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Nnamdi Kanu: CSOs Accuse Tinubu’s Administration Of Selective Justice

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nnamdi Kanu in Court

By Ayodele Oni

Two United States of America-based Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs), Rising Sun Foundation and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, have accused flayed the federal government, for continued detention of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu for 30 months.

The group’s noted that this has demonstrated that President Bola Tinubu’s Administration is selective in its Justice system.

“As he marks 30 months of unjust incarceration, it is imperative that we amplify our voices against this blatant violation of his rights, especially in light of several court orders demanding his unconditional release.

“The Nigerian government, under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has recently shown signs of a potential shift toward dialogue regarding Kanu’s release.

“This is a notable contrast to the treatment of other political detainees such as Chief Sunday Igboho of the Yoruba Nation, Omoyele Sowore of the Revolution Now movement, and even Bello Bodejo, the leader of the controversial Miyetti Allah Kyautal Hore.

“These figures have been released and their legal cases dismissed, raising serious questions about the selective application of justice in Nigeria.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains the sole political prisoner among them, a situation that is not only perplexing but also indicative of deeper systemic issues within the Nigerian political landscape.”

The accused Igbo political leaders of being unfaithful to the bid to get the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu of detention.

“The reluctance of our own political leaders—particularly the governors and those aligned with Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo—to advocate for Kanu’s freedom is deeply troubling.

“Their actions reflect a disheartening trend of prioritizing personal political ambitions over the collective welfare of the Igbo people.

“In public, they may call for his release, yet behind closed doors, they engage in negotiations that ensure his continued imprisonment.

“This duplicitous behavior encapsulates the phrase ‘maramara n’ihu, gwampiti n’azu,’ highlighting their tendency to play both sides for their gain.

“As we reflect on the last 30 months, we must recognize that time is of the essence. The world is transforming at a rapid pace, driven by technological advancements in the Internet and Artificial Intelligence, and we must not allow our people to be left behind.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is not merely a personal tragedy; it represents a broader struggle for the Igbo nation’s identity and future.

“He has become a symbol of resistance against the marginalization and oppression that we, as a people, have faced for decades.

“To reiterate our previous sentiments, as long as Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains imprisoned, the entire Igbo nation is held captive.

“This reality cannot persist indefinitely. The call for his release is not just a plea for one man’s freedom; it is a rallying cry for the liberation of our entire people from systemic oppression and neglect.

“We must pray for Kanu’s health and safety, for the consequences of his continued detention could be dire for our collective future.”

Two Die, Palace, Houses Destroyed As Two Communities Clash In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo Communities Clash

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has deployed Policemen to two communities of Owake and Ebo in Akoko south west local government following outbreaks of communal clash.

Already, the clash  has reportedly claimed the life of yet to be identified two persons.

It was gathered that Oba’s palace, event centre and private houses were being razed, while several injured residents were rushed to the newly commissioned Federal Medical Centre in Iwaro-Oka for treatment.

A source explained that “Oka-Odo Community was attacked on Sunday night by suspected hoodlums allegedly from the neighbouring Ebo community.

“As I speak, both the palace and the event hall have been completely destroyed, and several houses were set on fire.

“Earlier that same day, members of the Owake Community had gone to install signposts on lands along Ikun Road, acting in line with an Appeal Court judgment that affirmed their ownership of the disputed lands.

“However, on their way back, members of the Owake Community were ambushed by suspected thugs, who launched a violent attack, leaving many injured.

“The injured residents were promptly transported to the newly commissioned Federal Medical Centre in GRA for medical attention.”

Reacting to the incident, the state police command revealed that the clash started on Sunday when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo.

The statement, signed by Funmilayo Odunlami, stated that “The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, CP Wilfred Afolabi, has  called for peace amidst the ongoing clashes between the youths of Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake communities in Iwaro.

“The CP urged all parties involved to shealth their sword, as  violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment.

“The clash started on January 12th, 2025  when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo.

“The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.

“In retaliation, Oka Odo youths mobilized and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson.

“The conflict led  to casualties on both sides leading to death of two persons names and identities unknown, while the injured, are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

“A police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Ops), has been deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation.

“The CP urges the communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes to avoid further loss of lives and property while assuring residents that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides are brought to justice.”

PDP Crisis: Anyanwu Dares Party, Resumes As National Secretary

By
James Orji
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Senator Samuel Anyanwu

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has insisted that he remains the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, until the court has ruled otherwise.

The senator has been embattled following a Court of Appeal order that sacked him last year. The appellate court had in the ruling affirmed, Sunday Ude-Okoye, a former Youth Leader of the party as the party’s scribe.

However, Anyanwu, showed up in office, at the Wadata House, Abuja PDP National Secretariat, asserting himself as the National Secretary of the party.

The battle for the National Secretary of the party has further tainted the leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s top opposition party.

Anyanwu disclosed that the suggestions that he has been removed from office, is the figment of the imagination of his critics, saying he already filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

Instructively, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba recently asserted that Ude-Okoye is the party’s national scribe based on the Court of Appeal judgment.

Anyanwu said thaat Ologunagba is aware that the Court of Appeal order has been appealed at the nation’s apex court, adding that the party’s spokesman remark is his personal opinion.

“That is his opinion and not the opinion of the party. He merely made a statement and as national publicity secretary of our party, I wouldn’t want to disparage him in the media, may be he didn’t get the facts correct. He never knew that the matter had been appealed at the Supreme Court and he is a lawyer, so he should understand the position of the law,” Anyanwu stated.

Last week, the magazine reported that a PDP staff assaulted a The SUN correspondent, Ndubuisi Orji.following the altercations over who between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye is the authentic National Secretary of the party.

The party has since apologised.

Christmas Party Stampede: Court Admits Ex-Ooni’s Wife, Naomi, Hamzat, Fasasi To Bail

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ibadan Children party stampede and Naomi Silekunola arrested

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve came to the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, owner of a prominent indigenous radio station, Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi, as a High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo state, granted their bail applications.

Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin who gave the ruling on Monday, granted Oriyomi N10 million bail with two sureties and ruled that his organisation must not broadcast the news.

The defendants argued their bail applications before the court last Tuesday, but the court later ruled that they should be remanded in prison till Monday for a ruling.

The defence team had argued that the accused persons did not pose a flight risk and were willing to cooperate with the investigation.

However, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly countered this motion, highlighting the seriousness of the charges and the need to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), counsel for one of the defendants, Hamzat Oriyomi, said, “Well, what we did was we filed an application that he should be admitted to bail pending arraignment, and the application was argued today.

“The court listened to all the various arguments, and the ruling was reserved till the 13th of January. So principally, we are saying that he ought to be admitted on bail based on certain grounds which I would not want to expatiate on here.”

The defendants were arrested over the ill-fated children’s festive party in December 2024 which claimed the lives of at least 35 children following a stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted that those involved in the stampede must face trial.

He, however, added that he was not against the suspects being granted bail in the case.

Kano Reintroduces Waste Bin In Public Transport

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Akinwale Kasali

The Kano State Government is disturbed by the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the State and has, therefore, reintroduced Waste Disposal Bins in tricycles popularly known as “Adaidaita Sahu” and commercial vehicles plying the roads to keep the State clean.

The State was designated as one of the dirtiest States in the North.

The Government has also made the Waste Disposal Bins to be strategically placed at designated points on major roads, motor parks and marketplaces.

Dahiru Hashimu, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, made the announcement while flagging off the Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.

Hashimu said the initiatives were to allow commuters and others to dispose of their trash responsibly, noting that littering on the streets will not be condoned.

The commissioner added that to ensure effectiveness of the initiatives, they are collaborating with Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to address waste management challenges head-on.

According to him “The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will, henceforth, adopt, in collaboration with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce, to address waste management challenges across Kano State. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation is to address waste management in our public transportation systems.

“The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is introducing an initiative that will see the installation of waste disposal bins in buses and tricycles (Adaidaita sahu) that operate within Kano State. These waste bins will allow commuters to dispose of their trash responsibly while on the move.

“In addition, waste disposal bins will be strategically placed at motor parks, bus stops, and along major streets in Kano State, to encourage responsible waste disposal by all road users and commuters to empty their bins.

By this intervention, the Ministry of Environment seeks to reduce littering on our roads and ensure that our streets always remain clean and presentable.

“Our partnership with the Ministry of Commerce intends to keep all markets and industrial areas clean and tidy as well as facilitate the introduction of designated waste disposal points in various markets, industrial hubs, and business districts across the State. We will also work closely with market associations, traders, and factory operators to ensure that waste is managed responsibly within these areas.

“Environmental cleanliness is an idle component of public health and urban development and beautification. As a government, Kano State recognizes the effectiveness of the waste management system as a vital component to maintaining the well-being of its community. This event reflects the commitment of the Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, (Abba Gida Gida) in ensuring that Kano State remains cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally friendly to all residents and to our esteemed guests.

“The main goal of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf is to ensure that all businesses operating in Kano State contribute to maintaining a clean and healthy environment in Kano State.

“Another important aspect of this initiative is the reintroduction of street sweepers in Kano State by His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. I am delighted to announce that after just a week of our resumption at the Ministry, we have started the payment of backlog salaries owned by street sweepers in Kano State. These sweepers are being strategically assigned to key areas in Kano City, including major roads, marketplaces, and public spaces, ensuring that Kano State remains one of the cleanest states in Nigeria. The deployment of street sweepers by the Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf government is a step toward a broader waste management strategy. This will help reduce the accumulation of waste on our streets and promote a cleaner environment for residents and visitors alike. At the same time, it will also create job opportunities for Kano residents.

“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and manpower to manage waste, we cannot achieve these goals without the active participation and cooperation of the people of Kano State. I therefore call on transport operators, market traders, industrialists, and all residents of Kano, to take responsibility for keeping their environments clean. We must all develop the habit of disposing of our waste responsibly, using the waste bins provided, and refraining from littering the streets and public spaces. I also appeal to our traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious institutions to join hands with us in raising awareness about the importance of environmental cleanliness and waste management.

“A clean environment is not just the responsibility of the government, but a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of all stakeholders.

“Finally, we would like to invite interested and capable private sectors to partner with the Kano State government for waste management and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

“I would also like to reiterate that the Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative is a bold step taken by His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf towards achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Kano State”, Hashimu stated.

Makinde Ignores Protests,  Presents Staff Of Office To Owoade As New Alaafin

By
Ayodele Oni
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Makinde Presents Staff Of Office To Owoade As New Alaafin

By Ayodele Oni

Oyomesis absent

Not minding the protests and looming legal tussle over the selection of new Alaafin of Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has presented staff of office and certificate of appointment to Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade.

The ceremony was held in the early hours of Monday, apparently to beat any possible court action which can possibly stall the ceremony.

It was held at the governor’s office in Ibadan, the state capital and was attended by some political office holders.

Governor, Seyi Makinde, had on Friday approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The announcement was made in a statement  by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. Owoade succeeds Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who joined his ancestors about three years ago.

Oyelade explained that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi.

According to the statement, “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo.”

Five Oyo Kingmakers, traditionally known as Oyomesi, however faulted Governor Seyi Makinde, over the choice and endorsement of the new Alaafin of Oyo.

Their protest and disagreement just before the appointment of  Owoade to the revered stool came in form of a letter addressed to the Governor by the Kingmakers.

The letter to the Governor follows described as unnecessary a new selection process of Alaafin after they had concluded the process and agreed on Prince Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect.

The letter, signed on behalf of the Kingmakers – Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele, the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, a Warrant Chief who stood in for Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji, and a Warrant Chief who stood in for Alapinni of Oyo, Chief  Gbadebo Mufutau – Adekunle Sobaloju, SAN, said the Governor’s action in starting a new process, is a direct disregard of a pending Court case regarding the selection process.

BREAKING: Obasa Impeached As Speaker As LAHA

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been impeached.

He was impeached for gross misconduct, misuse of office.

Hon. Lasbat Meranda has been named as the new Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly.

It was gathered that the removal of Obasa was rife following his activities that has been a major issue, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade in.

His removal was cemented when President Tinubu came for festivity in Lagos State, with his abuse of power discussed, leading to his removal.

Details Later……

“Iam Not Owing: Hold Judiciary Accountable For Workers’ Ordeal”  –  Gov Otti To NBA

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst a five day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Bar Association ,NBA ,for the resolution of the ongoing face-off between the Judiciary workers and Abia State Government, Governor Alex Otti ,has denied owing workers salaries, including the staff of the Judiciary.

The Source reports that Judiciary workers in Abia, under the auspices of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, had on Thursday, January 2, 2025, resumed their suspended strike action .

The Workers earlier in October, 2024,  had embarked on an indefinite industrial action to press home their demands for improved welfare conditions, payments of accumulated entitlements, gratuities and the capturing of JUSUN in the payments of the new N70,000 minimum wage.

However, the strike action was later suspended following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the State Government and the Union .

The Workers cited the non- Implementation of the terms of the MoU as the major reason for reactivating the strike action on January 2.

Worried about the devastating effects of the strike action on the administration  of justice, the five branches of NBA in the State, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, called on the Abia State authorities to, within five working days, resolve the disagreement with the workers .

Rising from an emergency meeting in Aba, the Body of Abia NBA regretted that the  disagreement and resultant strike action has left the courts and left litigants and other stakeholders  stranded .

According to a communique jointly issued by the Chairmen of the five NBA branches of Aba, Ukwa, Isiala Ngwa ,Umuahia and Ohafia, the locking up courts has led to anguish on the part of pretrial inmates, stalling of criminal prosecutions, as well as denying citizens access to justice.

But ,reacting to the NBA position on Sunday, January 12, 2025, the State Governor Dr Otti, insisted that the Judiciary arm should be held accountable for any disruption in the payments of the workers salaries and emoluments .

Speaking during a Church service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day ,in Umuahia, the Governor informed that ,his administration does not  pay the Judiciary workers directly, but remits funds to the Judiciary arm for the purpose .

He noted that  his Government had since December, remitted over N300 million to the coffers of the Judiciary for the payments of the workers salaries

He therefore insisted that his administration  should not be blamed for any lapses in the payments of the workers salaries ,including the new minimum wage .

“This is a Government that does not owe its workforce .It is untrue that Judiciary workers have not been paid .

“The problem began with the approval of the N70,000 minimum wage .At that time efforts were made to engage  the Judiciary workers the same way the organized labour was interfaced with on  how to work out the payments .

“But the Judiciary staff refused to cooperate, and instead initially opted to carry out their own independent computation .

“The matter at a point got serious ,so I personally intervened and engaged with the state’s ChiefJudge .We reviewed their (Judiciary workers ) calculations of the new minimum wage, band discovered several errors ,which were subsequently corrected.

“Based on the reconciled templates , on December, 24, 2024, we remitted the sum of N 283 ,242 ,318 .50 to the Judiciary’s account for salary payments.

“I personally worked with the Accountant General ,the Commissioner for Justice ,and the Finance Commissioner to ensure that the processes were completed before the Christmas .

“Later, we remitted another N 27million to the Judiciary, bringing the total to about N 300 million, including making provisions for the payments of 13th month salary as was given to others in the state .

“Judiciary is an independent arm of the Government. Our job is to remit the money to their account ,and it is their duty to pay their workers.

“Curiously, as at this morning, (Sunday January, 12 2025), they have refused to pay their workers. So, we should not be blamed for the inability of the workers to receive their salaries.

“We have done our own part. The workers are yet to receive their salaries due to delays within the Judiciary”, Governor Otti stated.

House Owners To Pay Insurance -NAICOM

By
James Orji
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0
burning Building

The Federal Fire Service has insisted that house built in the country must have insurance cover.

This is the agreement reached between the service and the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, which said in a statement that home owners must obtain insurance policy against potential risks, including fire outbreaks, natural disasters amongst others.

Most home owners in the country don’t have insurance covers for their buildings. This is partly due to the perception that insurance is a dubious business, analysts say, insisting that many insurance companies reneged in paying indemnity to their clients.

Many buildings in the country are prone to fire hazards, which are mostly caused by environmental challenges and other human made factors

In the new agreement between NAICOM and the Fire Service, it was agreed that insurance cover for bullrings have many benefits that cannot be over-emphasized.

NAICOM said in a statement that the level of penetration will go up once building owners begins to obtain insurance cover, adding that apart from the benefiting the country economically the buildings will also be protected.

NAICOM said in the statement, “The Federal Fire Service, as a key member of the committee on insurance of public buildings and buildings under construction, has agreed to integrate Fire Insurance Policy into their checklist. This move aims to boost compliance levels and promote insurance penetration in Nigeria.

“The partnership is expected to have far-reaching benefits, including improved settlement for beneficiaries of building collapse victims, mitigation of potential risks, protection of investments, and promotion of economic growth.”

Highlighting the key aspects of the agreement, NAICOM said, “Enhanced compliance, as the integration of the fire insurance policy into the Federal Fire Service’s checklist will ensure adherence to insurance regulations.

“Improved insurance penetration: Increased awareness and uptake of insurance products among building owners and developers. Risk mitigation: Proactive measures to minimise potential risks associated with building collapse and other related hazards, and Economic growth: Contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth through increased investment, job creation, and financial stability.”

First Bank Vs Obaigbena:  Smear Campaign Against Me Will Not Stop Recovery of Over $700m Debt- Otedola

By
The Source
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Prince Nduka Obaigbena and Femi Otedola

By James Orji

Femi Otedola, the Chairman of First Bank Nigeria Holdings, FBNH,  says he will not be deterred by alleged smear campaign against him by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, intended to stop the recovery of $718 million debt allegedly owed the  commercial bank by the latter.

FBNH is the parent company of First Bank Nigeria Limited, FBN.

The magazine reports that a company promoted by Obaigbena, General Hydrocarbons Limited, GHL, is currently enmeshed in a loan saga with Nigeria’s oldest bank.

Otedola  said what mattered to him is the interest of the commercial bank’s shareholders, and no media campaigns can stop the recovery of the humongous loan, allegedly, owed by Obaigbena.

On December 30, the Federal High Court  in Lagos, ordered all banks operating in Nigeria to freeze all the banks accounts operated by GHL and Obaigbena, including those of Efe Damilola Obaigbena and Olabisi Eka Obaigbena.

It was granted following a debt recovery suit filed by the bank against GHL.

The order was issued by Justice Deinde Dipeolu in suit FHC/L/CS/2378/2024, who directed all the banks operating in the country to stop condcuting  financial transactions with  the  Obaigbenas until the loan issue is resolved.

As at the time the order was issued, over $225m belonging to Obaigbena and his other concerns held in these banks were frozen.

Obaigbena, in his response to the court order said the loan was used appropriately to finance the operation of OML 120, Deep Offshore Nigeria, for which First Bank has benefited as a partner.

He claimed that the deal rescued First Bank from the ‘abyss’, because “through our collaboration, we have resolved FBN’s financial challenges and discovered crude oil to the glory of Nigeria”.

But reacting, Otedola, in a statement he personally signed, titled “Response to Obaigbena’s smear campaign”, accused the media mogul of diverting the loan he obtained to finance an oil block, to fund his ostentatious lifestyles and the presidential campaign of  Godwin Emefiele, the immediate past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

According to him, the loan was facilitated through Emefiele without ‘competitive bidding’, adding that rather than repay the loan, Obaigbena  has embarked on media campaign to tarnish his image.

The loan, Otedola claimed, was used for the “acquisition of luxury properties abroad, the operation of a private jet, and an extravagant $68 million spent on jet rentals in just four years,’ according to him, adding that the ‘blackmail’ to stop the bank from recovering the loan will not work.

Following, Otedola’s statement:

“My attention has been drawn to articles published by ThisDay (on Thursday, January 9 and Friday, January 10, 2015), clearly instigated by Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, filled with baseless allegations aimed at smearing my reputation. It is unfortunate that Mr Obaigbena has resorted to such tactics simply because he has been asked to repay his $230 million loan.

“This loan, facilitated with the help of the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, was purportedly for the operation of an oil block which he obtained without competitive bidding.

“However, the funds were diverted for personal use-funding Mr Emefiele’ presidential aspirations,  acquisition of luxury properties abroad, the operation of a private jet, and an extravagant $68 million spent on jet rentals in just four years. Mr Obaigbena’s profligacy is well known, as is his penchant for using his media platforms to blackmail and silence those who hold him accountable.

“As Chairman of First Bank Holdings, my primary responsibility is to protect the interests of the bank’s shareholders and depositors. The actions initiated in the courts are necessary to recover funds that belong to depositors and ensure corporate governance.

“Mr Obaighena’s penchant of blackmailing people to escape accountability must end, especially when depositors’ money is at stake. My commitment to upholding the integrity of the financial system and protecting depositors outweigh any cheap attempts at blackmail.

“Let me remind the public that my integrity is not in question. As Chancellor of Augustine University and a benefactor of Save the Children Fund, I continue to dedicate my wealth to noble causes. I will not allow unscrupulous elements to derail the efforts of First Bank to recover loans or jeopardize the financial security of our shareholders.

“To all stakeholders, I assure you that I remain steadfast in my mission to protect First Bank’s integrity and ensure its continued success. Media blackmail will not deter me from this responsibility.

-Otè$”

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