Hausas have given the Fulanis an ultimatum to vacate their territories’’.
Natufe also expressed the commitment of the Okpe Nation to work with other ethnic nationalities in restructuring the Nigerian edifice to guarantee the safety of all indigenous ethnic nationalities, on the basis of justice, fairness and equity.
‘’We, Okpe, have no secessionist intentions. But, we recognize that the Nigerian edifice is cracked and haemorrhaging. We are committed to working with other ethnic nationalities in restructuring the Nigerian edifice to guarantee the safety of all indigenous ethnic nationalities, on the basis of justice, fairness and equity, where our rights are recognized and protected under a renewed federal constitution. However, if by omission or commission, the Nigerian edifice disintegrates, we pray it is via the velvet model of Czechoslovakia and not via the Yugoslav variant’’.
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
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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
Alhaji Nureni Oluwatoyin Animashaun is dead.
The top Lagos leader died on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 in Surulere.
He was 76.
A totally detribalized Nigerian, Animashaun was known for being outspoken and for not shying away from the truth.
Tributes from relatives, friends and neighbours have described him as a straightforward and a deeply committed family man.
“Alhaji Animashaun was a pillar of his family. His passing is a great loss to the family, Lagos Island and Alaka-Iponri Community.
Animashaun was buried according to Muslim rites on Wednesday, July 20, 22 at Ikoyi Cemetery, behind Radio Nigeria.
The 8 days Fidau Prayer will hold on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Block 135, Iponri Housing Estate, Alaka
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Akpoti-Uduaghan’s victory, a good omen – Kogi Central Leaders
Notable Kogi State leaders on Thursday reacted to the victory of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Wednesday’s senatorial primary, saying it was ‘’a great result’’
‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has done enough to endear herself to every household. She will set straight Kogi Central’s journey to greatness and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people’’
The leaders in a statement in Lagos described the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial flag bearer as a visionary leader, bridge builder, stickler for excellence and blessing to Kogi State.
‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is articulate, knowledgeable and gentle. She has contributed so much to elevate the status of Ebiraland’’
The leaders said nothing would stop Akpoti-uduaghan from clinching the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2023.
‘’Kogi Central is PDP. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has crowd-pulling power like no one else in Kogi politics. We strongly believe in her candidacy. We are just waiting for the 2023 elections. We know she will win’’
Signed by the Chairman of Ebira National Forum (ENF), Chief Itopa Jatto, the respectable Ebira leaders stated that the political terrain in Kogi Central Senatorial District has started taking a different shape.
‘’We want to see a more human side to the Government. Kogi Central All Progressives Congress (APC) is already heading for the rocks’’
‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is straightforward and absolutely reliable. We will definitely vote PDP in 2023. She will use the opportunity of going to the Senate to transform Kogi Central, improve the standard of living of the people, engender prosperity and keep the dream of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant alive’’ the statement added.
A Yoruba body, South-West Renewal Movement (SWRM), on Sunday threw a surprise by endorsing All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential hopeful, Senator Godswill Akpabio for the 2023 presidency.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has remained the darling of the South-West people. He is a purposeful leader in Nigeria, a veritable model and always thirsty for legacies’’.
.The group said it would mobilize APC delegates in the South-West geo-political zone to support Akpabio in the ruling party’s presidential primaries.
At a three-hour long meeting in Akure, Ondo State to finalize their strategy for the APC presidential primaries, the group applauded Akpabio for offering to serve the country at the highest pedestal.
Soft-spoken APC chieftain and chairman of SWRM, Chief Olusola Adebamgbe said at the meeting attended by prominent APC leaders from Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo that notable South-West politicians, business tycoons and traditional rulers were working with politicians from other geo-political zones to make Akpabio the country’s next president.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is the man who can guarantee national peace and unity when elected president in 2023’’
The development conscious group commended the front runner in the race for the presidency in 2023 for making a difference in Akwa Ibom State, National Assembly and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The group underscored Akpabio’s experience, antecedent, credibility and charisma.
It emphasized Akpabio’s robust vision for Nigeria, the feats recorded in the Niger Delta region and the judicious utilization of human and natural resources in Akwa Ibom State.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has the potential of becoming the best president. He will encourage foreign investment, boost economic growth, create more jobs, deal with insecurity, pursue policies and principles of women empowerment, provide the enabling environment for the emergence of industries and shift resources to the state governments for positive efforts in roads, health, water and educational infrastructure’.
The group also emphasized Akpabioi’s solid network of allies that he has and the followership he is attracting based on his performance and leadership style.
The South-West group is backing Akpabio for the 2023 presidency.
Stakeholders in the politics of the North-East geo-political zone on Thursday reacted to the spate of criticisms and outright falsehood against the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, saying it was in bad faith.
The leaders described Omisore as a man of profound moral rectitude.
The leaders in a statement in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State, said influential Yoruba leaders should rise in condemnation of the uncomplimentary remarks on Omisore, crude propaganda and the obviously desperate moves to please his paymaster, a former South-South Governor and a major donor to the Nobel laureate’s organisation that twisted the minds of many young Nigerians most of whom are now adults regretting toeing the path of Prof Soyinka in their teenage years.
‘’The current posturing of Prof. Wole Soyinka is totally in bad taste and drips with malice .He is attacking Omisore on account of the inability of his benefactor to hijack the national leadership of the party, which he fears will deny the former South-South governor the opportunity to become the presidential candidate of the party without any positive track record of performance in governance.
The statement by the chairman of North-East Unity and Advancement Forum (NEUAF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, commended the APC National Secretary for his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development and the challenging task of nation-building.
‘’Senator Omisore is a patriot, a thinker and a fighter for good causes’’
The statement cited Omisore for honesty, industry and patriotism.
The group also praised President Muhammadu Buhari and the esteemed members of the ruling party for electing Omisore the party’s National Secretary.
The statement emphasized Omisore’s rich and inspiring profile, meritorious services to the nation and humanity, peaceful disposition and gentility.
The leaders accused Soyinka of dabbling into politics, threatening thunder against Omisore, whilst encouraging mediocrity and protecting a former South-South governor for supporting him in the last ten years.
‘’We know the tactics of Wole Soyinka. He likes to grandstand as an independent man. Many believe he is speaking for the people, campaigning for good governance and quality leadership while the reverse is the case. There are many questions begging for answers in Soyinka’s relationship with the ex-South-South governor for anyone to take him seriously’’
‘’Wole Soyinka knows that his sponsor is a weakling who obviously finds himself where he doesn’t belong’’
They argued that Soyinka’s recent remark on Omisore was borne out of selfishness but warns that Nigeria is not for sale.
‘’The energy and vigour with which Soyinka undertook a fierce political crusade against the APC National Secretary left no one in doubt that his target was to divide the ruling party, draw Omisore into a controversy and then distract him’’
The leaders urged Soyinka to stop chasing shadows that would definitely not help the cause of a current minister and former governor in the South-South geo-political zone.
‘’We have watched in astonishment how Soyinka turned himself into such a burden to the former South-South governor’’
Wole Soyinka recently lashed out at Omisore on account of the choice of the ruling party to elect the former Osun State deputy governor its National Secretary.
‘’Wole Soyinka ought to be more decent with his choices of words in addressing Omisore and should not undermine the fact that his sycophancy might land him into trouble’’