Prince Ajibola, A Former Judge Of The International Court of Justice, Hague, Dies

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April 9, 2023

By Adesina Soyooye

His Excellency, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, is dead.

A statement issued by his family, signed by his son, Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, said his father died of old age midnight Saturday.

Prince Ajibola, a revered man of many parts, founder Crescent University, was a former Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice. He was also a Judge at the International Court of Justice, Hague, Netherlands. He died at age 89. He had, for sometime, been inactive due to old age.

His son’s Press Statement which announced his passing, and reeled out his many achievements, honours and positions held, reads:

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’uun.

“Truly to Allah we belong and unto Him is our final return.

“This is to announce the passing on of our revered and dearly beloved father, His Excellency Judge AbdulJabbar Bolasodun Adesumbo Ajibola (SAN, KBE, LL.D, D.Litt, FNIALS, FCIArb, CFR) which occurred over the midnight today, 9 April 2023.

“Judge Ajibola will always be remembered as an icon of Law and Judicature, an embodiment of both the Bar and the Bench. He was President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Father of Arbitration in Nigeria; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation; Chairman, Body of Benchers; Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and member of its Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at the Hague; President of the Jurists Association of the World Association of Judges; member of the United Nations Compensation Commission on Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait; Arbitrator and Commissioner of the Ethiopia/Eritrea Boundary Commission; member, Vice-President and then President of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal; Chairman of the National Boundary Commission and Chairman of the Nigerian Delegation to the Nigeria/Cameroon Mixed Commission on the Bakassi Peninsula; and last but not the least, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom amongst numerous other high profile, national and international commitments, assignments and accolades.

“He was a recipient of great honours from King Abdullah II of Jordan and he received similar tributes from King Abdullah bin AbdulAziz Al-Saud, the immediate past King of Saudi Arabia. Judge Ajibola is a Fellow of the Aal al Bayt Institute of Thought in Amman, Jordan and has remained for more than a decade, a regular biographee of that Institute’s prestigious publication, ‘‘The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World.

At the humanitarian level, Judge Bola Ajibola founded the African Concern in 1994. This was intended as an African response to the Rwandan genocide and many other wars and civil strife which then bestraddled the entire African continent in one form or the other. He founded the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) in 1996 to promote Islam in its true light as a religion of peace, love and harmonious co-existence amongst all peoples – doing so through the means of education, socialisation, publicity and enlightenment.

“The crowning glory of the IMA endeavour was the establishment of Crescent University, which became a private University through the grant of Licence by the Federal Government on 9 June 2005.

“Judge Ajibola not only served nationally and internationally; he is warmly loved in his homestead of Abeokuta where he is Oluomo of Egbaland and Olori Omo Oba of Owu Kingdom.

“We pray that Almighty Allah will pardon his shortcomings, accept his return and grant him a lofty station amongst His honoured friends in Paradise (Jannatul Firdaws). Ameen.”

Ajibola was from Ogun State, Nigeria.

Fani-Kayode, An Embarrassment To Nigeria – Group; Gives Him Seven Days To Retract Statement On Obi

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The Source

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April 9, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

Femi Fani-Kayode, an Adviser on Media to President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has been described by a Group as a huge embarrassment to Nigeria.

The Group, Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL) spoke in response to Fani-Kayode’s tweet in which he called on the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to proceed on exile and never come back to Nigeria. He ominously added: “The sooner the better” for Obi.

Obi had earlier said that he was under pressure by some unnamed people to go into exile. He is in Court challenging the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the 25th February, 2023 Presidential Election.

Fani-Kayode is noted for his, most times, shocking manner of speaking. In fact, he had said worse things about, and to President Muhammadu Buhari, his Government and Tinubu, but had shockingly swallowed his vomit and went back to them.

In a statement it issued on Saturday, signed by its President-General, Goodluck Ibem, COSEYL said Fani-Kayode’s call on Obi to disappear from Nigeria was reckless and unguarded. It, therefore, gave him a seven-day ultimatum to retract the statement and apologise to Obi.

It pointed out that if anybody needed to proceed on exile, “it is Fani-Kayode who has reduced the country to a laughing stock by his behaviour and utterances.”

It finally dismissed Fani-Kayode’s tweet on Obi as “stupid.”

The statement reads in part:

“Who is FFK to tell Mr Peter Obi, a bonafide indigene of Nigeria, to leave his country and never come back. What gave him such audacity to make such unguarded statement.

“We give him (FFK) 7 days to retrieve that statement and apologise to Mr Peter Obi for making such stupid comment.

“If there is anyone that should leave this country to a far away place and never come back, it is Femi Fani-Kayode whose utterances have brought serious embarrassment to the nation.

“Nigeria has been a laughing stock in the international space because of people like FFK who speaks carelessly and recklessly because of what to eat.

“It is high time we separated those who are making a statement and those who are making noise from our political and media spaces. FFK is one of those whose noise is very unwholesome and an embarrassment to the nation.

“We call on Mr Peter Obi to remain resolute, focus and courageous while pursuing to retrieve his mandate freely given to him by Nigerians through the most legitimate means, which is the court.”

CJN Says 272 Judgements Delivered Under Pressure, Thanks Brother-Justices, Greets Nigerians

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Ayodele Oni

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April 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has joined other Nigerians to rejoice with Christians on this year’s Easter cerebration.

Justice Ariwoola also greeted Muslim faithfuls for witnessing the on- going Ramadan fast.

In a statement from the CJN’s office on Sunday, Justice Ariwoola counselled both Christians and Muslims to use the occasions to pray fervently for peace and tranquility to continue to prevail in the country.

The statement personally signed by the CJN read in part ” it is with gratitude to Almighty Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful, the most benevolent for His grace at this season when both Christians and Muslims all over the globe are fasting and calling on Almighty God for protection and blessings that

I express my greetings to all.

“I am using this opportunity to thank my brother Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and our supporting staff for their unalloyed cooperation since the beginning of the current legal year of the 2022/2023 which started in the mid September, 2022.

“I want to specifically appreciate and acknowledge my brother Justices who have delivered 272 judgments in the normal civil, criminal and election related Appeal under immense pressure.

“We appreciate, adore and give glory to Almighty God who has continued to keep us all in good health.

“I wish the Christian faithfuls a joyous Easter and the Muslim Ummah a rewarding Ramadan and happy Eid- el- Fitri”

The Supreme Court is on Easter and Eid-el- Fitri vacation and would resume later this month.

JAMB Reschedules UTME Examination, Now Holds April 25

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Ayodele Oni

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April 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Candidates sitting for this year’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination have been put on notice as the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will commence earlier than expected.

JAMB, in a statement issued on Sunday by Dr Fabian Benjamin – Head, Public Affairs and Protocol of the examination body, said the UTME which was earlier scheduled to commence on 29th April will now start on 25th April, 2023.

According to the statement, JAMB would hold its rescheduled mock-UTME on 18th April, 2023.

According to the statement, “The Board has brought forward the conduct of its 2023 UTME which was earlier scheduled to hold from Saturday, 29th April, 2023, to Tuesday, 25th April, to Tuesday, 2nd May, 2023.

”It would be recalled that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had earlier conducted its 2023 Mock-UTME on Thursday, 30th March, 2023, in 725 centres across the country.

“However, the exercise ran into some technical hitches in some centres thereby denying some candidates the opportunity to sit the examination.

“The Board’s mock examination was designed for the purpose of testing its preparedness and that of its partners for the UTME as well as give prospective candidates the opportunity to have hands-on experience of the CBT test environment.

”It is, therefore, in order to give those candidates, who were unable to sit the examination owing to no fault of theirs, the opportunity to take the examination that the mock examination had been rescheduled to hold on Tuesday, 18th April, 2023.

“Similarly, candidates who were present and screened for the examination but could not sit the examination have been rescheduled to retake the mock examination on Tuesday, 18th April, 2023.

”In the meantime, the result of the candidates who successfully took the mock examination on 30th March, 2023, has been released.

”Also, the Board has brought forward the conduct of its 2023 UTME which was earlier scheduled to hold from Saturday, 29th April, 2023, to Tuesday, 25th April, to Tuesday, 2nd May, 2023.

”The adjustment in the date of the UTME is to accommodate some other major and critical national assignments.

“By so doing, the Board hopes that no citizen would be denied the opportunity of exercising their civic responsibilities.

”It should be noted that the Board does not have the liberty of shifting forward its examination as other public examinations are billed to commence their exercises in the early part of May, 2023.

Yet another factor is the need to accommodate those institutions with stable academic calendar to resume as scheduled.

“The Board will continue to partner with relevant agencies of government to ensure that its candidates get the best. It, therefore, solicits the understanding of all as it delivers on its critical mandate.”

APGA’s Dark Plans For Ogbaru Federal Constituency’s Rescheduled Election

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 9, 2023

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The tussle for the House of Representatives seat in Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State is becoming more fierce and intriguing, as the April 15, 2023 date, scheduled for the re-run of the earlier election in February that was declared inconclusive, draws near.

The increasing apprehension and tension in Ogbaru over the rescheduled election, may be attributed to the manifest dark political drama, subtle and outright intimidation, and glaring acts of coercion and inducements – by some political interests – designed to cow the people and compromise the process.

The latest is the recent invitation of chairmen of landlord association of different communities in Ogbaru to a meeting in Government House in Awka, capital of Anambra, by the state Government.

The meeting was said to have been chaired by the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Political Matters, Alex Obiogbolu. While Obiogbolu set out the broad outlines of the “Operation Capture Ogbaru” agenda, the day to day co-ordination was left for the trio of Collins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Paul Nwosu, Commissioner for Information and Culture, and Sly Ezeokenwa, Commissioner for Special Duties.

The singular agenda of the meeting was the rescheduled election and the need for the landlord representatives to ensure that their members work for the ruling party in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), with a subtle warning that working against the interest of the government, always comes with consequences.

As earlier reported, before the February 25, 2023 House of Representatives election was declared inconclusive, the Labour Party, which also won both the senatorial and presidential elections in the constituency, was leading comfortably with over 1500 votes, while APGA and the People’s Democratic Party, which produced the incumbent representative, were trailing in second and third place respectively.

The Anambra State Government, has exhibited inexplicable obsession for the Ogbaru seat and hasn’t hidden its displeasure over how the Labour Party trounced APGA in both the National Assembly and presidential elections in the local government.

Some of the landlords who attended the Awka meeting, who spoke anonymously, apparently because of fear of government agents, said that the meeting was not only awkward, as the atmosphere didn’t support free speech, as it was laced with intimidation and talks about loyalty to the ruling government, irrespective of their individual choices as free citizens in a democratic setting that provides for fundamental human rights and freedom of choice and association.

It was also learnt that to ensure that APGA carries the day, provisions have been made to grant free access to thugs and other anti-democratic elements by the party to suppress votes from those who may be willing to cast their votes for other parties apart from APGA, especially those sympathetic to the Labour Party.

At different meetings, including the recent one in Awka, where such dark plans were being promoted, the Lagos example in the last governorship election, which witnessed massive voter suppression and intimidation of voters, were referenced as the adopted model for the rescheduled election in Ogbaru.

Some of those summoned to the meeting include Chief Ngerem, chairman East Niger Community, Sir Agozie Okoye, President-General, Iyiowa, Sir W. Iweama, PG, Ossomala community, and Iloene Ikechukwu Stone, a top political stalwart in the Iyiowa area of Ogbaru.

Others included David Ezike, PG, Nkpikpa community, Kenneth Akwuobi, popularly as Okwulora, Chief Louis Ipere, and Frank Okorie, a Councillor in the Okpoko area of Ogbaru.

Supreme Court Judgement On Ekiti Guber; SDP Says It’s Miscarriage Of Justice

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Ayodele Oni

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April 8, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Social Democratic Party, (SDP) in Ekiti State has expressed shock on the judgement of the five man panel of the Supreme Court which dismissed appeal filed by its candidate, Segun Oni to challenge victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Abayomi Oyebanji during last year’s election.

The party described the judgement of the apex court, led by Justice Musa Danttijo Muhammed delivered last Thursday, as a rape of democracy, which will go a long way in the anal of Nigeria history.

Chairman of the Party, Dr Dele Ekunola expressed his displeasure when he led the state working committee members to Ifaki Ekiti, the country home of the candidate of the party in June 18 2022 gubernatorial election on a solidarity visit.

Having pondered on the Supreme Court judgement, Ekunola described the dismissal of the case summarily as the least expected; the decision is taken in good faith but too distasteful and unbeatable.

“How can Danttijo Muhammed be expected to be neutral in the case? “We are not surprised and perturbed that Danttijo Muhammed made such pronouncement because he was one of the appeal court justices that sacked Segun Oni at the Ilorin court of appeal division in 2010 on the mere allegation that the electoral officials used red biro to mark the voters attendance sheet during the rerun election.

“So, Thursday action of Danttijo Muhammed and his team was a fulfillment of APC onslaught against Oni and SDP and the whole world is watching.

“Sometimes ago, the former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi at Aramoko Ekiti boasted that he had judiciary in his pocket and described the court action of the SDP challenging the outcome of the June 18, 2022 gubernatorial elections as a waste of time and mere entertainment.

“Are we to live like this as a nation where justice is always perverted?”

The chairman praised Oni for his doggedness, steadfastness and vision for Ekiti.

“You remain a hero of democracy, a symbol of truth and justice which everybody in this state and beyond keeps on attesting to.

“You are our bride come reign come shine. We wish you God guidance and success in your future endeavors.”

Oni thanked the leadership of the party in the state for the show of love and solidarity expressed to him through their visit and assured them of greater days ahead.

He described the supreme court pronouncement as one of the things to happen and wished Ekiti well.

Governor Oyebanji has after the judgement extended hand of fellowship to the SDP candidate, describing him as one of the pillars of Ekiti state.

Benue Killings: Presidency Gives Marching Order To Security Agents

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Ayodele Oni

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April 8, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari has flayed the “extreme violence” and killings of scores of people in Benue State within a week.

The President, in a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, condemned the “use of terrorism as a tool in inter-communal conflicts”, directing that the attackers “be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.”

He directed the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and military commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and to immediately review the security management in the affected areas.

The President also conveyed his grief and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives due to the attacks.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil.”

On Wednesday, no fewer than 46 persons including the 33-year-old son of Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman Bako Eje, were killed by suspected herdsmen who invaded Umogidi village of Entekpa-Adoka district in local government in Benue State.

The killing comes barely 24 hours after the same village, an Idoma-speaking community suffered an attack by suspected herdsmen with three persons killed.

Also, suspected herdsmen on Friday attacked Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) camps at Agan in the Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue with many killed.

Easter: Obi Urges Nigerians Never To Despair; Greets Muslims At Ramadan

By

The Source

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April 8, 2023

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians never to despair in the face of tribulations and provocations because Easter is about hope and promise for all who believe.

Obi who also noted that Muslims are in the middle of their 30 days of special prayers and fasting that will culminate in Eid El Fitr said he is praying with them during this solemn period for a great and peaceful Nigeria ahead.

“To our Muslim brothers and sisters who are well into the Ramadan fasting period, which will culminate in the Eid El Fitr, my special greetings and prayers are with you as we look forward to a joyous celebration. Given that we are all united as brothers and sisters, and in our trust in the mercies and infinite benevolence of God Almighty, I urge all Nigerians particularly the youths not to despair in the face of many challenges and tribulations we are facing as a country.

“We continue to thank God for all His blessings on Nigeria and pray for a better and New Nigeria where equity, fairness, peace, unity, accountable leadership, and prosperity shall reign.

Obi said in the Easter message on Saturday that if Jesus our messiah died for us and rose from death to fight for us why should we be hopeless at anything?

Every religion believes that God our creator is of justice, so why should we as his children not expect it from him?

“The main significance of Easter that the Christendom celebrate this time is that it marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion.

The three most significant events in it are the trial of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and finally the resurrection.

“What is the strength here for us, it gives all who believe in Christ the courage and hope that the Lord they serve, worship, and adore is alive and not dead. And that Good Friday must come before Easter Sunday. Meaning that the road to Alleluia is not smooth but it must come.

Obi said that “Easter is therefore a celebration and festival of hope knowing that our messiah is alive and not dead. Easter gives us hope of eternal life which is what every believer is working for.

“If therefore we know that Easter gives us hope that our savior is alive after dying for our sake, why should we despair.?

“So, fellow Nigerians, dear obidients, of all faith and class, never despair as I pray that the blessings of the resurrection will remain with us in the face of any tribulations because our redeemer is living and active”

Finally, Obi wished all Christians a happy celebration and pray that the message and blessings of Easter will remain with us.

Pan Yoruba Coalition: Those Attacking Soyinka Lack Sense Of History; Says Adichie’s Letter To Biden Reflects Ethnic Agenda

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 8, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Pan Yoruba Coalition, Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements, AYDM, has said that those attacking Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka over his comments on Labour Party, LP, Vice Presidential Candidate, Datti Baba Ahmed’s controversial interview lack a deep sense of history, and are a threat to democracy and human civilisation.

In a Statement issued by the Group on Saturday, April 8th, 2023, it, said that the supporters of Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, are noted for a culture of banality and contempt for common sense

AYDM said Obidients criticisms are driven by a blind rage and fury with neither logic,reason, nor common sense.

It added that Nigerians have now learnt that it would have been a grave error if Obi had won the election adding that his conducts and that of his supporters indicated that they are ideologically barren, and driven by Igbo fundamentalism.

The statement signed by AYDM’s General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi and Organizing Secretary, Kunle Oshodi, said that the worst form of political philosophy is the belief that there are no human beings on earth except those who support Peter Obi, now projected as an Igbo candidate with an unmistaken Igbo agenda, seeking to rule a plural society like Nigeria.

“The attacks on Soyinka are irresponsible. They show that Obidients are violently anti-culture. They have a terrorist mentality, obsessed by democratic debates and have the penchant for blood letting and a rabid mindset which the Yoruba refer to as Digbolugi”.

The AYDM is a coalition of 121 Pan Yoruba groups including Oodua Peoples Congress( New Era), Oodua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), Professional Hunters Union, ANACCOWA ,representing Okada riders in the West, Vigilante Group, South West Youth Coalition, SWYC, NATA, mechanic associations in the South West, Oodua Peoples Congress (Reformed), Network for Yoruba Alliance, NENA, Itsekiri Nationalist Congress, INCO, Kwara-Kogi Yoruba Solidarity Front, Oodua Students League, (OSL), Congress of Oodua Descendants in West Africa Coast, (CODWAC), and several other community based groups from Kogi, Akoko Edo, Kwara and Itsekiri area of Delta State

It added that Obidients are anxious to extend their factories of terror across Nigeria through its armed wing, Indigenous Peoples of Biafra,IPOB

Speaking further, the Group said one of such instances was the arrested Eze Igbo in Lagos who said he would bring armed members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB and Eastern Security Network, ESN, to fight in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

“We have watched with keen interests this tactless and reckless people who are desperate to set the country ablaze and set humanity against itself through their mindless provocation and cruel disdain for logical reasoning.

“We are ready to confront them in all shades and in all forms, even on the streets unless they purge themselves of genocidal instints.

“Obi won over 80 percent in many of the South East states. His supporters were seen in various video clips attacking and hounding those opposed to their beliefs. They clubbed and viciously attacked those who did not support Labour Party. Their intention was to nationalise this criminal enterprise. In other parts of Nigeria, during the Governorship election. They were resisted in the South West in spite of their threats of armed attacks.”

The group alleged that Obidients are bullies with no respect for alternative opinions. It’s to the credit of Peter Obi that he has revealed that he and his supporters lack the mental and emotional stability to get close to power in Aso Rock.”

The group said the ceaseless attacks on Soyinka for condemning the calls for violent insurrection by many supporters of Peter Obi represents a display of cruel intolerance and assault on democratic norms.

“We caution those attacking Soyinka to beware of proportional measure of resistance from his admirers all over the world. He is not just a a treasure, he is a global icon that cannot be diminished by anarchists who at gun point are bent on imposing their perspectives on Nigerians” the statement said

AYDM said each day, Obidients with their garrison mentality are pushing Nigerians to the brink and in the process further isolates itself.

The group said it was not surprised that celebrated Writer, Chimamanda Adichie, has joined the Igbo fundamentalists.

“Her writings have never been driven by humanity but by sectional, parochial instincts informed by a martial mindset to promote Igbo supremacy in all her encounters”

AYDM said “They are attacking and insulting people, even old people, and the physically challenged, they do not respect. It is simply because they are afraid of civil engagement and it shows their lowly understanding of a complex country like Nigeria”, AYDM said.

Obi and Obidients have strongly denied these allegations and described them as trash. The opposite, they insist, is the case. “These very false allegations are a bid to give a dog a bad name in other to hang it. The accusers know the truth”, an Obidient, Dr Akin Adewale said.

Onanuga Debunks Claim On Choice Of Gbajabiamila As Tinubu’s Chief Of Staff

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 8, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Bayo Onanuga, the Director of Media and Publicity for the Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, has debunked the claim that the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has chosen Speaker, House Of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief Of Staff.

Onanuga said the news is false and mere speculations making the round, as Tinubu is yet to name anyone, and is presently in France relaxing after months of Campaign and politicking prior to the Presidential and Governorship Elections.

“I don’t know about that. The President-elect will soon be back in the country. It is nothing new. We know it has been trending in the last couple of days. Of course, it is still in the realm of speculation until the President-elect says otherwise,” Onanuga said.

Speculations have intensified in the camp of the President-elect that Gbajabiamila will be announced as the next chief of staff after the May 29 inauguration of Tinubu.

The development is coming three weeks after Gbajabiamila denied lobbying for the position.

The alleged failure of Gbajabiamila to go for his Certificate of Return as a House of Representatives Elect from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, further raised the possibility of his getting the nod to become Chief of Staff to Tinubu.

It would be recalled that weeks back, Gbajabiamila denied knowing anything about the report and also gave excuse for not receiving his Certificate of Return to the 10th Aseembly.

“I was in Lagos and I could not leave Lagos because I was campaigning for my party. That’s number one.

“Again, it’ll interest you to know that I was not here four years ago to pick up my certificate, because I couldn’t make it. I don’t think it is anything significant.”