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OPC Scores Gov Akeredolu High On Security

By
Ayodele Oni
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Amotekun Commanbders with Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), led by the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has scored Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Ondo State high in the area of providing secured and peaceful environment across the eighteen Council Areas of the State.

The group, in its New Year message to the Governor, Government and people of the State, commended Governor Akeredolu for his bold, fearless and courageous actions taken towards securing lives and properties of residents of Ondo State through the instrumentality of the Western Security Network (WSN) codenamed, Amotekun.

The statement, signed by the acting coordinator of OPC in Ondo State, Comrade Nafiu Sarafa, and made available to newsmen in Akure, on Friday, discribed Amotekun Corps as the most valuable feat achieved by Akeredolu’s five years administration, vowing that “OPC is ready to compliment the security apparatus in the State.

“This is with the aim of tackling the menace of herdsmen/ farmers clashes, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities anywhere in the State.

“In the year under review, it’s very important to identify and salute the rear feat achieved by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the area of security, especially during the high point of threat occassioned by withdrawal of military personnel from  checkpoints and strategic positions in the State.

“In protest, the GOC of 32 Artillery Command, Owena Barracks went ahead to resign his position as the chairman of the State Security Council; but the governor took charge, instructed the Amotekun commandant and the commissioner of police to fill the security gap and restore confidence back to the body polity.

“During the Yuletide season, the Amotekun Corps under the leadership of Akogun Adetunji Adeleye mounted ‘stop and search’ checkpoints at flashpoints, crime prone areas and junctions across the State, which effectively curbed and reduced crimes and criminal activities of hoodlums during the festive periods.

“Another landmark achievement of the Amotekun Corps is the ability to keep the state safe by adequate implementation of the Anti-Grazing law signed by the Akeredolu-led administration.

“All these goals were made possible and achievable with the total support, encouragement and enabling environment given to the Amotekun Corps by the visionary Governor to secure the people of Ondo State, its environs and their property.

“The well organised and coordinated joint patrols and control points amongst members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) the Nigerian Police and Amotekun Corps did the wonders and practically rendered the arrogant GOC and his Sojas useless and unnoticeable in the scheme of things and security formation of the State.

“While congratulating the Governor, his Government, the Amotekun Corps and other security agents for the achievements in securing our Sunshine State, we as OPC members pledge our loyalty and readiness to join the winning team in order to consolidate and solidify the security apparatus put in place by the Governor.”

Convention: APC Leaders To Meet Buhari Sunday

By
Uche Mbah
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APC Party
APC Party

By Uche Mbah

President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to meet the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sunday, to determine a date for the party’s National Convention.

Internal wrangling have held the Convention at bay, with different interest groups insisting on being in control of the party.

President Buhari had recently said that opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  may clinch the Presidency if APC does not put their house in order.

The party had proposed a tentative February date for the convention.

Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with the President, Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, confirmed the agenda of Sunday meeting with the President is the Party’s National Convention.

Fielding question on the efforts of the party leaders to avert a collapse, the Governor said: “Yes, I agree that all the times there are meetings, especially taking final decisions on the party, I’m always part of it and part of it was also why I visited the President and the President still stands committed that there must be an immediate convention.

“You know, when the convention is coming there are fears here and there, some people will tell you it will work, it will not work. I don’t want to jump to a conclusion, but the visit to the President has already assured us and you know that there is already a notice that all the governors are meeting on Sunday. By Sunday we will tell you when we’re doing the convention.

“We’ve taken a date already. I think our first date before Christmas we said we’re going to do a convention in February and we are still working for convention, as far as I’m concerned, except things change from another angle. But as far as I’m concerned, we’re working for our convention in February.

“These are things that the President was raising his fears, but we’ve already given him assurances that nothing will stop us from having a very peaceful election.

“Some parties have done their own, the PDP did their own, nothing will stop APC from doing their own.

“So, all the fears that we’re talking about, which the President also re-echoed, is also telling the governor’s please do more, and keep the party alive. So, by God’s grace, we’re going to put our party alive.”

Noting that steps will be taken to tackle every issue militating against the convention, Lalong continued:

“Well, these are things we’re going to discuss, but I’m not drawing conclusions, but I always tell you that a political party is a cumulation of interests. The interests may be the same, they may not be the same, but at the end of the day, what we’ll do is that we are going to elect people who are going to represent you.

“People will come with different interests and so when you are preparing like this, you have different interests and those different interests will be aired in different ways.

“But I just want to assure you that in so many ways, when we meet, we’ll harmonize all interests and we’ll come out as one APC and that’s what we’re hoping that whatever will be the interests that we’re going to discuss, I have a very great hope that at the end of the day, our goal is to elect people who will take care of our party because that will be the beginning of the process towards electing those who will take over from this present government.”

On the issue of court cases against the convention, Lslong said it is not likely to affect the convention. “There are procedures to holding court processes. Many of the court processes were there when we set up the caretaker committee, but up to this moment, if you go to take a census of some of the court proceedings, you will realize that a lot of them have been resolved out of court. So, it’s still the duty of the party, it’s still part of the functions of the party to resolve.

“But we must not wait to resolve all court presses before you go for the convention. I don’t think so because there is also machinery for resolving the court processes, even after the convention.

“I had a court process in my State, that did not stop me from going on and at the end of the day, we resolved the court process and we’re still going on, preparing and waiting for the convention.”

On whether the APC can meet the speculated February 5 date for the convention in view of the need for a mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he said: “Well, I’m not the chairman of the convention committee, but I want to assure you that we’ve called a meeting for Sunday and if there is a meeting on Sunday, and you’re thinking about next Friday. Just wait and see what will happen before next Friday. I don’t want to draw a conclusion now.

“You’re already talking of litigations, you draw conclusions, somebody will go and file a case tomorrow. So, I don’t want us to draw a conclusion on that, but I want to assure you that we are meeting. We already sampled the minds of many of the governors.

“We’re meeting and we’re very hopeful that we’re going to keep and then with the admonition given by the President, it’s a warning signal to all of us to sit up and ensure that we have a seamless, very clean, fair and transparent convention so that our party will not get disintegrated.”

OPINION: The Story of the Siege on Magodo

By
The Source
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Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

This is a local story and it’s personal. I’m involved. And because I’m involved, I thought the best way to tell it is to hear it from persons who have a more intimate knowledge of the story; those who have lived in Magodo Shangisha GRA Scheme II, Lagos, for well over two decades. The three respondents, the first of whom is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, have asked that their names should not be used. I’ll simply describe them as Respondents I, II and III.

Keep in mind as you read this, that land title in a Government Reserved Area (GRA), is supposed to be the most secure, having both the government-issued Certificate of Occupancy and the gold standard of the government seal of quality assurance.

Yet this GRA you’re going to read about – located just opposite the official seat of power of the Lagos State Government – has been invaded four times by trespassers with the aid of hoodlums abetted by an occupying police force.

This last time, they came with bulldozers, chains and big padlocks. They came on the watch of 200 policemen from Abuja to execute a writ of possession which they refused to produce.

Yet, those who have cited the purported writ say it does insist on Magodo, the GRA they have besieged for nearly two weeks, in defiance of a personal visit by the state governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu, who is supposed to be the chief security officer of Lagos. It could be your GRA next:

Respondent I:

“On December 21, 2021, some land-grabbers in the company of hundreds of armed policemen invaded Magodo GRA Scheme II in Shangisha, Lagos State. They came with thugs, fake bailiffs, spray paint cans, and bulldozers.

“There have been many versions of what happened on that sad day, with varying degrees of falsehood and inaccuracies. The most incredible of them all is by Adebayo Adeyiga, which has gone viral, turning the truth on its head.

“He made up a fancy story about the so-called displacement of the early occupants in 1984 under the auspices of the Shangisha Residents Association at the time led by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga, their purported maltreatment at the hands of subsequent governments, and so on and so forth – a typical David-v-Goliath narrative, deliberately meant to curry sympathy and incite public anger, while hiding the facts in plain sight.

“But the facts contradict him. There was no acquisition to build any hospital and no valid claim to a title in the first place.

“In 1969, there was an acquisition of the totality of the land area from Ojota, Ketu, Magodo, Agidingbi, Omole. It was an extensive acquisition by the Lagos State Government and compensation was duly paid to the main owners then, while a few of the villages were excised.

“Unfortunately, either through error of commission or omission by the Lagos State Government, they did not follow up with the physical possession of the properties. As a result, trespassers – including those now claiming to have been dispossessed in Shangisha/Magodo – took advantage.

“For a very long time, the government did nothing, so trespassers proliferated. People who had nothing to do in the place started selling and buying land already acquired by the government and started building.

“There were no title documents or approved building plans; they simply took the law into their own hands. Until 1984, when the military government of Mohammadu Buhari government came. Air Commodore GbolahanMudashiru was the administrator for Lagos at the time. It was his government that took steps to reclaim government land that had been encroached upon.

Respondent II

“Shangisha was part of it and the properties were demolished, save for a few. It was in the course of the demolition that the Shangisha Landlords Association, led by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga, came into being and tried to use sentiments, knowing full well that they were squatters.

“They begged for compensation, not as of right, but on humanitarian grounds. They engaged the Lagos State Government not as radical or original owners of the land, but for the fact that they had built properties, pleading for compensation on compassionate grounds. These are the same people who are now claiming that the government deceived them that it was going to build hospitals in Magodo only to displace them later: a matter that clearly does not lie in their mouth as squatters!

“If the government had not listened to them at that time, nothing would have happened because they cannot derive authority over a faulty foundation; they were trespassers.

“Unfortunately, the government did not document those they were giving allocation; they were submitting names and the government was allocating until it decided to put a stop to it. That was when they decided to go to court. In the court, they put their membership at 549, not taking into account those that had already been given allocation.

“So, it was not right for them to go to the public and say that because they are poor, the government had taken their land and given it to the rich. It is a fallacy; they don’t have any title in the first place.

Respondent III

“Adeyiga is from Ijebu Irolu in Ogun State. But unfortunately, the case was brought to a Lagos court through the Ministry of Justice that was negligent in terms of following up to defend the interest of the State, and judgement was given.

“The judgement was affirmed by the court of appeal. But what is in this judgement? The judgment of 31 December 1993 said Lagos State was bound to give them preferential allocation of 549 plots. By the time of this judgement (which was between them and the Lagos State Government), the government had designated Magodo as an Estate and started allocating the land.

“The government started issuing Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in 1986. By 1993, the Lagos State Government had allocated to them about 300 vacant plots in Magodo, even though they were claiming 549 plots. Some of those families opted out, saying Adeyiga could not represent them. But Adeyiga rejected all offers, insisting on a phantom 549 plots!

Respondent I (again)

“If the Lagos State Government is not honouring the court judgement, the lawyers of the disputants know what to do. There are so many remedies, including the committal proceedings in respect of the judgement of the Supreme Court.

“Instead, they have decided to wage a war on Magodo residents. Even as you read this article, policemen from Abuja on the orders of the Inspector General of Police are camped inside Magodo and families continue to live in fear and apprehension!

“We were not party to the judgement and the judgement did not say the judgement creditors should go to Magodo, spray paint on occupied properties with families inside, and lock us up, and deploy bulldozers to level our properties!

“On December 21, 2021 when they invaded (for the fourth time), we asked them for the writ of possession or the survey attached to the judgement, but they could not provide any! What they came to do here was plain impunity abetted by security forces for whatever reason.

“If a judgement of the Supreme Court is going to be enforced and the necessary machinery of the Nigerian police is being called for purposes of assistance, it is incumbent on the police authority to ask for the warrant which must show identifiable properties.

“In this case, there was nothing – and yet we have strong reasons to believe that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN), is aiding and abetting this illegality.

“Of course, we are for the rule of law and the obedience of court orders. But isn’t it curious that in spite of allocations given to these fellows by the Lagos State Government (according to the Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice), they have refused to accept the olive branch: It must be Magodo or nowhere else! We can almost see the hand of the snake in this undisguised hostility as we are hearing that some persons have been promised juicy plots in Magodo, at all costs!

“There is a legal maxim that the law will not compel the performance of an impossibility, but that is exactly what these trespassers are determined to do!

The reporter who conducted the interviews inside the Estate was briefly arrested by the Abuja police and detained for “videoing” them supervising the thugs and invaders. Only the timely intervention of the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, saved the day.

Another update at press time indicated that there might indeed be a resolution of the dispute after Governor Sanwo-Olu held a meeting with all the parties in his office on Wednesday. The agreement, in principle, to allocate land to the judgement creditors is a good and bad thing: good because court orders should be obeyed; and bad because, in this instance, a message has been sent that hostage taking is a permissible means to an end.

Residents whose rights were violated and properties marked and locked up as part of the hostage process, will do themselves a world of good by taking the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation to court.

That’s one way to prevent this nonsense from happening again.

Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP

OPINION: Margery Okadigbo: Keeping The Legacy Alive

By
The Source
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Margery Okadigbo

By James Okoroma.

The appointment of Senator MARGERY OKADIGBO as  Chairman of the newly-incorporated Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by President Muhammadu Buhari  presents a unique opportunity for one to closely examine the content and character of this woman with stoic disposition within the context of the challenges she has faced in the Nigerian Project and the successes she has recorded upholding the legacies of her husband seen and regarded by many as one of Nigeria’s most controversial and cerebral Politicians  who served Nigeria with every strength he could muster till the last breath.

Mrs Okadigbo’s appointment came after Mr. President had suspended the inauguration of the old Board for reasons which were not made public.

I make haste to state here that Mrs Okadigbo’s appointment is not just another patronage dispensed to another Nigerian Politician for political considerations. It is a well-thought out reward for merit, tenacity of purpose, discipline, good conduct and commitment to the national interest.

Since September, 2003, when her husband, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo passed on, Mrs Okadigbo has held on tenaciously to those values and philosophies that defined her husband as a great Nigerian Patriot, Political Strategist and Thinker who died in the course of National Service.

What many do not know, is that Mrs Okadigbo is a Lawyer of over thirty-six years standing and a businesswoman with vast interests in Real Estate, Merchandising and Human Resource Management. She has silently continued to record several achievements in Law Practice, business and Politics in furtherance of her husband’s wishes and Vision for the Nigerian Nation. Unlike several other women who have gone to town after being widowed,

Mrs Okadigbo has stayed away from scandals and kept her eyes on the ball in pursuit of popular causes that benefit all Nigerians irrespective of their religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Like her husband, she successfully ran for the Senate and sat on her husband’s seat as the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District.

While in the Senate, Mrs Okadigbo made commendable contributions that helped in enriching Legislations and improving  Governance generally.

At the social level, she  has remained a motivator, role model and a beacon of hope to many Nigerian women who are facing challenges in their homes and careers.

Immediately after her husband’s death, she retreated and concentrated on raising her children, maintaining family cohesion and ensuring that her husband’s name and reputation were not soiled for any reason. Today, the children her husband left behind, are all University Graduates from some of the best Universities in Europe and America. In this regard, she has fulfilled her husband’s wish to give their children the best education anywhere in the world.

Senator Margery lives a disciplined and austere life with no interest at all in ostentatious possessions and opulence.

To also ensure that her husband’s  Legacies are sustained for all generations of Nigerians, Mrs Okadigbo established the CHUBA OKADIGBO FOUNDATION which  consistently offers Scholarships to many, picks hospital bills of indigent patients, assists widows with Credit facilities and secures employment for University Graduates and other Classes of people.

She pursues these causes with modesty and without any intent to make political capital out of them.

In Ogbunike Community, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State where Dr. Okadigbo hailed from, Mrs Okadigbo is regarded as the mother of the poor, widows, orphans and socially-alienated. In fact, she is the present-day Mother Theresa in that area.

This explains why she  consistently wins any election she indicates interest in. She is the woman of the people and the political leader they respect and adore.

Till date, the story is still  told of her Empowerment Programmes while in the Senate which liberated many men , the Youth and Women from poverty in Anambra North. Her inclination has always been to create wealth and improve lives wherever she finds herself without making noise.

There is no doubt that Dr. Okadigbo will be proud of this woman who has brought honour to his name and sustained his legacies  wherever he is.

As she assumes duty at the NNPC as Board Chairman , there is no doubt she will bring  her experience, discipline, business acumen and vast international and local contacts to bear on her new assignment.

Dr. Okoroma was Special Assistant to late Senate President, Dr Chuba Okadigbo.

Uzodinma Swears-in Ag. President, Imo Customary Court Of Appeal

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has sworn-in Hon. Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie as the Acting President, Imo State Customary Court of Appeal, Owerri.

Addressing the Acting President, members of the Bar and the Bench,  senior government officials and key traditional rulers at the New Executive Council Chambers,  Government House Owerri at the ceremony, Friday,  Governor Uzodimma congratulated Justice Okorie and informed him that his appointment was strictly on merit and in adherence to due process.

He charged Justice Okorie to discharge his duties in full compliance with the principles of due process and the rule of law upon which he was nominated and inaugurated.

Again, he reminded the audience that the Shared Prosperity Administration of his government is anchored on the respect for the rule of law and due process, insisting that he expects the Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal to follow the same process.

He requested him to always bear the people in mind while dispensing justice, noting that “the people always look at the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.”

Governor Uzodimma further reminded Justice Okorie that his “appointment comes with a lot of responsibilities which expects him to live above board and show examples that will galvanize the Bench and the Bar to be always on  their toes.”

He enjoined him to remember that “after God, it is only the judges that hold the authority to make pronouncements that could lead to life and death; hence such authorities must be delivered and or dispensed with the utmost fear of God.”

Governor Uzodimma added: “The judiciary ought to be always more than circumspect,  be just, fair and firm.”

He emphasized that it is only by doing so that the common man will continue to see the judiciary as their last hope.

The Governor promised to provide the judiciary with the necessary tools that would assist the members in the dispensation of justice in Imo State.

In his response after the swearing-in, Justice Okorie thanked Governor Uzodimma for finding time despite his crowded schedule to inaugurate him as Acting President Customary Court of Appeal.

He promised to be guided, always, by the letters of the oaths of office he took in the discharge of his duties.

He also promised to work to improve on the already set standards by his predecessors in the State Customary Court of Appeal.

Present at the swearing-in were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Barr. C. O. C. Akaolisa and other members of State Expanded Executive Council.

Justice Okorie was accompanied by the Ag. Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka, serving and retired Judges of Imo State and the Chairman Imo State Nigerian Bar Association,  Barr. Jude Ogamba.

Also present were the Chairman,  Imo State Traditional Institution Council/Chairman, Community Policing,  HRM Eze (Dr.) Emmanuel Okeke, the Chairman, Imo State Elders Council, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya and the traditional ruler of Ihim autonomous community in Isiala Mbano, HRH, Eze Oliver Ohanwe.

Suspected Herdsmen Invade Ondo Community, Kill, Burn Houses, Ambush Amotekun Guards

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo - Molege community

By Ayodele Oni

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen invaded Molege community in Ose council area of Ondo State shooting dead three persons.

During the incident, which happened early Friday morning, some houses were set ablaze by the invading herdsmen, who were reportedly angered that the villagers prevented their cows from feeding on their farmlands.

They reportedly mobilized and set the villages and the farms on fire while the villagers took to their heels as they could not confront the fire power of the invaders.

The State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adeleye Adetunji, stated that “while on a routine patrol today at Molege in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State our men were informed that some nearby villages in Molege have been taken over by herdsmen while they burnt down some people’s properties.

“We moved in with three patrol vehicles and took control of the situation in the village.

“On their way back, some men suspected to be herdsmen suddenly opened fire on our men in an unprovoked attack because Amotekun does not want to start shooting people.

“We are trying to find out who they are as an adequate investigation is ongoing.

“We urged the people of the community to go back to their homes as peace has returned back to the village.”

Chief Adetunji was, however, silent on the casualties recorded during the  invasion of the village by the herders.

The State Commissioner of Police,Mr Oyeyemi Oyediran, on Friday, paid a visit to  the affected community, situated in Ose Local Government Area of the state to ascertain the level of damage caused by the suspected marauders, who attacked the camp and razed houses overnight.

The Police Commissioner, during the visit, met with the community members, encouraged them, allayed their fears and vowed to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the evil act accordingly.

Mr Oyeyemi has ordered immediate deployment of men  of the Special Squads and PMF personnel to the community to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area.

A statement by the Pice Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, stated that “The command is also using this opportunity to assure the good people of Ondo State of adequate protection of their lives and property  and are enjoined to give the Police genuine information that  will help reduce crime to the barest minimum in the State.”

Magodo: Afenifere Demands Apology

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Uche Mbah

The pan-Yoruba socio cultural group, Afenifere, has asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to apologise to the Yoruba Nation for humiliating the Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Afenifere said both prevented the Governor from intervening in a crisis that threatened the peace of his subjects.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi.

Recently, confusion and chaos had followed a Supreme Court judgement handing over Magodo to the original Land owners.

The place was taken over by a former Military regime. The indigenes suspected foul play and went to Court.

A contingent of Policemen were dispatched from Abuja to, allegedly, effect eviction, and an exchange between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who hurried to the Estate, and an officer of the Nigerian Police Force, a DSP, ensued on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

Irked by the exchange between the Governor and the CSP, “Afenifere is demanding unreserved apologies from the IGP and AGF for this despicable affront.

Not only that, we are, also, demanding the immediate take-off of State Police by any State that is ready to establish such. Nigeria should no longer be run as a country under a Unitary System of Government ”, the statement said.

Ajayi said the confession by the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP),  the leader of the police team to Magodo, has shown that Nigeria is not practising a Federal System of Government.

“The country is officially called Federal Republic of Nigeria, while the extant Constitution dubs each of the State Governors as the Chief Security Officer of their respective states. Yet, when Governor Sanwo-Olu wanted to take a step he considered necessary for the issue at hand, an obstacle was put on his way.”

While the Inspector General of Police has ordered his men out of Magodo, the Attorney General said he “took exception” to the reaction of South-west Governors to the incident.

“We condemn, in very clear terms, the role of the attorney-general of the federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, in this act of gross moral turpitude,” the South west governors forum said in a statement signed by Rotimi Akeredolu, its Chairman.

But Malami, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Dr Umar Gwandu, said the position of the Governors was a vituperation of ulterior motives of some political class.

“We see it as a vituperation of ulterior motives of some political class, who derived pleasure in dragging the name of Malami in the mud to achieve some sinister objectives,” the statement read.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice takes exception to the Southwest Governors unjustifiable insinuation of impunity against the Office of the Attorney General over the execution of a judgment of the Supreme Court.

“The role of the executive is, in this respect, simply to aide the maintenance of law and order in due compliance with rule of law arising from giving effect to the judgment of the apex court of the land.

Claiming that the Supreme Court judgement concerning the land tussle was delivered before he was appointed, he defended the officers at the estate.

“The judgment was a reaffirmation of the judgments of the Court of Appeal and High Court delivered on 31st December 1993,” he said.

“It is widely reported in the papers that the Lagos State Governor was quoted to have said, “I’ve spoken extensively with the Inspector-General of Police and the Honourable Attorney-General, and we’ve resolved all the issues”, he said.

“Some of the cardinal pillars of democratic Government are the doctrine of separation of powers and obedience to the rule of law inclusive of Court Orders.

“It is a common knowledge that execution of the judgment and orders of Courts of competent jurisdiction, and the Court of last resort in the circumstances remains a cardinal component of the rule of law and the office of the Attorney General wonders how maintenance of the law and orders in the course of execution of the judgment of the supreme can be adjudged by the imagination of the Governors, to be unruly.”

On Wednesday, at a meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu and all the parties, at a meeting, resolved all the issues amicably.

2023: Northern Youth Group Backs Osinbajo, Wants Presidency Zoned To South-West

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has continued to receive support from different groups in his yet-to-be declared interest to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

This time a Northern Group under the aegis of Arewa Consensus Assembly, has canvassed for the micro-zoning of the Presidency to the South-Western part of the country in the interest of justice and equity.

The Group said contrary to the insinuation and agitation by some people from Northern extraction, clamoring for  the Presidency to be retained by the North, it  will further divide the country if it happens.

It stressed that there should be equitable distribution of power, for the nation to remain United.

At a Press Conference in Kaduna, Chairman of the group, Daniel Shawulu, said the real interest of the North is about the vast majority of the people and not the parochial interest of a few politicians who, he said, are usually more vocal and claim to speak on behalf of the region.

He equally endorsed the candidature of Osinbajo as the person to succeed  President Buhari.

Shawulu noted that there is responsibility on the part of  leaders to build and foster confidence between the different ethnicities and geo-political zones of Nigeria.

It added that the country at the moment needs someone with requisite insight to consolidate the much-desired results and continuity of the structural programs commenced by the present administration.

The endorsement of Osinbajo, Shawulu said, is based on his competence and knowledge of the current socio-economic and security challenges confronting the country.

“The real solution of maintaining sufficient control relevance in Nigerian national politics is for the north to champion rotation to the South-West.

“The conference admits and recognises that Nigeria is in a delicate situation and our unity is fragile because of security challenges that have been clocked many times in religious and ethnic approach, especially by propagandists.

“The joint conference admits that the acceptable next President of Nigeria must have an appeal that crosses ethnic, religious and demographic lines, especially the youths considering the most recent history and trajectory of Nigeria.

“Such a person must have a demonstrated record of service at the national level and the history of believing in the unity of Nigeria, integrity and a proven record of modesty, energy, experience and conduct that is exemplified and inspired confidence across the entire country and not negotiable.

“The joint conference notes that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo fits and addresses the question of balance, qualities and attributes expressed and resolved by the joint conference.”

Days ago, the Billboards and Posters of Osinbajo’s Presidential aspiration surfaced in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, indicating the preparedness of  his supporters  to  convince him to  join the 2023 Presidential race and wrestle with his political mentor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Osinbajo was Lagos State Attorney General under the Tinubu Governorship of Lagos State.

The campaign banners have the inscription, “Join us, Nigeria asks for Osinbajo 2023.”

Ortom Urges Buhari To Declare Miyetti Allah, Fulani Group, Terrorists; Slams Him Over PDP

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has, again, lashed President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to declare two cattle rearing groups popularly known as Miyetti Allah and one other as terrorists.

The said Groups are; Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM).

Ortom made this call following the recent designation of bandits as terrorists by the Federal Government after several months of delay.

The outspoken Governor also slammed President Buhari for tagging the opposition Party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a failed Party.

The Benue Governor who spoke through his spokesperson Nathaniel Ikyur, said labelling bandits as terrorists “is not enough.”

In the statement  the Governor said: “even though the Federal Government’s measures on bandits now seem strong, the security challenges will only be adequately addressed if similar hard position is taken on Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, MACBAN and the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) who have vowed and continued to cause mayhem in Benue State and other parts of the country because of the anti-grazing laws.

“For us in Benue State, the law has come to stay. It is irrevocable. In fact, we have maintained our position that Benue State has no grazing routes, reserves or areas so whatever. It was enacted in good faith for peace and order in the state. It was done among other things to end the incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes in the state.”

He also tasked the President to do all that is necessary to revamp the ailing economy and save citizens from poverty.

“Nigerians have absorbed enough hunger and misery in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) misrule,” he said. “Or is it possible that Mr. President is not aware that Nigerians are dying from his misrule”.

As regards the President insulting the PDP, Ortom said, “As a critical stakeholder of the PDP, this is completely false.

“If anyone has failed, it is the Buhari led-APC Federal Government that has failed by taking Nigeria from top to bottom.

“The  PDP is ready to rescue Nigeria from the insecurity and economic horror placed on Nigerians by the APC, stressing that the party is better prepared with laudable programmes on the welfare of Nigerians and to rebuild the nation from the APC tale of woes.”

How Lagos Assembly Padded Budget With N400bn- Ex-NIMASA Boss

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

A former governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Lagos state, Prince Ade Dosumu has raised alarm over the decision of the state House of Assembly to pad the 2022 Budget signed by the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the tune of N400 billion.

Dosumu, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, NIMASA accused the lawmakers and some vested interest of trying to steal from the state to fund next year’s election.

In a statement posted on his social media page titled: “Lagos State 2022 Budget- Height of Financial Recklessness.” the ex-NIMASA boss accused Governor Sanwo-olu and the lawmakers of financial recklessness.

The full statement reads thus: “As a responsible citizen and patriotic stakeholder in our dear state, I feel compelled to bring to the attention of ALL Lagosians the budgetary disparity, hugely flawed process and impending implication of the recently passed Lagos State 2022 financial budget highlighting the State Government’s display of gross irresponsibility in its handling.

“On the 24th November 2021, the Executive Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented a proposal of ₦1.38 Trillion tagged as ‘Budget of Consolidation’ to the State House of Assembly as the 2022 Lagos State financial Budget. This was welcomed by discerning Lagosians with cautious optimism.

“It is logically expected that the governance of a state (particularly Lagos State with verse skilled professionals) would have employed the whole gamut of well experienced civil service workforce across various agencies and ministries with the assistance of experts within the Budget and Economic Planning ministry of the state to collate and review this budget prior to its presentation to the State House of Assembly for approval with non or minimal modification required.

“However, it is exceedingly shocking that the Lagos State House of Assembly passed a totally different budget criminally padded to the tune of ₦1,758,196,448,44 Trillion (An addition of almost 400 billion naira over the originally proposed figure of ₦1.38trillion).

“This brings about the following nagging questions: “Where, why and how did the Lagos State House of Assembly conjure an addition in excess of ₦350Billion over the meticulously prepared and ratified document put together by the Lagos State bureaucracy?

“What did the Governor omit in his original budget proposal to warrant such mind buggling increment from the supposed hallowed chambers of the State House of Assembly?

“Why did Governor Sanwo-Olu not ask any question as President Muhammdu Buhari is querying the #37billion padding of the National Budget by the National Assembly? What then can we say of almost #400billion padding of a State budget?

“Could this be a connivance or collusion between the State Executive and the Legislative arm of the state to siphone a substantial portion of Lagos State budget

“Could the defiant attempt to raise capital expenditure from ₦823.35 billion to ₦1.166.2 trillion be laying foundation for a white elephant project as 2023 elections draws closer?

“Could this apparent bastardization of the budget be lending credence to the genuine fears across the state that there is a grand plot from the ruling party to fund the Presidential campaign of its godfather with state funds?

“These questions are not rhetorical. As Lagosians, I believe we need clarification and the Government of Lagos State needs to be transparent in the way our collective patrimony is being spent.

“The helpless people of Lagos State are left to wonder how the state genuinely and sincerely plans to fund this outrageous budget without recourse to another of its scandalous and potentially enslaving borrowings.

“Why should Lagosians be made to bear perpetually the burden of the profligacy of unpatriotic representatives, who are simply not concerned about the future of Lagos State but their personal ambitions?

“What legacy is the Lagos State government leaving for our children?

“We demand an explanation, transparency and accountability.

Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the National Assembly to be careful over the 2022 Budget to avoid the wrath of Nigerians. The president spoke to Channels Television on Tuesday, barely two weeks after he accused the lawmakers of padding the budget.

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