Some artisans have been feared trapped after a 21-storey building collapsed in Lagos.
The building, said to be under construction, caved in Monday afternoon along Gerrard Road, Ikoyi.
Read Also: Lagos taskforce impounds 204 motorcycles, arrests 50 hoodlums
Possible cause of collapse and number of persons feared trapped are yet to be ascertained.
Emergency workers, it was learnt, were yet to get to the scene at the time of this report.
Details Shortly…
After successfully installing members of the National Working Committee (NWC), governors elected on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to produce the party’s presidential ticket, it was learnt at the weekend.
This has put the ambition of three major contenders – former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President of Senate Bukola Saraki and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, on a shaky ground.
At the convention, which ended yesterday morning in Abuja, the governors showed their dominance by installing their favourites in the key positions.
It was learnt that Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom tipped Iyorchia Ayu, who is the national chairman-designate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s candidate Taofeek Arapaja defeated candidate of party’s elders, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to become the Deputy Chairman (South)-designate, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike produced Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the national Secretary-designate.
The PDP governors are pushing for a consensus presidential candidate from among their rank, it was learnt.
The governors have also resolved to fortify the PDP Governors Forum as the most formidable and influential bloc in the opposition party ahead of the presidential nomination, a source said.
The source, who pointed out that the 13 governors have taken over completely the party structures by installing majority of the members of the National Working Committee (NWC), added that they also want to produce the presidential running mate.
The plot by the governors may put more hurdles on the path of other presidential aspirants, including Atiku, Kwankwaso and Saraki.
Although former Senate President and one-time Secretary to the Government of the Federation Ayim Pius Ayim has unfolded his presidential ambition, it is believed that PDP will zone the ticket to the North, having sealed a pact with National Chairman Iyochia Ayu that he would step down after the primary.
PDP governors said to be interested in the presidential ticket are Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and his Bauchi counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed.
Giving an insight into how governors of Rivers, Enugu, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Bayelsa, Abia, Benue, Oyo, Bauchi, Sokoto, Taraba, and Adamawa and Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, took full control of the party, the source said the move was to completely reduce the the influence of the party’s founding fathers.
He said the plot to dominate the party was evident in the way the governors policed the voting at the convention, gave instructions to delegates and constantly exchanged notes among themselves throughout the event at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
Also, for the first in the history of the opposition party, all the machinery necessary for organising the convention from the zoning committee, convention committee, and all-sub-committees, were headed by the governors.
The source said the governors ensured that their loyalists were nominated for the key positions, which they achieved by consensus among themselves.
He added: “In the three cases, which were decided by voting- deputy national chairman (south), national youth leader, and national auditor)-the candidates on the unity list drawn by the governors won.
“Thus, Samuel Ortom of Benue sponsored the national chairman, Nyesom Wike of Rivers sponsored the national Secretary, Seyi Makinde of Oyo provided the national deputy chairman (south), and Aminu Tambuwal provided the National Organising Secretary.
“The only non- serving governor who produced a high-ranking party official is former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, whose candidate, Kamal Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), is the National Legal Adviser.
“Ajibade is the first senior advocate to be elected into that office in the history of political party administration in the country.”
The source added:”The governors probably conceded the crucial position to Saraki, who himself is a former governor and one-time chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, because of the respect they have for him and the good relationship he maintains with all of them.
“The implication of all of these is that PDP governors will most likely also decide how the presidential candidate of the party for the 2023 elections will emerge next year and who he will be.
According to the source, “the governors displayed cohesion, focus, unity, dedication, and camaraderie in the manner they conducted the election of the new NWC of PDP.
“They are doing this for a purpose. The ultimate end is to decide the presidential flag bearer.”
He stressed: “From the interaction and body language of the governors, two options are likely to be considered by them. One is to make one of them the presidential candidate or to produce a candidate who though might not be a serving governor, but must be in their age category or one of their peers. They will want a candidate who they can relate with after emerging as president and who will not feel too big or paternalistic in his disposition towards them”
Party insiders also confided at the weekend that the governors have resolved that the presidential ticket should be zoned to the North while the South should produce his running mate.
The implication, said the party source, is that no Southern PDP governor will join the presidential race.
He said if the governors succeed in their plan, the likely running mate are Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, or his Delta and Enugu counterparts, Ifeanyi Okowa and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
While Ayu, who was thrown up by the governors, is conversant with the governors plan, a source close to him said his immediate assignment is to forge reconciliation in the party.
“He is now the link between the old and young members of the party and he may want to bridge the gap and rekindle confidence between them,” said the source.
All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday explained that his mission to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for visiting him in London.
He told reporters that any discussion with the President was not a matter for the public.
Buhari, who was billed to leave Abuja for the United Kingdom (UK) last night to participate in the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), returned to Abuja on Friday after a five-day working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Responding to questions after the meeting, Tinubu said he was at the State House to thank the President for visiting him in London after his surgery, noting that it was a mark of exceptional leadership.
“It’s only to thank the President, first of all, for his visit to my residence in London after the surgery and wishing me well, lifting my spirit and indeed, what an exceptional leader will do to collaborate. So, that’s what I came for and to welcome him back from the trip from Saudi.
“No politics, just courtesy call to thank him in a big way. That’s all.”
Asked what the President’s response was, Tinubu said the President was happy he was around, adding that he was not obliged to speak on other things they discussed.
Some youths besieged the Plateau Assembly on Monday morning.
The action of youths, who arrived at the Complex as early as 6 am, may be connected to the crisis rocking the Assembly over the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Ayuba Abok last Thursday by eight of the 24 lawmakers.
The youth carried placards with inscriptions in support of the impeached Speaker.
They demanded his reinstatement as security agents took over the Complex to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
Details shortly…
The Nation at the weekend confirmed its status as the foremost Newspaper in the country.
This newspaper won honours in 16 categories – more than any other newspaper – in this year’s edition of the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA).
Editor Adeniyi Adesina was adjudged the Editor of the last year.
Adesina was picked as the Editor of the year by the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
The Nation was adjudged newspaper of the year by both the NMMA and DAME.
This newspaper then won in 14 NMMA categories.
At the weekend even in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, The Nation journalists as usual shine like the bright stars, winning in 16 of the 40 categories in the print media.
The Nation was a runner-up in the Newspaper of the Year category, won by The Punch, which clinched 11 awards to trail this newspaper on the awards table.
The third nominee in the category was the Daily Trust.
The Nation reporters proved their mettle again, dominating in most of the categories.
Serial winners Innocent Duru, Olatunji Ololade, Chikaodi Okereocha and Collins Nweze continued their streaks.
Duru, who is The Nation Chapel Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), had seven nominations, winning five of them.
He won the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Prize for Culture and Tradition Reporter of the Year, the Buba Marwa Prize for Defence Reporter of the Year and the Union Bank Prize for Banking and Finance Reporter of the Year.
He also won the Ernest Sisei Ikoli Prize for Newspaper Reporter of the Year, and the Cecil King Memorial Prize for Print Journalist of the Year.
Multiple-award winner and associate editor Ololade won in two categories: Bashorun MK.O Abiola Prize for Sports Reporter of the Year and the Abubakar Imam Prize for Newspaper Features Writer of the Year.
Assistant Editor Okereocha won in three categories: the Sonny Odogwu Prize Business Reporter of the Year, the Adamu Mu’Azu Prize for Tourism Reporter of the Year and the Chevron Nigeria Prize for Oil and Gas Reporter of the Year.
Nweze won two honours: the Access Bank Prize for Capital Market Reporter of the Year and the UBA Prize for Money Market Reporter of the Year.
Deputy Editor Emmanuel Oladesu won the Lateef Jakande Prize for Political Reporter of the Year.
Assistant Editor/Head Foreign Desk Bola Olajuwon won the NAFCON Prize for Environment Reporter of the Year, while our aviation correspondent Kelvin Osa-Okunbor won the Aviation Industry Reporter of the Year.
The Nation nominees were runners-up in other categories.
They are Deputy News Editor Joseph Jibueze, who was a nominee in the Newspaper Reporter of the Year category, along with Eric Ikhilae a Senior Judicial Correspondent.
Niger State Correspondent Justina Asishana was a finalist in two categories: the Sonny Odogwu Prize for Business Reporter of the Year and Newspaper Features Writer of the Year.
Kunle Akinrinade was nominee for the Ibrahim Shekarau Prize for Education Reporter of the Year category.
Gboyega Alaka was a runners-up in the Olusegun Mimiko Prize for Foreign News Reporter of the Year and the Bukola Saraki Prize for Agriculture Reporter of the Year categories.
The Nation ex-reporter Medinat Kanabe, now with Premium Times, was a runner-up in the Tourism Reporter of the Year category.
Ibrahim Yusuf was a nominee in the Lateef Jakande Prize for Political Reporter of the Year category.
Assistant Editor Muyiwa Lucas was a runner-up in the Nigerian Ports Authority Prize for Maritime Reporter of the Year category.
The Nation cartoonist Muyiwa Adetula was a finalist in the Nnamdi Azikiwe Prize for Cartoonist of the Year.
Former reporter Gabriel Ogunjobi, now with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was a runner-up in the Etisalat Prize for Most Innovative Reporter of the Year category. Grace Obike was a finalist in the Gani Fawehinmi Prize for Human Rights Reporter of the Year category.
Channels won the Television Station of the Year, beating Arise and Television Continental (TVC).
Ray Power was named Radio Station of the Year, beating the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Inspiration FM.
The late Obadiah Mailafia won the Columnist of the Year with The Punch.
New Telegraph won four awards; Vanguard won three; The Guardian won three, while the Nigerian Tribune won one: the Editorial Writing category.
The three-day event featured several sideshows, including a media tour of the senatorial zones and a media heroes night that featured food, music and dance.
Host Governor Yahaya Bello urged the media to remain steadfast in its watchdog role.
He said: “In a democracy, the media is more powerful than even the government. The media can make a party or politician highly visible or totally invisible, even loved or hated. The media is responsible for electoral success or failure.
“Because the media can use its influence to swing public opinion, it is essential that the reports are accurate and factual.
“Therefore, the media should insulate itself or its practitioners from manipulations or hijack by vested interests. This can be done by self-regulation by the press.
“Sanitising the media industry and keeping it professional is the job the media practitioners must do for themselves. “The government cannot help you in this fight, because every attempt of the government to regulate fake news or hate speech has raised an outcry in the media with accusations of gagging free speech.
“Therefore, journalists like other professional bodies like lawyers and doctors, must sanitise the profession.”
The governor suggested that journalists can use reward and punishment system to address professional misconduct.
“They can do this by creating a name and shame platform to bring out media institutions that spread fake news and hate speech every year e.g, the fake news award.
“The era of publishing fake news and refusing to retract it when it is found to be true should come to an end,” he said.
Bello, who nurses a presidential ambition, said Nigerians must get it right in 2023.
“We are thinking about 2023 equations and permutations. We cannot afford to get the question of the next president of Nigeria wrong. If we do, it will mean the end of Nigeria.
“The following characteristics are crucial to the man who will lead us in the country after President Muhammadu Buhari and they are: youthfulness, courage, security, ability to manage the diversity of the county and equity.
“On equity, it is only the Northcentral and Southeast zones that have not held Presidency or Vice Presidency positions since the return of civilian rule in 1999.
“Nigeria has to find way of being equitable in selecting her leaders in 2023 or we are merely playing dangerous politics and healing the wounds of the people deceitfully.”
The governor praised the finalists, saying: “I felicitate with the nominees. You are the shining light of the society. Your nominations are well deserved. I urge you to maintain such high level of professional conduct in your work.”
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat spoke recently to reporters on a wide range of issues, including the growing call for state police, enactment of anti-open grazing laws in many states, the value-added tax controversy, the rebuilding of assets destroyed during the #EndSARS protest of last year and others that border on partisan politics. EMMANUEL BADEJO, who covered the event reports
Despite several measures taken, the activities of Okada operators in Lagos are a source of concern. How would the Sanwo-Olu administration tackle this problem?
As we all know, the law is there, but that law must be implemented with the support of security officers, especially the police. One of the things we must do is to make sure we get every person involved in terms of implementation. It is unfortunate that at a point when we were enforcing the laws, people were saying the state government was clamping down on okada operators. The law was passed long ago. As a government, what we intend to do is to keep enforcing the law. To do that, we have security meetings with representatives of the military, the police and other security agencies. One of the reports we got was that a good number of the motorcycles being used for okada operations belong to some law enforcement officers. We had an internal discussion with the law enforcement officers. We told them they need to enforce the law without bias. This is the law, and it must be enforced. That is ongoing as well. Under whatever circumstances, we cannot allow lawlessness in Lagos and we will continue to put all machinery in motion to ensure that law and order prevail in our state.
A few weeks ago, Lagos ratified the anti-grazing law. But, some herders are still abusing this law. When will Lagos begin implementation of this law?
Our people are still stuck in the idea of migrating cows for hundreds of kilometres. In other jurisdictions, such conduct would be regarded as animal abuse. People go to jail for such offences. There is a young boy that follows the herd all through. Where do the herders sleep? Where do they eat? Where do they go to school? As a people, we must ask these questions: why do we treat ourselves this way? Something is wrong. Unfortunately, we weaponise issues in our society. We do not even look at issues rationally anymore. If you milk a typical cow in Nigeria, it would give you about two litres per day. If you milk a typical cow in The Netherlands, it would yield almost 18 litres. Besides, the meat is tender because the cows are massive. We can see ranches all over the world. So, we should do better for the animals and the people in doing that business. Let us just do the right thing as a people and forget about fighting.
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing to wrestle power from your party in Lagos. What are your plans to ensure that APC continues to occupy the seat of power?
What has our party been doing that has made it retain the seat of governance since the advent of the Fourth Republic? We have been offering qualitative leadership and we intend to continue delivering good governance that has touched and still impacts the lives of many people. It is this impressive performance that has made the people of Lagos continue to vote for our party. We have been making some milestones in every sector of the economy. Before becoming the deputy governor, I have been part and parcel of the APC administration in Lagos at one time or the other. Without any fear of contraction, we have been doing a lot for the people. Ours is collective governance and this strategy has been our strength, through which we have impacted positively on every sector – education, health, information and communication technology (ICT), housing, road network, waste management, agriculture, job creation and poverty alleviation to mention a few. During the inauguration of this administration on May 29, 2019, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged a greater Lagos through the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda. The acronym T.H.E.M.E.S. represents the administration’s six strategic development agenda; namely Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, as well as Security and Governance. Since then, we have been measuring our performance alongside this plan. Without being immodest, with the numerous challenges, I can say that we are delivering based on the mandate the people of Lagos gave us and the covenant we made with them. I am sure, with our footprints everywhere, the people of Lagos will continue to vote for our party. However, we are still far from fulfilling our desires, but we are hopeful that, as the people continue to support and cooperate with us, we will deliver more dividends of democracy to them.
Some roads in Lagos are death traps. Can you give an update on what this administration has been doing in terms of road infrastructure?
I have listened to statements describing our roads as death traps. People use that statement to describe a bad road. If you look at it critically, it is not bad roads that kill, but our wrong use of the roads. I read reports of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) quarterly. Based on FRSC reports, 67 per cent of deaths on roads are due to drunkenness while driving. If you go to any part of the world, especially New York, New Jersey and other states in the US, they do auctions of accident cars every week and yet, their roads are good. So, the question is our driving habit and the way people drink alcohol causes death. If you are going to Abuja through the airport, you will always see scenes of accidents. In terms of road infrastructure, we decided to concentrate on high traffic moving areas and opening new roads. For example, we are expanding the Lekki-Epe expressway from Eleko junction to Epe. That is about 21 kilometres. Currently, it is a one-lane road, though it is two lanes in some areas. But we are turning it into a six-lane highway with about three to four bridges. So, the essence is that we must start to move traffic away from the highway. We are also expecting Dangote Refinery on that corridor. We must make sure we expand that road. That is a concrete road, and we are turning it to six lanes. It is a money guzzler; it is expensive, but it has to be done. As you said, our city is growing heavily. Therefore, we have to focus on the main load-carrying capacity roads, so that we can distribute traffic effectively along the corridor. We have awarded the regional road.
There has been so much noise about the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge. Why is the project yet to take off?
Yes, the plan to deliver this project is on, but there is a reason it has not taken off. All investors are looking for what is viable. They are not going to bring their money to just build roads for us. They will build with a projection to get something at the end of the project. If it is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investors must know what is in the project for them. The Lekki-Epe is a Grade-7 road. What it means is that the road can take the maximum number of vehicles it can take. If we build Fourth Mainland Bridge that takes traffic from it and also brings traffic from Ikorodu back to it, you are populating that road. Therefore, there will be gridlocks at both ends if we are not careful. And as such, we need to build another road that is a bit parallel and that will take off vehicles to other places. That is why we are embarking on that road. It is massive. It is about 10 or 11 kilometres. It allows taking traffic from the Lekki-Epe highway and making Fourth Mainland Bridge very viable. We are rounding the process of concessioning the bridge. We have three concessionaires shortlisted for the project. They are all international companies.
There is not much concrete information in the public domain about the project. Can you give further details on the Fourth Mainland Bridge project?
There are processes for concessions. It is not civil servants that are handling it 100 per cent. Experts are working on it. So, the Fourth Mainland Bridge may cost as much as $2 billion. It is not a project that I can say I know enough. We brought in experts from different parts of the world to come and manage it. They brief us once in a while. It is not a process that is 100 per cent managed by us. We are working with our consultants to make sure that the project succeeds. Initially, there were about six international companies that expressed interest in the project. So, it is difficult for me to mention a specific company because the process is still ongoing. Even now, the companies are coming together to handle the project. There is a Portuguese company. There is a Chinese company. I think Julius Berger is also part of them. I assure you that we will make everything public by the time the final concession is done. Let us wait for the outcome of the process.
To what extent is Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration reconstructing some other roads in the state?
We are focusing on roads in other areas. For example, the road that comes from Deeper Life to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one such road. We have a lot of institutions along that corridor –UNILAG, Federal College of Education, Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) and a few others. It allows moving people from one end to another end. So, we are looking at strategic areas, where we can move people en masse. As we award new road contracts, we are also fixing existing ones. As of June, Public Works Corporation had rehabilitated more than 198 roads, apart from those we did at the ward level. One of the things we did was to call all the councillors. We have 377 councillors in Lagos. Since they are the closest to the people, we asked each of the councillors to tell us a specific project that is most needed in his ward. We asked them to consult with the people. The majority of it turns out to be roads, though some wanted schools, viewing centres, public healthcare centres. In terms of roads, we are doing a lot to make sure we meet the transportation needs of the state.
Lagos State subscribed to the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) scheme, codenamed Operation Amotekun. Lagos is the only state that has not set up its Amotekun corp. What is delaying it?
If you notice the Amotekun laws in other states, you’ll discover they took their roots from Lagos State. You can call it any name. The law itself is an offshoot of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law. The law is working very well. It is almost the same as Amotekun law. The essence is: What do they do? They collaborate within the region.
If the states lose the VAT battle at the Supreme Court, what other option would they resort to, to fulfil the desire of getting a greater share of the revenue?
We all signed up for constitutional democracy. The court will interpret and adjudicate and everybody will abide by the judgment. If the court rules in our favour, we abide by it. If the court rejects our plea, what can we do? It is about the interpretation of the constitution. Let the court interpret. We must have this type of discussion in our country. It might be tough, though. But we need to have it. I do not see any problem at all. Let the court decide and then we move on as a people.
During the #EndSARS protest, a lot of public assets were destroyed. One year later, these assets have not been refurbished. What is the government doing about it?
I will let you know the history of other democracies. In the south of the United States, you notice that there are no public transport buses. It was during the riot in that region that those buses were burnt. The government decided that if the people did not want buses, they should all drive and you can guess the impact of that action on society. Most of these assets were done to better our lives as a people. It cost the government and all of us a lot to deliver some of these projects. To reconstruct them means the government will have to use money meant for other developmental projects, but unfortunately, government earnings do not expand. Some of these projects were financed through borrowing and irrespective of the damage, the government had signed an agreement with her partners and cannot turn around now to renege on the agreements. Apart from structures, we also lost huge archival materials. But as a responsible government, we are in the process of fixing those assets and some people have been saddled with that responsibility to come up with a plan to rebuild those projects. However, I am happy to say that in terms of functionality, all our high courts are operational, though not in the same place. For the materials, we are working with lawyers to retrieve some of these documents. During the protest, people displayed their anger against the police and the state and that led to the death of some police officers.
The 63-year-old billionaire philanthropist, the late Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, positively impacted many lives. Southsouth Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI writes that the late Okunbo personified effective leadership through his selfless service.
The appreciative Kingsley Okunbo, the immediate younger brother to the 63-year-old billionaire philanthropist, the late Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, popularly referred to as Capt. Hosa, during the service of songs on October 7, 2021, at the deceased’s palatial residence at No. 38B, Aiguobasimwin Crescent, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City, Edo State, reminded the dignitaries in attendance whom his elder brother was.
He described the deceased as a single tree that made the forest, through his generosity to humanity.
Kingsley said he would never forget the business mogul’s piece of advice: “Never do evil, and if you cannot do good stay neutral.”
The younger brother to the deceased also stated that he was consoled by the fact that the billionaire industrialist was in heaven, having given his life to Christ, before he passed on while promising to unite the entire family as one indivisible entity.
On October 11, 2021, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, cancelled his fifth coronation anniversary to honour Okunbo, while Secretary of Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor, made the revelation in a press statement.
Irabor said: “The BTC, on behalf of His Royal Majesty (HRM), wishes to inform the general public that as a result of the demise of Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, and his burial a few days ago, HRM has directed that all the events lined up to mark his 5th coronation anniversary on October 20, 2021, be postponed, in honour of the late Captain Okunbo, who was an illustrious son of Edo State, in whom we were well pleased.
“May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace.”
The deceased philanthropist, who hailed from Orhua Town in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, was born on January 7, 1958, passed on in a London hospital at 63 in the early hours of August 8, 2021, as a result of pancreatic cancer, with his body flown into the Edo State capital on October 6, for burial on October 8.
The business magnate’s son-in-law is the 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who is married to Okunbo’s first child, Olori Ivie.
The entrepreneur, who graduated at 21 from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, Zaria, as a professional commercial pilot, was made a Captain in 1983 at 25 and retired five years later.
As a commercial pilot, Okunbo worked for Intercontinental Airlines and Okada Airlines.
He established Hoslyn Ventures Limited, a company that focused on procurement in the oil and gas sector. In view of the restiveness in the Niger Delta, Okunbo set up Ocean Marine Security Limited, a pioneer marine security company, which is responsible for offshore asset protection for major oil companies in Nigeria.
He ventured into agriculture, through the establishment of Wells Farm Limited, thereby investing millions of dollars in greenhouse farming and agro-allied business in Edo State. The business mogul, who was married and had children, was also into construction, property and real estate development, security solutions, landscaping and charter flight operations, among others.
The philanthropist was conferred with an honorary Doctoral Degree by the University of Benin (UNIBEN), for his contributions and benevolence to humanity, as well as his achievements as an entrepreneur.
There were days of tributes by family and church members, friends and associates of the deceased in Benin and other parts of Nigeria.
The service of songs was attended by a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who is the immediate Governor of Edo state; a former Delta State Governor, James Ibori; the representative of Edo South Senatorial District, Matthew Urhoghide; and a former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase.
Also in attendance at the service of songs were Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; former Edo State Deputy governors Pius Odubu and Lucky Imasuen; as well as the governorship candidate of the APC during the September 19, 2021 election in Ed State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; and the Senior Pastor of Trinity House Church, Lagos, Ituah Ighodalo, among other dignitaries.
At the service of songs, the deceased’s first child, Olori Atuwatse, who is the wife of Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, took the Bible reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-12, which summarised the times of all creatures on earth.
Pastor Ighodalo, in his exhortation from Ecclesiastes 8, encouraged the children to take solace in the good deeds of their late father, noting that it is not how many years one spends on earth that matters, but how impactful his years were. He urged the children not to forget their late father’s legacies, but to always keep his memory alive.
The funeral service on October 8, 2021, took place at the Nigerian Air Force Base, by Prestige Hotel, Airport Road, Benin-City. Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Atiku Bagudu and Godwin Obaseki of Lagos, Ogun, Kebbi and Edo states respectively attended the event as well as two daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari, Halima and Zara, and their husbands.
Also in attendance at the funeral service were Edo State Deputy Governor; Oshiomhole; ex-governors of Delta, Gombe and Borno states, Chief James Ibori, Hassan Dakwambo and Alli Modu Sheriff respectively, as well as the representatives of the Oba of Benin and the Olu of Warri, among other eminent personalities.
In his homily at the funeral service, Pastor Godheart Ekweme stated that there was a time for everything.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan stated that Okunbo lived an impactful life, describing him as a great entrepreneur, who contributed greatly to the growth of the country through his hard work, discipline and perseverance.
Obaseki described Okunbo as an uncommon Nigerian, a genius, a breaker of glass ceilings, a bridge-builder, a business tycoon and a philanthropist extraordinaire.
He said: “Captain Hosa, as we fondly called him, was a man with a big heart. Although he had humble beginnings, he was armed with unyielding resolve, as his children have said, and he was determined to surmount life’s challenges and he did.
“He embodied hard work, perseverance, dexterity and acumen, which espoused his Edo heritage. Captain was a philanthropist, who gave lavishly off himself and his resources.
“He will be remembered for his undying love for Edo people. His desire for the progress and development of our dear state, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria, as well as his invaluable contributions to building bridges across the country, will never be forgotten.
“In building a vast business empire that spanned maritime, logistics, security, transpiration, agriculture and hospitality, he displayed rare business acumen, providing employment for thousands of Nigerians and contributing immensely to our country’s development and progress.” The deceased’s first son, Osahon stated that his father’s life was guided by two principles: love and mercy.
Osahon said: “His (Captain Okunbo’s) life was a lesson and every chance you have to spend with him; he tells you a story from his experience and from the Bible. I once asked him, why do you forgive so easily, there are so many people around him that hurt him very deeply, still, he had them around him. He said ‘my son, do you know the reason God will always deliver my enemies at my feet? It is because God knows I will have mercy upon them.’
“He told me something in the heat of this cancer problem. He said ‘my son, everybody is not supposed to live long, it is not the length of your life, it is about the impact you leave behind.” He said God sent him here to do some things and for the past four days, people have spoken about them. The first child of Okunbo, Olori Atuwatse described her late father as a great man.
The Olori said: “On my last trip to London to see him (Captain Okunbo) in the hospital as I had done many times before. In hindsight, I believe God was showing me the core impact my dad made in the world. His influence was much deeper than brick and mortar. In that bustling place of transit, Captain often slowed down to touch lives.
“From security to check-in and immigration, faces of members of staff of the airport lit up whenever they discovered I was Captain’s child. They shared stories of his kindness. Many relayed memories of how he paid their children’s school fees, house rents or hospital bills. Money was not all he gave, though. He listened, comforted, and generously used his network to help.
“That day, my heart rejoiced because I knew that, in his simplicity, Captain personified the greatest virtue: service. Their testimonies reaffirmed that selfless service is the most effective way to lead. Indeed, my father lived Christ’s words: ‘He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.’
“As Captain journeyed through the earth, he was never too busy or too big to serve. When I say my dad was a great man, this is how I measure his greatness—by how willing he was to lend a listening ear, to give hope, and to serve; by his heart of service, not by his wealth or awards.”
The Olori of Ogiame Atuwatse III noted that seeing her father trusting God through the greatest fight of his life in the past year, taught her how to trust God completely, even when it was most difficult.
She stressed that her father left the world a better place through his service and sacrifice, while she and her siblings would ensure that they live upholding his essence, to see it passed on from generation to generation. She added that the children’s work would be to keep the philanthropist’s memory alive and remind the world about his genuineness and depth of character. The Executive Director, Ocean Marine Solution, Oyekunle Oyelakun, described the deceased as his godfather and a generous man, who taught him morals and how to love humanity.
From left: Obaseki, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Bawa Yusuf (President Muhammadu Buhari’s in-law), Halima Bawa, Zara Indimi, Senator Sherrif and Bagudu at the burial of Captain Idahosa Okunbo
The tension is understandably heightening everyday as the clock ticks towards the November 6 date for the governorship election in Anambra State. The candidates in the race for the state most coveted seat on the platforms of the various political parties are gradually bringing their campaign trains to berth and setting up their various situation rooms for the last minute strategies to outdo their opponents during the electoral contest next Saturday.
Early last month, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final list of candidates for the Anambra guber election, setting the stage for what many pundits are describing as an epic political showdown. While many observers of the politics of the southeast state are of the opinion that until the election is held and a winner is declared, it is impossible to predict who will carries the day, some others have narrowed the contest down to a race among four candidates and political parties.
Valentine Ozigbo’s name was published as gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Also in the 18 candidates list published on Thursday were Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Sen. Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The list signed by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner in charge of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee also had Sen Ifeanyi Uba as the candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Dr. Obiora Okonkwo would fly the flag of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Others were Obiora Agbasimalo, Labour Party; Dr. Godwin Maduka, Accord Party’s; Bennet Etiaba, ( AA); Chidozie Nwankwo,( AAC); Akachukwu Nwankpo (ADC), Afam Ume-ezeoke (ADP); Geoffrey Onyejegbu (APM); Philip Echetebu (APP), Okeke Chika Jerry (BOOT Party). Leonard Ohajinkpo will contest on the platform of NNPP, Afam Ezenwafor for NRM, Nnamdi Nwawuo for PRP and Obinna Uzoh for SDP.
However, the contest seems to be narrowed down among Soludo of the ruling APGA, Uba of theAPC, Ozigbo of the PDP and Ubah of the YPP, going by their current political reach across the state and the political structures they and their political parties can boast of to prosecute Saturday’s governorship election. In addition, analysts are convinced that the candidates of these leading parties possess the required deep pockets and human resources to pull the rug off the feet of their competitors on Saturday.
Other platforms such as the ZLP, LP and the Accord Party have shown some consistency in their campaigns and mass mobilisation ahead of the election, but analysts said the parties which are all relatively new to the people of Anambra state, lack the much the needed support base across the state to make any appreciable impact. It is also widely believe that contrary to the posturing of some of the candidates of these parties, they lack the needed financial muscles to spring any surprise at the polls.
One of the leading candidates in the governorship race is Senator Andy Uba, the flag bearer of APC. He hails from Uga, Aguata local government area in the South senatorial zone. He was elected governor in 2007, on the platform of the PDP, but he only lasted for 17 days in office as a result of tenure interpretation case instituted by then governor, Peter Obi. He earlier served as personal aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for about seven years.
In 2010, Uba was the governorship candidate of the LP losing to Peter Obi, the then incumbent governor but became the Senator for Anambra South later in 2011. He joined APC in 2017. Though his emergence as the APC candidate was controversial, it has been a harvest of political heavyweights from other political parties in the state, joining the APC to help his governorship cause. He enjoys the support of 13 APC governors. Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan are alleged to be supporting him as well.
All the foot-soldiers of the leader of the party in the State and Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, are working for Uba. Emeka Okafor, who is Uba’s deputy, and hails from Nnobi, in Idemili local government area is Ngige’s cousin. Currently, Uba has the support of Senator Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North senatorial zone, having joined APC recently, Senator Joy Emodi and the member representing Onitsha North and South Federal constituency, Linda Ikpeazu, all from PDP. He has also poached some APGA members in the House of Assembly among others. The recent defection of the incumbent deputy governor of the State, Dr. Nkem Okeke of APGAhas further brightened Uba’s chances.
His major weakness is the grassroots. Political observers say he plays Abuja politics more than the local politics of the state but APC is today rooted in every local government area in Anambra State because of the number of defections from APGA and PDP. Another strong contender for Obiano’s seat and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, the ticket bearer of the ruling APGA. Importantly, he enjoys the backing of Governor Willie Obiano and the APGA government in Anambra which has been in power for almost 16 years making it a difficult task for any political party to dislodge it easily. Besides, they always use the image of late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, to promote APG as an Igbo party.
Soludo hails from Isuofia, also in Aguata local government area from the same South. He had tried to govern the state on two occasions but failed in 2010 as PDP candidate and in 2013, when he aspired on the platform of APGA, but was denied the ticket. He is a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic team and heads Anambra State Vision 2050, launched by Obiano, among others. He is expected to reap from the achievements of APGA government in the state since 2006. The party’s campaigns have been anchored on these.
But the choice of his running mate, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, is viewed as an imposition on him for selfish reasons. Already, the Anglican community in the state is said to be unhappy with the choice and has thrown its weight to Uba, candidate of the APC. APGA is rooted in all the 21 local government areas in the state. This is an added advantage to Soludo’ aspiration. Nevertheless, Anambra state residents seem to have become tired of APGA due to alleged abandoned projects and failed campaign promises by the incumbent administration.
Also, Soludo’s emergence as the candidate of APGA brought about a yet to be resolved crisis in the party leading to the emergence of three factions. The problems had led to the mass defection of their members to APC and PDP. He has promised the residents to continue the legacy of the Obiano administration and that of APGA, if he is elected on November 6 governorship poll.
Valentine Ozigbo, the candidate of the PDP, is the immediate past Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Transcorp Plc. Though he is new in the murky waters of politics of the State, he has played it like a veteran so far. His emergence as the candidate of PDP was controversial like those of Uba and Soludo, but he has soldiered on. The once solid PDP has been depleted with the top guns in the party decamping to APC, thereby whittling the chances of Ozigbo at the polls.
According to one of the chieftains who joined APC, Sir Chris Chikwelu, the PDP candidate is good and solid, but certain characters think they own the party. Though, he has repeatedly debunked having any godfather in the race, observers believe that it was former governor Peter Obi that made him the candidate of the party. Such insinuations are rife across the state, making it difficult for him to convince some opponents of the former governor to work for Ozigbo.
In less than two years since he joined politics, Ozigbo has built one of the most efficient and impactful political organisations in Nigeria, (Ka Anambra Chawapu (a better and brighter Anambra). His campaign mantra is popular at the grassroots. Analysts believe he made a fine choice in his deputy, Lady Azuka Enemo, an Anglican, a mobilizer from Onitsha, who served two terms as Commissioner for local government in Obi’s government.
His major strengths in the race are his articulation, speech delivery strength and popularity of PDP in Anambra State. But what has weakened him is the division in the party. This disunity has robbed the party of electoral victories on many occasions. He has promised to harness the opportunities that abound in Anambra if elected on November 6.
The candidate of the YPP, Ifeanyi Ubah, a seating Senator representing Anambra South, is one candidate many people believe can spring a surprise in spite of the relative unpopularity of his party in the state. Though he won his current senate seat on the platform of the party, until the build up to the current governorship race, the businessman turned politician had did very little to popularize the party beyond his senatorial district.
“He had his eyes on the APC governorship seat all the while. That is why he did not work hard on spreading the structures and popularity of YPP across the state. It was only when he realized he could not snatch the APC ticket that he reversed to the use of YPP. Now not many people in other parts of the state can relate with the party. What he has going for him is his on personal popularity. He is well known in Anambra as a businessman, sports promoter and politician,” a source explained.
Ubah says security will be a major focus if he is elected. “On the security situation in my state, I have a different method that I am going to apply. I am going to apply information technology and information gathering to solve many problems. My constituency asked me to go and see how I can proffer political solution to issues that surround Nnamdi Kanu. I will do that if elected,” he said.
Despite fresh threat by proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to disrupt the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will go on with the poll as scheduled. IPOB had last weekend declared a one week sit-at-home protest across the South-East states starting from November 5, the eve of the governorship election in Anambra State.
IPOB’s Media and Public Secretary, Emma Powerful, in a statement in Awka, the Anambra State capital, said the protest was aimed at prevailing on the Federal Government to release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The group vowed that the protest would go on as planned if Kanu was not released before November 4. Kanu is facing trial on a seven-count amended charge bordering on treason and terrorism.
On Thursday, Simon Ekpa, one of Kanu’s supporters and a prominent leader in IPOB, via his social media handles, again warned INEC against conducting any election in the Southeast. He said “tell Egbunike and others to stay away from Anambra election as Biafrans already decided there will be no movement or election in Anambra State on the 6th of November, 2021.
“DIG Egbunike should be ready to go down in the history as the policeman used by the Fulanis to instigate crises should in case he tries to enforce election in Anambra State by killing any Biafran.” The IPOB leader who is supposedly based in Finland, said, reiterating the earlier directive for residents of Anambra to stay indoor on election day.
But the commission said it would move into the state this week for the final lap of preparations for the election. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, stated the commission’s stand at a special meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). Yakubu said: “INEC is determined to proceed with the Anambra State governorship election, as scheduled.
“The safety and protection of voters, our personnel, accredited observers, the media and materials are cardinal considerations in any election. We have been assured by the security agencies of a secure environment for the election. Members of ICCES may recall that three weeks ago, we held an emergency meeting to review preparations for the Anambra State governorship election. Since then, so much has been achieved and our preparations for the election have been going on unhindered.
“The 2021 Anambra State governorship election is holding on November 6, 2021. Our deployment of non-sensitive materials and training of personnel for the election have virtually been concluded. The commission has successfully accomplished 12 out of the 14 activities listed in the timetable and schedule of activities for the election released in January this year.
“The two outstanding activities are the last day of campaign, at midnight on Thursday, November 4, 2021, and Election Day, which remains Saturday, November 6, 2021. The REC for Anambra State is here to fully provide an update on the implementation of other activities and INEC’s general state of readiness for the election.”
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has appealed to the IPOB to suspend its planned sit-at-home order. Commenting on the development, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze spokesperson, said “the lockdown may disrupt the election and cause untold hardship for the people in the south-east. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide pleads with the IPOB to reconsider the 7 days’ sit-at-home order in the south-east of Nigeria from November 5 to November 11.
“This is to enable the governorship election for Anambra State scheduled for November 6 to hold. It is important to note that Anambra state is the economic live wire of the south-east with an impressive steady growth trajectory. For instance, Anambra state showcases the best rural road network and rural community development in the south-east if not in entire Nigeria.
“Anambra is home to the greatest number of small, medium and large scale industries in the south-east. Most recently, Anambra has added a cargo airport to its resource base. Above all, Onitsha is the largest market in West Africa. The implication of the above illustration is that Anambra state is the melting pot of Igbo traders and artisans. It stands to reason that Anambra is the big Iroko tree that provides a shade for most Igbos.
“Apart from the shade, it also hosts the numerous birds that perch on the branches. Therefore any harm to the Iroko tree will create untold disastrous chain reactions and catastrophe for the Igbo.
It was also gathered that President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered service chiefs to ensure that nothing is allowed to stop the Anambra governorship election from holding. According to Babagana Monguno, National Security Adviser, the president gave the order in response to the heightened security challenges in Anambra.
“The president has directed that under no circumstances will anything be allowed to stop the elections from taking place successfully. The people have a right to vote and select their leader. The president has made it very clear that the armed forces and all law enforcement agencies must make sure that the elections take place, even if it means overwhelming the entire environment with the presence of security agencies.
“There are so many implications for elections to be sabotaged by non-state actors. In the first place, we are in a democracy; secondly, it is important to note that if these non-state actors should succeed in destroying the potentials for orderly elections, then it is natural that other parts of the country would also want to copy this same situation,” he said.
Police authorities also assured that the election will hold amidst adequate security across the state. Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Police Affairs, said the force is ready to ensure peace in Anambra and other parts of the country. “The election has to be free and fair. We are going to put every machinery in place to ensure that people are well secured. That is the only way to ensure that we promote democracy and good governance in this country,” he said.
Consequently, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has ordered the deployment of adequate officers to the state. Force spokesperson, Frank Mba, said Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joseph Egbunike, has been deployed to Anambra State as the Coordinator of the security component for the elections.
“DIG Egbunike is saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the Operation Order evolved from the Election Security Threat Assessment, to ensure a peaceful environment devoid of violence and conducive enough to guarantee that law-abiding citizens freely perform their civic responsibilities without molestation or intimidation.
“DIG Egbunike will be assisted by the DIG in-charge of Operations, Acting DIG Zaki Ahmed. Other strategic commanders deployed to Anambra State include five (5) Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), fourteen (14) Commissioners of Police (CPs), thirty-one (31) Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and forty-eight (48) Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).
“The Senior Officers are to coordinate human and other operational deployments in the three (3) Senatorial Districts, twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas and the 5720 polling units in Anambra State. The IGP reassures the nation that the Force is adequately prepared for the Gubernatorial Elections in Anambra State come November 6th, 2021,” he said.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Details of the meeting, which held at the President’s residence Sunday afternoon, were still not available as at the time of filing this brief.
The President, who is expected to leave Abuja for the United Kingdom (UK) same Sunday, to participate in the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), returned to Abuja on Friday after a five-day working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Details shortly…
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is demanding sanctions against the masterminds of Friday’s attempted raid of the Abuja residence of Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili and her husband, Peter.
The bar declared yesterday that the people who were responsible for the act should be brought to book.
It spoke moments after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, announced an immediate probe of the circumstances surrounding the siege on the residence of the Odilis.
Malami, who vehemently denied his involvement or that of his office in the attempted raid, said whoever was involved in the matter would be prosecuted.
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also denied having a hand in the raid by a team that called itself ‘Joint Panel Recovery Under the Ministry of Justice’.
President of the NBA, Mr. Olumide Akpata, said in a statement that he would convene an emergency meeting of the NBA National Executive Committee to discuss the issue and take a definitive stand on behalf of the association.
He also pledged to lead a delegation to Malami and the relevant heads of security agencies to seek further clarification on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said the AGF’s denunciation of the raid “implies that the residence of the second most senior judicial officer in Nigeria was raided by rogue security agencies.”
He added: “The grave implications of this possibility leave a lot to be desired.”
He said when viewed in the context of a similar raid on the premises of Supreme Court Justices in 2016, the NBA interpreted the latest incident as part of an orchestrated affront designed to intimidate and ridicule the Judiciary.
The NBA, he vowed, “will no longer allow this to continue.”
He said: “In case the law enforcement agencies have not learnt their lessons, events like this do nothing but erode the independence of sacred democratic institutions like the Judiciary, undermine the rule of law in Nigeria and set the country back in the quest to instill confidence in citizens of Nigeria, Nigerian businesses and foreign investors that Nigeria operates a democracy with an independent Judiciary.
“I have spoken with My Lord, Peter-Odili JSC, and I am happy to report that she is alive and well. Beyond that however, it is my pledge to Nigerians that the NBA will get to the root of this matter.
“In line with the aims and objectives of the NBA to protect and defend the independence of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law, we will convene an emergency meeting of the NBA National Executive Committee solely to discuss this issue and take a definitive stand on behalf of the NBA.
“I will also lead a delegation to the Honourable AGF Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the relevant heads of security agencies to seek further clarification on the circumstances of this incident.
“The NBA will ensure that all those responsible for this unfortunate incident are brought to book. We must do all that is required to safeguard the independence of our Judiciary and indeed protect our hard-won democracy.”
It’s another frontal attack on judiciary, say SANs
In a separate response, The Concerned Senior Advocates of Nigeria, South-East chapter, called the raid yet another frontal attack on the independence and integrity of the Judiciary.
Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN), Mr. Etigwe Uwa (SAN) and Mr. Chijioke Okoli (SAN), who jointly signed the statement, recalled “similar raids by the EFCC, the DSS and other security operatives on the premises of Justices of the Supreme Court in 2016, and residence of some Judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja,” and said despite these security agencies publicly stating the raids were on mistaken identity of the premises, “no one has been arrested and prosecuted for such brash criminal attack on the judiciary.”
They added: “Similar raids by the DSS operatives had also taken place in the courtroom of the Hon Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court while the Judge was sitting, to abduct a defendant in an ongoing criminal case, and none of the perpetrators has been held accountable.
“These consistent and systematic attacks on the judiciary by the executive is clearly in breach of the constitutional protection of judges and the judiciary. In particular, Section 158 and Paragraph 21 Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 clearly empower the National Judicial Council with responsibility to handle all complaints and matters relating to judicial officers.
“This position of the law has been confirmed in the case of NGANJIWA V FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (2018) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1609) 301 where the Court of Appeal stated that “If any judicial officer commits a professional misconduct within the scope of his duty and is investigated, arrested and subsequently prosecuted by security agents, without a formal complaint/report to the NJC, it will be a usurpation of the latter’s constitutionally guaranteed powers under Section 158 and Paragraph 21 Part 1 of the Third Schedule, thereby inhibiting the NJC from carrying out its disciplinary control over erring judicial officers as clearly provided by the Constitution… it is only when the NJC has given a verdict and handed over such judicial officer (removing his toga of judicial powers) to the prosecuting authority that he may be investigated and prosecuted by the appropriate security agencies.”
“We re-emphasise that it amounts to executive infraction on the judicial independence to continue to harass, intimidate and humiliate judges.
“We want to further reiterate in clear terms that in view of the constitutionally guaranteed doctrine of independence of the Judiciary, no security agency or prosecuting authority in Nigeria has the power to investigate, arrest or prosecute a sitting judicial officer without first referring the matter to the National Judicial Council, and await the directive of the Council.”
Malami orders probe of siege on Odili’s residence
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami yesterday announced an immediate probe of the circumstances surrounding Friday’s security siege at the Maitama, Abuja residence of Supreme Court justice Mary Odili.
Malami, who vehemently denied his involvement or that of his office in the attempted raid, said whoever was involved in the matter would be prosecuted.
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also denied having a hand in the raid by a team that tagged itself ‘Joint Panel Recovery Under the Ministry of Justice’.
The team, armed with a search warrant issued by Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna of Wuse Zone 6 magisterial division, was however prevented by security personnel attached to the residence from executing the warrant.
Iyanna later revoked the search warrant, claiming he was misled by officials who claimed to have come from the Ministry of Justice.
Responding to the development yesterday, Malami said neither himself nor his office had anything to do with the “fabrications and concocted lies” linking him to the aborted siege.
The minister, speaking through his media aide, Umar Gwandu, said the procurement of the search warrant itself smacked of fraud.
He said he would “not stoop too low to be associated with an apparent in-elegant and nasty court process on the strength of which the purported search warrant was procured.”
Continuing, he said: “The general public need to know that there was nothing called ‘Joint Panel Recovery Under the Ministry of Justice’ in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and by extension the entire Federal Ministry of Justice.
“What we have is ‘Assets Recovery and Management Unit,’ the mandate of which does not include sting operations.
“Numerous incongruities in the documents being circulated in relation to the saga reveal traces of criminal actions with particular regards to:
*The name as contained on the purported letter headed paper “Ghost’s Account For Local Whistle Blowers & Assets Tax Recovery Panel”,
*The ambiguous reference to “Ministry of Justice” without clarifying as to whether it is Federal or State Ministry and of which State,
*The claimed office address which as revealed by the letter headed paper is not the address of the Federal Ministry of Justice
*Email address used on the letter
“All these deductions would have assisted a discerning mind to arrive at a reasonable conclusion of criminal undertones associated with the court process on the basis of which the purported search warrant was procured.
“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has since reached out to the relevant authorities for an intensified wider investigation on the matter for necessary actions leading to the prosecution of anyone involved in the matter in view of the fact that the only names on record from the process filed in court are a purported police officer, who claimed to be “O/C Assets Recovery Team” and one Aliyu Umar a deponent in the affidavit.
“The claim of the Chief Magistrate, as reported by a section of the media, to the effect that he was being misled by office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice into the issuance of the search warrant is equally forwarded to the relevant investigation agencies to ascertain veracity or otherwise of the purported association of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and which officer if any in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is associated with such claimed misrepresentation.”
EFCC chair: It’s handiwork of mischief-makers
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which were also accused of being part of the invasion of the Odilis’ residence, said in separate statements yesterday that they had no hand in it.
Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, said on Channels Television yesterday that those trying to “link anything to the EFCC of this nature’ were mischief makers.
He said: We were never there. None of our operatives was there. It’s not from EFCC. It’s not an EFCC thing.
“I’ve called all the non-security and re-enforcement agencies in the country and they also denied that anybody has been sent to the house to carry out any search or arrest.
“In fact, it came to my knowledge when a very senior lawyer called the director of legal. We were having a meeting in the evening, and he asked to give the phone to the director of operations that we were also having a meeting together with.
“And when I came back, because I had just stepped out, they said that this is what is going on and we just laughed because we understand that there are a lot of people that want to put us at loggerheads with the judiciary.
“And you know that in the work that we do, the judiciary is our biggest partner, and of course they are just trying to cause problem where there is no problem.”
The DSS also answered in the negative when contacted for its response.
Its spokesman, Dr.Peter Afunnaya, simply said “No, Pls” in an sms.
Atiku condemns invasion
In a statement issued by his media office yesterday, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the raid on the residence of the Odilis.
The statement quoted Atiku as saying that a continuation of the notorious behaviour of security operatives conducting a raid on residences of senior judicial officers negates the ideals of a democratic society and constitutes an affront on the independence of the judiciary.
“It is with utmost disgust that we continue to witness situations whereby law enforcement agencies conduct raids on residences of senior judges in the country.
“Irrespective of the investigations that they pursue, such practices give expression of professional misconduct and put our country in very poor images.
“It needs not be reiterated that this is a democratic republic and every organ of the state bureaucracy, especially the security agencies, must conduct themselves in responsibility to the people of Nigeria,” Atiku said.
The statement further called for a discontinuation of such misconduct and demanded an apology to the victim of the current circumstance in the person of Justice Mary Odili as well as a probe of the circumstances that led to the raid and sanction of those involved in the act.
It was politically motivated, says Ozekhome
Counsel to the Odilis, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said the action of the raiders was “politically motivated, deliberately contrived as an artifice and designed to embarrass this cerebral justice of the Supreme Court and to embarrass her husband.
“Of course, the husband is a well-known PDP titan, and tomorrow (Saturday) is the PDP convention. Could it have been designed to rake up issues and make it look like they were trying to go after him so as to demoralise the delegates for tomorrow’s convention? That is another theory.
“But whatever theory, one thing is clear to me, we are gradually moving towards the precipice of calling ourselves a banana republic. Nowhere in the world would secret agents just bump into the house of a justice of the supreme court and a former governor with an empty search warrant with no name written on it.”
It’s condemnable —Shehu Sani
Human rights activist and former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, said the attempted raid was unfortunate and condemnable.
Sani, writing on Twitter, said: “The raid on Justice Mary Odili’s house is unfortunate and condemnable. It’s not unexpected that such a courageous woman will be the subject and target of the State cruelty. I stand by her.”
The magistrate who signed the search warrant revoked the document after officials drew his attention to what was going on.
He claimed that those who applied for the warrant had lied to him.
He had signed the document based on an affidavit by a ‘whistleblower’ Aliyu on October 13 that there were illegal activities going on at 9, Imo Street, Maitama.
But Justice Odili said the warrant could not have been meant for her residence since she lives at 7, Imo River Street, Maitama, and not 9, Imo Street, Maitama, as specified in the warrant.
Her husband, Peter, is a former governor of Rivers State.
He recently sued the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) over the seizure of his international passport.
The NIS said its action followed a request from the EFCC which claimed the former governor was on its watch list.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who declared the action by NIS illegal, had ordered the release of the passport in a judgment given on October 18, 2021.
Kalu condemns invasion of Odili’s residence
Also speaking on the invasion of the Odilis’ residence, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu, said it was cruel, undemocratic and uncivilised.
Kalu asked the federal government to commence a full scale investigation into the incident, adding that the unwarranted invasion of the house of the Judge was capable of causing tension in the country.
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, stressed that in a democratic setting, the rule of law must be strictly adhered to for the sake of national progress and development.
While condemning the sad incident, he urged appropriate government agencies to discharge their duties and responsibilities in tandem with the constitution, noting that violation of human rights will set the country backward.
He said under no circumstance must the rule of law be undermined in a democratic set up.