Category: News

Amid the rise in Nigeria’s security challenges, Sheik Ahmad Gumi met with ex-president Obasanjo.

In the few details made available about the closed-door meeting, Obasanjo and Gumi are not the only ones present – The popular Islamic cleric as part of efforts to solve the security challenge has been meeting with various stakeholders.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday, April 4, popular Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi behind closed doors in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

The ODUDUWA NEWS reports that Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo’s spokesman, confirming the meeting said the former president and Gumi were not the only people present. According to Akinyemi, it is a stakeholders meeting held at Obasanjo’s residence. Talks between both men may be connected to insecurity in Nigeria.

The case of alleged N900 millio leveled against the former JAMB Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde has taken a new dimension as Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has extended its ongoing investigation of a former Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, to his children.

The ICPC, in a recent statement, claimed its operatives arrested Ojerinde in Abuja on March. 15, 2021 over allegations that he misappropriated about N900 million while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO).

Lawyers to Ojerinde dIsclosed ICPC’s extension of investigation to the ex-JAMB boss’ children in some documents they filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In an affidavit filed along with an application, the lawyers claimed the ICPC (listed as the sole respondent) has extended its investigation to three of Ojerinde’s children.

They said: “The respondent has now further invited the applicant’s children, Mr. Adedayo Ojerinde, Hon. Olumide Ojerinde and Dr. Oluwaseun Ojerinde.”

Olumide is representing Irepo/Olorunsogo/Oorelope Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

The lawyers added that the ICPC has written the children “to come to their office for questioning based on realm of speculations, and this also is an attempt to restrain the liberty of the children in a bid to frustrate the applicant and his family.”

Lilian Nwazue, of the firm of K. S. Olorunishola & Co, said although the ICPC earlier granted Ojerinde an administrative bail on conditions which he met, the commission invited him last week and suddenly altered the conditions.

Nwazue claimed the new conditions “are very inhibitive which is indicative that the respondent does not want to allow the applicant bail.”

On March 29, 2021, Ojerinde’s lawyer, K. S. Olorunishola moved a fundamental rights enforcement application.

Olorunishola prayed the court for among others, an order “allowing the applicant to continue to enjoy the administrative bail already given to the applicant by the respondent, pending his arraignment and:or trial.”

Justice Inyang Ekwo, after listening to Olorunishola, noted that the current situation in Ojerinde’s case, as described by his lawyer, has nothing to do with fundamental human rights at this time.

Justice Ekwo said should Ojerinde be eventually arraigned before a court, there are legal provisions for bail upon arraignment, which the lawyer could rely on.

The judge then told the lawyer to “look at the law well before you leap into the deep concerning this.

“Though the court has the power to allow the administrative bail to continue, I do not think I can exercise power for him to be released on administrative bail,” he said.

The ICPC, in its statement, claimed Ojerinde has been detained by the Commission for questioning over allegations of multiple identities, abuse of office, money laundering, tax evasion and making false statements to public officials.

“The former JAMB boss is also being questioned by the Commission for allegedly awarding fraudulent contracts to shell companies which cannot be traced.

“He was alleged to have awarded contracts for the supply of pencil and eraser at the cost of N450 million each, to Double 07 Concept Limited and Pristine Global Concept Limited, respectively, between 2013 and 2014 while heading JAMB.

“There is no evidence to show that the items which are examination materials were supplied as the contractors cannot be found.

“Similar contracts were allegedly awarded to Solid Figures Limited, Holywalk Limited and other companies for various sums without any trace of executions.”

Nwazue added, in the supporting affidavit to the fundamental rights enforcement application that Ojerinde “is being investigated by the officers of the respondent over allegations of offence(s).

“He has been on the administrative bail of the respondent for about a year or thereabouts and he has never jumped bail and/or refused to honour any invitation of the respondent at any time

“He was invited by the respondent for an appointment which he promptly honoured by taking flight all the way from Ilorin, Kwara State to Abuja, FCT having had to leave Abuja for urgent medical treatment.

“Upon his arrival at the office of the respondent in Abuja his biometrics was taken and made to write a statement after which, he was given a letter purportedly revoking his bail and at the same time, admitting him to bail on other inhibitive conditions.

“The applicant has every reason to believe that the respondent is deliberately using its office to deny the applicant his right to personal liberty and freedom of movement and intimidate him.

“The applicant is on medication because of his deteriorating health and any act curtailing his personal liberty will only deny him access to good health care as he needs to constantly see his doctor because of his health conditions.

“The new bail conditions given by the respondent are very inhibitive which is indicative that the respondent does not want to allow the applicant bail.

“The essence of bail is to ensure that the applicant presents himself to the authorities or the commission as in instant case, at any time his presence is needed for any investigation or questioning.

“The applicant has never jumped bail and will never jump bail if allowed to be on the administrative bail of the respondent based on the earlier bail conditions.

“The applicant has not and will not interfere with the investigation of the allegations connected with this matter by the respondent in any way.

“The sureties that undertook for the applicant are still willing, having not seen any reason to withdraw their suretyship over the applicant and available to guarantee his presence or attendance at the office of the respondent any time his presence might be needed.”

EASTER: DELE ADEOLA FELICITATES CHRISTIAN FAITHFULS

The honourable member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola has felicitated Christian faithfuls on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.

This was contained in a statement personally signed by him and made available to ODUDUWA NEWS on Sunday.

Adeola in his words said, Easter period signifies moment when Christians all over the world embark on fasting for 40 days, praying fervently, and lastly celebrate the final day as the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Easter is filled with several lessons that all must learn from, we must begin to reflect on the significance of the day which symbolizes love, selflessness and sacrifice”.

The statement further read in part: “The commemoration of Christ’s death and resurrection is a reminder of His virtues of harmony and peaceful coexistence among humanity.

“There is no gainsaying in the fact, that Nigeria is battling with a lot of challenges, from economic hardship to insecurity but these are surmountable if we all come as one to confront them as no challenge is insurmountable where unity of purpose thrives.

Adeola, while wishing the good people of Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, a happy Easter celebration urged them to be modest in their celebration and continue to adhere strictly to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Happy Easter.

Former Lagos State Governor and leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has condoled the family of late Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin who died yesterday.

This was contained in a statement personally signed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and made available to newsmen as read in part:

“Like millions of Nigerians, I received with profound shock the news of the death early this morning of Mr. Yinka Odumakin, spokesman of Afenifere, committed fighter for democracy, dedicated civil society activist, courageous and outspoken defender of whatever ideals and principles he believed in and a patriotic citizen in every sense of the word.
Ever since his student days, Odumakin had been fearless and unrelenting in speaking up in promoting the cause of justice and what he perceived as the best interest of the citizens of Nigeria. He participated actively at the forefront in the various students and youth struggles against successive military dictatorships in the 1980s and 1990s. In the process, he was arrested, harassed and even detained several times. Yet, he never allowed himself to succumb to tyranny or be pressured into submissive and pliant silence.

“In the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the perpetuation of military dictatorship, Odumakin was never found wanting. He was at the vanguard of the battle even at the risk of his life and liberty. It is impossible to credibly tell the story of the emergence of the democracy we enjoy in this dispensation today without emblazoning Odumakin’s name in gold. He was a doughty fighter for freedom and the rule of law. He was rock solid in his commitment to Afenifere, the Yoruba people and the several other civil society groups in which he played active roles.

“Odumakin never held public office. But he has been a constant feature and part of our public consciousness over the last two decades of this unbroken democratic dispensation. He epitomized the true definition of the citizen; a patriot who was ever conscious of the fact that his life could not be complete or his humanity meaningful if he did not take an active interest in and join likeminded fellow citizens in seeking always to promote the common good of his community and country.

“In the course of the last two and a half decades, Odumakin and I had cause to collaborate in various organizations and in pursuit of different political causes at different times and I can testify to his capacity for hard work, his brilliance, his tenacity in his loyalty to his cherished principles. Even if we differed politically, I had no cause to doubt his sincerity in charting his chosen path. He will forever remain a model of what a citizen who places the good of his country above his personal interest could be. For, given his talents and abilities, Odumakin could easily have opted to focus on his personal welfare and that of his family rather than embroil himself in the several struggles he dedicated his life to.

“It is certainly not fortuitous that his wife, the indefatigable Amazon, Dr Joe Odumakin, was Yinka’s comrade in struggle and active collaborator in fighting for justice, liberty and the dignity of the underprivileged. They were iconic soul mates in the ceaseless battle for a better and greater Nigeria.

“I join millions of Nigerians in condoling with Dr. Odumakin and her family in this sad hour. May God comfort and strengthen them even as they take solace in the massive outpouring of grief nationwide at Yinka’s painful passage.

“I also express my heartfelt condolences to Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Afenifere leader, and all other leaders and members of Afenifere as well as all Yinka’s associates in the civil society movement. His life vividly demonstrates once again, in the immortal words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo that “it is not life that matters but the courage you bring into it” and that it is not how long we live but how well and productively that matters. Odumakin is gone. But he lives on in the memory of millions of his compatriots. May his soul rest in peace”.

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has felicitated with Christians in the state, and the country at large, on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration, urging them to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peaceful co-existence, and sacrifice for the common good. The Governor admonished that development and growth can only take place when the people are united.

Dr. Fayemi in his Easter goodwill message urged Christians not to lose sight of the lessons of love and sacrifice which are the hallmarks of Easter – an annual event marking the end of the 40 days Lenten period, as well as the commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

According to Dr. Fayemi “The Easter season should serve as a reminder of the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resurrection.”

“Our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ exemplified the virtues of selflessness, love and tolerance during his period on earth. As followers of Jesus Christ, all Christians should use the season as a period to reflect on their individual and collective roles in promoting and sustaining love, peace and harmony in the country.”, he added.

Governor Fayemi further called on Christians to pray for God’s intervention in the country’s efforts at tackling various challenges, especially insecurity, adding that no challenge is insurmountable where unity of purpose thrives.

While wishing Ekitikete a happy Easter celebration, he urged Christians to be modest in their celebrations and continue to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols as laid out by the government and health authorities.

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the death of the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, as a personal loss of a good brother and a great loss to the Yoruba race.
Makinde, who stated that the news of Odumakin’s passage came as a rude shock and leaves him in a sad mood, commiserated with Dr. Joe-Okei Odumakin, wife of the late Afenifere chieftain, members of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group and the entire Yoruba nation.
He described the late Afenifere spokesman as a true Yoruba son, who embodied the ethos of Omoluabi, a dogged and true fighter of the Yoruba cause and an advocate of good governance.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as adding that Odumakin’s death has created a huge vacuum in Yorubaland and Nigeria.
The governor said: “Words failed me as I accept the news of the death of a wonderful brother and friend, a true Yoruba son and a true fighter of the cause of our nation, Yinka Odumakin.
“This is a personal loss to me, a huge loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria, because Odumakin, apart from being a true Yoruba son and an embodiment of the Omoluabi ethos, is an advocate of good governance and true federalism.
“I commiserate with his dear wife, Dr. Joe-Okei Odumakin, the Afenifere family and the entire Yoruba nation on the death of a true son and friend of the Yoruba nation and I pray to God to grant everyone of us the fortitude to bear this loss.
“While we submit to the will of God Almighty, who retains the right to spare or to kill any mortal, we are convinced that values and ideals that Odumakin fought for in his lifetime have not died with him.”

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun has disclosed that citizens of the State should disregard a voice note message urging people in Ibadan to stay indoors on Friday 22nd of January due to a purported ultimatum issued by some individuals to a Fulani Community in Igangan, Ibarapa area of Oyo State.

Recall that Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has warned individuals to respect the constitutional rights of any Nigerian to live anywhere in the country in a peaceful manner and condemned the said ultimatum in a state broadcast to the people of the state

A voice note, being circulated on Wednesday by one woman from London simply known as ‘Remi’ has urged residents of Ibadan to stay indoors on Friday so as to avoid any crisis that might arise from the outcome of the ultimatum issued to the Fulani Herdsmen Community in Igangan.

Olatubosun said the message was targeted at causing panic among the people and to tarnish the efforts of the present administration in tackling insecurity in the State.

He said Oyo State indigenes at home and in the diaspora ought to give support to the government and not to cause disaffection and unnecessary panic over an issue that has been adequately addressed by the government and concerned security agencies.

He added that the people of the State, especially in Ibadan should go about their businesses without fear of molestation or attack from any quarter.

“It is funny to hear that somebody was sending voice note from London, warning Ibadan people not to venture out on Friday because of an ultimatum issued to a Fulani Herdsmen Community in Igangan, in Ibarapa area.

“This is an issue that has been addressed by the government that nobody has the power to give such ultimatum, the constitution of Nigeria does not allow for it, especially when the said Community is not constituting security threat to lives and properties of the people.

“The government of Oyo State and security apparatus are working around the clock to give the people of the State the required peaceful atmosphere that will engender economic growth, we therefore urge our people, especially in Ibadan to ignore the voice note message and go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation or attack from any quarter.”

Dr. Olatubosun called on the people of the State to be wary of scaremongers who he said could create psychological crisis where such was not in existence.