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Group sues Timipre Sylva over alleged certificate forgery

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Timipre Sylva

Group sues Timipre Sylva over alleged certificate forgery

Timipre Sylva

Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has been dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of certificate forgery.

In the court documents obtained by THE WITNESS on Monday, a civil society organisation, Transparency Advocacy For Development Initiative, TADI, which is the plaintiff, is seeking the court to ascertain the true identity of the one-time Governor of Bayelsa State and serving minister.

 

 

The suit which is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1563/2022 seeks amongst other reliefs; A DECLARATION that by the interpretation of Sections 366, 364 and 158 (2) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja 1990 read together with the Seventh Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Timipre Sylva is overdue for arrest and prosecution for the offences of identity theft, impersonation and forgery.

TADI’s Director of Compliance, Adamu Kabir Matazu, speaking with journalists in Abuja, said an investigation took the organisation to the United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where the minister had instituted a libel case against a journalist, Jackson Ude.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ude, an editor of an online platform, Pointblank News, denied claims of victory by the minister’s supporters in the alleged defamation suit before the US Court.

Addressing the newsmen, Matazu said, “In the course of hearing, Chief Timipre Sylva signed a Verification of Interrogatories Answers dated April 2022 and attached various academic documents in proof of his identity. The said academic documents included a First School Leaving Certificate with No. 092915 dated 1st July, 1976 issued to ANAGHA TIMIPERE who finished from Ajeromi Central IA School, Araromi-Apapa, Lagos State, Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Also, Chief Timipre Sylva claims to hold a West African Examination Council (WAEC) General Certificate of Education with Certificate No. PO851528 and Candidate No. 21735215 dated December 1981 issued to MARLIN ANAGHA TIMIPRE with the following results: English Language – Grade 6; Literature in English – Grade 6; Religious Knowledge – Grade 3; History – Grade 3; and, Commerce – Grade 6.

“We uncovered also that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources parades a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) from University of Port-Harcourt dated 19th August, 1986 issued to ANAGHA TIMIPRE MARLIN. Finally, he holds a Doctorate Degree in International Relations (Honoris Causa) from UBIS University in Geneva, Switzerland dated 22nd September, 2011 and issued to Chief Timipre Sylva.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“You will agree with us that the certificates mentioned above have visible anomalies and do not depict the true identity of Chief Timpre Sylva. We are confused as to who Chief Timpre Sylva is; who Anagha Timipre Marlin is; who Marlin Anagha Timipre is and who Anagha Timipere is. There is no evidence anywhere showing that CHIEF TIMPRE SYLVA ever changed his name from ANAGHA TIMIPRE MARLIN to TIMIPRE SYLVA in 1986 after he purportedly graduated from University of Port-Harcourt.

“Our investigation reveals that there is also no record that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources has National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge or Exemption Certificate, as the case may be, either in the name of ANAGHA TIMIPRE MARLIN or TIMIPRE SYLVA. The question we as well as other anti-corruption crusaders all over Nigeria are asking is: WHO IS CHIEF TIMIPRE SYLVA?

 

 

 

 

 

“While we are still asking, records abound that CHIEF TIMPRE SYLVA intentionally presented the aforementioned inconsistent academic documents before the Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Screening Committee in 2007 as well as the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives in 2019 under oath for purposes of screening into the positions of Governor of Bayelsa State and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, respectively.”

The group, TADI hence on September 1, filed an Originating Summons before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria.

 

 

Included in the suit as defendants were the Director-General, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

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Obijackson Foundation drives sustainable waste management, donates waste evacuation tools to Okija community

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The Obijackson Foundation, in partnership with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, has donated 140 pieces of waste bins, 2 compactor disposable trucks, 2 operational Hilux, 1 staff bus, bundles of brooms, and other waste evacuating tools to Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The donation took place at the St. Mary’s School Field Okija, on Saturday, during the official launching of “Keep Okija Clean” Initiative to drive environmental and sustainable waste management for Okija community and environs.

The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative aims to address waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities for residents of Okija.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change. “I am honoured to stand before you as we reintroduce, in collaboration with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, the ‘Keep Okija Clean’ initiative—a project that embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.

He said over 100 people have been employed for the project, adding that the gesture is another way to create jobs for the teaming unemployed in the area.

According to Azudialu-Obiejesi, ‘’This effort is a testament to the power of collaboration, as the initiative includes cleaning streets, roads, and public spaces while introducing a sustainable waste management system.

“The highlight of this programme is the future development of a properly engineered landfill for Okija and its environs, which will provide a long-term solution to waste disposal challenges. This project is expected to create employment opportunities for local youths while fostering a healthier environment when completed.

He stated that over the years, the Foundation has spearheaded several transformative projects in Okija, including: Education: establishing Gonzaga Jesuit College and Gonzaga Jesuit Academy with 100% scholarship programs for Okija children.

Others are Healthcare: Improving access to medical services through the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital (OWCH); and Tourism Development: Developing Acropolis Gardens and Residence—a world-class resort with a 10,000 seater international convention center designed to position Okija as a hub for business and leisure.

Azudialu-Obiejesi encouraged community members to take ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation: “These bins are vital resources for keeping our environment clean. By safeguarding them, we are ensuring a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.”

“The Foundation remains committed to creating lasting changes through innovative initiatives that empower communities while preserving their environment.

Sharing his vision for a cleaner and more sustainable community,, Obiejesi said, as we continue our environmental initiative, we are not just cleaning our streets; we are building a legacy for generations to come. This initiative demonstrates that collective action can lead to meaningful change.”

“The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative reflects the Obijackson Foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving lives while preserving natural resources for future generations.

The philanthropist urged the community members to take collective ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation to keep Okija clean and green.

In his remark on behalf of the Anambra Government, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said the donation of the waste tools was timely as it will help with the ongoing policy of sorting waste in the state.

The event also witnessed the presence of the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena, the Traditional ruler of the town, HRH Igwe Emeka Okezie among other top dignitaries within the state.

It was gathered that the Foundation was established in 2010 to tackle the challenges of poor literacy, empowerement, nutrition and healthcare in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas of Anambra state

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

 

 

Hon. Abiola Makinde, representing the Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the National Assembly, has congratulated Chief Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him by the prestigious Independent Newspaper. In a release personally signed by him, he described Chief Akande as a leader of leaders who has not only moved forward the progressive family in the southwest but in the entire country, Nigeria. He described the award as well deserved because of his uncommon display of integrity, dedication, and forthrightness.

 

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

 

Hon. Makinde who was the Director General of the Campaign for the successful election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, asked Chief Bisi Akande, not to relent on his efforts to continue to elevate the progressive family and to make Nigeria better.

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Turtle Taido Cartoon Animation In Hausa To Air On Ten TV Channels

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Nigeria’s popular and multiple award-winning children’s animation series, Turtle Taido, produced in Hausa is now set to air on television channels across the Northern States. This groundbreaking Hausa production of Turtle Taido is a collaboration between Tayekeni Productions and Arewa24 Network, bringing world class animation and the compelling power of African storytelling to millions of families across the country.

Turtle Taido is the story of a lively magical turtle who travels across the country in search of knowledge. On his journeys, he makes friends, visits places of interest, encounters magical stories and learns about other animals. Above all, he learns that understanding other people’s cultures makes us treat them with respect while promoting a peaceful and happier world.

Muyiwa Kayode, Creator and Executive Producer of Turtle Taido.

The Turtle Taido series has won multiple international awards including Best Children’s Short at Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles, and Best TV Series at the Buddha International Film Festival, India.

Broadcast Sponsorship of Turtle Taido series in Hausa is powered by Checkers Africa Limited, makers of Checkers Custard brand.

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