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Tag: Lagos State

  • Police investigate man for sodomy

    The Gender Section of Lagos State Police Command has begun investigation into a case of sodomy involving a 28-year-old man and his 17-year-old victim.

    The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Imohimi Edgal told journalists that the man was arrested after the mother found her missing child at the suspect’s house.

    “The complainant alleged that her son suddenly disappeared from home on Jan. 3, and a search party was raised to look for him.

    “Four days after, being Jan. 7, 2019, he was found in the house of the suspect at No. 11, Itumaro Street, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos.

    Read Also: Police arrest car-snatching syndicate

    “When the young boy was debriefed at the Gender Unit, he narrated that the suspect kept him in his house and had been having anal sex with him.

    “He also mentioned name of one other boy whom the suspect had been sexually abusing. Meanwhile, the suspect confessed to have committed the crime,” the CP said.

    Edgal added that the suspect would be charged to court at the end of the investigation. (

    NAN

  • NBA kicks as Lagos CJ inaugurates new court rules

    The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke on Monday inaugurated the new High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 which enforcement will commence January 31.

    The event held at the Conference Room of the High Court of Lagos state, Ikeja and had all the judges of the state in attendance.

    But the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch opposed the new court rules saying it was designed to frustrate lawyers and litigants.

    According to Justice Oke: “The principal target of reform therefore is to facilitate total justice delivery by ensuring speedy dispensation of justice and the restoration of public confidence in our judicial system”.

    She regretted that for a very long time,  excessive delay has been an embarrassing feature of the administration of justice adding, “the inadequacies in our Civil Procedure Rules and abuse of its provisions were identified as a contributory factor to the delay. A number of the procedures in the old rules could not meet the demands of modern civil justice and fell starkly behind international best standards”.

    She explained that it became necessary to review the 2012 version of the Civil Procedure Rules to meet the obvious reality that in terms of efficiency, accessibility and effectiveness, civil justice delivery remained deficient.

    “It, therefore, became expedient to address these problems by introducing reforms directed towards the achievement of a just, speedy and efficient administration of justice in line with the commitment statement of this administration. A review was also essential to further reinforce the independence of the judiciary and address the lacuna identified in the 2012 Rules, to deny them as a tool exploited to defeat the ends of justice”, she said.

    Oke explained that one of the reasons why the Administration of Justice in Lagos State has been highly revered is because of its leadership in international best practices reform.

    “The New Rules 2019 is in line with international best practices comparable with any global jurisdiction. “The Rules also contain new Pre-Action Protocols on various subject matters to explain the conduct and set out the steps required of parties prior to the commencement of proceedings to which the Rules apply”, she said.

    Read Also: I feel very sad, says Osinbajo on Onnoghen

    The chief judge remarked that  the new global Lagos cannot continue to endure delay and congestion in its Courts whether traceable to the Bar or the Bench adding, “justice delayed is quite simply an injustice and amounts to a denial of the right to fair hearing and casts the administration of justice in our jurisdiction in bad light both nationally and globally”.

    She remarked that with the new court rules, local investors and Foreign Direct Investors (FDI) would be more attracted to a global Lagos which has an efficient and effectual rule of law-driven business environment.

    “The value and overriding objectives of the 2019 Rules are for a legal system that will strive to deploy scarce judicial resources wisely, run efficiently and effectually for the benefit of all people and not at the whims and caprices of any individual or any particular group of stakeholders”, she emphasized.

    She said it was in this light and pursuant to the cumulative powers conferred on her by the provisions of Section 247 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 89 (1) of the High Court Law of Lagos State, Cap H3, Laws of Lagos State to review Rules of Court, that the review of the 2012 Rules was kick-started last year and a 15-man Rules Review Committee was set up under the leadership of Hon Justice Kazeem  Alogba.

    To ensure an all inclusive rules, Justice Oke said the committee notified and received  contributions from all stakeholders including all the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) branches in the State, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) for their input and that of stakeholders  for their contributions and suggestions to be forwarded to the Rules Committee.

    Oke chided groups which she said “have been less constructive and more off hand, founding reservations on the self-serving grounds that the efficiencies of new Rules which allow limited public resources to be employed in the overall public interest will be unfriendly and “run out of business” practitioners who are unwilling to make a good faith effort to adapt.

    She described such fears as “flimsy and appear to be self-serving and retrogressive in nature.”

    She said: “ The courts are created to serve the public and not incompetent or inefficient legal practitioners. Legal practitioners’ practice to serve the public and the system of justice and this is a professional and ethical responsibility.

    “It is remarkable and intolerable that any legal practitioner should oppose efficiency and effectiveness in civil justice delivery in a perverted self-interest.

    “The new rules are intended for the greater good of and the efficient and speedy dispensation of the greater number of cases and not to discriminately satisfy a few or any particular group of stakeholders”, she stressed.

    Chairman of the review committee, Justice Alogba in a remark commended members for their meaningful contributions during the period the assignment lasted.

    Justice Alogba also thanked the chief judge for her support for the committee and for not leaving the job to them alone.

    Meanwhile, the NBA Ikeja branch has stated its rejection of the new court rules, hence their decision not to attend its presentation on Monday.

    The chairman of the branch, Prince Dele Oloke said some aspects of the new court rules are obnoxious and punitive to lawyers.

    The branch is considering a boycott of the court against the new rules.

    “The branch will deploy all that is necessary, including court boycott and litigation in order to ensure the chief judge is not used as instrument to frustrate lawyers and litigants”, he said.

    While admitting that the power of the chief judge to make rules is not in contest, Oloke said it does not extend to imposing punitive cost on lawyers.

  • Sanwo-Olu promises women juicy positions if elected

    Women in Lagos State have been promised a better inclusion and  recognition if the All Progressives Congress (APC) wins the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

    The governorship candidate of the party for the 2019 general elections, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who made this pledge, added that he had much respect for the women and that this was demonstrated during his tenure as Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu was speaking at an interactive session organised for him to meet with career women by the Office of the State Women Leader of the party under the leadership of Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas.

    The event which held at Harbour Point off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday 17, January, 2019, was entitled; “Enabling, Empowering And Promoting Women: Our Pact with the APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Mr. Babatunde Olusola Sanwo-Olu.”

    Sanwo-Olu told the gathering, which included women professionals from the different sectors of the economy, that they were taking charge of their destiny to be at the event, which he said was unique and the first of its kind by any party.

    “I personally know the importance of women. I want to appreciate what the women have done for us. I had an opportunity to work with great women leaders such as the late Mrs. Titi Ayeni, Mrs. Bola Adesola, and others.

    “I remember the contributions of many female professionals. I remember working with Mrs. Sarah Sosan, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    “I value how you have nurtured us. I remember the Beijing gathering in China that talked about women rights that has led to a lot of progress for women.

    “We are committed to ensuring that you play active part in our government,” he said.

    The governorship candidate said further that he wished that the Secretary to the State Government as well as commissioners for Finance and Budget were women, when he gets into office.

    Sanwo-Olu reiterated that his government would empower women, and ensure that the girl child enjoy her rights in the nation.

    He promised that his government would deliberately ensure that women did their best, have and ensure that females take half of its political posts.

    Read Also: Group mobilises for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, others in Lagos

    The politician revealed that he ensured that a lot of women were promoted as permanent secretaries, when he was Commissioner for Establishment in the state, and that he would do what was needed to be done to put the women in the right places.

    Earlier in her welcome address, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, said that Lagos of those days worked well, had strong values and that the people lived in peace and harmony.

    Okoya-Thomas recalled that the public and private sectors worked together for the development of Lagos, which she said was home to many Nigerians then.

    According to her; “Let us be the thinker, the intellect, the prayer warriors. Let us influence the decisions of the government. Let us all come together to make our Lagos greater. Our Lagos is our future. “Let us as women leaders leave better legacies for generations yet unborn. I am urging Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take the inclusion of women seriously.

    “Let us engage Sanwoolu as he has all it takes to move the state forward.

    In her speech at the event, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. idiat Adebule appreciated the Women Leader for the programme.

    Adebule stated that the programme was a good initiative, and that it was bringing the women together “to present our candidates, good brands, brands that we can be sure that by 2019 would be Governor and Deputy Governor.”

    Others at the event were the Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, the party’s Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2019 elections, Sanwo’Olu’s running mate, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, chieftains of the party and several others.

     

     

  • ‘Lagos better under under APC leadership’

    The Lagos State House of Assembly candidate for Alimosho Constituency 02, Kehinde Joseph has said Lagosians will not regret voting the party in the coming elections.

    Addressing reporters at the flag off campaign of the Alimosho Federal Constituency of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) said Lagos witnessed remarkable development under the APC led administration.

    He noted that APC is a winning team which a coach would not temper with. According to him, Lagosians are savouring the dividend of democracy under the APC.

    He added that all the APC candidates contesting for the various positions had what it takes to deliver on campaign promises.

    “We have our Senator Adeola Olamilekan, Hon. Oluwafemi Adebanjo and Hon. Bisi Yusuf present at this flag off campaign. These are tested party men and have passion to render service to the people.

    Read Also: 20 vehicles, office for Ondo APC

    “We are talking about continuity, the next level and that is the reason we are here. As you can see there is no problem and nobody is fighting. All members are happy to see us here for the purpose of the election.”

    He maintained that the zeal to serve was borne out of the desire to ensure the people of the constituency have access to better life.

    “I am propelled to contest because I want to serve, this is where I grew, I understand the place very well and would probably say this is my life. Since I have this connection with the people, I should be able to make impact in the lives of the people.

    “This is my community and primary constituency; therefore it is their betterment that I seek. I have a name to protect and integrity to maintain. These are parts of the motivation. It is equally part of effort to continue to develop Lagos State that is why we are shouting continuity in Lagos State.”

    Joseph described the fracas at the APC Ikeja GRA rally as unfortunate, noting the adequate security have been put in place to forestall future occurrence.

    “What happened has nothing to do with our party, they do not have link. It was simply the problem of the union who were trying to settle scores. The APC is a party of peace and harmony that is what we have been preaching.

    “He could see from what has been on after the incident. You could feel it when Prof. Osinbajo was going from house to house campaign, the security was relax, there was no treat to life and the campaign move on smoothly.

    “The people have always voted APC and that is what we expect them to do. The APC Alimosho has promised to deliver 500,000 votes, we are not relenting on the promise made and we are determined to deliver on what we promised. It is only APC that exist in Alimosho other parties do exist,” he said.

  • Lagos challenges workers on procurement, others

    The Lagos State Government has asked its workers in public service to keep pursuing quality in procurement decisions, and keep cost under control in the face of daunting economic challenges.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr Akintola Benson-Oke, gave this advice during a training tagged: “Public Procurement in a Depressed Economy: Emerging Issues and Challenges” facilitated by Midas Partners in Lagos.

    Ambode urged the officers to come up with data-backed and data-inspired ideas that will ensure and assure the quality of the government’s procurement activities.

    He said the training’s theme has far-reaching ramifications for both  medium and long-term health of the government of Lagos State,

    He emphasised the need to maintain and pursue quality and briefly examine how procurement decisions cannot only be creatively tailored to fit into available lean resources in a depressed economy, but also be used as an instrument to chart the course out of economic depression.

    He said: “In arguing for the pursuit of quality even in the face of a depressed economy, I am convinced that the delivery of value to citizens is the fundamental objective of any democratically-elected government and that, in contemporary times, the delivered value must be delivered to the highest possible standard because citizens have become sophisticated and exposed to the standards of governance in other climes such that their expectations have been conditioned to demand and insist on compliance with global trends in governance and public administration at all levels of governance. Meeting these expectations is the central challenge for governments in contemporary times, even in the face of lean resources.

    “Governments on its part must decide what to measure and how, always with an eye on the overall goal of the programme or initiative. For one, a critical examination will reveal how civil servants can creatively utilise data to generate ideas and communicate government actions and performances in order to ensure positive perception or, in the least, accurate perception of government procurement decisions by the citizens. I therefore, challenge the Lagos State Public Service to come up with data-backed and data-inspired ideas that will ensure and assure the quality of the government’s procurement activities.

    “Another advocated strategy for ensuring the delivery of quality services by the public service including in the area of procurement, is to innovate to make government services more customer-centric. This is one of the subjects that have been previously explored in the trainings organised by the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions. Procurement decisions would only be regarded as being of acceptable quality when they are made with the end-user in mind. I dare say that, even in procuring items that would be exclusively used by public servants, the sole question should be whether the procured items would help the public service better serve its customer, the citizens.”

    He added that there are challenges encountered in strategic public procurement. “Indeed, there are a number of challenges that are faced when rolling out strategic public procurement. For instance, a lack of understanding of the benefits of sustainable procurement among politicians and budget holders is a challenge.

  • Group rallies support for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

    Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, the RMB Family Political Group has commenced mobilization of support for the candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere area of Lagos State.

    The group donated various campaign materials including six branded vehicles and 10, 000 each of posters and handbills.

    The group, which is under the leadership of a former Chief Whip of Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, said the development became imperative in view of the need to facilitate the campaign process of APC, adding that the candidates put forward by the party were genuinely committed to the development of the country.

    Speaking at the annual New Year thanksgiving ceremony of the group held at RMB Secretariat in Aguda, Surulere, Balogun said it was important for members to go all out and mobilize support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and election of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Governor of the State, as well as all the candidates of APC come February 16 and March 2 respectively.

    Addressing over 500 party leaders, members and various groups at the gathering, Balogun said: “This is the time for party loyalists to remain focused on the job ahead. We must remember that our unity as people of the same party is non-negotiable and we must get all our candidates elected or re-elected at the coming polls to consolidate on the democratic gains that the people have been enjoying from APC.”

    Balogun, who is a chieftain of APC in Surulere, specifically urged all party members to be faithful in their dealings within the party, and to also come out en mass to show support to all the candidates of the party from federal to the local level in order to attract more federal and state projects into the constituency.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Agbaje throw jabs at Lagos forum

    Also speaking, APC House of Representatives candidate for Surulere Constituency II, Hon Lanre Okunlola appealed to his constituents to show love within the rank and file, adding that such would go a long way to help build a strong foundation for APC in order to achieve victory at the 2019 general elections.

    On her part, member representing Surulere Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Mosunmola Sangodara profusely commended members for their steadfastness and zeal towards the party’s affairs, just as she admonished members engaged in anti-party activities to change their ways, as such was counterproductive in the quest to achieving electoral victory.

    Besides, she showered accolades on the RMB Family for being a reliable, dependable and result-oriented group over the years, adding: “Strategy is key to achieving electoral victory, and this trait has been the hallmark of RMB Family for years.”

    Also, Chief Agoro, a former chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who recently decamped to the APC due to the unflinching admiration for Dr Balogun’s style of leadership, said he has commenced mobilizing people within the community and his supporters who followed him to the APC to vote for Sanwo-Olu, as well as other APC candidates.

    Women and youth leaders in Itire-Ikate and Coker-Aguda also promised to work assiduously for the success of the APC at the polls.

  • 2019: Sanwo-Olu, Agbaje disagree over infrastructure, health

    The Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Mr Jimi Agbaje, on Friday differed on infrastructure, health and other issues that would spur the development of the state.

    The candidates spoke during the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Private Sector Interactive Forum with Governorship candidates in Lagos.

    Addressing issues of traffic and transport management, Sanwo-Olu said that government was continuum and vowed  to continue all projects started by his predecessor for the benefit of citizens.

    He said that his plan for traffic was holistic, from road repairs and construction to opening up more means of transportation through waterways and rail, to training and empowerment of traffic officials.

    “For years during the PDP rule, we asked the Federal Government for access to the existing railway corridor, but it was denied. This led us to create the Blue line railway from Okokomaiko to CMS.

    “ We need to complete the track because Lagos needs a transportation system outside roads that can move thousands of people daily,” he said.

    Responding, Agbaje said that for 20 years of APC governance in the state, residents were still grappling with traffic congestion; especially issues with trailers parked on bridges along Costain to Apapa.

    “Lagos is one of the two mega-cities of the world that does not have a multi-modal transportation system. It is time we start thinking of multi tiered roads; the world is moving, we cannot afford to be different.

    “The rail project has been on for too long. We need to have big ideas to address problems that are peculiar to Lagos.

    “The way things are presently is not sustainable and it has failed to deliver the sort of impact in the lives of ordinary citizens that should be expected from an economy of Lagos’ magnitude,” he said.

    Agbaje said that the sort of development that Lagos requires should be anchored on improving liveability, expanding the economy and retooling it for the 21st century.

    On the issue of power, Sanwo-olu pledged to take Lagos out of the national grid within six months and provide additional 1000 megawatts to its current level.

    He said that he would partner with distribution companies to ensure they upscale their power supply to the state, noting that prepaid meters would be provided to residents to ensure accountability and transparency.

    However, Agbaje said he would improve power by 1000 megawatts within his first 18 months, and encourage investment in embedded power projects toward enhancing power supply.

    Speaking on health, Sanwo-olu noted that the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme would ensure access to affordable healthcare and help build a health care structure to be proud of.

    However, Agbaje criticised the present Health Insurance Scheme, saying making it mandatory was another form of taxation that has been making life difficult for the masses.

    He said his administration would have significant developments in health, waste management, education, transportation management and in making use of technology to solve problems.

    Agbaje promised to develop “an ocean economy” and a knowledge driven economy” to enhance the economic well-being of the state and its citizens.

    Besides, Sanwo-olu said that his administration would be innovative about Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in a way that would not exert pressure on the citizens.

    He noted that the private sector remains the engine of economic growth and would continue to create an environment for the private sector to thrive in the state.

    “As a former Commissioner for Commerce & Industry in Lagos, I know that proper collaboration with the private sector leads to more job creation, improved industrial harmony and boosts investment,” Sanwo-olu said.

    Mr Babatunde Ruwase, President of LCCI said that engaging the candidates would give exposition that would guide the private sector’s electoral choice.

    He said that the quality of political governance has profound implications for investment environment.

    Ruwase said without a conducive business environment, there cannot be meaningful economic progress.

    NAN

  • I’ll complete ongoing projects before handover – Ambode

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State late on Wednesday allayed the fears of the residents of the state over ongoing projects.

    He said that his administration was making concerted efforts to complete many of them before May 29 when its tenure would end.

    Ambode gave the assurance during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in parts of the state.

    The governor said the good thing about continuity in governance which he had been preaching, is that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had signed on to the projects.

    “I know that the feedback we are getting is that Lagosians are worried whether some of our critical projects will be delivered before we leave office.

    “We want to assure them that with what we have had from the contractors and the inspection we have done today, these projects will be completed.

    “And some of them if they are not completed, Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu will complete them on assumption of office.

    “That is the whole essence of governance of continuity that we are preaching.

    “That is why we believe strongly that he will not only complete them but also escalate them to higher level and that is the whole idea about APC,” Ambode said.

    Read Also: Ambode arrests soldiers, others for driving against traffic

    He said that plans had been firmed up to roll out the Bus Reform Project of the State Government in March with 820 high and medium capacity buses.

    Ambode said that this would redefine public transportation and make the state more globally competitive.

    He said the initiative was basically designed to inject 5,000 buses, modern terminals, facilitate ease of mobility for residents and also rev-up Lagos economy, among others.

    Ambode inspected the assembly plant at Awoyaya in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state which also served as the temporary holding bay for 500 out of the 820 buses.

    He said that he was optimism that the buses would be rolled out after the general elections.

    He said the next phase of the project would be to assemble the buses in Lagos.

    “This is an assembly plant.

    “The dream is that beyond the procurement of 820 buses by the government, the next set of buses in the vision should be assembled in Lagos:  in this assembly plant and in another one in Epe,’’ he said.

    The governor and his team also inspected other projects that include: the Oshodi Transport Interchange which is 85 per cent completed.

    The team also inspected the bus depots at Oshodi, Yaba and Oyingbo to be ready by March.

    Others are: the International Airport Road to be ready by early May; and the Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor to be delivered in April.

     

    NAN

     

  • Police to NURTW chief: turn yourself in

    The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday insisted Auditor of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Mustapha Adekunle (aka Seigo) is still a wanted man.

    Adekunle, the command said, should report to the command in his own interest.

    He was declared wanted by the police on Tuesday for attempting to disrupt a rally organised by the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) to kick-off the campaign of its governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Skypower Grounds, Ikeja Government Reservation Area (GRA).

    But Adekunle described the police action as a “frame-up.”

    Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), told The Nation 14 more people have been arrested in connection with the skirmishes

    “Adekunle is still wanted. Although, we have arrested 14 more people in connection with the crisis, making 16 suspects.

    “The command is not relenting in its quest to apprehend all the people that were involved in the skirmishes.

    “We are going after all of them. At the end of the investigations, all those involved would be charged to court.

    “In the best interest of Seigo, (Adekunle), he should report himself to the police,” Oti said.

    Meanwhile, scores of sympathisers on Wednesday besieged EKO Hospital, Ikeja where NURTW State Treasurer Musiliu Akinsanya (a.k.a MC Oluomo), who was stabbed in the head, stomach and hand at the rally, is recuperating.

    A police vehicle was parked in front of the hospital.

    Some policemen were seen interrogating those going into the hospital.

    Read Also: Police disperse crowd at PDP’s rally

    Those who do not have valid reason were turned back.

    Our correspondent was told that Oluomo cannot speak with anybody now.

    His aide Buhari Jimoh said doctors warned people should stay away from him to allow them to do their job.

    “He’s responding well to treatment. Though, the doctors called for restriction of people coming to see how he’s faring.

    “Such call is understandable – to allow the doctors to concentrate on their treatment and to ensure he (Oluomo) rest well,” he said.

  • Women in Lagos have rejected Atiku, Agbaje – APC Women Leader

    Women Leader of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas has declared that the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos, Jimi Agbaje have been rejected by women in the state.

    Speaking to newsmen on the backdrop of the 2019 General Elections yesterday, Okoya-Thomas said she would not relent in her efforts of mobilising the women in the state to support the Presidential candidate of the APC, President Muhammadu Buhari and its governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu.

    Okoya-Thomas, who was a member of the Federal House of Representatives for three consecutive terms, told journalists that all hands were on deck in Lagos to ensure victory for the APC in the elections.

    According to her, the women in the party and the generality of the women in the state are prepared to cast their votes for the APC in the forthcoming general elections.

    “We the women in Lagos State are fully prepared for the 2019 general elections. I can assure you that I have been mobilising the women with my team to ensure victory for the APC across board in the elections.

    “Nigerians have realized that the APC has all it takes to move the country and the state forward more than it has done in the past.

    “Our women are fully ready for the elections and I can tell you that no stone would be left unturned to ensure victory for APC both at the federal level and in the state in the forthcoming general elections,” she said.

    Okoya-Thomas emphasized that the APC had laudable programmes for market women, professionals, artisans, civil servants, housewives, widows, young women and others, adding that the party would not disappoint on its “Next Level agenda.

    The Women Leader stressed that the party had been demonstrating its love for the women with its “Trader Moni” Project, which she said is being applauded locally and internationally, and that the best was yet to come for the womenfolk under the APC.

    She further said that the party would continue to give the women more representation in the government both at the state and at the federal levels, and that she would work with the state government, under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, to promote the cause of the women and ensure gender equality in all ramifications.

    Okoya-Thomas, who commended President Buhari for his concern for the women, revealed that the party has agreed to give the women all the necessary support and protect them against all forms of all violence.

    She then used the opportunity to urge the women and all Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and cast their votes enmasse for the APC.

    Read Also: PDP, Atiku know Buhari is honest – Osinbajo

    Meanwhile, Okoya-Thomas has demanded a written apology and retraction from Thisday Newspapers over a false and malicious publication against her by the newspaper in its publication of Sunday 6th January, 2019.

    This was contained in a letter dated Monday January 7, 2019 written by the lawyers of Okoya-Thomas, GMO Legal, Solicitors, Advocates, Notaries located at Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos.

    The letter, which was addressed to the Managing Director, Thisday Newspapers Limited, 25, Creek Road, Apapa Lagos, was entitled; “False and Malicious Libel of Omoba Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas-Letter Before Action.”

    The letter was signed by Mr. George M. Oguntade (SAN) and both the Editor of Thisday Newspapers, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi and the writer of the story, Mr. Adebayo Adeoye were copied.

    The said offensive publication appeared on page 62 of Thisday The Sunday Newspaper of Sunday 6th January, 2019 under the caption “About Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and Her Wild Lifestyle.”

    The letter states; “By the publication, our client has been portrayed as a person who indulges in excess consumption of alcohol and acts irresponsibly publicly. The publication further portrays our client as a violent and aggressive person, who engages in scuffles and aggressive conduct.

    “Its publication was calculated to injure the sterling reputation of our client in the eyes of right thinking members of the society, especially given her position as a prominent politician and role model,” the counsels wrote.

    Thomas also demanded, through her lawyers that the publication should “immediately cease and desist their unlawful defamation of our client and provide us with a prompt written assurance within 48 hours of receipt of this letter that you will cease from further defamation of our client.”

    The counsels however, advised that if the publication did not comply with the request contained in the letter, Okoya-Thomas would immediately proceed to court against the newspapers to seek inta alia declaratory and injunctive relief as well as monetary damages and costs.