Popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, has approached the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode, challenging Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ijebu-Ode Local Government and the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, among others, over a lineage claim to the Awujale of Ijebuland stool.

The suit is contained in a court document seeking an interim injunction, which was filed on Tuesday at the court registry and seen by SaharaReporters on Thursday.

The document, dated December 16, 2025, is titled “In the High Court of Ogun State in the Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division Holden at Ijebu-Ode.” The case is listed as Suit No: C3/238/2025.

In the suit, the claimant identified himself as Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde Adesanya Marshal.

Those listed as respondents include Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State; the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government; the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council; and the Chairman of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi.

The application before the court is a Motion Ex Parte brought pursuant to Order 38 Rule 4 and Order 39 Rule 1 of the High Court of Ogun State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2024, Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

KWAM 1 is asking the court for “an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents, either by themselves, privies, assigns, agents or anyone acting on their behalf, from taking any steps in the installation process of the next Awujale of Ijebuland pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

He also prayed the court for “such further order(s) as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this case.”

Explaining the grounds for the application, the document cited Sections 36 and 6(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and stated that “the applicant is an aspirant to the stool of the Awujale of Ijebu land in Ogun State.”

It further argued that there was a need for the court to invoke its powers of interim injunction to “secure the interest of the applicant and preserve the res from being dissipated or interfered with by the respondents.”

The suit introduces a fresh legal dimension to the succession process of the Awujale of Ijebuland, as the court is now expected to determine whether the installation process should be halted pending the determination of the substantive case.

Recall that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode had earlier rejected the lineage claim submitted by KWAM 1, declaring his completed linkage form invalid.

The Fuji musician had announced his intention to become the Awujale of Ijebuland, hinging his claim on alleged lineage ties to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, a claim that has since been disputed.

However, in an official letter dated December 11, 2025, and signed by key officers of the ruling house, the family acknowledged receipt of the completed particulars and linkage form submitted by Otunba Adesanya.

SOURCE PAGE

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, last night, assured Nigerians that the much talked about multi-level police will become a reality before long.

Tinubu spoke at the national caucus meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting billed for today, Friday, at the Conference Centre of State House, Abuja.

He stressed that all hands must be on deck to guarantee improved security situation across the country by ensuring that the state police bill was passed and became law.

The president said he held meetings recently with the European Union and United States teams, and assured them that the state police bill would be passed by the National Assembly with the support of his party, APC.

Tinubu emphasised that everything would be done to ensure that the project did not fail.

He stated, “I had a very long discussion with the US and Europeans. I was bragging to them that definitely we will pass the state police bill to improve security.

“They asked me if I’m confident and I said, yes. I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen and if at this level we fail, God forbid, we will not fail.”

The president also told the party leaders, including governors, the leadership of the National Assembly, and former governors, that the autonomy granted the local government councils via a recent Supreme Court judgement must be followed to the letter by empowering the councils financially.

Tinubu stated, “Let us equally look at the recent Supreme Court judgement. What can we do with it, and how well we can position our country and our party. To me, the local government autonomy is, and must be, effective.

“Let us give them. There is no autonomy without funded mandate, we’ll give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’s compliance to the Supreme Court. Take leadership seriously.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was earlier asked by Tinubu to speak on his behalf, welcomed all the new members to the party, especially the seven former governors of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who recently defected to APC

Shettima said most states in all the six geo-political zones were under the control of APC, with the party boasting 28 state governors.

He stated, “I want to assure our governors, this is your home. Kefas Agbu is a very gentleman. We can rest assured that 2027 is there for us. A lot of opposition members are itching to join us.”

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the National Assembly had confidence in the leadership of Tinubu, that of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by the chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and in the progressive governors led by Senator Hope Uzodimma.

Alleging that insecurity had been orchestrated by opposition party members, Akpabio prayed God to give Tinubu the strength to ensure release of the remaining kidnapped students of a Catholic school in Niger State.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, called for clear approach that would reward loyalty.

Abbas stated, “2026 must be about delivery and meeting the needs of Nigerians. Nigerians must continue to understand what the government is doing and why it is doing it. APC must seek cohesion.”

He called for full support for Tinubu and the ideals of the party, saying, “Together, we will continue to steer Nigeria towards unity, inclusive growth.”

Uzodimma commended Tinubu for a sterling performance since he assumed office in 2023, saying, “His bold economic policies have enabled us recover lost grounds in the economy.”

He commended the president for the emergency on national security, while also lauding him for the cordial and smooth working relationships between the federal government and the sub-nationals.

In his remarks, Yilwatda showcased the personalities of politicians, who had defected from PDP as a significant breakthrough ahead of 2027 general election.

The erstwhile PDP governors, who made their first appearances at the APC caucus meeting, were Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborehwori (Delta), and Kefas Agbu (Taraba).

Yilwatda thanked Tinubu, Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, and APC governors for the support since he took over.

He declared that the party was supporting Tinubu with robust membership drive and significant defections from the opposition party to the ruling party.

He also thanked the president for his leadership that had brought cohesion.

The APC chairman emphasised the promotion of internal democracy and appealed to party stakeholders to support the nationwide membership registration.

Party chieftains who attended the meeting included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; pioneer chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; and former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola.

There were also former Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade; former Governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame; former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani.

Others were former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim; former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (rtd); former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda; former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello; and Senator Adams Oshiomole. Also present at the meeting were Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Senators Gbenga Daniel, Aliyu Wammako, Adamu Aliero, Ahmad Lawan, and Simon Lalong; House of Representatives leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Wase.

SOURCE PAGE

•Okays Yakubu, Fani-Kayode, Dambazzau, Ibas, Omokri

•Subjects Tinubu’s oil regulators, Mohammed,  Eyesan to rigorous screening

•Nominees promise digitisation, gas discipline, investor confidence

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

In a sweeping diplomatic move with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s foreign relations, Senate on Thursday confirmed 64 nominees as career and non-career ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, approving a list featuring prominent political figures, former governors, ex-ministers, and seasoned diplomats.

Relatedly, the joint Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream and Gas) yesterday subjected President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the leadership of Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory agencies to rigorous screening.

The candidates unveiled ambitious plans centred on digitisation, strict contract enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and accelerated gas development to unlock value in the sector.

Among the ambassadorial nominees cleared by the upper chamber were the immediate past chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu; former Minister of Aviation, Chief Olufemi Fani-Kayode; former Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd); former sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd); and former presidential aide, Mr. Reno Omokri.

The confirmation followed the presentation and adoption of the report of Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), after weeks of screening of the nominees forwarded by the presidency.

Presenting the report, Bello told the senate that all the nominees were thoroughly vetted and found suitable for their proposed diplomatic assignments.

He added that no petition or adverse security report was received against any of the nominees during the screening process.

“The committee carefully examined the credentials, experience and competence of all nominees and is satisfied that they are qualified to represent Nigeria in their respective postings,” Bello said.

The confirmed list comprises 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners and 30 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners, bringing the total number to 64.

The nominee from Yobe State, who did not appear before the Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening was not included in the list.

Following the adoption of the report, Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally declared the nominees confirmed and urged them to see their appointments as a call to national service.

Akpabio congratulated the new ambassadors and charged them to project Nigeria’s image positively, deepen bilateral ties, and protect the country’s interests in their host nations.

“You are going out there to represent Nigeria. Wherever you are posted, remember that you carry the image, values and aspirations of over 200 million Nigerians,” the senate president said.

The non-career ambassadors’ list reflected a blend of political experience, technocratic background, and public service experience.

In addition to Yakubu, Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Dambazzau and Ibas, those confirmed included the senator for Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim; former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief Femi Pedro; former Akwa Ibom senator, Ita Enang; and former Adamawa senator, Grace Bent.

Equally confirmed were Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late former Governor of Oyo State; former Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo; former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Onueze Okocha.

The career ambassadors approved by the senate included Ambassador Nwaobiala Chukwuemeka (Abia); Betso Maimunah Ibrahim (Adamawa); Monica Enebechi (Anambra); Ambassador Mohammed Lele (Bauchi); Syndoph Endoni (Bayelsa); Ambassador Ahmed Monguno (Borno); Ambassador Adams Bassey (Cross River); Ambassador Clark-Omeru Efe (Delta); and Geoffrey David (Ebonyi).

Others were Odumah Ehinosen and Ambassador Wasa Ige (Edo); Ambassador Adeyemi Emmanuel (Ekiti); Ambassador Okechukwu Onaga (Enugu); Ambassador Magaji Umar (Jigawa); Ambassador Muhammad Dahiru (Kaduna); Ambassador Abdussalam Zayyad (Kano); Ambassador Shehu Barde; Ambassador Aminu Nasir (Katsina); Abubakar Musa; Amb. Haidara Mohammed Idris (Kebbi); Amb. Bako Adamu Umar (Kogi); and Amb. Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara).

Also on the career list were Amb. Ramat Mohammed Omobolanle (Lagos); Amb. Shaga John Shamah (Nasarawa); Hamza Mohammed Sallau and Amb. Ibrahim Danlami (Niger); Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola (Ogun); Reuben Abimbola Samuel (Ondo); Amb. Akande Wahab Adekola (Osun); Amb. Arewa Esther (Oyo); Amb. Gergadi Joseph John (Plateau); Amb. Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata (Rivers); Danladi Yakubu Nyaku (Taraba); and Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru (Sokoto).

The confirmation effectively clears the way for the deployment of the ambassadors to Nigeria’s missions abroad, filling long-standing vacancies and strengthening the country’s diplomatic presence across key global capitals.

Observers said the mix of career diplomats and high-profile political appointees signalled a deliberate attempt by the federal government to recalibrate Nigeria’s foreign policy engagement, leverage political networks and restore momentum to its diplomatic corps.

Meanwhile, the joint Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream and Gas) yesterday, in a rigorous exercise held at the National Assembly, screened Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, nominated by Tinubu as Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Engineer Saidu Mohammed, nominated as CEO of NMDPRA.

Eyesan and Mohammed assured senators that they would leverage the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to reposition the industry, boost production, attract investments and translate Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon resources into tangible economic value.

Tinubu had forwarded their names to the senate following the resignation of the pioneer chief executives of the two agencies, Gbenga Komolafe (NUPRC) and Farouk Ahmed (NMDPRA), both appointed in 2021 after the enactment of the PIA.

Addressing the committee, Eyesan emphasised collaboration, technology and data-driven regulation as the pillars of her proposed stewardship of the upstream regulator.

She said, “One of the core pillars for me is collaboration, not just with science, but effective stakeholder collaboration.”

She stated that progress in her previous roles was achieved by identifying key stakeholders, confronting shared pain points and jointly developing solutions.

Eyesan lamented Nigeria’s continued reliance on manual systems in a rapidly evolving global energy industry, warning that the country is “leaving value on the table” by failing to fully digitise operations.

She said, “Without real numbers, you don’t know what you are dealing with. If you don’t have a digitised system in today’s operation, you are losing money.”

Eyesan told senators that asset integrity and robust regulatory frameworks would also be prioritised.

The NUPRC nominee stressed that regulators must work closely with industry players to develop enabling laws, regulations and policies, pledging to partner the senate to channel the sector in the “right direction”.

Eyesan described the PIA as “a valuable document” that must be fully leveraged to meet national objectives, especially as the world transitions at “jet-speed rates”.

Eyesan, a University of Benin economics graduate, brings nearly 33 years of experience from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its subsidiaries.

She recounted her role in restoring investor confidence during periods of divestment threats, resolving multi-billion-dollar disputes with partners, advancing deep offshore investments and signing Nigeria’s first non-associated gas development contract.

Eyesan also highlighted her contribution to increasing crude oil production from about 1.3 million barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day during her tenure as Executive Vice President, Upstream.

“Having participated as an operator and in developing resources, I believe I have gathered enough experience to regulate the industry and ensure that we maximise the huge opportunities in oil and gas,” she said.

In his presentation, Mohammed focused on restoring discipline to Nigeria’s midstream and downstream gas and petroleum value chains, particularly through strict enforcement of contracts and quality standards.

He said, “Gas is a commodity that is sold before you even start producing it. There must be contracts, from the producer to the transporter to the eventual user.”

He said the absence of enforceable agreements had undermined gas-to-power supply and infrastructure development.

Drawing from his experience as Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, Mohammed warned against neglecting local capacity.

He said, “We must protect our local interests; otherwise, they will go the way of the textile industry.”

He also acknowledged the importance of meeting domestic demand before exporting surplus products.

Mohammed pledged to operationalise the Gas Network Code to impose discipline across the system, revive pipeline transportation of petroleum products, and attract billions of dollars in investment for gas processing plants and infrastructure.

Mohammed also underscored the importance of quality assurance, promising to strengthen in-house laboratory capacity at the NMDPRA to ensure product standards.

Born in Gombe in 1957, Mohammed, a chemical engineering graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, served across the oil and gas value chain, including as Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power Directorate at NNPC, and as chairman of several energy sector boards.

He played key roles in landmark projects, such as the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline and Nigeria LNG trains.

Chairman of Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Sumaila Kawu, said the screening came at a “very critical” time for Nigeria, stressing the urgency of boosting energy production to meet national development goals.

Kawu indicated that further engagements with the nominees would continue into January to deepen collaboration between the legislature and regulators.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, added humour to the event when he jokingly pledged to drink when he got home to celebrate the exit of the former regulators from the oil and gas sector.

With the screening concluded, the senate is expected to consider the committee’s report and move towards confirming the nominees, setting the stage for a new leadership phase in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulation under the Tinubu administration.

SOURCE PAGE

BENIN CITY—Scores of people have been injured and properties worth hundreds of millions of naira destroyed following a fuel tanker explosion in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State.

The petrol-laden tanker reportedly fell along the Auchi–Okene Highway, spilling its contents into drainages across the town, with some flowing into underground tunnels.

Eyewitnesses said the tanker exploded, and the fire spread along the drainage channels, triggering secondary explosions along Igbe Road, Warrake Road Junction near AP, and other areas.
Several residents were injured in the blasts.

Some were rushed to the General Hospital in Auchi, while others received treatment at private hospitals in the vicinity.

Confirming the incident yesterday , Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the explosion occurred at about 6:30 p.m. following the tanker’s fall.

Officers from Auchi Divisional Police Headquarters and the Area Command were promptly deployed to cordon off the affected areas and prevent further casualties.

“No casualty was recorded. Our men on the ground successfully secured the affected areas,” she said.
Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, expressed concern over the incident, urging residents and motorists to exercise heightened caution and vigilance, particularly during the yuletide season when traffic and commercial activities increase.

In a statement through his Chief of Staff, Victor Oshioke, Oshiomhole described the explosion as deeply distressing, noting that viral images and videos of raging infernos across Auchi were confirmed as authentic through consultations with community leaders.

He also revealed that he is engaging with state and federal authorities, emergency response agencies, and other stakeholders to develop more effective and coordinated strategies.
for handling emergency situations in the future.

The post Scores injured as tanker explosion rocks Auchi appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS),  Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, has promised to enhance the army’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance as well as in cyber operations.
  
He spoke at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Chief of Army Staff yearly Conference in Lagos.
  
The COAS said the decision followed the intelligence brief as well as the update  received on Nigerian Army operations during the conference, which affirmed that the army’s operating environment is increasingly becoming more complex.  
  
“This evolving threat spectrum necessitates that we enhance our capabilities in intelligence, surveillance,
target acquisition and reconnaissance as well as in cyber operations.
  
“In addition, our regional dynamics with the attendant instability, coupled with the global shifts in the character of warfare, requires that we continuously learn, adapt and innovate at all levels,” he said.
  
He also said the Nigerian Army would immediately begin to rejig its training, operations and other administrative and logistics concerns to further align with his command philosophy 
  
This, he said, aims to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

The COAS also disclosed plans for a total
overhaul of army training school curricula to ensure realistic training that directly influences operational outcomes. 
  
“To this end, Army Headquarters, through its Department of Training, will drive mission-specific and focused training while carrying out a holistic review of the training in all Nigerian Army schools.

More emphasis will also be placed on the training and employment of our Special Forces and Army Aviation among others, to achieve our desired operational outcomes. 
  
“In a nutshell, we shall be making radical but informed changes to our training and operational activities in the coming year with deliberate intervention in the training needs of the Special Forces School to optimally conduct its training,” he said.
  
He also pledged to leverage the timely interventions of the country’s political leadership for the military’s hardware and software procurement, as well as advance the promotion of a culture of innovation and technological integration at all levels.
  
On the issue of welfare, the COAS pledged to build on the efforts of past Chiefs of Army Staff in addressing the crisis of accommodation shortages.  
  
Gleaning from the presentation by the Chief of Logistics (Army), he stressed that efforts in this regard should be evident for all to see.
  
“I have directed that all ongoing residential accommodation projects in the Nigerian Army be completed in good time and allocated to personnel, while new ones are to be initiated across barracks in all the Divisions. 
  
“As a stopgap measure, the Nigerian Army will be investing in a more comprehensive spread of renovation works in all our barracks. With these ongoing efforts aimed at alleviating the existing accommodation shortfalls, we will continue to strike a balance by also securing post-service housing for our soldiers.”
  
He expressed gratitude of the Nigerian Army to President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support to the Army. 
  
The COAS assured the President and the entire nation of the Army’s commitment to the defence and security of the country, and reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty of the entire Nigerian Army to him for his unflinching and sustained support to the Nigerian Army. 

SOURCE PAGE

A Chieftain of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has canvassed against moves to turn the Nigerian nation into a one party state ahead of the 2027 general election.

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has declared that he is not intimidated by either legal or political manoeuvres aimed at weakening the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that Nigeria’s multiparty democracy is too deeply rooted to be destroyed.

In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim said he was “not intimidated by the legal and political subterfuges sponsored by the ruling APC”, stressing that no individual or party can monopolise power in Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria has historically embraced pluralism as a tool for managing its diversity, noting that the nation’s founding fathers deliberately chose a multiparty system at independence.

His words “Nigeria has always been committed to multiparty democracy, Even in the First Republic, political power was never concentrated in the hands of one man or one party.”

He recalled that despite the towering influence of Sir Ahmadu Bello as leader of the Northern People’s Congress, other political forces such as Aminu Kano’s NEPU, J.S. Tarka’s Middle Belt Congress, and Sir Kashim Ibrahim’s Borno People’s Union coexisted with significant influence and representation.

Olawepo-Hashim noted that similar political diversity thrived in the South West, where the Action Group competed with the NCNC, alongside regional parties such as the Ibadan People’s Party.

“Our democracy has never been a democracy of one star flying in its firmament,” he said. “In our sky are thousands of stars.”

Going down memory lane, the PDP presidential aspirant likened the current political climate to the failed self-succession agenda of late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, who attempted to impose himself as the sole presidential candidate of all five registered political parties at the time.

“We are living witnesses to the failure of that plot,” he said, warning that although today’s situation carries “a more sinister twist,” the outcome would be no different.

“While Abacha sought to make himself the sole candidate of all parties, the current agenda is to ensure that no major party is strong enough to field a credible candidate,” Olawepo-Hashim stated.

Expressing confidence that such efforts would collapse, he stressed that, “just as the Abacha plot ended unrealised, this infantile machination will end in disaster for its authors, by the grace of God.”

Olawepo-Hashim also recalled his personal involvement in the struggle against military rule, emphasising that the resistance was led from within Nigeria, not from exile.

“We fought the self-succession plot here at home, not as self-styled exiled democrats sipping cognac in foreign embassies,” he said.

He revealed that he was part of the internal resistance delegation present at Fort IBB on June 8, 1998, during a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, even as heavy military movements threatened the nation’s future.

Olawepo-Hashim expressed firm belief that history would repeat itself saying “the same God who granted us the grace to witness the collapse of the Abacha plot will also help us see the end of the APC-or-no-other-party agenda”.

SOURCE PAGE

 YUSUPH OLANIYONU pays tribute to Bukola Saraki, former Senate President at 63

If you ask Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for the birthday gift he desires today, he will probably request unity within his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as his best wish for the moment. The PDP is facing yet another crisis after losing power 10 years ago. And as his 63rd birthday approached, Saraki refused to endorse any form of celebration.

Rather, his pre-occupation for now is how to work with some party leaders, stakeholders, elders, and members to initiate discussions on how to unite the various feuding groups within the PDP. To many, this is a far-fetched option. It would have been easier to just move over with his supporters to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) as it is the fad in the country’s political arena today.

However, the former Senate President has vowed not to be part of any agenda that will create a one-party state in Nigeria. He would not be part of a plan to foreclose options to the electorate as democracy itself is about free choices, made under a credible, peaceful, and competitive atmosphere.

There are also others who believe the much-talked-about coalition can do so much and so well with his strategic thinking and planning aptitude. He has also said he would not be part of an arrangement cobbled together out of anger and for personal designs.

He would also not consider moving into a small party just for the sake of contesting elections in 2027. To him, all such designs are short-term plans and only aimed at power or state capture. They do not represent a desire to create an enduring solution. They cannot produce a platform that can strengthen democracy or enrich the political process for the purpose of serving the country and its people.

To him, the PDP remains the best platform that can effectively challenge the ruling party and offer a credible option to the people. He believes the PDP has a rich history, pervasive reach, enduring structure, tested brand, and solid bases that if supported by committed people, determined leaders, and the right resources, can win elections, without much problem.

Saraki is a die-hard PDP man. He believes defecting to another hurriedly put-together party led by elements with disparate backgrounds will not solve the problem of Nigeria. Just like the APC after ten years in power is unable to do. PDP, he said, has all the potential and institutional processes for building an enduring platform that will provide good governance, strengthen democracy, and enrich the political process.

He is also determined to take the difficult route, strewn with thorns and hard rubbles. The easy way, he said, never leads to a lasting solution. The benefits are never enduring. They are never a good option for a country with an expected long lifespan.

It is not surprising that more and more leaders in the PDP are listening to him and working with him. It seems that one of the values and virtues that any Nigerian cannot take away from Saraki is his ability to reconcile feuding elements, unite a divided group, and stabilize a ship amidst a storm. Thrice, the PDP had turned to him to steady the ship when it hit the stormy water or when it was heading for the rock.

On each occasion, he was able to work with others in achieving stability and steadying the wobbling craft. You may wonder why the ship relapsed into difficult terrain after Saraki’s past efforts. This is because the storm in Nigerian politics when a party loses power in a dramatic way the PDP did is always ceaseless. After all, the scheme by the incumbent party and the inability of the former office holders to cope with the loss of power will forever ensure the former ruling party remains in disarray. That is the dynamic of politics in a third world.

Saraki by nature is a man built for difficult tasks. He never liked the easy way. Perhaps, that is why a medical doctor who is the son of another medical doctor and had a hospital he could just inherit and work to expand decided to pursue his interest in business. It is also the reason why as governor despite the assurances of the support of an enduring and strong political structure, he worked 25 hours a day to ensure the success of his administration.

He said he wanted to be a good model for other politicians with a privileged background that coming from a rich home does not make one a poor performer and that a poor background does not make one a good administrator. He wanted to reassure the people that even though he was never hungry out of want or lack of food, he perfectly understands the needs of the people and what role the government should play to improve their standard of living.

He also decided to seek the Senate Presidency because for four years as a Senator, he observed that the leadership of the institution needed to initiate deliberate actions and programmes that would correct the wrong perception that its members do nothing and are a burden on the cost of governance. Today, many still reminisce about how the Eighth Senate he led made so many positive differences. And that is in spite of deliberate efforts by the executive arm to frustrate the legislature and unsettle its steady progress.

Perhaps, his predilection for always working towards reconciliation and unity also emanated from his background. A man with a father from Kwara State in the North Central zone or an area originally known as the middle belt of Nigeria, his home state creates a buffer between the North and the South. His late mother was from the Southwestern Ondo State. His paternal grandmother was from the Southwestern Oyo State.

His father was a Muslim and his mother was a Christian. While he is a staunch Muslim, his wife is a devout Christian. Thus, he had the temperament to understand and deal calmly, fairly, and impartially with all the issues that constitute the fault lines in the country. He has also proved to be a man capable of dealing boldly and maturely with challenges and setbacks.

For him, six years out of power has only strengthened him intellectually and positioned him in a vantage position to view issues as an impartial observer. It has also made him appreciate why those who are blessed by God should spend more of their resources to help the less privileged and invest more in developing the communities. He spends more time now on his relationship with Almighty Allah (SWT), community development, family, and business.

At 63 today, the man reputed for always seeking to solve difficult problems as he did with the Offa – Erinle crisis, the Petroleum Industry Act, and many other issues while always leaving a place better than he met it, continues to retain his relevance, years after office. Happy birthday, sir.

Olaniyonu writes from Abuja

SOURCE PAGE

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has sentenced a trader, Abdullahi Sale, to life for defiling and kidnapping his 13-year-old neighbour.

He was sentenced after after he was found guilty on two counts of defilement and abduction brought against him by the state government.

The judge held that the prosecution had proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

The prosecution had told the court that the offences were contrary to Sections 137 and 268 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

The convict, who resided in a room apartment at Agunbiade Street, Kirikiri Town, Apapa, allegedly convinced the JSS1 student to enter his room, defiled and detained her in his apartment for 11 days

During trial, the prosecution called witnesses including the survivor’s mother, who testified that her daughter went missing after they returned from church and that during this time, Sale reportedly came to inquire about the girl multiple times, pretending to be concerned, while keeping her confined in his room within the same compound.

She told the court that a naval officer eventually found the girl sitting alone on the street, and took her to the police station, after which the girl led officers to Sale’s room, revealing that he had imprisoned her, fed her with instant noodles, supplied containers for urination and defecation.

The survivor testified in November 2022, that she had never entered Sale’s room before the incident. She described how she entered and then found herself locked inside a dark room for about a week.

A nurse and midwife, Oluchi Nwoke, who testified as the third prosecution witness, presented a medical report from the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) Centre in Yaba. The report showed significant vaginal discharge, bruising, healed lacerations and an intact hymen.

It concluded that these findings were consistent with forced vaginal penetration, noting that the girl had been sexually assaulted twice while confined in Sale’s room.

The convict denied the allegations, claiming that the girl approached him asking for N15,000 to obtain an abortion, initially saying it was for a friend, before allegedly admitting she was pregnant for a barber named Samuel.

Justice Oshodi, in his judgment, dismissed the convict’s testimony as “wholly incredible”, describing it as implausible, internally contradictory, and inconsistent with proven facts.

The judge found that the prosecution proved the girl was 13 at the time, making her a child under the Child Rights Law.

He further held that she was detained in the defendant’s room for 11 days, and that a child could not legally consent to such detention for sexual reasons.

Justice Oshodi described the crimes as “grievous”, emphasising that Sale had betrayed his neighbour’s trust and worsened the family’s distress by pretending to help search for the girl while holding her in his room and sexually abusing her.

He stated that Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State prescribes life imprisonment for child defilement, reflecting the legislature’s intent to treat such crimes with utmost severity.

“Abdullahi Sale, on Count one, the offence of defilement contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law, I sentence you to life imprisonment. On count two, the offence of abduction contrary to Section 268 of the same law, I sentence you to seven years’ imprisonment. The sentence on Count two shall run from the date of your remand in custody on September 17, 2021. Both sentences shall run concurrently, which means you shall serve life imprisonment.

“As the prosecution urged me during sentencing in accordance with Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021, I order that your name be entered into the Sex Offenders Register,” the judge added.

SOURCE PAGE

Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, widely known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM1, has urged the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode, to halt the process of installing a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

In the suit dated 16 December, the artist, a claimant to the Awujale throne, wants the court to halt the process of selecting the next king of Ijebuland pending the hearing and determination of his substantive suit contesting his rejection by the Funsengbuwa Ruling House, widely regarded as the next in line to produce the next Awujale.

He named Governor Dapo Abiodun as the first respondent, alongside the chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Secretary of the Local Government, the chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the Nigerian Tribune reported.

He asked the court to issue an interlocutory injunction restraining the respondents from taking any further steps in the Awujale selection and installation process pending the determination of the substantive suit.

His requests are contained in the ex parte motion he filed along with his substantive suit, arguing that an interim injunction is necessary to protect his interest and preserve the subject matter of the dispute from being altered or interfered with by the respondents.

As of the time of filing this report, the court had not fixed a date for the hearing of the application.

Awujale Stool

The succession tussle for the stool of the Awujale has generated intense interest across Ijebuland, with more than 60 princes reportedly expressing interest.

One of the most controversial figures in the unfolding contest is Mr Ayinde, who had expressed interest in the vacant Awujale stool, a claim he anchored on his alleged lineage to the Jadiara Royal House within the broader Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

However, the Fusengbuwa family rejected the claim, insisting that he has no ancestral link to the ruling house.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the Ogun State Government’s decision to halt the ongoing nomination exercise and order a restart, citing procedural lapses that could trigger prolonged legal disputes.

The intervention came after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, next in line under the rotational arrangement provided in the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, moved to convene a nomination meeting on 15 December. The exercise was aimed at selecting candidates to succeed Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died in July at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.

In a letter dated 11 December, the ruling house had announced the planned meeting. However, it was later postponed, with the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House confirming that the decision followed an intervention by the state government.

READ ALSO: Finally, Gov Mutfwang dumps PDP, defects to APC

Government officials said the move was necessary to ensure strict compliance with the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, warning that any deviation from the prescribed process could expose the succession exercise to litigation.

Authorities had identified procedural flaws in how the nomination process was initiated, prompting the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to convene a stakeholders’ meeting and direct that the exercise be cancelled and restarted in line with established legal and traditional requirements.

Source link

A video making the rounds on social media has captured the moment a Nigerian lady shared her experience at her business place after being called by her neighbours.



SOURCE PAGE