Politics

CMC applauds LASG for honouring its Patron, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe

Published

4 years ago

August 18, 2020

When in March 2020, the Federal Government of Nigeria declared a total lockdown across all states in the country, banning vehicular movements for the time being, not many thought the novel covid-19 pandemic as a crass. In the months that followed, the increased number of cases of patients admitted at the various Isolation centres across Lagos (the state with the most reported cases) proved that the viral infection was as real as the purported information circulated in the media. Hence, the institution of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and other adjoining state’s covid-19 response team. And as they say, the rest is history.

Other well-meaning Nigerians and organizations also worked closely with the government in form of donations and resource deployment, sensitizing the public about the consequences of not #taking responsibility in the face of the deadly covid-19.

Prominent amongst these support groups is the affable Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe – a Nigerian scholar, compassionate philanthropist, consummate technocrat and a former Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Congo.

Not only is this complete gentleman, an offspring of one of the foremost politician and nationalist of the First Republic, Chief Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe is one whose contribution towards national development is second to none.

It was not surprising when he handsomely complemented the government’s efforts in fighting the scourge of covid-19. Thanks to his interventions and other supporters in different capacities, the further spread of the malevolent virus was nibbled in the bud.

Beyond the demands of Social Corporate Responsibility (SCR), Kings Celia Hotels and Suites where the leading diplomat is the Managing Director, offered rooms at discounted rates for frontline workers of the covid-19 response team in the state.

In a statement to Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe signed by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu noted: ‘’Indeed, your kind gesture is highly commendable and truly worthy of emulation by all as it underscores my sincere belief that ‘’United we stand; Divided We fall’’, while it will also deepen the public-private partnerships post COVID-19 and in the years ahead’’.

Reacting to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commendation of both the effort of Kings Celia Hotels and Suites and himself (Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe), he thanked the government of Lagos State for acting fast enough in containing the deadly virus from spreading like wild fire. ‘’I am particularly impressed at how this present administration keenly battled the incursion of covid-19 pandemic; employing globally acceptable standards as well as engaging trained hands in this fight that must be won. I am grateful to the Lagos State Government for deeming it fit to appreciate our widow’s mite as an organization. It is not over until it is over, victory is ours’’.

The President of CMC Gladiators, Ambassador Cornel Udofia in a statement made public by the Head of Media of the CMC Gladiators, Babatunde Odubanwo added his voice to the deluge of encomium being showered on the Lagos State Government for recognizing the efforts by stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians in the fight against the malignant Covid-19.

He (Ambassador Udofia) wrote: ‘’As the saying goes: One Good turn deserves Another; the honour being done on our patron in the person of Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe is a testament to the fact that the Governor of Lagos State is a leader with a good heart whose inclinations toward an inclusive government is of topmost priority. On behalf of the CMC, I pray for the onward progress of the state against all odds.

Signed:
Babatunde Segun Odubanwo
Head, Media and Publicity
CMC Gladiators

For:

Ambassador Cornel Udofia
President, CMC Gladiators

Politics

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Renowned Nigerian law firm Banwo & Ighodalo is preparing to take legal action against Jarrett Tenebe, Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, over allegations described as defamatory and unfounded.

In a formal letter dated December 18, 2024, senior advocate Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN) accused Tenebe of making libelous claims against the firm’s founding partner, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. The allegations stem from a December 17 interview on TMC TV/Radio, during which Tenebe alleged that Mr. Ighodalo “stole 21 government vehicles” from the Edo State Government.

Despite a prior demand for an apology and retraction in a December 11 letter, Tenebe has reportedly failed to comply. Banwo & Ighodalo has now issued a three-day ultimatum for him to withdraw the statements or face formal legal proceedings.

In a related statement, the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) categorically denied the accusations, labeling them a calculated smear campaign intended to discredit Mr. Ighodalo. The statement, signed by TAMO spokesperson Erhabor Emokpae, emphasized that Mr. Ighodalo has an unblemished record of public service. It further clarified that Alaghodaro, a private-sector-driven initiative chaired by Mr. Ighodalo, is committed to driving economic growth and investment in Edo State.

TAMO underscored Mr. Ighodalo’s integrity, noting that he has personally funded his expenses throughout his 16 years of public service, including his tenure as Chairman of Alaghodaro. The allegations of vehicle theft were described as baseless and absurd, with no evidence to substantiate them.

Banwo & Ighodalo has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all legal remedies should the defamatory statements not be retracted. The firm condemned the misuse of misinformation for political gain, warning that such actions undermine public trust and damage democratic institutions.

“We call on all parties to adhere to the principles of truth, integrity, and decency in public discourse,” the firm stated.

Should Tenebe fail to meet the ultimatum, the case is expected to proceed to court, with further developments anticipated in the coming days.

Politics

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

15 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments

By Ifeoma Ikem

Edo State local government chairmen have denounced their alleged suspension by the State House of Assembly as illegal, urging the governor and lawmakers to respect court rulings affirming their tenure and authority.

On December 17, reports emerged that the Assembly suspended all 18 council chairmen and their deputies following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition alleging gross misconduct and insubordination. The petition cited Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) as its basis.

However, the chairmen, through their legal counsel, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), contend that this provision had been declared unconstitutional in a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Suit No. B/257OS/2024. The court established the chairmen’s tenure as a three-year term commencing September 4, 2023.

The council leaders also referenced a Supreme Court judgment voiding state governors’ and assemblies’ authority to interfere with local government administration. They emphasized that their suspension contradicts existing judicial rulings and remains a legal nullity.

A recent interim order from the Edo High Court further restrained the government from obstructing the councils’ operations, assets, and funds. Despite being served notices of these judgments, the chairmen argue that the governor and assembly acted in defiance of the judiciary.

The embattled chairmen called for the governor to withdraw his request to the Assembly and for the lawmakers to rescind their resolution, warning of potential constitutional crises if the orders are ignored.

They urged security agencies to enforce court rulings, safeguard local government properties, and ensure the continuity of governance.

“The rule of law must prevail,” they stated, pledging to remain committed to their constitutional duties.

Politics

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The lands had been revoked two years earlier by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include one at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, measuring 2,284 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575), and another at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, measuring 3,705 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458).

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the Abacha family’s lawyer, disclosed that the lands were initially revoked in 2022 under Governor El-Rufai’s administration, citing contraventions of terms under the Land Use Act of 1978. The state government had published a notice on April 28, 2022, announcing the revocation of various plots, with Sani Abacha’s name listed as No. 34 among affected title holders.

In response, Atabo filed lawsuits at the Kaduna State High Court, seeking to address the embarrassment caused to the Abacha family name and pursue other claims.

Governor Uba Sani, in two letters dated December 10, 2024, reinstated the titles to the Abacha family through Mustapha Haruna, Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). The letters, addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s legal counsel, required the title holders to pay outstanding ground rent fees.

The move marks a reversal of El-Rufai’s decision and restores ownership of the disputed lands to the Abacha family.