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Ambode’s ambition of return and Seyi Tinubu’s political trajectory BY IDOWU AJANAKU

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Ambode's ambition of return and Seyi Tinubu's political trajectory BY IDOWU AJANAKU

Ambode’s ambition of return and Seyi Tinubu’s political trajectory
BY IDOWU AJANAKU

Quote:

” Leadership is something you earn, something you are chosen for”
-Ben Roethlisberger

The strong and solid factors that always stand a candidate’s ambition in good stead within the socio–political dynamics of a local community, state or federal government level include vision, character, commitment, and consistency or call it constancy of purpose.That is especially so with regards to that person’s guiding philosophies, principles and purposefulness, if driven by humility, integrity, honesty of purpose all within the perspective of the larger picture.

Good enough, it would be a point of reference if such a person has held a public position before and distinguished himself in terms of performance. That precisely, underscores the relevance of the recent media mention of the political ambition of the former governor of Lagos state, Akinwumi Ambode to return to that same pedestal of power, some eight years after he lost that bid to continue in office. Though that wave of interest is currently gathering momentum there are still some hurdles and hitches to scale over. That is where that of the young entrepreneur and politician, who happens to be heir to the throne of the political juggernaut and incumbent President Ahmed Tinubu comes into the unfolding picture. He is none other than the affable, resourceful and dynamic Seyi Tinubu.

Periscoped from a personal perspective, one can objectively describe him as ” a smart and enterprising” man who has learnt the ropes from his father. Indeed, he deserves to be applauded for the noble and notable role he played as a dependable catalyst to see his father’s presidential ambition to the light of day.

Ever since, he has deployed similar energy by galvanizing the youths across the nooks and crannies of the country to actively support the “Renewed Hope” agenda. This is a commendable initiative, is it not? Of course, it is. Ahead of the 2027 presidential election therefore, he is well admonished to channel such support towards achieving his father’s reelection.That is, instead of dissipating such as a candidate to become the Lagos State governor. That would provide a positive political leverage for Ambode’s return to power. If done, Ambode will have the opportunity to put in place measures and mechanisms to lubricate the political engine for Seyi to compete for and eventually become the governor come the year 2031 when his father would be completing his tenure. That would be a more interesting scenario. And that brings us back to Ambode’s ambition for the 2027 gubernatorial race. Like it or not, his remarkable achievements over his first term in office, speak volumes.

According to seasoned analysts, and as attested to by the opinion of millions of residents of the state of aquatic splendor, the iconic economist from the backwaters of Epe literally wrote his name in gold while the governor. There are empirical evidences on ground traversing the sectors of infrastructure, security, food security through healthcare delivery, education, transportation to entertainment. In fact, he left Lagos much better in terms of the Human Development indices ( HDI ) than he met it.

For instance, it would interest the reader to know, or be reminded that it was during Ambode’s tenure that the hitherto long-winding and seemingly intractable traffic congestion challenge was frontally tackled. That came about with the construction of his signature jubilee flyover bridges at places such as Abule-Egba, Ajah and that at Pen Cinema junction, as they came into being.

Interestingly, the mere mention of the name “Ambode” and the appreciative Lagosians will reel out the construction and rehabilitation of 500 roads across the five districts of the ever – busy cosmopolitan city of Lagos. In fact, the people of Alimosho Local Government Area, LGA would remain grateful for the well- paved roads with modern drainage system. And those at Ojodu-Berger axis have been enjoying the solution to the once asphyxiating traffic jam that characterized the area sparking fisticuffs between the transporters and the commuters. Yet, there are more noteworthy projects to remember Ambode for.

From the reconstructed Murtala Muhammed International Airport road converted from 4 to 10- lane highway, with ramp bridge and flyover to the 21st Century iconic Oshodi Transport Interchange equipped
with three terminals, 18 lifts as well as CCTv cameras the handwriting of impactful governance are there for all to see, to admire and to appreciate. It is so inspiring that Ambode was able to build on the achievements of his predecessors to rid Oshodi as the popular den of hardened criminals. But there is more to the feats achieved under Ambode’s tenure to gladden the heart of patriots.

Lest we forget, with regards to reinforcement of security in the city with ever bubbling population, Ambode granted N6.6 billion for security agents though belonging to the federal government. He signed into law the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps. In addition was the Lagos State Properties Protection Law to protect the land owners from the nefarious activities of the notorious land grabbers.

And on transportation the Bus Reform Initiative enhanced public transportation with 5,000 new buses, out of which 434 buses boosted the busy Ikorodu corridor.

Furthermore, in the critical health sector under Ambode, the popular Ayinke House was transformed from an 80- bed facility into the ultra – modern 170-bed Specialist Centre. Also, the LASUTH complex was equipped with a helipad for medical emergency and the nation’s first ever DNA forensic centre.

Apart from the popular Lake Rice that came up as the Lagos-Kebbi rice project which boosted food security with cheaper and safer rice, Ambode ensured that the people of Lagos were made happier with the building of theatres in Alimosho,Badagry, Ikeja and Epe. That was with the Eko Theatre project in the entertainment sector. One could go on and on. But all these highly commendable achievements remind us of the wise words of Joe DiMaggio who stated that: “ A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example”.

So, as events unfold in the coming years, if there is one man to be considered worthy of the prestigious post of the governorship of the Centre of Excellence he should be Akinwumi Ambode. He has been there before, did his best and must have learnt from his mistakes in the volatile politicking landscape. Good enough, he has weathered the storm, kept his cool in the midst of it all without casting aspersion on his political traducers. As he aptly stated, back in September 2018 while asking for Second Term: ” I ask you to believe again and together, let us achieve more…to build a secure and prosperous Lagos state driven by a vibrant economy, supported by quality service, equity and justice”.

Ambode's ambition of return and Seyi Tinubu's political trajectory
BY IDOWU AJANAKU

AJANAKU, was a former special adviser on information and strategy to Gov. Ambode

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Osun Govt Denies Forcing Council Officers to Change Account Signatories Amid Political Tussle

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Osun Govt Denies Forcing Council Officers to Change Account Signatories Amid Political Tussle

Osun Govt Denies Forcing Council Officers to Change Account Signatories Amid Political Tussle

The Osun State Government has dismissed allegations that it is coercing career officers in local governments to alter signatories to council accounts amid the ongoing power struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over local government control.

The Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration was pressuring Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration (HLAs) to make unauthorized changes to council accounts.

“We reliably gathered that Adeleke’s government has started taking 30 Local Government Area Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration to an undisclosed location forcefully. This is unconnected to the contention over who controls the local government,” Adebayo claimed.

He further alleged that these officials were being detained and pressured into changing signatories to align with the newly elected officials, an act he described as undemocratic and a violation of the rule of law. Adebayo also referenced judicial pronouncements from the Court of Appeal that upheld the October 15, 2022, council election, asserting that the state government’s actions contradict the verdict.

However, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, swiftly refuted the claims, dismissing them as “mere speculation.”

“This is just an attempt to create a false narrative. The Commissioner for Local Government has confirmed that he never issued such a directive. They are only trying to stir unnecessary controversy,” Alimi stated.

“We have never changed any local government account signatories. APM is just crying more than the bereaved,” he added.

Meanwhile, the APC in Osun has urged local government workers to return to their duty posts, emphasizing that they must remain neutral in the ongoing political tussle. Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, stated that the reinstated local government chairmen had issued a 72-hour ultimatum for workers to resume.

However, the Osun chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rejected the directive, with Chairman Christopher Arapasopo insisting that workers would only return when their security was guaranteed.

Despite the NLC’s stance, Olawumi maintained that workers were expected to resume, noting that chairmen and councillors had already resumed work.

“It is quite unfortunate that they (workers) are becoming partisan. They need to understand that they are not employed by the state government but by individual local governments. That is why they have Heads of Local Government Administration,” Olawumi stated.

“We encourage them to eschew partisanship and focus on their work. The ultimatum lapses today (Wednesday), and we expect them to resume tomorrow (Thursday). If they don’t, we will continue persuading them,” he added.

Efforts to reach NLC Chairman Arapasopo for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone did not go through, and he had yet to respond to text messages at press time.

Amid the controversy, an Osun-based civil society group, The Osun Masterminds, has called for a return to the courts to resolve the dispute.

Speaking in Osogbo, the Executive Director of the group, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, urged all parties to refrain from inflammatory remarks that could escalate tensions.

“All parties must immediately return to the relevant courts to clarify the subsisting judgments so that the current issues can be amicably resolved,” Oyedokun-Alli stated.

“Once clarified, all parties must respect the decision of the courts and lay the matter to rest once and for all. As we approach the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election, all parties must demonstrate their commitment to peace and security. If this crisis escalates into next year, it could destabilize our once peaceful Osun State.

“Local government staff must remain non-partisan and adhere to the rule of law to avoid becoming political tools in the hands of any party,” he concluded.

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Falana Declares Legal War Over ‘Malicious’ 1993 Prosecution, Takes on Babangida Regime

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Falana Declares Legal War Over 'Malicious' 1993 Prosecution, Takes on Babangida Regime

Falana Declares Legal War Over ‘Malicious’ 1993 Prosecution, Takes on Babangida Regime

 

Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has launched an audacious legal battle against what he describes as his “malicious” detention and prosecution under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), vowing to hold the former dictator accountable.

Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Falana, who was detained alongside the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and three others, recounted their persecution for resisting the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was decisively won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

Falana slammed Babangida for his recent admission of regret over the annulment, labeling it as an admission of guilt. He accused the former military ruler of systematically dismantling Nigeria’s democracy, detaining and parading pro-democracy activists like criminals while clinging to power.

Recalling the harrowing events of 1993, Falana revealed that he and his colleagues were hauled before the Gwagwalada Chief Magistrate Court and charged with treasonable felony. With no access to legal representation, he and Fawehinmi took on the military regime in court, turning their arraignment into an exposé of junta tyranny.

“Even though we were asking for bail, we turned our arraignment into the trial of the junta. Chief Fawehinmi told the judge, Chief Magistrate Mallam Bulama, that those who should be standing trial for treason were actually in the Villa, led by General Babangida,” Falana recalled.

He challenged the legitimacy of the charge, arguing before the court that the law on treason was inapplicable to an unelected military dictator. The court ultimately granted them bail, and the regime, unable to withstand further scrutiny, abandoned the case entirely.

Now, decades later, Falana is reigniting the battle, assembling a powerful legal team to seek redress for what he describes as a grave miscarriage of justice.

“This is malicious prosecution. I have assembled a team of lawyers who are looking into it. Babangida has now admitted that there was no basis for our prosecution, because he acknowledges that Abiola won the election. That was the reason we protested.

“His own words confirm the injustice we suffered,” Falana declared.

The senior advocate is also pushing for recognition of the massive human rights violations suffered under Babangida’s rule, citing international human rights charters.

“When you detain me in Kuje prison, you violate my right to liberty, my freedom of movement, and my right to choose the government of my country.

“According to Article 13 of the African Charter on Human Rights, the man who did it has now confessed that it was wrong,” Falana stated.

He further referenced recent legal precedents that challenge statutes of limitation in cases of severe human rights abuses, emphasizing that justice must prevail no matter how long it takes.

With this renewed legal offensive, Falana is not only seeking personal redress but also pushing to set a precedent against impunity, sending a strong message that Nigeria’s pro-democracy fighters will not relent in their pursuit of justice.

 

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Senate Clashes with Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as N100.3bn Lawsuit Rocks National Assembly

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Senate Clashes with Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as N100.3bn Lawsuit Rocks National Assembly

Senate Clashes with Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as N100.3bn Lawsuit Rocks National Assembly

In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the Nigerian Senate, lawmakers have rallied behind Senate President Godswill Akpabio after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District filed a staggering N100.3bn defamation lawsuit against him.

The lawsuit, which has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, stems from a heated confrontation between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan last week over the controversial relocation of her Senate seat. The verbal altercation, which played out in full view of the public, has now turned into a full-blown legal battle.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-time senator, formally filed suit CV/737/25 before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on February 25, 2025, accusing Akpabio of defamation. The lawsuit also names the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, as co-defendants.

The storm erupted after the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, lashed out at Akpoti-Uduaghan during a Channels Television interview on February 21, condemning her bold stance against the Senate President. He dismissed her actions as political theatrics, stating, “The National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. The National Assembly is for serious business.”

The firestorm intensified when Patrick allegedly took to Facebook to publish a statement titled, ‘Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?’ The post included an incendiary remark, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of being more focused on “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers” than on legislative duties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Victor Giwa, denounced the statement as an outrageous attack on her integrity, arguing that it was defamatory, provocative, and deliberately designed to tarnish her reputation among her colleagues and the public.

The embattled senator is demanding a court declaration that the statement was defamatory and has urged the judiciary to issue a perpetual injunction preventing Akpabio and his associates from making further derogatory remarks against her.

She is also pressing for a jaw-dropping N100bn in general damages and an additional N300m in litigation costs, making this one of the most high-profile defamation cases in Nigeria’s recent history.

As tensions soar within the Senate, political analysts warn that the lawsuit could further fracture relationships within the upper legislative chamber. The case is expected to be closely watched, with many awaiting the court’s decision on the explosive claims.

For now, the Senate remains a battlefield, and all eyes are on the judiciary as it prepares to weigh in on this unprecedented legal showdown.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the Nigerian Senate, lawmakers have rallied behind Senate President Godswill Akpabio after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District filed a staggering N100.3bn defamation lawsuit against him.

The lawsuit, which has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, stems from a heated confrontation between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan last week over the controversial relocation of her Senate seat. The verbal altercation, which played out in full view of the public, has now turned into a full-blown legal battle.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-time senator, formally filed suit CV/737/25 before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on February 25, 2025, accusing Akpabio of defamation. The lawsuit also names the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, as co-defendants.

The storm erupted after the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, lashed out at Akpoti-Uduaghan during a Channels Television interview on February 21, condemning her bold stance against the Senate President. He dismissed her actions as political theatrics, stating, “The National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. The National Assembly is for serious business.”

The firestorm intensified when Patrick allegedly took to Facebook to publish a statement titled, ‘Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?’ The post included an incendiary remark, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of being more focused on “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers” than on legislative duties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Victor Giwa, denounced the statement as an outrageous attack on her integrity, arguing that it was defamatory, provocative, and deliberately designed to tarnish her reputation among her colleagues and the public.

The embattled senator is demanding a court declaration that the statement was defamatory and has urged the judiciary to issue a perpetual injunction preventing Akpabio and his associates from making further derogatory remarks against her.

She is also pressing for a jaw-dropping N100bn in general damages and an additional N300m in litigation costs, making this one of the most high-profile defamation cases in Nigeria’s recent history.

As tensions soar within the Senate, political analysts warn that the lawsuit could further fracture relationships within the upper legislative chamber. The case is expected to be closely watched, with many awaiting the court’s decision on the explosive claims.

For now, the Senate remains a battlefield, and all eyes are on the judiciary as it prepares to weigh in on this unprecedented legal showdown.

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