FG, NLC Agree On N70,000 As New Minimum Wage

Posted on July 18, 2024July 18, 2024 by admin50

The Federal Government of Nigeria and organised labour have agreed on N70,000 as new minimum wage.While approving the N70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised to review the national minimum wage law every three years.According to reports, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are at the Presidential Villa, Abuja for a scheduled meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said: “President Tinubu also promised to find ways to assist the private sector and the sub-nationals to pay the minimum wage.”

Implications Of Leaking Classified Government Information — PSC

Posted on July 18, 2024July 18, 2024 by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

The second edition of the weekly ‘Arena of Knowledge ‘ lecture series of the Police Service Commission was held yesterday, Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 with an x-ray of the implications of leaking classified information in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The Arena of Knowledge lecture series is the brainchild of the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, and will be held weekly on Wednesdays. It is intended to promote learning and improve Knowledge of Government rules, regulations and day to day operations by Staff of the Commission.

The Director, Human Resource management in the Commission, Aminu Malumfashi and Personal Assistant to the Chairman and former Commissioner of Police, Legal Services, CP Suleiman Balarabe Nayaya rtd, presented stimulating lectures on the topic.

Mr. Malumfashi in his paper, traced the Freedom of Information Act of 2011 which granted Public access to government records and information but warned that while this Act promotes transparency “it does not override the government’s authority to protect classified information essential to national security” He noted that leaking classified information “is a separate matter governed by strict laws and regulations outside of the Act.”

Mr. Malumfashi said unauthorised leakage of sensitive official documents constitutes a felony with no defence available under either the Nigerian Constitution or the Act.

He observed that leaking classified information “carries far-reaching implications that span legal, ethical, political, security and Public dimensions” adding that while some view leaks as whistle blowing that exposes wrongdoing and promotes accountability; others argue that they pose serious threats.

The Director explained that balancing transparency with the protection of sensitive information remains a complex challenge adding that “understanding this is crucial to achieve a harmonious balance in every organisation”.

CP Nayaya rtd in his own paper titled “Emergence Of Special Substantive Laws in the 21st Century on Safeguarding of Classified Information and Documents: Implications and Consequences of leakage” traced the possible ways to prevent leakage/divulge of classified information and documents and some of the likely consequences that may affect the defaulters. He also looked into exceptions to the Rights of Acess to Information in International Human Rights Treaties and Conventions.

CP Nayaya rtd, identified proper recruitment of employees (vetting and background checks), adequate training and development systems, observation of process and procedures of principles of classification of classified information and documents and proper custody and care of classified information and documents amongst others.

He mentioned interdiction, suspension, dismissal or jail term as some of the likely consequences that may affect defaulters.

The retired CP legal Services noted that there are exceptions to the Right of Access to Information in the International Human Rights Treates and Conventions. These he said include respect of the rights or reputation of others; protection of national security of public order, public safety, public health and public morality. Others he noted, are preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the Judiciary; prevention, investigation and presentation of criminal activities; disciplinary investigation etc.
Ikechukwu Ani, the Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission said the lecture continues next week Wednesday.

Yahaya Bello: Appeal Court asked to vacate arrest warrant, trial court to adjourn case Indefinitely

Posted on July 17, 2024July 17, 2024 by admin50

The arraignment of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for alleged N80 billion money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission scheduled for Wednesday may be stalled again.This is because Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has been asked to adjourn proceedings indefinitely, pending the determination of an appeal filed by the former governor, which is pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.In the Appeal with no CA/ABJ/CR/535/2024, in which the trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite is being accused of miscarriage of justice, Bello is, through his Counsels, Musa Yakubu (SAN) & Co, seeking the setting aside of the Warrant of Arrest believed to have been illegally issued against him on April 17, 2024, as well as return of the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for re-assignment to another Judge.According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Appeal was filed against the decisions of the trial Federal High Court, Abuja, in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024.The former governor is also seeking an order of the Appeal Court, setting aside service of the EFCC Charge on him by substituted means, including the entire proceedings already conducted in the case.In a letter to Justice Emeka Nwite, dated July 12, 2024, counsel for Bello, Musa Yakubu (SAN) requested that further proceedings in the charge be adjourned sine die, pending the determination of the appeal filed by the former governor, which is pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.The letter obtained by NAN and a copy of which was sent to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, was in response to a letter to Justice Nwite, by the EFCC, dated July 8, 2024 and filed on the July 10, 2024, according to information from the court registry.In the letter, the EFCC requested for a variation of the earlier warrant of arrest issued against Bello, additionally requesting that the various security agencies be specifically directed to carry out the earlier arrest.Responding to the EFCC’s application, Bello’s counsel urged the court to decline the request and await the outcome of the appeal pending at the Court of Appeal over the controversial warrant of arrest and other related pronouncements of the trial Court.Counsel for Bello said, “Drawing from the position of the law as contained in Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021 and the pronouncement of the Supreme Court in the case of Vab Petroleum INC V. Momah [Supra] and a litany of other cases too numerous to mention here, we respectfully urge this Honourable Court ex debito justitiae to; set aside and expunge from its records the proceedings of the 27th June, 2024, including any ruling, order or directive, same having been conducted in the face of the Defendant’s appeal entered on the 24th of May, 2024 and therefore reached per incuriam;“Refuse to countenance the application of the Complainant made vide the letter filed on the 10th of July, 2024 and or in the alternative refer same to the Court of Appeal for determination.“Adjourn further proceedings in this charge sine die pending the determination of Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024 entered by the Defendant and pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.”The letter read in part, “The Defendant to the Charge had on the 17th of May, 2024 filed a notice of appeal against the ruling of this Honourable Court made on the 10th of May, 2024 refusing to discharge brevi manu the warrant of arrest issued against the Defendant.“The Defendant pursuant to the said notice of appeal, compiled and transmitted record of appeal to the Court of Appeal and entered on the 24th of May, 2024, Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024.“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Complainant has now filed the above referenced application seeking for the amendment of the warrant of arrest which was hitherto directed to the complainant only, to have it extended to the heads of other security and law enforcement agencies listed in the prosecuting Counsel’s letter.“My Lord, this Honourable Court cannot countenance the application or do anything with respect to the aforesaid warrant of arrest or conduct further proceedings in this charge in view of the provisions of Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021 which is to the effect that:“After an appeal has been entered and until it has been finally disposed of, the Court shall be seized of the whole of the proceedings as between the parties thereto.’

Except as may be otherwise provided in these Rules, every application therein shall be made to the Court and not to the lower Court.“The warrant of arrest upon which the Complainant’s application is predicated, is subject of appeal in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024 and by the above reproduced provision of the Court of Appeal rules, this Honourable Court has become functus officio and no longer has the jurisdiction to entertain any application or do anything touching on the warrant of arrest issued on the 17th of April, 2024 as the Court of Appeal is now seized of the matter. By virtue of the appeal entered by the Defendant, the warrant of arrest subject of the Complainant’s application is now in total abeyance pending the determination of the Defendant’s appeal one way or another.“To take any contrary step to the provisions of Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, would be tantamount to undermining the Constitutional guaranteed Appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal under Section 240 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and against the grain of settled position of the law established by the Supreme Court of Nigeria to the effect that, when an appeal has been entered, the lower Court no longer has the jurisdiction to do anything in the matter and ought to abide by the decision of the Appellate Court as any step taken by the trial Court in the face of such appeal is a nullity. see the case ofVab Petroleum INC V. Momah [20131 14 NWLR Part 1374 P. 284.”Furthermore, the attention of Justice Emeka Nwite was drawn to a similar case, also a criminal appeal,’ in which Justice Ismail Ijelu of the High Court of Lagos State stayed further proceedings, the Appellant having entered an appeal in Appeal No: CAIL/1159/2023 Between Chief Cletus Ibeto V. Federal Republic of Nigeria, challenging the warrant of arrest earlier issued against him, in the face of his preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the lower Court to entertain the charge filed by the Complainant against him.“The trial High Court, a Court of co-ordinate jurisdiction with Your Lordship’s Court has stayed further proceedings in the charge pending the determination of the appeal entered by the Appellant therein.“The Complainant’s application to you therefore, ought not to have been filed at all or if need be, ought to be brought before the Court of Appeal, Abuja which is now seized of the matter.

The Complainant’s Counsel as a senior member of the Bar is under a duty to have brought the appeal entered by the Defendant to the attention of this Honourable Court even during the proceedings of 27th of June, 2024, is rather proceeding egregiously as if he is oblivious of and impervious to the appeal entered by the Defendant to the Charge before your Lordship’s Court.“We therefore respectfully urge your Lordship not to be misled sir or hoodwinked by the Complainant into a head on collision with the Court of Appeal, but rather tow the above stated and well-established course of action.“To do otherwise, would be an affront on the hallowed principle of judicial hierarchy and stare decisis which is the very foundation of our legal system,” the letter added.The arraignment of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for alleged N80 billion money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission scheduled for Wednesday may be stalled again.This is because Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has been asked to adjourn proceedings indefinitely, pending the determination of an appeal filed by the former governor, which is pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.In the Appeal with no CA/ABJ/CR/535/2024, in which the trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite is being accused of miscarriage of justice, Bello is, through his Counsels, Musa Yakubu (SAN) & Co, seeking the setting aside of the Warrant of Arrest believed to have been illegally issued against him on April 17, 2024, as well as return of the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for re-assignment to another Judge.According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Appeal was filed against the decisions of the trial Federal High Court, Abuja, in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024.The former governor is also seeking an order of the Appeal Court, setting aside service of the EFCC Charge on him by substituted means, including the entire proceedings already conducted in the case.In a letter to Justice Emeka Nwite, dated July 12, 2024, counsel for Bello, Musa Yakubu (SAN) requested that further proceedings in the charge be adjourned sine die, pending the determination of the appeal filed by the former governor, which is pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.The letter obtained by NAN and a copy of which was sent to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, was in response to a letter to Justice Nwite, by the EFCC, dated July 8, 2024 and filed on the July 10, 2024, according to information from the court registry.In the letter, the EFCC requested for a variation of the earlier warrant of arrest issued against Bello, additionally requesting that the various security agencies be specifically directed to carry out the earlier arrest.Responding to the EFCC’s application, Bello’s counsel urged the court to decline the request and await the outcome of the appeal pending at the Court of Appeal over the controversial warrant of arrest and other related pronouncements of the trial Court.Counsel for Bello said, “Drawing from the position of the law as contained in Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021 and the pronouncement of the Supreme Court in the case of Vab Petroleum INC V. Momah [Supra] and a litany of other cases too numerous to mention here, we respectfully urge this Honourable Court ex debito justitiae to; set aside and expunge from its records the proceedings of the 27th June, 2024, including any ruling, order or directive, same having been conducted in the face of the Defendant’s appeal entered on the 24th of May, 2024 and therefore reached per incuriam;“Refuse to countenance the application of the Complainant made vide the letter filed on the 10th of July, 2024 and or in the alternative refer same to the Court of Appeal for determination.“

Adjourn further proceedings in this charge sine die pending the determination of Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024 entered by the Defendant and pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.”The letter read in part, “The Defendant to the Charge had on the 17th of May, 2024 filed a notice of appeal against the ruling of this Honourable Court made on the 10th of May, 2024 refusing to discharge brevi manu the warrant of arrest issued against the Defendant.“The Defendant pursuant to the said notice of appeal, compiled and transmitted record of appeal to the Court of Appeal and entered on the 24th of May, 2024, Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024.“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Complainant has now filed the above referenced application seeking for the amendment of the warrant of arrest which was hitherto directed to the complainant only, to have it extended to the heads of other security and law enforcement agencies listed in the prosecuting Counsel’s letter.“My Lord, this Honourable Court cannot countenance the application or do anything with respect to the aforesaid warrant of arrest or conduct further proceedings in this charge in view of the provisions of Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021 which is to the effect that:“After an appeal has been entered and until it has been finally disposed of, the Court shall be seized of the whole of the proceedings as between the parties thereto.’ Except as may be otherwise provided in these Rules, every application therein shall be made to the Court and not to the lower Court.“The warrant of arrest upon which the Complainant’s application is predicated, is subject of appeal in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024 and by the above reproduced provision of the Court of Appeal rules, this Honourable Court has become functus officio and no longer has the jurisdiction to entertain any application or do anything touching on the warrant of arrest issued on the 17th of April, 2024 as the Court of Appeal is now seized of the matter. By virtue of the appeal entered by the Defendant, the warrant of arrest subject of the Complainant’s application is now in total abeyance pending the determination of the Defendant’s appeal one way or another.“

To take any contrary step to the provisions of Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, would be tantamount to undermining the Constitutional guaranteed Appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal under Section 240 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and against the grain of settled position of the law established by the Supreme Court of Nigeria to the effect that, when an appeal has been entered, the lower Court no longer has the jurisdiction to do anything in the matter and ought to abide by the decision of the Appellate Court as any step taken by the trial Court in the face of such appeal is a nullity. see the case ofVab Petroleum INC V. Momah [20131 14 NWLR Part 1374 P. 284.”Furthermore, the attention of Justice Emeka Nwite was drawn to a similar case, also a criminal appeal,’ in which Justice Ismail Ijelu of the High Court of Lagos State stayed further proceedings, the Appellant having entered an appeal in Appeal No: CAIL/1159/2023 Between Chief Cletus Ibeto V. Federal Republic of Nigeria, challenging the warrant of arrest earlier issued against him, in the face of his preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the lower Court to entertain the charge filed by the Complainant against him.“The trial High Court, a Court of co-ordinate jurisdiction with Your Lordship’s Court has stayed further proceedings in the charge pending the determination of the appeal entered by the Appellant therein.“The Complainant’s application to you therefore, ought not to have been filed at all or if need be, ought to be brought before the Court of Appeal, Abuja which is now seized of the matter. The Complainant’s Counsel as a senior member of the Bar is under a duty to have brought the appeal entered by the Defendant to the attention of this Honourable Court even during the proceedings of 27th of June, 2024, is rather proceeding egregiously as if he is oblivious of and impervious to the appeal entered by the Defendant to the Charge before your Lordship’s Court.“We therefore respectfully urge your Lordship not to be misled sir or hoodwinked by the Complainant into a head on collision with the Court of Appeal, but rather tow the above stated and well-established course of action.“To do otherwise, would be an affront on the hallowed principle of judicial hierarchy and stare decisis which is the very foundation of our legal system,” the letter added.

Salute to Soyinka, Osoba, Obaigbena, by Reuben Abati

Posted on July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by admin50

“Within the week, there have been Nigerians born under this Zodiac sign whose celebration on their birthdays has proven to be impressive moments on this year’s cultural calendar: Professor Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka (July 13), Prince Nduka Obaigbena (July 14), Aremo Olusegun Osoba (July 15). They are on every count, persons worthy of celebration given their monumental achievements in their fields of engagement and the impact they have made on society and the enormous influence that they continue to wield. Soyinka, also known as W.S., Prof., Kongi, Eni Ogun, was 90.

Obaigbena, known as the Duke or Prince, Chairman turned 65 on July 14. Osoba, also known as Akinrogun, Aremo, Oluwo Oba is 85: each in his own way, a major national figure, meaning different things to many people, but altogether distinguished by their individual differentness and originality.”

Ex-VP Osinbajo Celebrates Wife’s Birthday With Heartfelt Message

Posted on July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by admin50

Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has taken to social media to gush over his wife, Dolapo, as she marks her birthday anniversary on Monday.

Osinbajo took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Monday to pen down emotional messages with pictures of Dolapo appreciating arts and plants, to wish his wife well.

Osinbajo wrote: “Happy birthday my love @dolapoosinbajo.

“Your love, kindness, and generosity make all our lives so much happier.

“Love you always, Yemi xxx.”

He continued, saying, “This year I decided to share my favorite photos of Dolly @dolapoosinbajo doing her favorite things.”

Taking to the comment section, veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva said, “Happy birthday to the Jewel in the Crown. Have an incredible day.”

Also, a former Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., Ibukun Awosika, reacted: “Happy birthday to a most beautiful person, both inside and outside. You are a true treasure and a worthy example of Christ in us. God bless you richly. Love you lots.”

Satguru Maharaj Ji To Gov. Adeleke: Oluwo Of Iwoland Unfit To Be Called Our ‘Oba’ And ‘His Majesty’ Over Various Infractions

Posted on July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by admin50

The Living Perfect Master and founder of One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has called on the Governor of Osun State, Chief Ademola Jackson Adeleke, to as a matter of urgency dethrone the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi over various infractions, reported in the news.

The Oba Akanbi’s character did not befit a person of his status and calibre as he always moved around with armed thugs, miscreants and hoodlums to harass, intimidate, molest and attack persons whom he perceives as enemies. He should be removed from office.

Maharaj Ji said: “Your Excellency, Oluwo Abdulrasheed Akanbi has been conducting himself in manners which are antithetical to that of a monarch in any clime and very unbecoming of a Yoruba Oba.

“It is therefore disheartening that the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, a Yoruba king who is supposed to be the custodian of Iwo culture and values has been misrepresenting the interest of Iwoland and this is becoming rather shameful.”

“Oba Akanbi is said to be an ex-convict, who served time in United States jail for credit card fraud, drug trafficking among other criminal acts.

“It emerged that indeed Oba Akanbi was deported from the US to Nigeria in 1999 after his conviction for aggravated felony, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both.

“He was deported after using the name Segun Adewale Adeonigbagbe to enter the United States.

“Oba Akanbi again tried to gain entry into America through Peace Bridge land crossing border from Canada but was arrested on March 11, 2011 after using the name Adewale Akanbi with June 21, 1967 as his date of birth.

“He was subsequently held and committed to prison custody until December 19, 2011 when he was deported to Canada where he has a resident permit.

“On about March 11, 2011, in the Western District of New York, the defendant, Segun Adewale Adeonigbagbe aka Prince Adewale Akanbi, an alien who had previously been deported and removed from the United States on or about May 18, 1999, subsequent to a conviction for commission of an aggravated felony, did enter, attempt to enter and was voluntarily present and found in the United States without having first obtained the express consent of the Attorney-General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary for Homeland Security, to reapply for admission to the United States.

“The Oluwo of Iwoland, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, (48), is a flamboyant youthful randy Oba enmeshed in scandals and controversies. He is arrogant, flashy, corrupt, brash and brutish. He holds nothing traditionally in esteem hence his determined resolve to drag the great Iwo tradition to the mud or gutter by all means possible.

“One does not know how a brute whose past was nothing but fraud and sexual perversion could have suddenly found himself robed in a traditional gown greater than his entire being.

“Earlier this year, Oba Akanbi showed his dexterity in boxing by physically attacking another monarch, Agbowu of Ogbaagbaa, Oba Dhirulahi Akinropo, over a land dispute! The embarrassing incident led to his suspension for six months by the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.

“Before his marriage with his erstwhile Jamaica-born wife, Chanel Chin, crashed in December 2019, Oba Akanbi was said to have put a crown on her head, emerging the first Yoruba monarch in recent times to do so! And worse of all, Ms Chin, based in Canada, had disclosed that Oba Akanbi forced her into marrying him after raping her during a visit to Nigeria in February 2016!

“The divorced woman alleged that Oba Akanbi “started sleeping around with a lot of women, from Lagos to Iwo to Osogbo, to Ibadan. He was sleeping with a lot of women and promising them Olori”. A monarch as a rapist? Again the Jamaican beauty equally accused the Oba of telling lies to cover up his philandering lifestyle.

“While we do not know how the traditional process that produced Akanbi as the Oluwo of Iwoland worked leading to his emergence onto the venerated throne, his subjects seem to have had and heard enough of the waywardness of this ‘boy’ hell-bent on desecrating a centuries’ old tradition. So, is it not time to ‘disarm’ him and his gang?

“Whether he came in through the right means or not, he ought to have been dethroned long ago following his monarchical malfeasance. No morally-upright monarch should have anything to do with controversy or scandal for him to be able to inspire confidence in the followers. This chap has been weighed and found wanting in every front. His downfall should follow suit before he commits more ‘harakiri’ or sets the throne ablaze!

“A shameless traditional ruler that throws decorum to the wind by playing Mohammed Ali or replicating the pugilism skill of a Mike Tyson cannot be trusted or entrusted with a great crown. An Oba that raped a foreign woman blackmailing and promising her marriage or ‘Olori’ cannot be respected by his people talk less others outside the kingdom. An Oba that was once convicted of scam and narco peddling in faraway America and deported home should have nothing to do with the traditional ruling institution.

“Alas a retired swindler has found himself occupying a throne that ought to be reserved for great men of Royal Descent with unblemished record. Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, must be shown the way out sooner or later. He would be good, post-Oluwoship, as a playboy, a political tout or a boxer.

“The Governor who approved his Kingship should also be tried and asked to refund any moneys given to him.

“We are not against him but when it comes to the occupant of the throne of Oba in Yoruba land, such a person must be a replication of outright honesty, care, love, decency and must possess all Divine attributes of a Royal Father.

“By his sacrilegious or abominable comportment, he has effortlessly demonstrated that he is unfit to be called ‘His Majesty’. He manifests daily how not to be an Oba. Therefore, the viable option in our reckoning is dethronement!

“Enough of the royal hubris in Iwoland!

My Love and Blessings

SATGURU MAHARAJ JI

THE LIVING PERFECT MASTER

Olusegun Osoba: It Was Devastating When IBB Told Me He Was Hostage to Those Who Staged His Coup

Posted on July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 by admin50

Eighty-five years old today, Monday, July 15, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, weekend, played host to Nigerians from all walks of life and in their numbers, including the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the launch of his book: “My Life in the Public Eye”. The event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, being the peg of his 85th birthday celebration, nearly shut down the state of aquatic splendour. First a journalist before anything else, Osoba is one individual, who has paid his dues, and sometimes at the risk of his life. He has proof for this: his expensive contacts that cut across class, age and status. But, away from politics and its many distractions, Osoba would rather he shared some personal moments with Olawale Olaleye, reminiscing on his days as a journalist, concerns on the state of the profession, some private considerations about life and his thoughts as a family man. Excerpts:You look pretty good for an 85-year-old. Is this your real age, or some fabrication for certain considerations?

It’s my real age, because I was born on July 15, 1939, in Osogbo. At that time, there was no register of birth, but my dad recorded that I was born on a Saturday. And if you Google, you will find that it was a Saturday. Therefore, it’s my true age.

In our time, we used to have a school age, where the teacher would take the average age of everybody, and just assign a certain age for you. They assigned 1941 to me, when I grew up I reverted to my original age of July 15 1939.Indeed, at some points, you had two ages in use. What really happened that you had to go back to your real age?

What’s the point if I continued to use the school age at my age? I should be honest with myself and be true to the facts rather than twisting it.Did you feel that you had to deal with those two dates of birth?

No, because it was the norm. Take for example, when I was young, to start primary education, you had to put your arm around your head. That determines whether you will be allowed to start primary school. That happend. And then when I left primary school, my uncle took me to Ilesha Teachers training, to be trained as a teacher.

When the expatriate inspector then came for inspection on my first week or second at the teacher’s training, in fact, I was too young and too short. So, I was denied admission. I had to come to Lagos, wasting a year or two before I was admitted to Methodist Boys High School. So, along the line, I kept losing years. That affected the age that was recorded for me as my official age. As I grew older, I had to revert to the truth and be honest with myself.So, what does it feel like to be 85 years old, contrary to Nigeria’s life expectancy, which is 56 years, according to the 2024 UN chart and table?

Well, it’s all in the mind. Truly speaking, I keep wondering. I always ask myself, too. Am I really 85? Because, when I was younger, people above sixty, we called them Baba, Pa, and to be seventy then was seen as an achievement. I thank God that I advanced to 85 years and I feel quite alright with myself. I tell you, I don’t play with my Doctors instructions and advice.You are not just alive to be 85, you seem very healthy. It may be hard to find a contemporary, as agile, hale and healthy as you. How have you been able to maintain a healthy life and safe living?

I must confess to you. First of all, as a true Nigerian, I attribute everything to the grace of God. But I can tell you, one of the major attributes that one needs is to learn to do everything with moderation. Whatever may be the case, even the food you eat, you must do it with moderation. It is very very important. And give yourself a total rest of mind.

You must have contentment. I don’t envy anybody. And I don’t use anybody as a parameter or barometer for my own life. I believe in myself. I live my life the way I want it. And I don’t envy anybody. Secondly, I hate to carry an issue overnight. Because, if I envy somebody and I carry it overnight, I don’t sleep well. So I deal with all issues during the day.

There was a time when I was governor, I had to tell some of my close friends, who were strong and close enough to tell me the truth. People like Oba Otudeko, Peter Àjàyí – they were friends who would tell me bluntly what they felt.

We usually talked almost every night. At a point, I had to plead with them that if they found something wrong that I was not doing well, they should not be telling me in the night, they must tell me in the morning, so that I would have dealt with it during the day to avoid carrying it overnight. So, you must give yourself total peace of mind. As I repeat, contentment; don’t be envious and you live the rest to GodSo what do you do with your time, because, of course you no work?

With this order of internet platforms and connectivity, there is so much to read. In fact, I get bombarded that I struggle everyday to catch up. For example, as a politician, I have 7000 thousand contacts on my phone. So, coping with “happy Monday”, “happy Sunday”, “happy new month”, “happy these and that”.

Then I belong to so many platforms. Old classmates, clubs. They don’t like me to pull out. Professional websites and platforms. So, there is so much to read and with modern day technology, events happen so fast.

News happens so fast. I am a curious reporter, I have always wanted to be up to date. But one thing I do is that I rest as much as I can. I listen to my body. It is very important that one should listen to your body talking to you. If my body tells me not to get up, I don’t get up. As a result, I always mute my telephone all night and I don’t open my telephone before 12 noon.

I don’t answer calls before noon. By then, I would have had my early morning sleep, which is the best and when I get up to start the day, it’s like that till midnight or sometimes past midnight. So, again, one must be in charge of one’s activity and importantly, listen to your body and obey your doctor’s instructions.Given the many curves that life has taken you, did you ever think that you could actually live up to 85?

Well, when I look back, for example, my News Editor at Daily Times, Animashaun, left office and was heading home. I don’t think he was up to 40. Driving home, he died in his car. He must have had a heart attack. And when I look at some of my friends, who died young, I used to wonder whether I too would live beyond the ages of those young ones who died. Well, thank God, now I am 85. I never thought that I would live up to 85. So, one must be doing Thanksgiving everyday.So, was there any time that you ever gave up on life?

Never! I am an optimist. I give myself rest of mind. I don’t think I have cause to regret my life at any stage. I can tell you I’ve lived it well. At every stage of my life. In my younger days, myself, Gen Babangida, Gen Ike Nwachukwu, Air Marshal Abas, Air Marshal Bello, we used to paint Lagos red in our younger days.

I have no regrets. I thank God at every stage. I live it up and enjoy myself. In fact, Kabiyesi, the Awujale of Ijebu-land is always telling me that if I slaughter a ram everyday in thanksgiving to God for what God has done in my life, it is not too much. Kabiyesi is 90. He used to tell me that, watching me, at every stage of my life, I had the best of everything. That I should always be thanking God every day, which is true.Eighty-five years on earth could actually make you an encyclopedia on life’s many issues. But what is that one lesson that life has taught you, that you’d love to share for people to learn from?

If you read my book. My autobiography, you will find that I said, “Battle lines: Adventures in journalism and politics”. One thing that I will say is that one should never give up, no matter the circumstances. Be battle ready. And if you’ve read Battle Line, you find too many challenges that I went through. And I thank God I had the courage never to give up. Never! Never to accept defeat.Life is made up of good and evil. There can’t be one without the other. With the benefit of hindsight, is there anything in life you would have loved to do differently or in the best case scenario, undo, looking back?

Each time I look back, I can’t find anything I would say I regret. No. If I have to go through it again, I don’t think I would do anything differently. No regrets at all. In everything I did, I have no regrets. None.Olusegun Osoba is a household name. Interestingly you made this name as a journalist and not as a politician that many reckon today. How does that make you feel?

I always feel good within myself, because when you look at many who have been governors in the country, whether military or civilian, many who are still alive have been forgotten. I tell my children that one thing I would do over and over again is to be a reporter. Being a reporter is a university by itself. You get to know so many people. You get to learn a lot. You get to develop contacts.

For example, my daughter gave me a grandson in March. She is to come back home this week to be around for my 85th birthday and she had to go and get an emergency travel certificate for the little boy. And she came back so elated and happy, that, getting to the High Commission in London, the name Osoba was so respected that she was given virtually a VIP treatment and she came back and said, “daddy, I wonder how you do it.”

I said well, that is part of the grace of God that I gained as a journalist and not as a governor. I have forgotten that I was a governor. In fact, when PDP rigged the election in 2003, I just decided to return home. I didn’t go to court. In spite of the fact that Gen Buhari proved in court that the election in Ogun State was grossly rigged.

And the election was canceled by Justice Tobi, who was the chairman of the presidential election tribunal. I didn’t want to force myself on Ogun State. I wanted to serve, and if they said “no more”, why not? I returned home and gave myself peace of mind. The goodwill that I enjoy at all levels, is more than enough for me. It gives me great joy.Again, you didn’t just make a name as a journalist, you also made very expensive contacts at the highest level of leadership in the country. How were you able to balance it, without conflicting your professional obligations?

Well, you will see, like I tell you, there has been no head of government that I was and still not close to. Right from Tafawa Balewa. Tafawa Balewa to Gen Yakubu Gowon. Ironsi was the only one I wasn’t close to, but his was short. His time was short. Murtala Mohammed to our Obasanjo, Obasanjo to Shagari, Shagari to Gẹn Buhari, Buhari to Babangida.

Abacha I knew even as GOC in Ibadan before he became head of state. Although he was after me to kill me because he felt that being close to him I should have gone all out for him. Then from Abacha to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Abubakar back to Obasanjo. Obasanjo went back to Yar’adua, whose brother was very close to me as Chief of staff to Obasanjo then. We developed a very close relationship.

Then to Jonathan, who I knew when he was deputy to Alaymesigha, and from Jonathan back to Buhari and now to our first progressive president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There has been no president in this country that I don’t know. So, balancing the situation, I can tell you, the training that we had from Baba Jose was very influential to my attitude.

I never never compromised my professional standard with all the connections that I had. If I had wanted to make money, anything I asked or be an agent to some businesses, I would have made millions. But never!

I will give you an example. General Mobolaji Johnson was my house captain in Methodist Boys High School and he became governor. And he was the one that allocated most of Victoria Island. As close as I was to him, one of my classmates was his commissioner, Rasheed Gbadamosi, and my boss, Odunewu, was also commissioner in his cabinet. I never asked for land in Victoria Island.

You will not believe that it was when Mudashiru became governor. Mudashiru grew up in Isalẹ Eko, and married one of the sisters of my classmate, Babayemi. It was he who was shocked to learn that I didn’t have a single sand in Lagos as Managing Director of Daily Times. He was the one who, by force, allocated a plot to me in Lekki.

It was the first government land that I have had all throughout my career until I became the MD of Daily Times. I never had a plot of land in Lagos. It was shocking to Mudashiru. And it paid off for me. Because, all these people I mentioned have respect for me and those of them who are still alive still have tremendous respect for me.

I still enjoy that goodwill. I did not compromise my professional ethics and standards. It paid off for me. Anything I wanted, up till today, I got it done. Up till today, I have never had any government business or contract that would create any scandal for me. So, I am lucky. The benefit of it came in different forms, for me.

I can tell you that even as Governor, I was never a candidate of EFCC or ICPC. Overall, that goodwill will come through other sources for you to get on in life.Still talking about your expensive contacts, many of whom were majorly senior military officers, how did you situate that against the push for democracy, both as a journalist and progressive?

You see, even under the military, I always tell you people that you should praise us that we were able to produce papers that were still sellable under military dictatorship. You people operate under civilian government. You don’t know what it was. The truth is that those military people knew that in-house, I will tell them the home truth.

I remember one incident when Felix Peter, myself and one or two other people met Babangida when he was military president. We bluntly told him a lot of things that were wrong with him and his government. It was so devastating that Gen Babangida said, “Let me tell you boys, I am hostage to those who staged the coup and those who put me here. And if I didn’t listen to what they wanted, they would get me out in seconds. And that there are no absolute powers.”

Even him as president; that those who stuck their neck and risked their lives to make him president were still there. And that he must continuously and constantly listen to them. Because we were telling him many things that were wrong with his government then and he appreciated it. And he said he would call a meeting of his mentors and promoters and explain to them that these were the facts that we had brought to him.

So, you see, behind closed-doors, we told them the home truth. So when we wrote stories, they already knew that we had told them the truth. And then tolerated us. Take for example, when Irabor and Tunde Thompson were charged to court for not disclosing their source of information. I was very close to Idiagbon. And I went to court to testify and give evidence on the side of the Guardian, Irabor and Thompson.

In fact, Alex Ibru said after the case that day that I should park my things and be ready to go. But, unknown to him, I had had a long argument with Idiagbon that it was unethical for us journalists to disclose the source of our information. So, by the time we got to court, Idiagbon knew that I had told him the truth.

I gave evidence against the government of the day, but they didn’t sack me. Because as soon as it happened, I was there to tell them the home truth. And when I went public giving evidence on the side of the Guardian, it was not something new to them. That’s how to survive.Is it not surprising that at 85, you still enjoy referring to yourself as a reporter. What really is it with you and journalism?

I used to tell people that we, the reporters, are the infantry belt. We are the foot soldiers of journalism Anybody can be a columnist. Anybody! You don’t have to get any special training to be a columnist. In fact, in my younger days, Tai Solarin was one of the best columnists in Daily Times. Yet he was not a journalist. He was an educationist.

Anybody can be a writer. You can express your opinion as a columnist, that doesn’t make you a journalist. In my days, there were desk people, sub-editors, who would plan the pages and edit our stories. Yes, I agree. But they were in the background. We were the ones who went out and took risks. We were the real soldiers on the battle front. And that’s why I take pride in being a reporter.

Professor Akin Faleye propounded a theory that, even in heaven, there would be reporters because God himself will communicate to us who are in heaven. If there is going to be communication, there must be reporters to disseminate the information. So, why would I not be proud? In my life, I am a reporter, and when I get to heaven, I will still be a reporter. So, there is life after here for me in heaven.One of the very noteworthy events of your life as a reporter was your discovery of the corpse of the first Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa. Aren’t there other news breaking discoveries that stood you out and also gave you prominence?

Too many. Take for example, the body of Colonel Taiwo in Kwara, when he was murdered, I and Obateye were the ones who discovered the body on the way to Offa. Take the case of Shugaba. He was the leader of the House of Assembly in Borno then.

And he was physically taken, a Nigerian, taken to the border and thrown into jail. A Nigerian elected to the House of Assembly and deported by young Maitama, a young man who was Minister of Interior. He took him physically. It was a big story. And he went to court and we followed him.

Take the case of Balarabe Musa. When Balarabe Musa was having his war with the NPN. We opened an office in Kaduna for him and had a Radio station. We followed Balarabe Musa’s story all over.

There are so many stories. Look at the case of Dimka. After Dimka assassinated Murtala Muhammed and absconded. He was found in Abakaliki and I happened to be in Enugu. Kafaru Tinubu was Commissioner of Police in Enugu and he saw me and said Segun.

I followed them with the military governor face to face with Dimka. I was there sitting down quietly, Dimka was being interrogated in my presence and I came back to Ilorin. For the next one week, I was doing different stories on Dimka and that shot up the Herald as it became a national newspaper.

I had too many exclusive stories. People talk too much about Tafawa Balewa. It was just one out of many national stories I was involved in and shot up any newspaper I belonged to at the national level.Before the advent of the online and the influential media, you’ve always expressed concerns about the approach to news by the soft-sell genre of journalism. Are you still worried about the current state of the media in general?

Very very worried. It didn’t start today. And I can tell you. In FAME, then, Mayor Akinpelu, wrote a story that I had 30 cars as governor of Ogun States in 1992. Online now is not starting today. Mayor Akinpelu and I eventually became friends. I had to sue them to court. Because K. A. Abrahams, a friend of mine, who was doing business, whenever he came to see me in Abeokuta as governor in 1992, we used to drive around in any new car he brought.

And so, FAME just went haywire and wrote that I had 30 cars. And I said well, if I had 30 cars, it means I can only drive one car a day in a month. It’s not starting today. Like I always say, bloggers are serious threats to our profession. And I have been preaching with my colleagues that the only way to deal with this is for all of us to go online.

Like Dapo Olorunyomi with Premium Times, Musikilu, the Editor in Chief. These are trained journalists. And whenever Premium Times does an investigative report, you enjoy it. Simon Kolawole, in Cable, you will know that you are reading stories developed and investigated by journalists.

A recent example was the one who went and wrote that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila collected sixty houses from Yusuf ‘Tunde’ Sabiu. That’s like having half of Ikoyi, in Abuja. Sixty houses! That’s taking an estate. You can’t bury an estate. The blogger went ahead to write that, and to say that Gbajabiamila collected millions of dollars from Sabiu Yusuf, ‘Tunde’.

Where will Gbajabiamila bury millions of dollars? Is it in the soakaway in his compound? At the end of the day, the management of his website denied him. He had to resign. We must fight the bloggers, who embarrass us, who are serious threats to our profession. They promote fake news.

There was an example of Macron. The bloggers put words in his mouth, addressing the United Nations, apologising for French stupidity in their colony. In spite of my being a first class reporter, I didn’t crosscheck, and I was posting this thing round to everybody, only for the father-in-law of my daughter, Ambassador Apata, to point out to me that ‘this is April’.

Then the date was April and the United Nation General Assembly is usually in September. It was then I realised that they have put words in Macron’s mouth through artificial intelligence. So, we have to be very careful. We must not defend these bloggers, who are thorough embarrassments. The answer to it is that all of us must go online and produce like Olorunyomi’s premium times, like Cable, to produce credible online platforms to deal with the untrained dangerous so called journalists.

An average journalist is poorly paid. And not just that, the salary doesn’t come as it should. You are not oblivious of this fact. There is hardly any serious media gathering that you are not invited as a stakeholder, don’t you discuss issues that are fundamentally germane to the overall wellbeing of journalists?

I feel sorry and unhappy. I am torn between the publishers and the reporters. The publishers are suffering because the cost of production is everyday escalating. The cost of importing a ton of this print now, at one thousand plus to a dollar has escalated. So, the publishers themselves are not making money. They can’t print enough. People are not even buying as much as they used to buy. People go online, so the publishers are not making money.

That they are not paying the reporters is an unfortunate situation. It makes me sad. Whereas in our days, salaries were paid fortnightly by Alhaji Jose. He broke the salary into two. Every fortnight you’d get paid. And during the weeks, you’d make claims about your movement searching for news items. Alhaji Jose knew that we cooked it up, but if you have been doing good stories, he would just sign you out. We used to laugh at ourselves by asking, ‘have you submitted your swindle sheet?’.

It’s a pink paper that you write: Monday transport to Kakawa, from Kakawa to Ebute Meta, Ebute Meta to Yaba to Ido. You rip it into pieces so that by Friday, you get something for the weekend.

In our days, we were spoiled. Weekends were fine. Fortnightly salary came in. But now, some of you don’t get paid for five to six months. I’m sorry. And when I talk to the publishers, they too are in trouble: cost of production keeps running high, they are not selling much. advertisement is not that much, So I am torn between the two. And they don’t want to sack. If all of you are sacked, who would produce the paper?Journalism is a profession you love so much and always proud to identify with. What future do you see?

As I said, I believe there is a great future. In spite of AI, forever and ever there would be journalism. Like Akin Faleye said, dissemination of information will continue forever. Journalism will never die. In spite of AI.

With the digitisation of the media, which has forced everybody to go online, don’t you think that the traditional media, the print in this case, could go extinct soon?

No. I don’t think so because the only difference will be that we will be giving newspapers free. In London, now, there is a daily newspaper, Metro, it’s free. And by the afternoon, the Evening Standard is out and it’s free. There will still be newspapers. It’s just that it will be free. And the money will be made from advertisements.Everyone’s prayer for you is to live many more years in good health, but at 85, are there things you still look forward to before the universe calls time on you?

Nothing! I just do thanksgiving to God. I always say, I don’t pray to have an aircraft. I don’t want to buy aircraft. I don’t want to buy Rolce Royce. The vehicles that I have for now will still last me for the next five years. The only thing I do everyday is, the bible teaches us to count our days. If I am going to live until 90, I have about 2500 days from now to ninety.

And I always asked myself, what will I be doing for the near 3000 days. Because if I live until ninety, nobody can say that I didn’t live well enough. So, I always want to get the best of everything in the daytime. Rest well. I don’t eat much, but the little I want to eat I want to eat quality food. If there is anything I enjoy most, it’s music. So I give myself the best and relax.

I have worked all my life and want to spend the rest of my life living a relaxed and enjoyable life. Sam Amuka used to tell me that when he is 90 years, he would like to go and he would be 90 next year on June 13. And I have told him that we won’t let him go at 90. The mother died at 108. So I told him that when it’s 106 or 107, we would force God to take him away then.

Like him, I thank God. I live to count my days, count my weeks. So, if I live to be 90, I still have about 300 weeks left. Why shouldn’t I give glory to God everyday and enjoy every day of my life to the best of my ability.Lastly, what is family to you? And where has family always been in all that life has thrown at you, even at 85?

Well, I thank God that I have a good family. I have only one pity, that all through my life as a journalist, I devoted all day, all night to the profession. It is in old age now that I try to give as much as I can to my grandchildren what my children didn’t have. As a successful journalist, you have to be hardworking all day. You don’t go to bed until the paper goes to bed. And that is not before midnight. So, my grandchildren are the ones I am giving it all to. I look forward to my grandchildren and enjoy their company.

Gov. Adeleke Reaffirms Oluwo as Head of Obas in Iwo Zone

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by admin50

Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed the sanctity of Oluwo of Iwoland as the consenting authority over the three local governments constituting Iwo zone under the Iwo Traditional Council.

The State Governor also ordered the immediate reversal of any instance where consenting authority has been granted to any traditional ruler under Iwoland, directing the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government to enforce the directive in line with tradition and laws.

In a reaction to widespread complaints over alleged encroachment on the traditional areas of authority of Oluwo of Iwoland, Governor Adeleke affirmed his deep respect for tradition and history which he said duly conferred leadership of Iwo zone on the Oluwo of Iwoland from time immemorial.

According to the State Governor, any granting of consenting authority to any traditional ruler within the Iwo Traditional Council and the exercise of such authority by such beneficiary are hereby nullified and declared illegal and of no effect.

Any installation of a Baale done by such beneficiary is built on illegal foundation and is hereby declared a nullity, the Governor further affirmed, warning against actions and activities within and outside government that may jeopardise the peace and unity existing within the zone.

“I heard of several reports indicating usurpation of the legal authority of the Oluwo of Iwoland. Any such conduct is illegal and is hereby reversed. I have deep respect for the traditional institution. I particularly have deep affinity and respect for the people of Iwo at home and abroad including His Royal Majesty, the Oluwo of Iwoland.

“Our government did not and will not embark on any move or ploy purportedly designed to decimate the areas of authority of Oluwo of Iwoland. Oluwo remains the consenting authority for Iwoland and President of the Iwoland Traditional Council.

“The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs is hereby directed to immediately withdraw any consenting authority that is purportedly granted the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, the Olowu of Kuta or any other traditional ruler who are traditionally under the Oluwo of Iwoland. Neither myself nor our government will be a party to the revision of history that is capable of igniting communal conflict and destruction of cultural heritage.

“Let me state it loud and clear: there is no anti-Iwo or anti-Oluwo agenda in our government. Anybody spreading such is a marketer of fake news. I have a pan-Osun vision and agenda which entails equitable development of all local governments of the state and phased infrastructure upgrade across the three senatorial districts.

“Our government will complete the Iwo-Osogbo road very soon. The contractor already has a deal on the best way to fast-track the road construction with the State Government. This administration will deliver a quality road to revive the economic fortunes of the six local governments on that road.

“It is fake news to suggest that our government has abandoned the all-important road. Iwo is benifitting from our government in many ways that will soon be manifested to Iwo people at home and abroad”, Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.

Gov. Adeleke Receives Staff Audit Report

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by admin50

Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke today vowed to pursue the ongoing public service reform to a logical conclusion as the state staff audit consultant, Sally Tibot Consult, submitted the final report.

At a ceremony held at the Government House, the lead consultant, Mrs Saadat Bakrin Ottun said the staff audit was concluded after due diligence and critical analysis of the data gathered during the auditing exercise.

Submitting soft and hard copies of the report, Bakrin Ottun said best practices were applied to prepare the report, noting that the report contained actionable recommendations for further action by the state government.

While thanking the state government for the opportunity, the consultant commended the labour unions for their cooperation and support.

Receiving the report, Governor Adeleke immediately set up an action committee to be chaired by the Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Akinleye to review and act on the recommendations.

The Governor spoke further: “I thank the consultant for finally completing the assignment. Our administration is committed to pursuing public service reform to a logical conclusion.

“We have done a lot to reposition the public service. I am encouraged to drive the reform further because we have the full support of the public servants. I have received several commendations for our emphasis on workers’ welfare.

“We are not only paying salaries regularly but we are repaying inherited salary and pension debts. Our government remains committed to workers’ welfare as a priority.

“Above passion for workers is why we are blocking all loopholes in the salary system. Let me reaffirm that the process is not meant to witch hunt anybody. The process is for our collective good.

“To review and act on the staff audit report, I hereby set up an action committee on the staff audit report.

“The terms of reference of the committee are as follows: study the report and assess the recommendations ;consider the implications of the recommendations on the public service; take action to implement the recommendations; interface with stakeholders to ensure effective implementations; and consider all other issues related to the subject”, the Governor posited.

The members of the committee are as follows: Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye (COS) — Chairman; Dr. Biyi Odunlade; Mr.Ayanleye Aina — HOS ; Mr. Remi Atolagbe — AG’s Office ; Mrs.Linda Bibilari; Comrade Christopher Arapasopo — NLC Chairman ;Comrade Lasun — JNC Chairman ;Comrade Fasasi — TUC Chairman; Mrs.Eniola Omotosho; Comrade lyabo Olanrewaju — NLC; Prof. Anthony Ola Olusanya; Comrade Atoyebi Oyetunde; Mrs .Adepeju Ogini; — Asst. Secretary; and Hon Bamkole Omisore -Secretary.

Ex-Accountant General begs for time to refund looted funds

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by admin50

A former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, on Wednesday, pleaded with Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja to give him more time to conclude the refund of the public funds allegedly looted by him and his co-defendant.

Nwabuoku and his co-defendant, Felix Nweke, are facing 11 counts of money laundering to the tune of N1.6bn.

They are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The defendants were accused of committing to the act while Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

While Nwabuoku is the first defendant, Nweke is the second defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/24 dated May 20 and filed on May 27 by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.

Nwabuoku was appointed acting AGoF on May 20, 2022, under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari after Ahmed Idris was suspended as AGF over alleged N80bn fraud.

He was, however, removed in July 2022, a few weeks after assuming office.

When the matter was called on Wednesday, the defendants prayed the court to halt their arraignment until another date to perfect the refund.

Nweke’s lawyer, Emeka Onyeaka, informed the court that there was a new development in the case.

He told the court that his client had taken steps towards settling the matter.

The lawyer said Nweke had made substantial refunds of the money traced to him by the anti-graft agency.

“The second defendant has taken steps, as there is a communication to the commission via-a-vs the alleged offences on making a refund.

“The commission is in receipt of the money and promised to communicate to us,” he said.

The defence counsel said upon being served with the charge, “We communicated with the commission and we were asked to tarry for their administrative procedure.”

He said since a substantial amount had been refunded, if his client was arraigned, such action would affect the trial.

He, therefore, prayed the court to grant them an adjournment to take further steps on the administrative procedure.

Maduakolam Igwe, who appeared for Nwabuoku, aligned with Onyeaka’s submission.

Igwe said his client had equally taken the same steps and that a substantial amount had been refunded.

“We have written to the commission on this. The first defendant has also made some refunds.

“May I adopt the submission of my learner friend to tidy up the administrative procedure,” he corroborated.

Responding, counsel who appeared for the EFCC, Ogechi Ujam, acknowledged that though the commission was in receipt of a proposal letter, she said, “No negotiation has been made, no settlement has been done and no agreement has been reached by parties.

“In the circumstances, we urge this honourable court to allow us to arraign the defendants.”

After hearing the parties out, Justice Omotosho adjourned till October 14 for arraignment.