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Why I withdrew Suits against Dele Farontimi – Afe Babalola

by Folarin Kehinde January 27, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Renowned lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw the cases instituted against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

The decision comes after a midnight meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top traditional rulers.

It can be recalled that Babalola petitioned the police commissioner in Ekiti State, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in a book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’. Consequently, Farotimi was arrested and arraigned before two courts in Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and cyber-bullying.

Despite pleas from prominent personalities, Babalola went on with the defamation suits. He said appeals were made to him from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah and others.

However, after the intervention of the Ooni and other traditional rulers, Babalola agreed to withdraw the cases.

Speaking at ABUAD, the lawyer said, “If you go through the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you will find that he attacked many judges by names, he attacked Supreme Court judges, and none is bothered, but I am bothered. I am bothered because of where and how I started life, from the farm to where I am.

January 27, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Terrorists dare Wike, Kidnap Five in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde January 27, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Terrorists, popularly known as bandits, stormed the Chikakore community in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday evening, kidnapping five residents, including an entire family.

The heavily armed terrorists, numbering about 20, arrived at the Health Centre extension axis of Chikakore around 11 pm.

According to police sources, the attackers targeted the homes of their victims, including Adesiyan Akinropo, a resident from the Southwestern part of Nigeria. The bandits kidnapped Akinropo, his wife, his son, and a visitor, as well as another neighbour, bringing the total number of abducted persons to five.

The attack also left a woman severely injured, with a deep wound on her head inflicted by the butt of a gun. She was rushed to the hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries.

It is understood that police operatives from the Byzahin division arrived at the scene an hour and a half after the incident, but the attackers had already escaped with their victims.

“The bandits have resumed attacks in Chikakore. We need a police division here in this community. We have land and a five-bedroom apartment already built to accommodate the police but there is no deployment yet.

“In the Sunday incident, the policemen came one and a half hours after the bandits had escaped with their victims,” a resident lamented.

A meeting between the police and community leaders has been scheduled for Monday to discuss the incident.

January 27, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Security Tightened at Lagos Assembly Amid Obasa Impeachment Controversy

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 27, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Security at the Lagos State House of Assembly was heightened on Monday ahead of the plenary session, following the controversy surrounding the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Reports indicate that assembly officials have been directed to present valid identity cards to access the premises. A notice to staff, signed by Omotayo Adekemi on behalf of the Acting Clerk of the House, Taiwo Ottun, emphasized the enforcement of the directive.

“Regarding management directives, all staff members and legislative aides must present valid identity cards to access the House premises,” the notice stated. Ottun further warned that individuals without proper identification would be denied entry.

The Lagos State Police Command has reportedly assured its readiness to maintain order during the proceedings, regardless of how events unfold.

Meanwhile, Obasa, who has contested the validity of his removal, insisted that due process was not followed, maintaining that he remains the speaker.

“I am not disturbed or perturbed, and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations leveled against me by the House,” Obasa said.

He added, “I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and I am the longest-serving lawmaker in the House.”

January 27, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Impeachment: Obasa fights back, insists on due process

by Folarin Kehinde January 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The embattled and ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has maintained that his removal as Speaker was unconstitutional, saying that the due process was not followed.

Recall that Obasa was removed by 35 out of the 40 members of the assembly on January 13, 2025 over allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds and replaced with his former Deputy, Mojisola Lasbat-Meranda.

I present news like rap music to keep young people informed – Joshua Gapsiso0:00 / 0:00

Obasa, spoke on Saturday amid cheers from members of Mandate Movement and politicians from some local governments in the state at the official residence of the Lagos Speaker in GRA, Ikeja.

The former speaker stressed that the allegations made against him by the lawmakers could not be substantiated, and that he is the most experienced lawmaker in the assembly having been elected six times since 2003.

“I thank you for your support and dedication. I will take this advantage to debunk the allegations that were circulated and raised about me

“Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico.

“How can they say we bought one Hilux bus for N1billion each and that we bought 40 pieces for N40 billion. Talking about Thanksgiving, they should compare the one they said we spent N200 million on and the one organised by the state government.

“I am not disturbed or perturbed and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations levelled against me by the House.

“I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and I am the longest serving lawmaker in the House,” he said.

The former speaker added that it was important that the due process ought to have been followed before his removal.

According to Obasa, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police led police officers to invade the state assembly on the day of the removal, adding that over 200 policemen also invaded his private residence in Agege and blocked the gate, while they prevented members of his family from going out of the house.

“I am not afraid of being removed, after all it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.

“They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Lagos is a special place, we cannot denigrate the state.

January 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Notorious Terrorist Kingpin, Turji Bello Ready to surrender – Military

by Folarin Kehinde January 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Friday disclosed that notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, has declared that he is ready to surrender.

With his second in command and other lieutenants recently taken out by the military, the Chief of Defence Staff said that Turji has been forced to discard most of those under him, signalling his willingness to lay down his arms.

“They (terrorists) are within the communities; the people know them. So, sometimes when they see them, before you get the information, it’s like two hours – the man has moved. So, when the information gets to you before you move, he has left that area.

“But I can tell you, we have taken out his second in command, we have taken out most of his lieutenants, in fact, he is forced now to release most of the people under him. I am telling you that recently he is beginning to say that he doesn’t want anything, he is ready to surrender,” General Musa said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Despite Turji’s reported willingness to surrender, the Defence Chief maintained that anybody who has engaged in killing innocent citizens must not be spared.

“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go, people like him should not be allowed to stay,” General Musa said.

Following its continued onslaught on Turji, the military on Wednesday said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised his second in command of notorious Aminu Kanawa.

A statement by the Defence Director, Edward Buba, said the troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Turji’s close allies identified as Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).

The military also said the troops neutralised several of Bello Turji’s key commanders namely: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others.

Over 24 fleeing terrorists from Bello Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State were also neutralised, according to the statement.

January 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

“I will end my career as secondary school teacher” Peter Obi

by Folarin Kehinde January 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023, Mr Peter Obi on Friday said he will retire to Onitsha as a secondary school teacher to inspire students.

Obi said this while teaching final year students of Dennis Memorial Grammar School in Onitsha, to mark the international day of education.

“I was just passing by when I decided to mark the International Day of Education here with you. I told myself there was need for me to come here and speak to students.

“I also know that tomorrow will mark the 100 years of existence of this school, so I came to be with you.

“Education is the most important thing in your life. It is the most important capital, equipment that you need to be successful. That you are here is a sign that you’re already a success.

“I’m here to encourage you, you are acquiring the best and some of you are potential governors and presidents and you must take your education seriously.

“In this school in 1970, I was at the gate here to salute General Gowon who visited, and joined other children to sing for him, but through education I was able to grow to the point where I sat with him on the same table and made decisions.

“I hope to retire to Onitsha someday, and take up a teaching job to inspire children,” Obi said.

January 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

FG’s Open Treasury Portal Inaccessible as Budget Presentation Nears Completion

by Folarin Kehinde January 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

It is budget presentation season in Nigeria yet the Open Treasury Portal (OTP), a platform designed for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to report daily transactions and enable public financial monitoring, has been down for days.

FIJ observed the portal’s inaccessibility on Monday and the issue remained unresolved at press time. Since then, FIJ has called the department through the phone line available on the webpage to no avail. No one answered the calls.

In December 2019, former president Muhammadu Buhari launched the Open Treasury Portal as part of his administration’s commitment to transparency. The portal was intended to ensure the “timely availability of financial information” for civil society groups and citizens.

Buhari had said that all MDAs must publish daily reports of payments above N5 million. He also mandated that the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) release daily treasury statements detailing inflows and outflows.

“The AGF and all accounting officers must publish daily payments reports,” Buhari said during the launch.

“With these reports, the treasury will publish payments of at least N10 million, and all MDAs must provide answers to any questions from the public regarding their transactions.”

With the portal’s current unavailability journalists, citizens, and observers who rely on it to track government spending, are at a loss, especially during a critical time for fiscal information sourcing.

The need for transparency is particularly pressing because Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the budget for the 2025 fiscal year on Wednesday. During the presentation, the president had pegged the 2024 budget performance by Q3 at 85% for expenditure and 75% for revenue.

But Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, had recently passed a bill to extend the running of the 2025 budget to June 30, 2025, because of performance reasons. Akpabio had said that capital expenditure performance for the 2024 fiscal year was at 50% and recurrent expenditure at 48%.

“We have noted the 2024 budget performances… Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget,” Akpabio said.

A 50% performance for capital expenditure means only half of the planned projects for 2024 had been funded, while a 48% recurrent expenditure performance indicates that less than half of the allocated funds for salaries, overheads and debt servicing had been used.

Meanwhile, FIJ found that Nigeria had spent only 38% of its allocated funds for capital and recurrent expenditures across all MDAs as recently as September’s end, according to the Open Treasury Portal.

The portal’s inaccessibility contravenes the guidelines set by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Section 7.3.1 of the guidelines mandates that all government websites remain operational at all times.

Source: FIJ

January 25, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Tinubu names Hon. Shola Olofin, Ganduje, Magnus Abe, 42 Others As Board Chairpersons, CEOs

by Folarin Kehinde January 25, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Hon. Shola Olofin as Chairman Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and 44 eminent Nigerians as chairpersons and Chief executive officers into various boards.

Tinubu also appointed Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as board chairman of Federal Airport Authority Of Nigeria (FAAN) and the 2023 governorship candidate of the APC in Kano State, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as the chairman of Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria (FMBN).

According to a statement by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, made available to journalists on Friday, Senator Magnus Abe was also appointed as board chairman of National Agency For Great Green Wall, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as board chairman of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and Hon. Hilliard Etta as named Chairman of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The statement read in part: “The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).

“President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive”.

See full statement below:

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

APPOINTMENT OF BOARD CHAIRPERSONS AND CEOS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services.

The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).

President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.

All the appointments take immediate effect:

NIGERIAN SOCIAL INSURANCE TRUST FUND
– Hon. Shola Olofin, Chairman (Ekiti)
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
– Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman (Lagos)
FEDERAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA, MINISTRY OF AVIATION
– H. E. Abdullahi U. Ganduje, Chairman (Kano)
NATIONAL SUGAR DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
– Sen. Surajudeen Bashiru Ajibola, Chairman (Osun)
NIGERIA BULK ELECTRICITY TRADING COMPANY
– H. E. Sulaiman Argungu, Chairman (Kebbi)
NATIONAL AGENCY FOR GREAT GREEN WALL
– Sen. Magnus Abe, Chairman (Rivers)
NATIONAL TEACHERS INSTITUTE
– Barr. Festus Fuanter, Chairman (Plateau)
NATIONAL BOARD FOR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION (NBTI)
– Raji, Kazeem Kolawole, Director-General (Oyo)
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
– Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman (Rivers)
TEACHERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
– Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Chairman (Adamawa)
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND
– Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Chairman (Gombe)
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
– Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa, Chairman (Abia)
SHEDA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX
– Sen. Abubakar Maikafi, Chairman (Bauchi)
FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA
– H. E. Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman (Kano)
NATIONAL OFFICE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND PROMOTION
– Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chairman (Lagos)
NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE
– Chief D. J. Kekemeke, Chairman (Ondo)
NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY
– Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, Chairman (Sokoto)
NATIONAL STEEL COUNCIL
– Prof. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Chairman (Nasarawa)
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
– Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad, Chairman (Kaduna)
NATIONAL BIO-SAFETY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
– Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, Chairman (Niger)
FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE
– Hajia Zainab A. Ibrahim, Chairman (Taraba)
NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION
– Dr.Kayode Isiak Opeifa, Managing Director (Lagos)
FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDO-EKITI
– Aare (Hon.) Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, Chairman (Ogun)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ABEOKUTA
– Mr Abdullahi Dayo Israel, Chairman (Lagos)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ASABA
– Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile Idele, Chairman (Edo)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, LOKOJA
– Nze Chidi Duru (OON), Chairman (Anambra)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWERRI
– Hon. Emma Eneukwu, Chairman (Enugu)
CIVIL DEFENCE, IMMIGRATION AND PRISONS SERVICES BOARD
– Major Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik Rtd, Secretary (Kano)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, UMUAHIA
– Mr. Uguru Mathew Ofoke, Chairman (Ebonyi)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YENAGOA
– Barr. Felix Chukwumenoye Morka, Chairman (Delta)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YOLA
– Alh. Bashir Usman Gumel, Chairman (Jigawa)
DAVID UMAHI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, UBUHU, EBONYI STATE
– Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Chairman (Imo)
NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY
– Chief Edward Omo-Erewa, Chairman (Edo)
NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA)
– Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, Chairman (Kaduna)
NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE
– Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Chairman (Borno)
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SHIKA, ZARIA, KADUNA STATE
– Hon. Lawal M. Liman (Chairman)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE KATSINA
– Dr. Abubakar Isa Maiha (Chairman)
RAW MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (RMRDC)
– Isa Sadiq Achida, Chairman (Sokoto)
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE BIRNIN KUDU
– Dr. Mohammed Gusau Hassan, Chairman Zamfara
NATIONAL BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
– Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, Chairman (Nasarawa)
SOKOTO-RIMA RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
– Amb. Abubakar Shehu Wurno, Chairman (Sokoto)
AMINU KANO TEACHING HOSPITAL
– Augustine Chukwu Umahi, Chairman (Ebonyi)
FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP BOARD
– Engr. Babatunde Fakoyede, Chairman (Ekiti)
NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS, MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
– Hon. Hillard Eta Chairman (Cross River)

January 25, 2025 0 comments

Exclusives Headlines

Breaking: CBN sacks Deputy Governor’s aide Olakunle Abiola for certificate forgery

by Leading Reporters January 24, 2025

written by Leading Reporters

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso has allegedly sacked Mr. Olakunle Abiola, aide to Deputy Governor of Central Bank Ms. Emem Usoro for falsification of National Youth Service Corp, NYSC certificate, LeadingReporters can authoritatively reveal.

A discreet CBN source who is in the know revealed that Mr. Olakunle Abiola, popularly known in CBN circles as Deputy Governor’s Henchman DGH was relieved of his duty upon discovering that his NYSC certificate was forged.

Although, it was learned that following the intervention of Abiola’s principal, Ms. Usoro, and to avoid being prosecuted, Abiola was said to have been given the option of resigning his appointment with CBN.

Mr. Abiola, prior to his shameful dismissal worked for United Bank of Africa, from where Ms. Usoro was said to have moved him to Central Bank of Nigeria. An insider source said that Abiola had worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria before joining UBA and latter returned to CBN when his principal was appointed a deputy governor. Others sources said that Abiola unceremoniously left CBN some years back when the bubble of certificate forgery first burst.

Years later, he returned to Central Bank of Nigeria with Ms. Usoro, who immediately promoted him from being her aide to an Assistant Director.

Olakunle Abiola was responsible for facilitating the employment of his old time friend Adesoji Ogungbesan. Recall that LeadingReporters has previously published the backdoor arrangement that saw Adesoji Ogungbesan being employed as an Executive Director, Corporate Services in one of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s sister company, Nigeria Security, Printing and Minting Plc. Mr. Adesoji was interviewed and recommended for the position of a senior manager only to end up as an Executive Director through a backdoor arrangement facilitated by Mr. Abiola and his principal, Deputy Governor Usoro.

January 24, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: Confusion as Tinubu appoints two chairmen for Federal govt institute

by Folarin Kehinde January 24, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement of board appointments for 42 federal agencies has raised eyebrows after an apparent duplication of positions emerged.

Two individuals, Hon. Durosimi Meseko from Kogi State and Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa from Nasarawa State, were both named as chairmen of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI).

The error, which was contained in a press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has led to widespread confusion.

Hon. Meseko was listed as the chairman of NBRRI at number 21 on the list, while Hon. Inuwa was also designated as chairman at number 41.

President Tinubu, in the original statement, stated that the roles of board chairpersons are non-executive and warned against interference in the day-to-day management of the agencies.

However, the directive risks being overshadowed by the conflicting appointments. As of now, no official response has been issued to explain or resolve the duplication.

The announcement, which included appointments for managing directors, directors-general, and board secretaries, took immediate effect.

January 24, 2025 0 comments

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