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Ondo Gov Poll: APC Alleges Presence Of Fake Soldiers

November 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Less than 24 hours to Saturday’s Governorship Election in Ondo State, the Idanre Local Government Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has raised an alarm on alleged importation of fake soldiers to different rural communities of the local government.

A chieftain of the APC in Idanre, Kolawole Olomola said the soldiers were allegedly imported into Idanre by a known PDP chieftain.

This is just as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announced deployment of 6,000 personnel to ensure a secure and peaceful environment for the Ondo State governorship election.

The APC leader added that the fake soldiers were seen riding on scores of motorcycles around 1:00pm. He further said that the fake soldiers are now hibernating at the rural communities of Idanre.

Kolawole further alleged that he had received reports from rural community leaders of Idanre that fake soldiers had been sighted and hibernating in their communities.

He also talked of the panic that the fake soldiers are causing in the rural communities of Idanre.

The APC chieftain further claimed that it has been ascertained through local intelligence that the fake soldiers were allegedly imported to Idanre to intimidate APC supporters, and to also disrupt peaceful conduct of the governorship election in the rural communities of Idanre.

Kolawole however expressed deep worry on the dastard plans of the well known PDP chieftain in Idanre.

He reiterated that plan of the PDP chieftain was to intimidate, maim, kill and prevent the people of Idanre from coming out peacefully to vote for the governorship candidate of their choice.

Kolawole has therefore called on all the relevant security agencies to immediately mobilize their personnel to the rural communities of Idanre, to dislodge the fake soldiers.

He lamented that the peace loving people of Idanre were only looking forward to a peaceful and credible election, and not political violence

“I am calling on the relevant security agencies to immediately come to the rescue of the peace loving people of Idanre. The needful must be done to dislodged, arrested and prosecuted these fake soldiers. We are peace loving people in Idanre, and we are only craving for a peace election, and not war from fake soldiers”, Kolawole lamented.

NSCDC stated that thedeployment is part of the corps’ efforts to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election process, according to Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the NSCDC is fully prepared to contribute to the success of the election.

The personnel will include specialized units such as the Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Agro Rangers Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit (CBRNE), K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, and Election Monitoring Unit (EMU).

These units will provide comprehensive security coverage across Ondo’s 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units.

Philip Ayuba, Officer in charge of the election, emphasized the importance of providing a secure environment for voters to exercise their rights.

He noted that the NSCDC has made adequate arrangements to prevent any disruptions and ensure the protection of utilities. Ayuba also appreciated the role of the press, acknowledging the Police as the lead agency and the NSCDC as a sister agency.

“The NSCDC’s deployment is not limited to election-day security; personnel will also safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure, secure INEC officials and ad hoc staff, and monitor the entire election process until the results are announced.

“The Intelligence and Investigation Department will focus on preventing political violence and curbing potential election-related unrest.

“In conclusion, the NSCDC’s deployment demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible election in Ondo State. With a strong presence across the state, the corps is well-prepared to address any security challenges that may arise during the election.”

NJC Fires Imo Chief Judge, Chikeka, Orders Her To Return Three Years Salaries, Allowances

The Source

November 15, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Mahdi, retired for age falsification too, and ordered to refund 12 years salaries, allowances.

The National Judicial Council, NJC, has come down hard on the Chief Judge of Imo State, the Honourable Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka.

In its 107th meeting held in Abuja, and presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, the Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the NJC asked the Imo State Governor to retire her with effect from 2021.

Justice Chikeka was also ordered to return all salaries and allowances paid to her since October 27, 2021 to the coffers of the NJC.

The NJC found Chikeka guilty of falsifying her age. She should have retired since 2021, the NJC said.

The “battle” to get Chikeka retired from office over age falsification had been on for almost one year. It began when a petition was written against her to the Imo House of Assembly. The House found her guilty and recommended her retirement but the battle was not over as she resorted to legal battles to clear her name and save her job.

But the NJC found her guilty of age falsification and ordered that she refunds all salaries and allowances paid to her from 27th October, 2021, till date.

NJC: “The recommendation was pursuant to the findings of the Council that His Lordship has two different dates of birth: 27 October 1956 and 27 October 1958.

However, 27 October 1956 appeared consistent date of birth, but in 2006, the Chief Judge swore to an affidavit changing the date of birth to 27 October, 1958.”

The NJC also retired the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi of age falsification. He was found guilty of having three different birth dates – 10 December, 28 January and July, all in 1959. But his actual birth date was 1952.

For that, “The Council, therefore, resolved to recommend Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi for compulsory retirement to the Governor of Yobe State and that he should refund all salaries and allowances received for the past 12 years.”

“Don’t Push Us To The Wall” – Aggrieved Workers Omitted From Abia Salary Arrears Payments Warn

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 15, 2024

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A serious industrial crisis is brewing between the Abia State Government and the State Civil and Public servants over alleged discriminatory payments of the ongoing salary arrears.

The Source reports that the Governor Alex Otti-led administration had, on October 2024, commenced the instalmental payments of the over 35 months salary arrears owed workers of some MDAs and Educational institutions.

The State authorities said they will off-set the about N17.5 billion inherited salary arrears over a period of 12 months, effective last September.

But the commencement of the payments has triggered a novel problem as a large chunk of the supposed beneficiaries ,including sacked workers and retirees, have been curiously omitted.

The development, this magazine authoritative gathered, has been generating anger and frustrations among the staff and individuals concerned, with many of them threatening to embark on protest marches and strike actions.

Only on Thursday November 14, a massive protest planned by teachers in the state to draw attention to their exclusion from the payments of the salary arrears was aborted by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board ASUBEB .

Junior secondary school teachers from across the 17 Local Councils of the State had concluded arrangements to converge on the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia for a mega protest over their exclusion from the ongoing payments of salary arrears.

However, an obviously jittery ASUBEB Management led by Lydia Onuoha, was alleged to have, in concert with Principals of the various Junior Secondary schools, frustrated the protes.

“But they are wasting their time because if they continue to exclude us from the payments we will not just protest, but down tools.

“The fact of the matter is that we, under ASUBEB, are being owed 11 months salary arrears.

Four of the months were incurred when we were still under Secondary Education Management Board, SEMD.

“Now that we have been transferred to ASUBEB, we are being owed seven, and when put together, we are being owed 11 months .

“But surprisingly, when the payments of the arrears commenced in September, our counterparts in the senior secondary schools were paid, but we were omitted.

“After asking us to resubmit our details, and documents which we did, we were still not paid when the second tranche was made in October.

“The worst is that nobody is explaining to us what is happening . Based on that, we decided to stage a protest march on the Government House in Umuahia, but with the agreement to converge on the FMC Umuahia first from all the 17 local Governments.

“We scheduled the protest for Thursday, November 14, 2024. But on Wednesday November 13, we received information that School Inspectors will be coming on Thursday and that any teacher not found on seat will be adjudged to be a ghost worker.

“This was how they frustrated our protest march. But they are wasting their time because if in paying the third tranche of the arrears we are still omitted we will take a drastic action”, one of the Coordinators of the aggrieved teachers told this magazine.

However, several calls ,sms and WhatsApp messages put across to the Chairperson of ASUBEB Lydia Onuoha ,for a response were rebuffed.

The Source reports that the ASUBEB scenario is playing out at almost all the MDAs and educational institutions involved in the payments of the salary arrears.

At the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba,( Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic) hundreds of workers, unjustly sacked between 2019 and 2021 were inexplicably left out of the payment of salary arrears .

As at the time they were sacked in 2019 ( 254 staff) and 2021(98 workers), they were owed 16 months and 23 months salary arrears respectively.

Similarly, those that were retired by the authorities, or voluntarily left the service were also omitted.

Their strong protestations against the treatment melted to them have, so far, fallen on deaf ears particularly from the Government side.

While the Management of the Polytechnic has shown enough empathy to the plight of the sacked and retired workers most of whom are presently looking not too different from moving corpses, they are yet to attract the attention of the Government.

Findings by this Magazine revealed that the same ugly development is playing out at the College of Education Arochukwu, College of Health Sciences Aba, Abia State University Uturu ,Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba and Hospitals Management Board Umuahia, with several hundreds of sacked and retired workers left out of the salary arrears payments.

It has been authoritatively gathered that the affected workers are bracing up for a serious show down with the Government if the omission continues during the third tranche of the payments.

“Well, for now, we want to respect, and at same time. acknowledge the concern so far shown by the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Christopher Kalu to our plights.

“He has been supportive, and sympathetic to our pligh, and so far, has done much to draw attention to our situation.

“But if the authorities continue to neglect us, certainly we will not neglect ourselves. This is because in a situation where empathy rules, we, the sacked workers ,most of whom were retrenched on political grounds, ought to be the first to be paid before anybody so that we can pick the pieces of our lives back .

“But that is not the case now. We pray that nobody will be pushed to dance naked on the street”, a sacked Abia Polytechnic Staff and Union Leader volunteered .

Peter Obi: Clarifying The False Claims Made By Contractor

The Source

November 15, 2024

By Valentine Obienyem

Recently, misinformation has been circulating, claiming that Mr. Peter Obi, during his tenure as Governor, owed a contractor ₦36 million for a supply. This baseless allegation appears to be a calculated act of blackmail.

It is worth noting that, during Mr. Obi’s administration, over 5,000 contractors and suppliers worked with the government. Yet, curiously, only one individual has come forward with such a claim. Six months before Mr. Obi left office, public announcements were made – through newspapers and other media channels – urging contractors or suppliers with unpaid claims to come forward for resolution.

The person behind this allegation is Chief Ikem Okeke from Nri. Notably, Chief Okeke’s mother served as Commissioner for Education in Mr. Obi’s government for several years. It is left for investigative journalists to unearth what he benefitted in the Ministry under his mother and against Obi’s policy that those in government should not award contracts to their sons and daughters.

The baseless allegation of a debt of 36 Million Naira was known in government. It was a contract that was duly settled, where the contractor was just trying to be clever and has gone to court and everywhere and yet lost out.

These claims are not only unfounded but also represent a disingenuous attempt to tarnish Mr. Obi’s reputation by an individual who now aligns with an opposing political camp. As Mr. Obi has always maintained, he is not a saint. However, his record in private, corporate, and public life remains unrivalled and exemplary.

A Lawyer and Obi’s Aide wrote from Awka

AFCON 2025: Osimhen Equals Odegbami’s Goal Scoring Mark, As Nigeria Books AFCON Ticket

Akinwale Kasali

November 15, 2024

Super Eagles - Ademola and Victor Osimhen

By Akinwale Kasali

The 81st minute strike by Galatasaray Football Club Forward, Victor Osimhen, secured the Super Eagles of Nigeria the ticket for its 21st African Cup of Nation, AFCON, appearance at the continental showpiece.

The Coach Gernot Rohr led Benin Republic team had taken a first half lead in Abidjan, before a late equaliser from the reigning African Footballer of the Year, put the Cheetahs’ prospects for qualification on the wire.

The game played under driving rain inside the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, produced a number of interesting moments, but the biggest was when Osimhen celebrated wildly as his 81st minute header sailed past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and not only secured Nigeria’s first place in the group, but also put him at par with the legendary Segun Odegbami in goals’ tally for Nigeria.

Both are now joint second to the top man, Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) who scored 37 goals in 58 matches.

Osimhen’s goal, in which he profited from a pinpoint cross from Moses Simon, and restored parity on the night after Mohamed Tijani’s goal for the Cheetahs in the 16th minute, was his 23rd for the senior team.

Odegbami, the former captain of the team who took the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations finals by the scruff, scored his 23 goals in 46 matches.

The downpour ushered the two teams into a game of two halves, with the Cheetahs keeping possession and running rings round the Super Eagles for large swathes of the first period. However, Tijani’s header from a cross by the vibrant Junior Olaitan that found the net by going through the legs of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, was against the run of play.

Minutes earlier, Alex Iwobi had miscued when Osimhen headed down the ball for him from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, and Osimhen himself was foiled by Dandjinou just before the Cheetahs struck at the other end.

Nwabali was alert to punch away as Olaitan broke loose three minutes later, and it was ding-dong until four minutes before the break, when Osimhen should have scored from a brilliant Onyemaechi cross, only to watch the ball roll away from goal after his header.

In the 55th minute, Ademola Lookman and Osimhen caused anxious moments at the Benin Republic rear, but Olaitan also got close after Captain William Ekong and Olaoluwa Aina fumbled with the ball down the line. Onyemaechi, coming forward a lot, saw his shot roll agonizingly away from goal just after the hour, and Osimhen headed wide away in the 74th minute as the Cheetahs began to nurse hopes of a win.

Osimhen had other ideas. His goal sent the Super Eagles to Morocco 2025 as group winners, and ensured the Eagles remain unbeaten in the AFCON qualification campaign going into their last game of the series, against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.

Rwanda, with five points from their five games after an unexpected 1-0 loss to Libya in Kigali also on Thursday, must beat the Super Eagles in Uyo and hope that Libya overwhelm Benin Republic in Tripoli on Monday, to spring to second place and collect the second ticket to the finals from Group D.

“It was a tough game and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equalizer. The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen said.

Finally, Bwala Goes Back To His Vomit, Accepts Ngelale’s Job From President Tinubu

Adesina Soyooye

November 15, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

One year after he publicly resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, in protest against President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, a Lawyer, has gone back to his vomit.

Bwala was a visible face in the APC, and a vocal voice too, but he noisily resigned from the party in the months running up to the 2023 Presidential Election, in protest against the choice by then candidate Tinubu of Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate. Both then candidates are Muslims.

Denouncing, very vehemently, the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Bwala said it was dangerous for the country and that it would spell doom for the APC.

Bwala, then, joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and, thinking a big fish has swam into its net, the Party quickly appointed him the Spokesman for its Presidential Campaign Council.

But no sooner did the Muslim-Muslim ticket clinch the Presidential seat than Bwala began to sing a new song. He began romancing President Tinubu hotly, and became a strong defender of the President’s policies. He visited him in the State House, and flaunted the picture they took all over the Social Media.

Now, President Tinubu has not only taken note, he has forgiven Bwala his sins as he did for a number of people. He has blessed him with an appointment.

On Thursday, President Tinubu appointed Bwala as

his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications (State House). He is the replacement for Ajuri Ngelale who, sensationally too, resigned, citing a sudden, unexplained health issues in his family which he needed to concentrate on and take care of.

Bwala’s appointment was announced by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga also announced Tinubu’s appointment of three Directors-General of various Agencies.

They are:

■Mr. Olawale Olopade — Director-General, National Sports Commission

■ Dr. Abisoye Fagade — Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism

■Dr. Adebowale Adedokun — Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement

Onanuga: “Olopade, the new Director-General of the National Sports Commission, is a sports administrator with many years of experience in the sector.

“He served as commissioner of youth and sports in Ogun state and was chairman of the local organising committee of the 2024 National Sports Festival.

“The new Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Abisoye Fagade is a marketing communication professional. He is the founder and managing director of Sodium Brand Solutions.

“Adedokun, the new helmsman of the Bureau of Public Procurement, was the director of Research/Training and Strategic Planning at the bureau before his appointment.”

FBN Holdings Shareholders Approve N14bn Dividend, Oyedeji As New GMD

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 15, 2024

The shareholders of FBN Holdings have unanimously approved a total of N14.4 billion as dividend for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2023.

They gave the approval at the company’s 12th Annual General Meeting which was conducted virtually on Thursday.

The approved dividend translated to 40k per share.

At the Annual General Meeting, Dr Alimi Abdul-Razaq, representing the Chairman of FBN Holdings, Femi Otedola, who was regrettably unable to attend, sought the approval of the shareholders for the appointment of Adebowale Oyedeji as the incoming Group Managing Director.

Oyedeji a seasoned professional with a proven track record in the financial sector would succeed Nnamdi Okonkwo at the conclusion of his tenure.

The transition in leadership marks a significant milestone for FBN Holdings as the Board of Directors aims to ensure continuity and drive sustainable growth for the organisation.

Oyedeji’s wealth of experience and strategic acumen position him as a fitting candidate to steer the company towards achieving its long-term objectives while upholding its commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

Abdul-Razaq said the decision to appoint Oyedeji reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership capabilities and vision for the future of FBN Holdings.

In addition to the current N150 billion right issue, the company sought shareholder’s approval for an additional N350 billion at the AGM.

“It is important to note that these funds will be allocated carefully and strategically to support the bank in achieving its objectives and fulfilling its obligations to its stakeholders.

“The prudent use of these combined funds will enable the bank to strengthen its financial position, enhance its operational capabilities, and better serve its customers and the community at large.

“This significant capital injection reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and value creation, while also ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

“As we move forward with this proposal, we remain dedicated to transparent communication, effective governance, and responsible decision-making to secure the long-term prosperity and success of the firm,” Abdul-Razaq said.

During the meeting, the outgoing Group Managing Director, Okonkwo delivered an insightful address regarding the current trajectory of the company, emphasising the positive momentum within the firm.

He highlighted a remarkable 134 per cent surge in gross earnings over the nine-month period.

As a consequential outcome, the firm experienced an impressive 124 per cent escalation in bottom-line performance, recording an outstanding total of N611 billion.

Okonkwo underscored the significance of sustaining the growth as demonstrated in the recently concluded financial report.

He expressed unwavering confidence in the company’s capabilities and assured shareholders of the strategic initiatives already in motion.

“This commitment reflects the leadership’s steadfast dedication to driving the firm towards further success and prosperity, he said.

Okonkwo’s address not only celebrated the achievements of the past years but also laid a foundation for continued progress and excellence.

His reassurance serves as a testament to the company’s resilience and determination on the path ahead.

“Today, we have 42 million customers in First Bank flagship operation, we have 15.6 million subscribers on USSD platform, we have 6.6 million mobile phone subscribers. In agency banking, nobody comes near us, we have over 270,000 agents across the country,” Okonkwo said.

A shareholder, Mrs Bisi Bakare expressed her admiration for the exceptional leadership demonstrated by the Chairman of FBN Holdings, Femi Otedola, as well as the board and management of the company.

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She highlighted Otedola’s significant positive impact on the share price of FBN Holdings, which surged from N3.85 to N35 under his guidance.

She, however, called for increased dividend payouts from FBN Holdings Plc in the years ahead.

Also, the shareholders gave their approval for the capital raise of up to N350 billion by the year 2025.

The decision to raise N350 billion will be through various financial instruments and opportunities such as public offerings, private placements, and rights issues in both local and international capital markets.

The pricing mechanisms for these activities will be determined through rigorous valuation methods such as book building processes, ensuring transparency and fair market value

Ogun LG Elections: Fun Lovers Postpone Parties, Govt Declares Friday Holiday

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 15, 2024

Party lovers in Ogun state have been forced to postpone their events slated for Saturday November 15 due to the local government elections in the Gateway state.

The Governor Dapo Abiodun-led state has slated tomorrow for the election to elect new officers to manage the 20 Local government areas in the state. As a result residents that have earlier decided to organise parties have now moved their events to another date.

This also comes as the state government has declared Friday November 14 public holiday, which according to the government is to enable civil and public servants to participate fully in electing their representatives at the grassroots level.

Some fun lovers who spoke with the magazine said they have no other option since the government has already restricted movement of people and vehicles within the period of the elections.

“We already fixed a wedding for tomorrow. But had to shift the date because of the election. Who will attend the event when vehicles are not allowed to move. Are your guests going to fly to the event centres? One person told the magazine.

Another person told the magazine that the burial ceremony of his father had earlier been scheduled before “the government decided to conduct the election. But the government is supreme. What are we going to do when the government has already made the decision for us. We have no option than to postpone,” he said.

A circular signed by the state head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, on Thursday said the governor approved the holiday so that government workers could fully participate in the election.

The HoS said elections will take place in the 20 LGAs and 237 wards in the state, according to the guidelines provided by the election umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The head of the workers in the state sadi the declaration of a work-free day is in line with “Governor Abiodun’s efforts to prioritise the welfare and participation of citizens in the democratic processes.”

The state is among some states in the country that recently decided to conduct LGAs elections following the July landmark judgment fo the Supreme Court affirming autonomy to the 776 LGAs in the country.

Analysts familiar with what is going on informed the magazine that the state governments are rushing to conduct the elections to avoid the seizure of allocations from the federal government.

The Tinubu administration has warned the 36 state governments in the country, that no local government elections, no allocations of funds.

Power Failure: Enough Of Rhetoric- Minister

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 15, 2024

Nigeria’s power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu says the federal government is now taking concrete steps to address the nation’s electricity problems.

According to Adelabu, the government has now decided to match promise with words in order to finally resolve the incessant power outages in the country.

The minister spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the 4th edition of the annual workshop organised by the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria, PCAN.

The minsiter was represented at the event by the Director, Renewables & Rural Access in the ministry, Sunday Owolabi.

He said successive administrations in the country had promised to address the challenges even though the problems persisted, stressing that the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu will go beyond mere rhetoric to tackle the challenges in the sector.

Adelabu’s admonition comes when Nigerians are already giving up hope on the ability of the country’s authority to address the decades of power problem in the country.

For instance, the national grid had collapsed at least 10 times this year, the recent being two weeks ago when electricity customers were against thrown into darkness, while businesses suffered.

Speaking yesterday, Adelabu said the government is now ready to move from rhetoric by taking practical steps to address the problems of electricity failures, saying “we resolute in our mission to improve the power supply for every Nigerian.”

To achieve this, the minister stated that huge investments are being made in the sector to close “infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks,” apart from other reforms that the government has embarked on to turn the tide in the sector.

He said, “For many years, we have had discussions, deliberations, and strategic dialogues on the challenges facing the power sector. We have heard the calls for reform, the promises of growth, and the visions of a brighter energy future.

“Yet, it is clear that words alone will no longer suffice. We have reached a pivotal moment where the time for action has arrived. Our citizens, industries, and economy can no longer wait for promises; they demand results.

“The government remains fully committed to transforming Nigeria’s power sector through meaningful and actionable reforms. We are focused on ensuring that our policies are not only visionary but also practical, impactful, and sustainable.

“From the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks, to the vital reforms in distribution and the full implementation of the electricity market, we are resolute in our mission to improve the power supply for every Nigerian.”

The magazine reports that the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, while speaking on the problems facing the sector, said endemic corruption is to blame.

Uzodimma Mourns Justice Ogwuegbu, Says He Was Imo’s Special Gift To Nigeria

The Source

November 15, 2024

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has described the late Justice Emmanuel Ogwuegbu as one of the special gifts Imo State gave to Nigeria.

Justice Ogwuegbu whose impact was felt in the judiciary for more than 50 years, and eventually retired from the Supreme Court (1992-2003), hails from Amainyi in Ihitte- Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.

He was aged 91.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Imo State Governor said his principal is greatly pained over the loss.

He said Justice Ogwuegbu was an illustrious Nigerian legal icon from Imo State, a respected ambassador who will be missed sorely.

He said Imo people are consoled by the fact that Justice Ogwuegbu was one of their special gifts to Nigeria as a country and the judiciary as an institution.

Governor Uzodimma said that Justice Ogwuegbu’s enduring legacy of mentoring equally great minds in the country’s legal institution, and his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity and rule of law in Nigeria will not be forgotten in a hurry.

The Governor therefore conveys his heartfelt condolences, on behalf of his family, the government and people of Imo State, to the late Justice Ogwuegbu’s family, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the entire judiciary, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Governor Uzodimma also prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful repose.

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