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Married Mother of Five Dies in Aba During a Romp with a Bishop

By
The Source
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By Enyinnaya Ubochi,  Aba

What could have prompted a married woman and a mother of five who is also a Christian Evangelist to break her marriage vows by engaging in an amorous liaison with a Bishop?

Well,  sadly, the woman in question, Evangelist Happiness Echezie, is no longer alive to explain her action for she died in a hotel during a s*x romp with the said Bishop,  one Bishop Timothy Otu.

Bishop Otu who is the General Overseer of Agape Evangelical Ministries (City of Miracles) located in Obikabia Junction Aba, Abia State,  allegedly lodged with Evangelist Echezie at Jubilee Guest House, Ovom, Ogborhill,  Aba,  where she was later found dead.

According to Police sources, the incident happened at about 11 pm on Saturday,  the 12th of August 2023.

The woman’s dead body was discovered after  Bishop Otu who booked the room with her absconded after deceiving the receptionist that he was going out to buy food.

However,  the Manager of the Hotel suspected foul play and subsequently lodged a report at the Eastern Ngwa Police Station in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state early Sunday morning.

When Policemen arrived at the hotel, the woman was seen lying naked with foam coming out of her mouth and nose.

It was gathered that when her phone was opened, it was discovered that the deceased who is also a member of the  Agape Evangelical Ministries Incorporated founded by Bishop Timothy Otu, and the Bishop have been having romantic relationships and discussions via text messages.

Investigations revealed that the woman died during s*x with the Bishop.

Consequently, plain-clothed Policemen who disguised as Sunday worshippers traced him to his Church Sunday morning.

Bishop Otu who was preaching about repentance when the Policemen arrived was arrested immediately after his sermon and is currently detained at the Eastern Ngwa Police Station Obingwa.

The late Evangelist Happiness whose husband works in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State,  hailed from Umuatakawom in the Obingwa Council Area of the State.

FBNH Reassures Shareholders Of Sustained Improvement, High Dividend Payout

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The group Chairman of First Bank Nigeria Holdings, FBNH, Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi has assured major stakeholders of the bank of sustained improvement in key metric areas as well as higher payout to its shareholders.

Abdullahi gave the assurance while presiding over the 11th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the parent company of First Bank Nigeria, FBN, on Tuesday.

The virtual AGM had in attendance shareholders, directors, Management staff, and other stakeholders.

The major highlights of the event include the appointment of Femi Otedola and Oyewale Ariyibi into the board as Non-Executive Director and Executive Director, respectively; the announcement of 50 kobo dividend per share to its shareholders which the group said, is an increase of 43 percent from 35kobo per share paid in prior year.

The group also announced the Company’s Issued Share Capital from 17,947,646,396 of 35,895,292,792 ordinary shares of 50kobo each to N22,434,577,995 by the creation and addition of up to 8,973,823,198 ordinary shares of 50kobo was also approved at the meeting.

The meeting amended clause 6 of the Memorandum of Association, to reflect the newly issued capital of N22,434,557,995 by the creation and addition of up to 8,973, 823, 198 ordinary shares of 50K was also approved.

Presenting an overview of the group’s performance in the last financial year, Abdullahi highlighted key achievements, strategic initiatives, and vastly improved performance indices.

He reiterated the group and its subsidiaries’ commitment to continuously innovate and leverage opportunities to build on its customer-centric services, underscoring their importance in achieving sustainable growth and impact on the host communities of its businesses across the globe.

According to him, “the Group actively develops targeted initiatives to strengthen its capacity to create value greater than the sum of the individual parts.”

“At FBNHoldings, technology, and innovation are at the core of what we do. We recognise the competitive advantage innovation affords us and ensure it takes the front seat in the design, development, and enhancement of our products and services.

“Acknowledging the vital role our employees play in creating shareholder value, we consistently leverage best-in-class training and development programmes for upskilling and reskilling members of staff to enhance professional competence, drive innovation and boost overall corporate agility.

“Our people, across the cadres, have stayed true to our Core Values – Entrepreneurial, Professionalism, Innovative and Customer-Centricity (EPIC) – and have shown commitment to the Group’s strategic aspirations,” Abdullahi said.

The group highlighted its strong financial performance despite the challenges experienced in the global business climate; sustained improvement on key indicators as its gross earnings and net interest income recorded growth, with the non-performing loan, NPL, reducing from 6.1 percent to 4.3 percent, demonstrating its prudent risk management.

it said technology adoption, digital transformation, and the use of cutting-edge technology remains at the heart of its approaches.

Meanwhile, the group has resolved to boost shareholders’ value and positively impact businesses and the lives of its host communities.

About FBNHoldings

FBN Holdings Plc is a leading African banking and financial services group serving individuals, businesses, organisations and governments in leading markets across the continent and globally.  FBNHoldings’ principal subsidiary is First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank), Nigeria’s foremost financial institution and leading banking services provider. FirstBank has forged an incredible partnership with its people and built an enduring heritage through a vast array of seasons and societies, to remain an icon delivering to the Gold Standard in today’s financial services industry in Africa and beyond.

OPINION: Elrufai, Other Tinubu’s Useful Northern Idiots

By
James Orji
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By Nasir Aminu

To be clear, the term useful idiot is not an insult. It is the term used to describe political puppets. It is regarded as a Machiavellian technique, a calculated move to use others as tools for personal or political advantage without regard for their autonomy or awareness.

The notion that Tinubu is a master political strategist can be confirmed by how he chose el-Rufai as his useful idiot.

Tinubu saw it necessary to recruit el-Rufai for his campaign even though he was pained for not being considered the Vice Presidential candidate and dared to leave the country immediately after his tenure. Thus, el-Rufai’s lukewarm attitude during the campaign made them choose him as the perfect prey to play script for a useful idiot.

So, during the campaign, Tinubu courted el-Rufai the way he would court the attention of the most beautiful lady town. He lined up like a suitor to dance and catch his attention at all costs. Tinubu’s attention to el-Rufai, like the suitor’s attention to the lady, might be seen as deliberate and strategic, as he perhaps sees something unique or valuable in el-Rufai that aligns with his political or personal interests. The way Tinubu courts el-Rufai, standing out from the crowd, mirrors the special treatment a gentleman might give to the most admired lady in the room, ensuring she feels distinguished and treasured.

Tinubu showed el-Rufai the respect he craved throughout their courtship. He even brought him into the spotlight at Chatham House when no one expected. He visited Kaduna and begged him to change his mind and work with him. The adoring public was mesmerised by this newfound love between the most coveted lady in town and prince charming. Many saw it as love made in paradise.

For el-Rufai, he felt empowered to go after anyone that worked against his newfound love. He was so confident to the point of assuring people that he would be Tinubu’s goalkeeper—Chief of Staff—once they won the presidency. At some point, he overcompensated his confidence by quickly turning it into arrogance. He denigrated the northern elders, and when the campaign got tougher, he even took Buhari to court at the expense of his newfound love—Tinubu.

Who would have known this love would end like this? Well, many knew exactly how it would end. APC knew he was dispensable because there were so many petitions against him. One standing order was the one from the committee of Senator Sodangi from Nasarawa State that indicted him for misappropriation of public funds in 2008 and recommended that he be banned from holding any public office in the future. The designed strategy also served as a sweet revenge due to his unguarded utterances. In his book The Accidental Civil Servant, El-Rufai wrote a 4-page story about how Atiku prevented Tinubu from scamming the federal government. In May 2019, during his war of words with Tinubu, there were newspaper reports and videos of him saying he would never agree to be a Vice President to a drug baron or corrupt politician.

In the same month, he suggested that Lagos godfatherism could be ended as he did in Kaduna and said he was unapologetic to those who felt offended. Some would say his behaviour is just politics, and I hope they will agree what Tinubu did to el-Rufai is politics too.

The argument about competence is a non-issue because the president cannot be compelled to work with those he does not want to. And by listening to his senate presentation objectively, it was clear he was not the right fit to be the Minister of Energy.

He clearly failed to demonstrate a track record of education or experience in the energy sector. He said he had degrees in quantity survey and law, a diploma in computing, and master’s degrees in business and public administration. His experience was in construction consultancy before joining the public service as the DG BPE, Minister and Governor. If this was a job interview, he did not articulate his competence. Some say he has the political will, but should that be a prerequisite for being a Minister of energy? With el-Rufai’s antecedents in Kaduna, for making public services unaffordable for the common person, providing cheap energy is not one of his skills.

The well-orchestrated plan included another useful idiot, Senator Khalid Ibrahim, from the PDP. He was played like el-Rufai too. He was the one that stood up to commend el-Rufai for his good work in Kaduna and even asked the senate members for him to bow and go. The story behind Khalid’s emergence as a senator is an emotional one. His constituents voted for him in protest against el-Rufai’s government.

His local government, Soba, is one of the most bandit-ravaged areas in Kaduna. Of course, the non-confirmation has debunked his false praises about el-Rufai. If he were wiser, he would have kept quiet instead of saying what is untrue, but this is how they select them—useful idiots.

Following el-Rufai’s non-confirmation, he went on the radio to say no one could ever mentor him before leaving the country. Obviously, everyone knows it is just another gimmick. He will come running whenever Tinubu decides to be benevolent. If that time comes, I recommend he works under the tutelage of Vice-President Shettima because he has a track record of taming people like el-Rufai, including some past Governors.

Alvan Ikoku Land: Panel Indicts Okorocha For Forceful Acquisition Of Land; Orders Recovery Within Six Months Anwuka, Araraume, Uche Nwosu, To Lose Houses

By
The Source
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0

The Committee set up by Imo State Government for the recovery of land belonging to Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE), Tuesday indicted former governor Rochas Okorocha for using brute force to disposes the College of its land.

Submitting its report to Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Committee recommended the recovery of the Shell Camp land from Okorocha and his associates within six months and hand the same over to AIFCE.

The report which was signed by the Chairman, Prof  Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe and the Secretary, Barr B. F. Anyanwu,  regretted that Okorocha, as Governor, used brute force including the military and hoodlums to snatch the land from the College after which he allocated or sold same to his top associates.

Those who benefited from the bazaar and have been similarly asked to vacate the land include two of Okorocha’s in laws, Dr  Uzoma Anwuka and Hon Kingsley Uju.

Apart from Okorocha’s, inlaws, a former Speaker, Chief Acho Ihim, Chief Charles Orie, Prince Charles Amadi and Chief Ugochukwu Hillary also benefited from the illegal acquisition.

The Committee regretted that Okorocha ordered the demolition of 101 buildings belonging to staff of the College and, thereafter, confiscated their property.

It, therefore, urged the Imo State Executive Council “to direct the recovery of all the lands belonging to AIFCE, which are now illegally in the hands of individuals and institutions.”

It further asked the State Government to ensure the recovery of the land within six months and thereafter issue a certificate of occupancy to the college.

“AIFCE should take full possession of the vacated land and property immediately upon recovery while the Commissioner for Lands and OCDA should recover the land within six months,” the committee recommended.

It further recommended that AIFCE should pay the agreed compensation to Orji indigenes who are the original owners of the land while the Army should vacate the shanties they erected in the land and finally move to Obinze.

Responding, Governor Uzodimma thanked the committee for doing a thorough job and promised that the State Government would take all necessary steps in accord with due process to implement the committee’s recommendations.

False! Ashimolowo Has Not Abandoned God

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Pastor Mattew Ashimolowo has not retired from his service as a priest, his church has said.

Ashimolowo, the President of Kingsway International Christian Centre, KICC, was rumoured to have veered from the work of the kingdom to face his business as a full-time real estate entrepreneur.

The report claimed that the man of God, who owns many acres of land in Ogun and Lagos states has decided to take his real estate business higher by concentrating on building commercial homes for the high and mighty.

Recall that Ashimolowo had once boasted that he owned a large expanse of land in Mowe, Ogun state which he purchased cheaply many years ago.

But in a statement released on Tuesday by the National Superintendent and the Resident Pastor, KICC Maryland, Lagos, Pastor Femi Faseru, the president of the church has not abandoned his duty in God’s vineyard.

Faseru described the report as false, saying Ashimolowo has even embarked on a project that will expand God’s ministry in the country.

According to him, the 71-year-old Ashimolowo is not yet tired and will continue to preach in God’s vineyard, adding that he still preaches, between three and four times in different parts of the world.

The statement said, “Pastor Ashimolowo has not backed down on his busy schedule which requires him to Minister daily on ‘Morning Glow’ to people in over 50 nations.

“Rather than backpedal, the Senior Pastor of KICC is taking on fresh challenges. He has just established another independent ministry-Christ Compassion to the Rural World, which is planning a crusade for Ikorodu in Lagos State, next November.

“Ashimolowo gets better each passing year, as he has been preaching more than when he was younger, easily accomplishing nine services every week. These include five Morning Glows, three Sunday Services and Bible Study.

“There is no iota of truth in the insinuation that Ashimolowo may have quit preaching the gospel to concentrate on real estate business. The report as absolutely baseless.”

Tinubu Stops Further Petrol Price Hike

By
James Orji
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President Bola Tinubu has taken a major step to curtail a further rise in the pump price of petrol, according to Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity.

Any further increase would have led to a major labour crisis in the country, apart from worsening the untold hardship being experienced by many Nigerians, analysts said.

The president’s spokesman spoke on Tuesday to journalists in Abuja, saying President Tinubu has ordered that no further increase in the price of petrol.

The president’s intervention comes barely hours after speculations that petroleum marketers were planning to increase the price of the commodity to N720 per litre.

The marketers have blamed the fluctuation of the naira exchange to the dollar for their decision which could have increased the price of petrol for the third time since President Tinubu came to power on May 29, and announced an end to the multi-billion naira fuel subsidy regime in the country.

Speaking today at the presidential villa, Abuja, Ngelale assured Nigerians that the current price of petrol will not change, adding that the administration will fulfil its promise to remain transparent on the deregulation of the petroleum sector.

He said efforts are also being made to ensure that petrol is readily available across the country, saying however that Nigeria has the lowest price for the product across West Africa.

According to him,“The president wishes to assure Nigerians, following the announcements by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), just yesterday that there will be no increase in the pump price of petroleum motor spirit anywhere in the country.

“We repeat, the president affirms that there will be no increase in the pump price of petroleum motor spirit.

“The president also wishes to affirm that there are presently inefficiencies within the midstream and downstream petroleum sub-sectors that once very swiftly addressed and cleaned up will ensure that we can maintain prices where they are without having to resort to a reversal of this administration’s deregulation policy in the petroleum industry”.

The NNPCL had earlier assured Nigerians that petrol prices will not be increased across all its sales outlets in the country.

Meanwhile, those watching what’s going on said the timely intervention of President Tinubu will prevent organized labour from making good its threat to embark on strike should the price be increased.

Thus following the speculation of an impending increase by marketers, the Nigerian Labour Congress,  NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, threatened to go on strike as soon as the price is hiked without notice to the government.

No Respite As Cost Of Food Drives Inflation To 10-year High

By
James Orji
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NBS Logo

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has announced that Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to a 10-year high in July to over 24 percent.

According to the agency, the spike is more than five percent compared with the same period in 2022 when the rate stood at 19 percent.

Analysts insist that the high inflation rate is majorly caused by the rising cost of essential and household commodities such as food and fuel.

The figures released on Tuesday by the NBS indicate that headline inflation jumped to 24.08 per cent last month, the highest so far this year.

This is more than 1.21 percent when compared to the June figure, the agency said.

The NBS said, “In July 2023, the headline inflation rate rose to 24.08 per cent relative to June 2023 headline inflation rate which was 22.79 per cent.

“Looking at the movement, the July 2023 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 1.29 per cent points when compared to June 2023 headline inflation rate.

“On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 4.44 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in July 2022, which was 19.64 per cent.

“This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in July 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., July 2022).”

Meanwhile, experts insist that the poor in the country will continue to suffer if the figure continues to rise, while the middle class will not be spared.

The rich, according to them will be able to survive in the short term by relying on their savings.

What should the government do? More subsidies should be extended to sectors such as education, health, and transportation to bring relief to the most vulnerable.

PDP Fingers Timipre Sylva, APC In Bayelsa Killing, Urges IGP To Wade In

By
Ayodele Oni
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Timipre Sylva

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the immediate past former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for being behind the invasion and Killings in Opu-Nembe, Bayelsa State.

It has, therefore, asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to Invite the former Minister for questioning over the incident.

Spokesman for the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, while briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday pointed out that the APC has resorted to violent attacks on communities in Bayelsa State for rejecting its candidate in the November 11, 2023 Governorship election, Timipre Sylva.

Ologunagba expressed  PDP’s condemnation of the invasion, killing and maiming of innocent citizens in Bayelsa State communities, particularly Opu-Nembe, in Nembe Local Government Area by thugs allegedly recruited, sponsored and armed by Sylva.

“It is clear that the intention of the APC in this invasion and killing in Nembe is to intimidate and instill fear in the people so as to prevent them from freely exercising their democratic right to vote a governor of their choice.

“The PDP is alarmed by pictorial and video evidence of the gruesome murder of promising Nembe youths including the only son of a widow by the APC thugs allegedly led by one Kojo Sam, who on February 15, 2023, killed three youths in the bid to subdue the community for openly expressing their rejection of Chief Sylva for neglecting and allegedly unleashing violence on their communities over the years.

“Reports in the public domain have it that the thugs are usually lodged in a hotel allegedly owned by Chief Timipre Sylva’s ally from where the assailants periodically launch gun attacks on the communities for rejecting the APC.

“Nigerians have already seen the videos of Opu-Nembe women crying, protesting the invasion and killings in the community by the thugs, while insisting on their resolve not to support Chief Timipre Sylva.

“This recourse to violence is reported to be a consisted pattern by Chief Sylva who was alleged to have engaged in such heinous activity in previous elections in Bayelsa State including the 2019 governorship election.

“We ask, what manner of desperation will lead an individual to resort to killing his own kinsmen for rejecting him and his bid for an illusory political ambition?

“The PDP is gravely disturbed by the reported connivance of certain security operatives in these attacks on Nembe.

“Of particular concern is the report that these thugs adorn military attires to carry out their evil deeds as evidenced in the video of one of the thugs, Telimoye Awululu, who was captured wearing military uniform.

“Recently, a policeman and a Civil Defence personnel were reportedly arrested at a military checkpoint in Otakeme in Ogbia Local Government of the State allegedly accompanying armed men to Nembe.

“There are already allegations in the public space that some high-ranking police personnel are aiding this reprehensible scheme to use violence to forcefully gain control of Opu-Nembe so as to grant the APC the ground to massively rig the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the area.

“Chief Timipre Sylva ought to have realized that he is fighting a lost battle as no amount of violence can subdue the Will of the people of Opu-Nembe and Bayelsa State in general to massively vote for Governor Douye Diri who remains a bastion of hope and development in Bayesla State and for which he has earned the sobriquet of the “Miracle Governor”.

“Bayelsans are firmly behind Governor Diri and they are able, ready and willing to resist the APC by overwhelmingly voting for him and defending their votes to the very end. On this resolve, there is no going back.

“The PDP therefore, in very strong terms cautions Chief Timipre Sylva to stop pushing his kinsmen, the people of Opu-Nembe to the wall and taking their peaceful and law-abiding disposition as a sign of weakness or cowardice.

“Our Party calls on the Inspector General of Police to immediately wade into the situation in Nembe and indeed Bayelsa State.

“The IGP should as a matter of urgency, launch an investigation into the alleged connivance of certain police officials in the invasion and killing in Opu-Nembe.

“The PDP also urges the IGP to invite Chief Timipre Sylva for questioning as well as investigate the petitions already filed to his office by the people of Nembe with the view to apprehending the thugs and killers who unleashed mayhem on the community recently.”

Gov Oyebanji Charges Royal Fathers To Assist Investors Get Land In Ekiti

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has advised indigenes of the state to change their hostile attitude to investors.

The Governor, while inaugurating the newly constituted State Council of Traditional Rulers under the chairmanship of the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti,Oba Ayorinde  Faboro, called on Obas to connect with the ease of doing business agenda of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji, who also urged the traditional rulers to encourage their subjects to desist from scandalizing private business investors in the State, said if the state would develop, the royal fathers must embrace private investors.

This,  according to him,  is a potent catalyst to develop the state economy and achieve his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the traditional Council chamber,  in Ado Ekiti, the Governor, who expressed his displeasure over the unfriendly disposition of land release for private investment by some communities, implored monarchs to ensure that the endless bickering over land utilization became a thing of the past.

While thanking the immediate past council under the leadership of the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon for leading the council admirably well, the Governor said that his tenure will be remembered for solidarity to all, humility and selfless representation of the traditional council.

Governor Oyebanji acknowledged the roles traditional rulers play in the society as the custodian of culture and agent of socio economy mobilization.

He assured them that his government would continue to accord greatest respect for the traditional institution.

He reiterated his administration”s commitment to the welfare of the traditional rulers, saying his government would do everything to promote the traditional institution and make their welfare paramount in his heart.

While congratulating the new Chairman, the Governor said he had no doubt that the new chairman has all it takes to lead the council with maturity, and sincerity that the position requires.

“I want to congratulate the new Chairman, HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti on his appointment as the 13th Chairman of the Council.

“I have no doubt that kabiyesi is up to the task. He has all it takes to lead the council with maturity, sincerity and solidarity that the position requires.

“Let me also assure you, kabiyesi our administration has the greatest respect for you and the roles you play in our society as the custodians of our culture and agent of sicio- economic mobilization.

“More importantly we acknowledge the enormity of the burden you carry in ensuring peace and development in your kingdoms.

“Your majesty, let me use this opportunity to express my concern about the unfriendly disposition of land released for private sector investment by some communities.

“We all know Ekiti is industrially disadvantaged, thus, if this state must achieve economic development, we need investors to do business here so as to create job and prosperity for our people.

“I therefore urge you to connect with our ease of doing business agenda and ensure endless bickering over land utilization becomes a thing of the past.”

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, thanked the Governor for the opportunity given to him to serve as the chairman of the council.

He noted that it was a challenge for the promotion of unity among the royal fathers, adding that he would work very hard to justify the confidence reposed in him.

PEPT: FG Sacks Advertising Standard Panel, Pulls Down  “All Eyes On The Judiciary” Billboards

By
The Source
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0
All Eyes on The Election Tribunal Judges Bilboard

The Federal Government on Tuesday dissolved the  Advertising Standard Panel (ASP) over what it saw as a pressure on the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, PEPT, to deliver what should be an alleged just judgement.

A few days ago, billboard advertisements had sprouted with the wordings, “All Eyes On The Judiciary” in expectation of the awaited Presidential Election Petitions judgement.

The Federal Government was embarrassed that ASP approved the billboard advertisements. It felt the approval of the billboards advertisement is a  blackmail against the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The ASP is the Statutory Panel under the Council and its responsibility is to ensure  that advertisements “conform to the prevailing laws of the Federation as well as the Code of advertising ethics of the advertising profession.”

Dr Olalekan Fadolapo,  the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), in a statement confirmed the dissolution of the panel.

The Council Fadolapo said, also suspended its Director and Deputy Director in charge of Regulations pending  investigations into the issue.

The billboard advertisements have also been ordered to be pulled down nationwide.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeriə [ARCON) has been drawn to the “All Eyes on the Judiciary” advertisements exposed on some billboards across the country.

“The Advertising Standards Panel of the Council also erred in the approval of one of the concepts as the advertisement failed to vet guidelines on the following grounds:

“The cause forming the central theme of the campaign in the advertisement is a matter pending before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. Hence, it’s jus pendis.

“A matter being jus pendis and awaiting judicial pronouncement is, by virtue of the Nigerian legal system, precluded from being a subject of public statement, debate, discussion, advertisement, etc.

“The advertisement is controversial and capable of instigating public unrest and breach of public peace.

“The advertisement is considered blackmail against the Nigerian Judiciary, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, and particularly the Honourable Justices of the Tribunal who are expected to discharge their judicial functions without fear or favour over a matter that is currently jus pendis.”

According to  the  DG, the Council would set up a committee to investigate the circumstances behind the “erroneous approval” of one of the concepts of the advert and the breach of the vetting guidelines.

“Consequently, the Director and Deputy Director, Regulations have also been suspended. The suspension is to enable an unprejudiced investigation of the issue. The Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) Secretariat failing to diligently exercise its function as the gatekeeper of advertising, advertisement, and marketing communications is hereby dissolved,” he said.

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