We Didn’t Request For N5bn Yacht- Presidency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesperson, Tope Ajayi, has clarified that the President did not request the N5 billion presidential yacht proposed by the Nigerian Navy. This statement comes in response to the public outrage following the revelation of the N2.1 trillion supplementary budget submitted by Tinubu to the National Assembly. The supplementary budget included an allocation of N5.09 billion for the yacht, N2.9 billion for sport utility vehicles for the Presidential Villa, and an additional N2.9 billion for the replacement of operational vehicles for the presidency. The yacht was listed as part of the Nigerian Navy’s proposed capital expenditure of N42.3 billion. Ajayi expressed doubts about whether President Tinubu actually needed a presidential yacht to perform the functions of his office, suggesting that the request for such an expenditure likely had operational reasons within the Navy. Furthermore, Ajayi highlighted the need for more accurate reporting and transparency in budget descriptions, emphasizing that budgetary provisions for the State House are often misconstrued, leading to misleading headlines. He urged for a better understanding of the purpose behind such budget items, which often encompass state events, meetings, hosting VIPs, foreign dignitaries, and more, rather than personal expenses for the President and Vice President.
Case Against Tinubu: Atiku, Obi Know Fate On Thursday
The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its judgement on Thursday, in the cases of Peter Obi of Labour Party and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. The Petitioners are before the Apex Court challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) in favour of Tinubu. In a Notice of Appeal predicated on 35 grounds, Atiku told the apex court that the tribunal in the judgment delivered by Justice Haruna Tsammani erred on the side of law and miscarriage of justice in its findings and conclusion in the petition. He maintained that the Tribunal erred in law when it failed to nullify the presidential election held on February 25, 2023, on the grounds of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, when by the evidence before the tribunal, INEC conducted the election based on grave and gross misrepresentation contrary to the principles of the Electoral Act 2022, based on the “doctrine of legitimate expectation”. Obi on his part, wants the Apex Court to set aside the whole findings and conclusions of the Tribunal on the grounds that they did not represent the true picture of the grounds of his petition. Reacting, counsel to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents respectively, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for want of merit and for being frivolous. Specifically, Tinubu’s lawyer, Wole Olanipekun SAN described Atiku’s appeal as abusive in nature and ask it to dismiss it. Tinubu urged the apex court to act in like manner of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), by not only dismissing the appeal for lacking in merit and bona fide, but affirm his victory.
Unjust Silence, #ENDSARS Protesters And The Unending Calls For Justice
In October 2020, the #ENDSARS movement in Nigeria shook the world, demanding an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The movement was marked by peaceful protests, heartbreaking stories of injustice, and an outpouring of support from both within Nigeria and around the globe. However, the echoes of the #ENDSARS movement continue to resound, as more than 15 protesters, who once marched for justice, are still languishing in Lagos prisons. Their continued incarceration is a stark reminder of the injustices that persist in Nigeria, as well as the shocking cover-up by the Lagos State Government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The #ENDSARS movement emerged as a passionate and unwavering cry for justice in the face of police brutality. Nigerians, especially the youth, united in their demand for an end to the reign of terror imposed by the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The movement was marked by peaceful demonstrations, creative advocacy, and a call for genuine police reforms. Despite the promises of reform and justice that followed the #ENDSARS protests, police brutality has continued unabated, according to a recent Amnesty International report. Many Nigerians have become victims of this unprofessional and inhumane practice by Nigerian policemen who are supposed to protect them. The call for justice, which echoed across the nation, seems to have fallen on deaf ears within the law enforcement agencies. As the #ENDSARS protests unfolded, numerous activists were arrested. Among them were young individuals who, fueled by the hope of a better Nigeria, took to the streets to demand justice and an end to police brutality. It’s tragic that today they remain in detention, their dreams and aspirations on hold. These young activists, who dared to dream of a better Nigeria, are now caught in a web of injustice. Amnesty International’s recent report sends shockwaves through our understanding of justice in Nigeria. The report reveals that more than 15 #ENDSARS protesters are still being detained arbitrarily in Lagos prisons three years after the protests. This revelation is a disturbing testament to the failures of the justice system and the unaddressed human rights violations. While the world was watching, these protesters continued to suffer in silence. It is also deeply distressing that the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has failed to address the issue adequately. Their inaction in securing the release of these detained activists casts a dark shadow over the supposed commitment to justice and human rights. The Lagos State Government, which had the opportunity to lead by example, has instead allowed these young activists to languish in prison. The prolonged detention of these protesters is a gross violation of their human rights. The justice system is meant to uphold the principles of fairness and equality before the law. Yet, the silence surrounding their incarceration speaks volumes about the deeply ingrained issues within the Nigerian legal system. As the world stands by, the Nigerian justice system fails to deliver justice to those who fought for it. In the aftermath of the #ENDSARS movement, there were promises of accountability and justice for the victims of police brutality. However, these promises have yet to materialize. Accountability remains elusive, as the very individuals who stood for justice now face an unjust legal system. The expectations of the protesters for a more just and equitable Nigeria are slipping away, replaced by disappointment and injustice. The continued detention of these activists has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Organizations and governments around the world have expressed concern over the situation, demanding that Nigeria upholds its commitment to human rights and justice. The world is watching, and the call for justice is reverberating across borders. It is imperative that justice prevails. The Nigerian government, the Lagos State Government, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have a responsibility to right this wrong. The detained #ENDSARS protesters must be released immediately and unconditionally. Their unjust suffering and the anguish of their families must come to an end. The call for justice is not limited to Nigeria; it is a global demand for human rights and fairness. The #ENDSARS movement symbolized a collective demand for justice and an end to police brutality. Yet, the continued incarceration of its activists represents a failure of the justice system, and the silence of the Lagos State Government underscores a painful reality. As we condemn the prolonged detention of these activists, we must also demand accountability, justice, and a commitment to upholding the principles of human rights. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the promise of a better Nigeria, for which these activists fought, becomes a reality. In a world that watches closely, we stand united, declaring that the injustice faced by the detained #ENDSARS protesters will not be forgotten. The quest for justice continues, and it must not waver. The #ENDSARS movement, which ignited hope for a brighter future, must not be in vain. It is a call for justice, a call for accountability, and a call for human rights. The detained activists, who once carried the torch for justice, now await the day when justice will shine its light upon them. Their dreams, aspirations, and the hope of a better Nigeria remain unbroken. It is a testament to their resilience and the strength of their cause. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of those who demand justice, not only for themselves but for all Nigerians who deserve a life free from fear and injustice.
Augusta Oseodion’s Murder: Falana Vows To Ensure Speedy Extradition Of Killaboi
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has successfully engaged with Sierra Leone’s Inspector-General of Police, Fayia Sellu, in an effort to secure the speedy extradition of a Nigerian murder suspect, Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin, to Nigeria for prosecution. Nnanyereugo, who had been on the run, was declared wanted by the Nigerian Police Force in connection with the alleged murder of Miss Augusta Oseodion Onuwabhagbe, a student at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State. He was apprehended in Sierra Leone. In a statement released on Saturday, Falana, who represents the victim’s family, revealed his contact with Sierra Leone authorities regarding the matter. He stated, “I am in touch with the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, and Chairperson of the Transition Committee of the West African Bar Association, Madam Michaela Eddinia Swallow in respect of the matter.” He further added, “A few minutes ago, I had a telephone conversation with the Sierra Leonean Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Fayia Sellu. He assured me that he would cooperate with his counterpart in Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, in ensuring a speedy extradition of the suspect to Nigeria.” Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin had been declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command on October 10, 2023, after the alleged murder of his girlfriend on July 13, 2023. He had eluded authorities until he was arrested at a club in Freetown by Sierra Leonean police on Friday. According to a source, the suspect is currently being held in detention in Freetown, awaiting extradition to Nigeria to face charges. The source also revealed that the suspect had been active on social media even after the murder, using the victim’s phone. A concerned individual in Sierra Leone noticed the suspect’s social media activity and informed the deceased’s mother. She then contacted her lawyer, Chief Femi Falana (SAN), who assisted the family in reaching out to Sierra Leonean police authorities. The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Idowu Ohonbunwa, had directed the Lagos State Police Command to declare Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin wanted on October 10, 2023. Following this, the Sierra Leonean police initiated a manhunt for the suspect, ultimately leading to his arrest. The source revealed that Augusta was 21 years old when she was brutally murdered by the suspect, who claimed to be a real estate executive.
LASG Arrests, To Arraign 30 Environmental Offenders
The Lagos State Government has arrested about 30 environmental offenders for improper disposal of wastes and disregard for the state’s environmental laws. They will be arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The environmental laws enforcement team comprises officers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI. The offenders, who were apprehended in different locations, were said to be engaged in acts capable of defacing the environment and derailing efforts to entrench cleanliness in the metropolis. According to Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, the arrest and subsequent prosecution of people engaged in indiscriminate waste disposal shows that it is no longer business as usual. “The state government will not fold its hands and watch some elements derail efforts to maintain sanity in the city. “Today’s action will serve as a deterrent and warning to others. “The era of people hiding under the guise of darkness to dump waste at unauthorised locations is over; anyone caught will be prosecuted,” he told newsmen. He appealed to residents to acquire waste bins and regularly clean up their surroundings as government plans to commence full environmental checks on homes and business premises. The official reminded residents of their legal obligation towards a sustainable environment which included acquiring covered waste bins, shunning reckless waste disposal and mandatory patronage of assigned private operators. “It is imperative for every resident, householders and business owners alike, to be aware of their legal obligations regarding waste management. “Everyone must procure bins, engage with assigned private participants, refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal, maintain drains and clean the frontage of their establishments,” Wahab said LAWMA managing director Muyiwa Gbadegesin, on his part, urged households to imbibe the habit of sorting their wastes at source. “Such waste should be segregated into recyclables and non-recyclables and be disposed at designated waste bins recommended by LAWMA. “If we do this, it will reduce the menace of indiscriminate waste dumping that defaces the cityscape. “The responsibility for maintaining a clean environment is a collective one. It is not the sole duty of LAWMA or the state government. It is the duty of every individual, household and business owner in Lagos. “We are appealing to residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of wastes in public spaces as it poses significant health and environmental hazards. Violators of environmental laws will face severe legal consequences,” Gbadegesin said.
Tinubu Tells Supreme Court To Dismiss Atiku’s Appeal
President Bola Tinubu, who contested as the presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election, has officially requested the Supreme Court to reject the appeal filed by Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition party. Tinubu’s response, which was presented by his legal team, comes in response to Atiku’s notice of appeal. This move follows the prior judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on September 6, which dismissed Atiku’s petition challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election. The tribunal cited Atiku’s failure to substantiate the claims in his petition and concluded that his case lacked merit. Atiku subsequently filed a notice of appeal with 35 grounds before the Supreme Court on September 18, seeking to have the tribunal’s findings and conclusions overturned. He argued that the tribunal had made “grave errors and gross misrepresentations” that resulted in a miscarriage of justice. In his response, President Tinubu maintained that the presidential election petition tribunal had rightfully reached its verdict and upheld his election. He emphasized that the appellants had failed to substantiate their allegations and provide any compelling reason for the apex court to overturn the lower court’s findings. Tinubu also characterized Atiku’s appeal as “abusive in nature” and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss it. He stated that the appeal lacked merit and bona fide and urged the court to affirm the lower court’s decision. The legal battle continues as both parties await the Supreme Court’s decision.
Yoruba Nation Activist, Sunday Igboho Regains Freedom
Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has been released from custody in Cotonou, Benin Republic, after nearly two years. Igboho, in a statement, confirmed his freedom and stated that he can now return to Nigeria and travel worldwide as he has met all legal bail conditions. However, he did not specify when he plans to return to Nigeria. He expressed his gratitude to President Talon of Benin Republic, Professor Banji Akintoye, Professor Wole Soyinka, and various Yoruba indigenes, politicians, media, academia, and monarchs for their unwavering support during his trial period in Cotonou. Igboho also extended his thanks to religious leaders, traditional worshippers, and others who prayed for his release. While acknowledging the support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Baba Ayo Adebanjo, Igboho emphasized the importance of unity among Yoruba leaders and urged political figures and monarchs to work together for the betterment of Yoruba land. Igboho was initially arrested on July 20, 2021, in Benin Republic while attempting to travel to Germany.
Ozekhome’s Kidnappers Bag 20 Years Imprisonment
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja has sentenced the kidnappers of Prof Mike Ozekhome and and Delta Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Hope Eghagha and others to 20 years imprisonment. Their alleged offences are said to be punishable under sections 1(2)(f), 8(1)(b), 10, 15(1), 17, d 19 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011(as amended). The judgement, which was coming 10years after, had Kelvin Oniarah Eziegbe, Frank Azuekor convicted and sentenced for kidnapping and terrorism, which will commence from the date of their arrest. However, the court discharged and acquitted Michael Omonigho, a priest of a shrine, who was arraigned along with the convicts. According to the Judge, some of the 13-count charge for which the convicts were arraigned carry life imprisonment but she had to use her discretion to sentence them to 20 years imprisonment. Justice Nyako ordered the transfer of the convicts from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the correctional centre to serve their imprisonment. Earlier before the sentencing, the convicts prayed Justice Nyako for mercy in the sentencing saying that, they have never been convicted for any offence before now. The first convict. Kelvin Eziegbe specifically pleaded the court for mercy in the sentencing because of his health challenges which he had been battling with since the past ten years he had been in the custody of the DSS. While the counsel to the convicts, Mr. Bala Dakum joined the convicts in pleading for mercy in the sentencing, the prosecution counsel, Chioma Onuegbu reminded the court of the gravity of the offences for which the convicts were convicted. Speaking shortly after the judgement, Counsel Onuegbu expressed gratitude for the judgement as she said it will serve as a deterrent to other criminals that the office of the criminal justice act are working. Ahmed Tijani counsel to the fourth defendant in the charge sheet, Haruna Momoh, who was said to have escaped from custody said his client, slammed with a five-count charge, bordering on kidnapping and terrorism did not escape from lawful custody. The court had, in the judgement told the DSS to find, arrest and arraign the 4th defendant to face his trial, a directive Tijani said, will be addressed, “When we get to the bridge”. Charges against the convicts, who were docked in 2023 include, conspiracy to commit terrorism act to include kidnapping, accessory to act of terrorism, inciting persons to commit act of terrorism, recruitment, escape and abetting escape. The duo of Eziegbe and Azuekor were, accused in counts two and three of conspiracy to commit terrorism act of murder by shooting and killing five police officers and two prison officials; commuting of intentional murder by shooting to killing five police officers and two prison officials. Azuekor was accused, in count seven, of escaping with others from lawful custody when the prison vehicle in which they were being conveyed to court was allegedly attacked by Eziegbe and others. Michael Omonigho was accused, in counts 12 and 13 of acting as the group’s herbalist by providing “spiritual and moral support” to it, and failing to reporting the groups activities to security agencies.
Alleged $280m Libel: Ex-NNPC COO Ewubare Demands N2bn, Apology From Whistleblower
A former Chief Operating Officer of Joint Ventures and Business Development at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Chief Roland Ewubare has demanded the payment of N2 billion damages from Mr George Uboh, for publishing a libelous and untrue story against him in his online platforms. Ewubare is demanding immediate retraction of the libelous story published online on 12th July 2023 and tender a full and unqualified apology (to be given a prominent place on the front page of seven widely read/circulated newspapers including his various platforms and on the internet to his client. His counsel, Ojonimi S. Apeh Esq., in a pre-action notice dated July 13, 2023, and addressed to George Uboh, is demanding a solemn declaration from Uboh, never to libel his client (Ewubare) again through his platform or any other means. Ewubare’s lawyer gave Uboh, not later than 7 days from the date of receipt of the notice to comply with the demands of his client or face prosecution. Apeh stated that Uboh had through his online platform named as George Uboh TV (GUTV) and George Uboh Magazine, published and or disseminated a story to the world titled: “Re: Mele Kyari, Roland Ewubare, Belema Oil, Jack-Rich Tein, etc Involved In $280 USD Fraud Allegation”. The said story had alleged among other things that George Uboh Whistleblowers Network (GUWN) was availed of documents germane to illegal transfer of $280 million USD to Belema Oil producing Ltd tied to a phantom servicing of Oil Well OML 55. However, Apeh stated that the allegations in the publication were “absolutely force, untrue, malicious, unfounded, wicked, mischievous, reckless, libelous and calculated to cause him to be shunned, avoided or exposed to hatred, ridicule, contempt, opprobrium before millions of Nigerian citizens and others worldwide and to convey an imputation on him, disparaging or injurious to his person, career and office as a responsible citizen”. “Our client, Chief Roland Ewubare is a law abiding Nigerian and is an urbane, upright, incorruptible, transparent and well-mannered gentleman who had occupied several offices in the past wherein he led with strict adherence to the rule of law, accountability, prudence and deep sense of patriotism” Apeh stated. The lawyer posited that by the content of the publication, particularly the allegations, insinuations and or innuendos contained therein or arising therefrom, Uboh had clearly portrayed his client as “corrupt, kleptomaniac, devious, inhumane, dubious, irresponsible, and somebody who uses his position to foster and perpetrate corruption and self-aggrandizement. “All these you have deliberately done with the view to lowering our client in the estimation of right-thinking members of the society, nationally and internationally. “It is clear that your story is not only untrue, but a well orchestrated plan to harmfully malign and hurtfully libel our client before members of the public and humiliate him. “It is also clear that your story is a fabricated one considering that you could not provide any concrete fact or evidence to back your fictitious allegations which is within the limited purview of your imaginations. “Notwithstanding that the allegations contained in your publication are untrue and false; you have published them mala fides, with the intention to ridicule our client before the whole world and rubbish his hard-earned reputation for excellence and damage the good career and reputation he has built over several years. “Be it known to you that our client is not a criminal. Apeh stated that since the false and malicious story was published and has continued to appear online, Ewubare has been inundated with several calls and still continues to receive phone calls, messages and mails from the international community and top government officials in and outside Nigeria and several phone calls from his friends and associates all of whom have seen and read the bundle of lies as contained in the publication. “Many of these personalities have indeed openly expressed serious concerns as to his alleged conducts as reported and or published by your organization, which allegations they claimed will definitely affect their continuous dealings with him. “As a result of your dastardly publication of this deliberate falsehood against our client, he has suffered and continues to suffer severe humiliation, mental and emotional anguish, pain and suffering. Apeh said the action of Uboh has not only caused his client unquantifiable damage, but also loss of good will and destruction of reputation.
Atiku’s Lawyer Accuses Tinubu of Submitting Forged Certificate To INEC
Following the release of President Bola Tinubu’s academic records by the Chicago State University, Kalu Kalu, a lawyer representing Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, has made allegations that Tinubu submitted a counterfeit degree certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the elections. Kalu, who spoke in a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, contended that despite Tinubu and his supporters vehemently denying the allegations, the documents obtained from Chicago State University support the claims of forgery. He pointed out several discrepancies, including the use of a female name on the qualifying certificate from South West College to Chicago State University, indicating that the document may not belong to Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Additionally, he said that the admission form from Chicago State University suggests that Tinubu attended Government College Lagos and graduated in 1970, even though the school was established in 1974. “The document indicates that the certificate’s owner is a black American, contradicting Tinubu’s claim of not having dual citizenship. Finally, there is an inconsistency between the name “Ahmed” on the document from Chicago State University and “Adekunle” on the NYSC certificate submitted to INEC,” Kalu argued. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is seeking to overturn Tinubu’s election through legal means after the Presidential Election Tribunal dismissed his petition. As part of this effort, he initiated a case in the United States to obtain the President’s academic records, which have now become a subject of controversy. Kalu emphasized that the Supreme Court, under established legal principles, allows for the introduction of fresh evidence under certain conditions, which he believes have been met in this case. He asserted that a party found to be at fault should not be permitted to benefit from its illegality according to the law.