PDP NEC: Policemen Take Over National Secretariat

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June 30, 2025

Operatives from the Nigerian Police Force, NPF have taken over the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Abuja ahead of the party’s National Executive Council, NEC meeting.

The magazine learned that the policemen were dispatched to the area to prevent the break down of law and order by the two contending factions in the PDP who have disagreed on the modalities for the meeting.

Recall that the Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagun had last week disclosed that the NEC earlier scheduled for June 30, 2025 would no longer hold, due to the dispute over the position of the party’s National Secretary, saying “We look forward to welcoming all invited guests/participants to the Expanded National Caucus Meeting tomorrow and I wish you all safe travels and fruitful deliberations in advance.”

Countering Damagun, the faction led by the PDP Vice National Chairman South Taofeek Arapaja insited that the NEC will proceed, saying Damagun has no power to overturn the decision of the 99^th NEC , held two weeks ago, to hold the meeting.

Arapaja had while speaking during a press conference on Sunday night in Abuja, said the 100th NEC meeting will be held at the party’s headquarters in the nation’s capital.

Flanked by some members of the party’s National Working Committee, Arapaja disclosed that the party had already informed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC about the meeting, which will meet to determine the time for the National Convention of the party.

He said the NEC meeting is in line with the PDP Constitution, saying Damagun lacked the powers to ‘alter, change and vary” the decision by the party to hold the NEC meeting today.

“By virtue of section 31(3) of the constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) the Monday, 30th June, 2025 date for the 100th NEC meeting is binding on all organs and members, and as such no organ, group or officer of the Party has the power to alter, change, vary, veto or convert the already convened NEC meeting,” he said.

“Contrary to a purported notice being circulated in the social media suggesting that the 100th NEC meeting has been converted to a special expanded national caucus meeting, the NWC states in clear terms that the said notice did not emanate from the PDP and should be disregarded.

“The NWC emphasises that there is no provision whatsoever for an expanded national caucus in the constitution of the PDP or any guideline of the party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, section 30 of the constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing for a national caucus for the party with its composition, functions and meetings clearly spelt out, leaving no room for any form of expansion.

“The suggestion, proposal or announcement for a special expanded national caucus meeting’ is therefore unconstitutional and cannot take any decision for the PDP being not a recognised organ or body in the PDP.”

The magazine reports that the big masquerade behind Arapaja is Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state , who is currently at loggerheads with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Nyesome Wike for the control of the soul of the party. Makinde and Wike were once political allies until recently when the parted ways over the month-long crisis rocking the party.

Peter Obi’s Aide, Obienyem, Walks Back On Claim of Defection from Labour Party

By

The Source

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June 30, 2025

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Valentine Obienyem, media adviser to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has firmly denied reports circulating in the media suggesting that he confirmed plans for Mr. Obi and other opposition figures to abandon the Labour Party in favour of a new political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Monday, Obienyem described the reports as “completely false and unfounded,” stressing that he never made such a statement to any journalist, media outlet, or individual at any time.

“My attention has been drawn to a news report falsely attributing to me a statement that ‘we’ve agreed to leave the Labour Party and join one platform for 2027.’ I wish to state categorically that this claim is completely false,” Obienyem said.

He further clarified that he had not granted any interview or responded to any question indicating that Peter Obi or his political associates had reached any agreement to defect from the Labour Party.

“This is yet another example of misinformation being circulated to confuse the public and sow doubt about the integrity and consistency of Mr. Peter Obi and the movement he represents,” he stated.

Obienyem reaffirmed that Peter Obi remains a committed and loyal member of the Labour Party, which he described as central to the values and ideals the former Anambra governor espouses.

He urged members of the public to disregard the misleading report and rely only on verified sources for information regarding Mr. Obi’s political engagements.

“If and when I or Mr. Obi have anything to communicate regarding political developments, it will be done through credible and verifiable channels,” Obienyem concluded.

Col Umar To Tinubu: Shun Akpabio, Other Sycophants

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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June 30, 2025

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Social critic Col Abubakar Umar (retd)has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to shun the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other sycophants in his government.

Instead of listening to them, the retired Army Colonel urged President Tinbu and other leaders in the country, to rule with the fear of God and based on their oaths of office to protect democratic tenets.

Col Umar made the remark in a piece, to appreciate President Tinubu over the recent conferment of a national award of CFR on him, as one of those who fought for democracy in the country.

The magazine reported that the president had, a fortnight ago, in commemoration of June National Democracy day, conferred different levels of national honours on some prominent Nigerians and others who he described as heroes of democracy.

Umar in his letter to Tinubu appreciated the president for the conferment of the award, he also called on Tinubu to ensure that other unsung democratic heroes are recognized.

Calling on the president to do the right thing, and not listen to the voices of sycophnats in his adminsitration , he mentioned Akpabio as one of those that do not wish his government well, saying that the president should ignore them, while he focuses in ruling the country with the fear of God.

He urged the president and other leaders in the country to provide good governance, rather than politicking and self enrichment.

“This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy. It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy.,” Umar said.

“To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self aggrandizement.

“The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other.

“One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.

“Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self seeking sycophants.

“Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a President or State Governor while in office.

“The other day, the Senate President was reported to have predicted that President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 election with 99.9% of the votes! Even allowing for the fact that this Senate President is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles,” the retired Army officer said.

Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition: Why Nigeria Deserves Clarity Now

By

The Source

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June 30, 2025

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By David Hundeyin

In the countdown to Nigeria’s 2027 general election, one figure looms larger than most: Peter Gregory Obi. As the country grapples with economic uncertainty and a restless electorate, Obi’s next political move could determine the success or failure of any meaningful opposition effort.

But today, millions of Nigerians are asking the same question:

Where exactly does Peter Obi stand?

Despite being arguably the most popular opposition figure after the 2023 elections, Obi has not publicly declared what he intends to do. And this lack of clarity is fast becoming the biggest obstacle to building a credible challenge against the current administration.

Does Peter Obi plan to run independently, as he did in 2023?

Or does he want to work with the proposed coalition of opposition parties to unseat President Bola Tinubu?

Right now, nobody knows. Not the coalition partners. Not his closest associates. And quite possibly, not even Obi himself.

The worst possible scenario is all too familiar:

He remains indecisive, continues to send mixed signals to different stakeholders, and waits until barely a year before the elections to finally announce he will go solo—splitting the opposition vote all over again.

If this happens, the outcome is predictable: another fractured opposition, another underwhelming result at the polls, and four more years of policies many Nigerians are desperate to change.

It’s Bigger Than One Man

The stakes could not be higher. Nigeria’s future—its economy, democracy, and social stability—cannot hinge on one man’s indecision or political gamesmanship.

Millions of Nigerians have hopes and dreams that are more important than the ambitions of any single politician. If Peter Obi wants to contest independently, he should declare it openly, now. If he intends to be part of a coalition, he should come out and say so without further delay.

Either way, clarity is essential. The entire country deserves to know where he stands, so everyone can chart a path forward together.

History does not reward hesitation. In moments of national importance, leadership demands decisiveness.

If Peter Obi is serious about offering an alternative to the current government, he owes it to Nigerians to stop playing politics behind closed doors and start leading in public.

And if he is unwilling to step up with the resolve this moment requires, then he should graciously step aside and allow someone else to take the wheel.

Because this is not a game—and Nigeria cannot afford to waste another four years waiting for clarity that should have come yesterday.

Hundeyin is an international investigative Journalist

Peter Obi Set To Dump LP Reveal Snr Aide, Hon. Member

By

Adesina Soyooye

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June 30, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP in the 2023 Presidential Election, is set to leave the Party under which he broke Nigeria’s election record and shone like a million stars.

The news of Obi’s imminent exit from the LP was broken by one of his closest, longest and most trusted Aides, Valentine Obienyem, a Lawyer, on Sunday.

Before Obienyem’s revelation, an LP member of the House of Representatives, had hinted, a couple of days earlier, on their movement, along with Obi, to another Political Party.

Our source revealed that they held a meeting in the afternoon of Friday, June 27, to take the decision to leave LP.

Obi took Nigerians by storm, when on his first attempt at the Presidential seat, and less than one year after he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the LP he won six States including Lagos, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. With the result, Obi came a respectable third, even though not a few people believe that Obi actually performed better than the result showed, particularly, in Rivers State.

However, since the General Elections in 2023, nothing has remained the same in LP. It has lost members, including members of the State and National Assembly and other high profile members. The Leadership of the Party is, also, enmeshed in one crisis or the other and, is currently divided into two factions with Barr. Julius Abure leading a faction, and Dr. Esther Nenadi Usman leading the other.

Obi, while fully behind the Usman faction of the Party, is also part of a high profile coalition of the opposition and other stakeholders, whose aim is to deny Tinubu of a second term in 2027.

Obi had, however, insisted he would run on the ticket of the LP.

Now, that insistence seems set to settle in the dustbin of history.

On Sunday, the day Obi held a well publicized conversation with Nigerians, Obienyem, the one who, mostly, for years, speaks for Obi, has let the cat out of the bag.

While answering questions on the Coalition, Obienyem said:

“The agreement is that we’ll leave our various parties and move to the platform we agreed upon.”

Until Obi joined the Party, LP was a very inconsequential Political Party. The Party is likely to go back to its inconsequential status once Obi and group exit.

My CFR National Honours Award

By

The Source

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June 30, 2025

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By Col Abubakar D. Umar (Retd)

When the President called to inform me of his decision to magnanimously confer on me the National Award of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on account of my much advertised role in the struggle for the validation of the June 12th election and affirmation of Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate, my first reaction was why only me and not all those unsung heroes. Those officers and men who actively participated in that struggle, risking their careers and even lives.

Although I was one of the leaders of that movement within the military, my contribution was by no means bigger than theirs. While I have been recognised and celebrated, including this National Honour by the President, they have remained anonymous.

It is therefore incumbent upon me to reveal the identity of these patriots if only to acknowledge and commend their contributions to the emergence of the current democratic dispensation.

The fact that Chief Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12th election won over 80% of the Armed Forces votes, clearly demonstrated the contribution of the other members of the military. I should add that this list is by no means exhaustive.

There are a lot more participants who have remained unknown to me since they served under others. I apologise to all those whose names I must have missed.

May God recognise and reward your sacrifice.

Top on my list is my deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Col MA Garba, whose commitment was so strong that he continued with the execution of our plans after some of us were arrested, detained and mercifully retired in October, 1993. He went on, as he should, to attain the enviable rank of a Major General in the army.

Others are:

-Lt col Lawal Jaafaru Isa.

-Lt col UF Ahmed.

-Lt col MS Dasuki.

-Lt col ML Gwadabe.

-Lt col J. Temlong.

-Lt col Musa Shehu.

-Lt col Chris Eze.

-Lt col HM Dzarma.

-Lt col Isa Jibrin.

-Lt col JOS Oshanupin.

-Lt Col A Oloruntoba(kabiesi Olugbede of Gbede kingdom).

-Lt col Moke.

-Lt col Happy Bulus.

-Lt col Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

-Col J Okai.

-Col E. Ndubueze.

-Lt col Yakubu Muazu.

-Lt col Yahaya Abubakar ( current Etsu Nupe).

-Major Saad Abubakar (current Sultan of Sokoto).

-Maj Abba Maimalari.

-Maj Jamil Tahir.

-Maj Buzugbe.

-Maj LP Aprezi.

-Maj MK Yake.

-Maj J Dawah.

-Maj Suleiman Wali.

-Maj Dauda Komo.

-Maj Lucky Torrie.

-Maj JS Zaruwa.

-Maj M Sumaye.

-Maj Sani Bawa.

-Maj Ndaliman.

Maj Ahmed.

-Maj M Bawa.

-Lt col JB Ahmadu.

-Capt Junaid Bindawa.

-Capt Lar.

I therefore accept this award with all sense of humility on behalf of all these officers and men. Obviously, it goes without saying that this award will be doubly more meaningful if the democracy we all fought for delivers the real dividends.

This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy. It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy.

To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self aggrandizement.

The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other.

One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.

Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self seeking sycophants.

Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a President or State Governor while in office.

The other day, the Senate President was reported to have predicted that President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 election with 99.9% of the votes! Even allowing for the fact that this Senate President is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles.

God bless Nigeria.

Abubakar Dangiwa Umar,
Colonel (Retd) was a former Military Governor of Kaduna State

Prevail On PDP Governors To Withdraw Supreme Court Suit, IYC Leader, Eradiri Urges Fubara

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 30, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in Bayelsa State during the 2023, General Elections, Udengs Eradiri, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, appealed to the suspended Rivers state Governor Siminalayi Fubara to stoutly resist any temptations towards reneging on the peace agreement reached over the political crisis in the State.

This is just as the former President of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, urged Fubara to work towards removing the last known obstacle to the restoration of democratic order by prevailing on the Peoples Democratic Governors Forum to withdraw its suit against the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state.

Eradiri’s charge is coming on the heels of the peace deal brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu among all the warring parties in Rivers State at the Presidential Villa last Thursday.

Following the peace accord ,all the principal actors in the lingering political face-off, including Governor Fubara, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the State Legislators pledged to bury the hatchet and forge ahead in the interests of peace .

However, the perceived lopsided nature of the deal, which appears to have relegated the interests of the Governor to the background, and Wike the ultimate beneficiary, has provoked wide condemnation among many observers, including the Governor’s supporters in the State, with not few urging Fubara to retrace his steps before he is consumed

But in a statement on Sunday, Eradiri, who had, before now been strident in his call for a truce, appreciated Governor Fubara for embracing genuine reconciliation.

He cautioned the suspended Governor against succumbing to any pressure from those ,whom he said may be benefitting from the political stand off in the State to back out of the agreement reached among the warring parties.

Particularly, the former IYC President emphasized the imperativeness of the PDP Governors withdrawing their legal challenge against the emergency rule at the Supreme Court .

The Source reports that the PDP Governors had, in the wake of the March 18, 2025 emergency rule proclamation against one of their own, Governor Fubara, approached the apex court seeking an interpretation of Secion 305 of the 1999 Constitution under which the President had acted .

The former LP Bayelsa gubernatorial hopeful, however, is perceiving the legal challenge as a big obstacle towards the restoration of constitutional order in Rivers state .

While lauding Fubara for his decision to mend fences with his political benefactor ,Wike, the Ijaw leader also urged him to go the whole hog in adhering to the terms and conditions of the political truce .

He warned the suspended Governor against falling prey to some transactional political actors who are feeling disappointed with the prospect of the crisis coming to an end .

“These crisis merchants are not tired yet. They will still devise some dubious strategies to reach you with their fake love and selfish advice to stampede you into derailing the new peace accord .

“Please, keep them far away from yourself and avoid any contact with them.I will advise you cherish this new path to peace and avoid entertaining any thought ,or idea that walking away from the peace accord will yield a better result .

” Any attempt to resort to such reasoning will only bring dangerous consequences”, Eradiri stated.

Ondo LG Funds: APC Advises SDP To Stop Spreading Falsehood

By

Ayodele Oni

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June 29, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has accused the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) of being ignorant of how Local Governments are being run.

Reacting to allegation by the SDP of diversion of local governments fund by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the APC pointed out that “The truth is that local government funds are released strictly upon allocation from the federation accounts, and at no point has the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa interfered with or misappropriated these funds.”

In a statement on Sunday by Steve Otaloro, Director, Media & Publicity

APC, Ondo State, stated that the allegation by the opposition party is capable of causing unnecessary tension in the polity.

“The APC categorically rejects the recent allegations made by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) regarding the diversion of local government funds by the State Government.

“These claims are nothing short of a blatant lie from the pit of hell, aimed at misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension in our polity.

“We urge the in their statements and to conduct proper investigations before issuing such unfounded press releases.

“The truth is that local government funds are released strictly upon allocation from the federation accounts, and at no point has the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa interfered with or misappropriated these funds.

“Since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has maintained a commitment to democratic governance at the local government level, ensuring that local councils function effectively even in the absence of elections.

“This approach is designed to prevent any vacuum in governance at the grassroots and to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency.

“It is apparent that Barr. Akinbuli is more concerned with creating sensational headlines to distract from the internal issues plaguing the SDP, including its national leadership struggles and corruption, rather than focusing on the real challenges facing his party.

“His attempts to meddle in local government affairs, of which he seems to have little understanding, are misguided.

“The local government chairmen, who are the elected representatives of the people, are in the best position to report on the developments within their jurisdictions.

“As a political party, we take pride in the progress reports we receive from local government leaders, who are diligently working to implement our ‘Our Ease’ policy under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration. We encourage them to continue their efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.

“We, therefore call on the SDP to focus on their internal challenges rather than spreading falsehoods that could destabilize our state.

“The APC remains committed to fostering a transparent and accountable governance structure that prioritizes the needs of the people.”

JAMB Says No Record Of Admission Of FUTA Graduate, Basola In CAPS

By

Ayodele Oni

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June 29, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has insisted that the admission of Basola Jamiu Owodunni, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) was not in its record.

In a 4:05 minutes video appeal, Basola, an orphan, revealed that he gained admission into FUTA in 2017 through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

He began his academic journey in 2018 and successfully graduated in 2024 after seven years of study.

However, following his graduation, Bashola said he was shocked to learn that JAMB had flagged his admission as “fake,” without providing any tangible evidence.

The alleged discrepancy came to light when the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reportedly rejected his mobilization details on account of JAMB’s claim.

In a statement signed by its Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, on Sunday, the board said it could not find Basola’s records in its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

Responding, JAMB clarified that it only approves candidates recommended by institutions and does not initiate or propose admissions.

“While there may be no dispute regarding his attendance at the university in question, JAMB asserts that he is not admitted by its records as he did not follow due process, and the Board lacks the power to insert him on the platform for him to be visible to the NYSC and other stakeholders.”

The board maintained that Basola is “an unknown entity to the Board concerning admission.”

It also dismissed attempts to use his background to gain sympathy.

“The narrative of him being an orphan or from a disadvantaged background should not serve as emotional leverage in this matter.”

The Board also said Basola was in possession of a document that did not originate from its system and called on him to disclose how it was obtained to assist in clarifying his case.

“This serves as a reminder that candidates should only accept admission offers that are first processed through CAPS and printed accordingly,” the statement added.

Despite the dispute, JAMB assured it would support Basola if he is cleared of wrongdoing.

“One of our core philosophies is to protect the rights of all candidates against exploitation, and we will not hesitate to support Basola if he is found to be in compliance with the law.”

Presidency Says Tinubu’s Trip To Saint Lucia Is To Rekindle Ancestral Bonds

By

Ayodele Oni

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June 29, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has risen in defence of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Saint Lucia, a Caribbean nation.

It stated that the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations.

Some Nigerians, including Peter Obi, had flayed the visit especially coming at a time Nigeria is facing crisis in economy and security.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Sunday, pointed out that “Like many Caribbean nations, Saint Lucia has a significant population of African ancestry. In the mid-19th century, a wave of immigrants from present-day Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, bringing cultural and religious practices that persist today.

“Citizens of Saint Lucia are excited that President Tinubu has chosen to visit the island. They long to strengthen their bonds with African nations with which they share ancestral links.

“In an era of global uncertainty, deepening cooperation between the Global South, particularly between continental Africa and the Caribbean, has become imperative. Nigeria and the citizens of the Caribbean have strong people-to-people links.”

According to the statement, notable citizens of of Saint Lucia had impacted on development of Nigeria including Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who died on February 10, 1989, served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979.

“He first came to Nigeria in 1957, recruited as a legal draftsman by the Western Regional Government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He became the acting Director of Public Prosecutions in 1958.

“In 1960, he was appointed Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Western Regional Ministry of Justice. In 1964, he was appointed a judge in the Lagos High Court. In 1969, the defunct South Eastern State appointed him the chief judge.

“He later became the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 1975, succeeding Sir Teslim Olawale Elias.

“Another Lucian, Neville Skeete, an architect, contributed to the design of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s corporate headquarters.

“Additionally, Sir Darnley Alexander’s son, Michael, served as a medical doctor on the frontline in the Nigerian Army during the tragic civil war.”

It added that President Tinubu’s visit aligns with Nigeria’s Four D’s foreign policy framework: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.

“As the Presidency stated, the visit supports the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which identifies the African diaspora as a key development partner.”