The Nigeria’s president-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu has dispelled rumour flying around the social media that he was in the UK to hold a secret meeting with the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola.
In a statement made available via his campaign spokesman, Bayo Onanuga as read in part:
“Our attention has been drawn to the grossly fake, misleading and malicious story about the Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola disguising to meet President-elect Bola Tinubu in London.
“The story was a pure concoction from the hallucinating minds of hatchet men bent on creating doubts and public distrust about the legitimacy of our recent election, which was won by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We refute emphatically that there has been no clandestine meeting between the President-elect and the respected Chief Justice of our country, any where. It’s pure fabricated news, groundless in fact and authenticity.
“To show that the story was a mere salacious fiction, meant to draw traffic to the discredited purveyor, it claimed the Chief Justice left Nigeria for London on 11 March, on a wheel chair to board a plane.
The President elect left Nigeria on 21 March, 10 clear days thereafter. What kind of appointment or secret meeting will the two men have arranged in London, with so wide disparate arrival dates, except in the imagination of the false news merchants?
We can confirm that the President-elect, who left Nigeria Tuesday has not been in London. He is right now in France to have a deserved rest, after a hectic campaign that began in January 2022.
He will go to London thereafter before proceeding to Mecca for the lesser Hajj.
As we move towards inauguration on 29 May, 2023, Nigerians should expect more false and salacious news from a section of the Nigerian media, on the payroll of the opposition.
We urge the media once again to cross check their information from the President-elect media office before rushing to press.
Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID) a group of Nigerian professionals in the Diaspora supporting the Governor Seyi Makinde-led government, has congratulated Governor Makinde on his well-deserved landslide victory in the just-concluded gubernatorial election in the state.
In a congratulatory message signed and made available to newsmen by OID convener, Mr Moses Eledan, he described Governor Makinde’s resounding win as a testimonial to the confidence and trust that the good people of Oyo State have in his stewardship and vision to continue with his giant strides for good governance.
He added that the election results reflected the wishes of the people of Oyo State as the majority of the voters have overwhelmingly voted to re-elect the people’s governor, who represents the government of the people for the common good of all as against some power grabbers that place selfish interest above citizens’ welfare.
Mr Eledan emphasised that Governor Makinde ran an impressive campaign with his progressive values of fairness, equity, justice, and honesty based on his vision for the citizens as outlined in his manifesto, Omituntun 2.0.
“The governor’s victory is an inspiration to everyone, especially the younger generations, and the outcome of the election demonstrated people’s will, hope, freedom, and a true democracy in action,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Eledan said: “Governor Makinde is a progressive leader and a promise keeper who promises what he will do and does beyond what he promises. We commend the effort and support of all members of OID, SMV, and GSM Network for their selfless services and contribution towards making the victory of Governor Seyi Makinde’s re-election a reality.”
The group also applauded the good people of Oyo State for re-electing the people’s Governor Makinde for a second term in office to serve and consolidate on his numerous achievements that have touched the lives of the citizens tremendously.
Mr Eledan also appreciated God the Father for the victory and stated that the group is proud to be associated with Governor Makinde who is the Founder and Visionary Leader of Omituntun.
“Governor Makinde has inspired optimism through proven achievements that under his stewardship, the state will continue to experience growth, stability, and sustainable development in all areas of governance”.
“Once again, we sincerely congratulate His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde for the overwhelming victory for his re-election. We will continue to support and engage the government with innovative ideas aimed at advancing societal upliftment for the development of Oyo State. We pray that God will grant him good health, strength and wisdom for more innovative accomplishments as he renders the service of good governance to take Oyo State to imitable heights,” he added.
A foremost lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Barrister Ahmed Raji has reacted to a news reported by an online media that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kayode Ariwoola was sighted at the United Kingdom in a wheelchair, purportedly in a meeting with the President-elect of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the report is false and aimed at tarnishing the image of the apex court.
Raji, who issued a statement on Thursday evening at Ibadan said Justice Ariwoola went to London on Saturday for his routine medical check-up and returned to Nigeria on Thursday morning.
Media reports on Wednesday indicated that Tinubu left Nigeria for medical reasons after a rigorous political activities that culminated in his victory over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s Atiku Abubakar and Labor Party’s Peter Obi, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Also, a Press Statement issued by the Director, Media and Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Thursday refuted the report of the clandestine meeting with a claim that the President-elect left Nigeria on Tuesday and has not been to London till Thursday when the CJN arrived back in Nigeria.
In his statement, Barrister Raji said the report was another malicious attempt by some individuals to tarnish the image of the Supreme Court and the CJN after they have made attempts at attaching his name to some political parties in order to preempt outcomes of the legal tussles before the apex court.
“It is in the news since Tuesday evening that Tinubu was traveling to Europe for medical reasons as well as for lesser hajj, further reports indicated that he is in France to meet with his medical doctor, why would somebody now link that to the CJN that has left Nigeria for UK since Saturday to observe his own medical session and just came back today (Thursday) as meeting?
“Our politicians need to allow due process take control, election matters are in the law courts, that does not mean that the law Lords will not live their normal lives as human beings, Tinubu is in France and the CJN was at London, where is the contact?, he asked”
Barrister Raji urged Nigerians not to be hoodwinked by politicians to paint the judiciary in bad color, so as to achieve their personal interests, as far as the 2023 election is concerned.
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said his Benue State counterpart, Dr. Samuel Ortom will not appear before National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The governor, has also described the suspension of former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and others for anti-party activities by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP as a nullity.
The governor stated these in Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday while reacting to NWC decision to refer governor Ortom to the party’s disciplinary committee and suspension of Fayoye and others.
“I want to state clearly and let members of the party and Nigerians hear it clearly, the National Working Committee made up of Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who they say is the chairman of the party; Sam Anyanwu, the national secretary and other members of NWC, cannot suspend Ayo Fayose, not to talk about referring governor Ortom to national disciplinary committee.”
Governor Wike explained that the decision of the NWC to refer governor Ortom to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee is the height of all insult.
“Referring a governor to your so called national disciplinary committee is the height of all insult, and we will not take it. Therefore, be ready for whatever you see as far as this our party is concern.”
Governor Wike stated emphatically that the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom will not appear before the PDP National Disciplinary Committee.
“Governor Ortom, who has stood firm for the unity of this country, governor Ortom who has come out openly to say that Nigeria must be one is not the type you will say you’ll refer to that your kangaroo committee.”
The Rivers State governor said if anyone deserves to be suspended from the party, that person is Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who he accused of contravening the PDP constitution on the zoning of elective and appointive offices.
“If there is any person deserving suspension it should be you (Ayu), who played anti party by refusing to obey the constitution of the party on zoning of political offices as is required. So, whoever tells you can suspend people, please tell the person that he is not serious.”
He further added, “if you are talking of anti-party it is you who could not even deliver your unit, deliver your ward that is involved. Because of the fraudulent activities you are involved in, people have lost hope in you. That is why you cannot win your unit, win your ward.”
Governor Wike cautioned Ayu and the NWC to desist from threatening the G-5 governors and members of the Integrity Group with suspension. According to him, Ayu has by his recent action opened up a new chapter of political war in the party.
“You cannot cage any of us. Ortom will not appear before any of your so called disciplinary committee. Ayodele Fayose will also never appear before any disciplinary committee.
ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that a Family Court sitting in Iyaganku had ordered that four students of Eleyele Secondary School, Eleyele, Ibadan in Oyo State be remanded for allegedly raping a female colleague, who was mentally challenged.
NAN reports that the defendants are minors.
The police charged them with conspiracy and unlawful sexual intercourse.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Sumbo Adetuyibi, did not take their plea due to lack of jurisdiction.
Adetuyibi ordered that they should be remanded in Abolongo Correctional facility if the juvenile correctional facility at Ijokodo, Ibadan, does not accept them.
She adjourned the matter until May 11
Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Insp Folake Ewe told the court that the students allegedly conspired together to commit the offence.
Ewe said the minors, between January and March 15, defiled a 16-year-old female colleague, who was mentally challenged.
She said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 516 of the Criminal Code and section 34 of the Oyo State Child Rights Law 2006.
Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife Kingdom in Nigeria, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, was on Tuesday hosted by the President of Brazil, His Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in Brasilia, Brazil’s Federal Capital Territory as Royal Guest of Honour during the official launching of annual African Religion Day(ISESE DAY) which held inside the banquet hall at the President’s office in Brasilia, Capital of Brazil.
Ooni, an African foremost and dynamic king of youth development who has been in Brazil’s states of Sao Paulo , Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia and Brasilia on a 5 day working visit in continuation of his global tour for African People’s Peace and Progress Agenda also while in the country unveiled some initiatives for the reunification of the over 100 milion Afro-Brazilians via his program tagged “Back To Home”
In their talks after the event, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that Afro-Brazilians like their other counterparts in Brazil have done a lot to prove their love and support for the country, urging President Lula not to renege on his promise of an inclusive pro African government.
“I can remember very vividly when your visi to Nigeria in 2003 during the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s term, you still have the love and respect of the African people. We have you in our prayers and we pray that the Almighty Olodumare(God) continues to be with you, with your darling wife who is my daughter and your administration. Africa is proud of you.
In his response, President Lula da Silva thanked The Ooni for his love for him and his wife who he referred to as “Ooni’s daughter” lauded the king for his mission towards reunification of not just the Afro-Brazilians but also Africans worldwide which he believes means well for the global peace.
President Lula told Ooni Ogunwusi that the efforts of the Afro-Brazilians towards nation building in Brazil can not be over emphasized, adding that his government is committed to strengthening the ties between Brazil and Africa which is the home continent of his people.
“My wife is here me always calls you “My father” Your love for us and for our country is indeed well appreciated and I promise you of my continued love for Africa. I have visited 44 countries in Africa and opened 19 embassies because Brazil of my administration has an historic pact to Africa.
My wife and are extremely fulfilled as your presence here today assures that this ISESE DAY has come to stay” President Lula said.
Earlier in the day, the Ooni was at the Federal House of Representatives Chamber in Brasilia where he addressed a special parliamentary session organized in his honour.
At the event which was well attended by the federal lawmakers, Cabinet Ministers and top Brazilian dignitaries, Ooni Ogunwusi called for unity of African descendants across the world, urging the legislative arm of Brazilian government to support President Lula with necessary pro Afro-Brazilian legislations.
“We can not afford to be divided again. We are one, irrespective of colour and race. President Lula is our pride, he remains determined to do well for Africa, and you must support him with legislations helpful to his mission for Africa. That’s all I beg of you if truly we are one big family. What we need now is to unite for growth of all persons and be good to all regardless of religious and cultural differences.
“Look at the good-looking Afro-Brazilians in this chamber who have stormed here to honour me.They all look like my first cousins back home in Nigeria and in other African countries, we are one people and the earlier we recognize the strength in our unity the better for us all.
“I am sitting on an ancient throne of over hundreds of centuries, a sacred throne of the Kingdom where most of you all migrated from. Beyond here in Brasil, I am delighted to inform you that you all have a home in my Kingdom and there are free lands for you to come and build your homes across Africa.
“I vow never to forget you, you are a major part of us in my Kingdom of Ile-Ife and we hope to receive you home soon as possible , in fact ,I have deliberately mapped out free land for you all to come and live, invest and reside.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, Hon. Deputado Vicentinho Requerente, who led other lawmakers to receive the foremost African monarch in the parliament, described the Ooni as a caring father whom the Afro-Brazilian community holds in a very high esteem.
The lawmaker who expressed his heartfelt joy in Portuguese, said, “Your presence here today has added to the dignity of people of African origin in Brazil and this day will remain a history making day for life.”
After the parliamentary session, the Arole Oduduwa was hosted at the Nigeria House in Brasil by the Nigerian Ambassador to the country, Amb. Ahmad Muhammed Makarfi who led other African Diplomats to receive the Spiritual Leader of the Yoruba people and the Oduduwa race worldwide.
Accompanied by his amiable queens; Olori Mariam Anako Ogunwusi and Olori Aderonke-Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, the Ooni who is Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) was on the trip with about 40 entourage including notable Yoruba kings like The ALARA of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, The Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Joseph Adewole, The Alapomu of Apomu Kingdom, Oba Afolabi Kayode Adenekan and The Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Adedapo Aderemi. Others on the entourage include his brother who is the Sooko Laekun of Ife Kingdom, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi, CEO of Ife Grand Resort in Ile-Ife, Princess Kemi Fadojutimi and a retinue of his aides.
Amotekun Corps said it has arrested a suspected hoodlum, 37, terrorising residents of Ikoyi-Ile town, in the Isokan Local Government Area, Osun state.
The Corps Commander, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi (ret.d), in a statement, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday following complaints by residents of Ikoyi-Ile.
Adewinmbi said, “A complaint was lodged at our Isokan Local Government command that the suspect unleashed an attack on residents of the town with cutlass and charms.
“Our operatives immediately swung into action and the suspect was apprehended.
“The suspect admitted to acting in an unruly manner and causing unrest in the community, thereafter pleaded for forgiveness.”
However, the Commander said the suspect had been handed over to the police for subsequent investigation and possible prosecution.
A lawmaker-elect for the Ogun State House of Assembly, Damilare Bello, has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services.
Bello, a Peoples Democratic Party member, was alleged to have masterminded the Sagamu mayhem that left several banks vandalised during the naira scarcity protest.
Our correspondent gathered that the suspects had spurned several invitations by the DSS.
Bello, popularly known as Dre, was said to have been on the run since the incident happened but surfaced for Saturday election. A source at the DSS confirmed Bello’s arrest to our correspondent on Wednesday.
The source said, “Preliminary investigation has commenced and the suspect may be prosecuted for crime relating to arson and disturbing of public peace, amongst others upon conclusion of investigation. “The arrest is not politically motivated as it was being reported.”
However, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has reprotedly visited the DSS office.
The source told our correspondent that the PDP had sent three different delegations, led by its chairman, Sikirulah Ogundele, and other chieftains over the matter.
The source said, “Adebutu himself visited the command today, (Wednesday), with a view to mending fences with the service and as well clear the past misconceptions about the office and realised that the service is a credible institution that must be reckoned with.”
Adebutu’s media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, confirmed to our correspondent that his principal was at the DSS office.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of @NSCIAng, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has confirmed the sighting of the new crescent signalling the beginning of Ramadan fast.
A High Court in Lagos has mandated electricity companies to give consumers three working days’ notice before interrupting their supply.
The suit was filed by a Lagos Lawyer, Bolaji Ramos against Eko Electricity distribution Plc (EKDP).
The judgment made it a legal duty for DisCos to always give customers a minimum of three working days’ notice before taking or interrupting the power supply in line with NERC’s Customer Service Standards of Performance for Distribution Companies 2007, made pursuant to Electric Power Sector Reform Act (No.6 of 2005).
Ramos had questioned whether by the clear provisions of Regulation, four of NERC’s Customer Service Standards of Performance for Distribution Companies 2007 made pursuant to Electric Power Sector Reform Act (No.6 of 2005), the Defendant is under mandatory obligations to give its customers a minimum of three working-day notice before causing any planned power supply interruption.
He also sought whether by the unambiguous provision of Regulation, four of NERC’s Customer Service Standards of Performance for Distribution Companies 2007 made pursuant to Electric Power Sector Reform Act (No.6 of 2005), the Defendant could interrupt its customers’ power supply other than for planned maintenance of its equipment, same which must still be preceded by a minimum of three (3) working-day notice to its customers.
Ramos, therefore, asked the court to make it a legal duty to always give the customers three working-day notice before taking or interrupting the Claimant’s power supply in line with NERC’s Customer Service Standards of Performance for Distribution Companies 2007, made pursuant to Electric Power Sector Reform Act (No.6 of 2005).
Ramos, among other pleas, said any interruption of the Claimant’s electricity supply by the DisCos without a minimum of three working-day prior notice is illegal, unlawful and in violation of NERC’s regulations.
Delivering the judgment, the court held that the Claimant’s claims succeeded in part and declared amongst others that DisCos owes a legal duty to always give the customer and other customers a minimum of three working-day notice before taking or interrupting the Claimant’s power supply in line with NERC’s regulations.
The court also declared that any interruption of the Claimant’s and other customers’ electricity supply by the Defendant without a minimum of three working-day prior notice is illegal, unlawful and in violation of NERC’s regulations.
