Politics

IBB is a detribalised leader who commands political class’ respect – Gbagi

Published

4 years ago

August 17, 2020

Former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has described ex-President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as a detribalised leader and elder-statesman whose name commands respect in Nigeria’s political class circle.
Gbagi stated this in a statement released to the media on Monday to felicitate with the former President on his 79th birthday.
Gbagi said the former President’s approach to leadership explains his overwhelming influence which continues to serve the interest of all sections of the country.
The former minister recalled that Babangida, in his bid to ensure fairness to the diverse ethnic groups in the country, created a total of eleven (11) states under his leadership in 1987 and 1991, respectively.
The statement reads: “I heartily felicitate with one of Nigeria’s finest leaders and elder-statesman, former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as he celebrates his 79th birthday today.
“Without mincing words, his approach to leadership has always served the interest of all sections of the country.
“Like we witnessed on 23rd September, 1987, Babangida created two states: Akwa Ibom State and Katsina State. Later, on 27 August 1991, he created nine more states: Abia, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba and Yobe, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria to thirty in 1991.
“If anyone must know, this was done at the time to address problems of inequality among the diverse ethnic groups in the country, most of which were in the minority.
“The creation of the additional states became reprieve for the diverse ethnic groups in the country that lacked representation at the federal level, and quelled brewing ethnic dissent at the time.
“On another vein, I recall his counsel when I paid a visit to him in 2007 at his Minna residence in the company of a former House of Representative member, late Hon. Austin Ogbaburon.
“During our discussions, he told the former lawmaker to go to Delta State, which happens to be one of the nine states he created in 1991, to inform stakeholders that the State stands to experience a turnaround if I am made Governor.
“I also recall how he honoured my invitation to Delta State on May 15, 2004, for the burial ceremony of my traditional father, the third Orodje of Okpe kingdom, HRM Orhoro I.
“Indeed, former President Babangida is a rare elder-statesman whose name commands respect and attention in the circle of Nigeria’s political elite. I wish him more years in good health as he continues to serve the country,” Gbagi said.

Politics

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

Published

7 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

17 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.