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Flashback: How Ikenga Ugochinyere almost fraudulently scuttled APC registration in 2013

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Flashback: How Ikenga Ugochinyere almost fraudulently scuttled APC registration in 2013

Flashback: How Ikenga Ugochinyere almost fraudulently scuttled APC registration in 2013

 

 

 

By Kumbi Aderibigbe

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That For many Nigerians watching the unfolding drama around the dissolution of the Special Investigative Committee set to probe the face-off between billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his refinery on one side, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA ) on the other, the involvement of House of Representatives members, Ikenga Ugochinyere, brings back distasteful memory of a time gone by.

 

 

 

Flashback: How Ikenga Ugochinyere almost fraudulently scuttled APC registration in 2013

 

 

 

 

Representative Ugochinyere is presently, Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream and Downstream. He was also the chairman of the Special Investigative Committee just disbanded by Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set up by the House following recrimination and counter recrimination between Dangote and NNPCL and NMDPRA, the Committee was expected to impartially investigate the matter and make its findings known to the House for appropriate action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At issue were Dangote’s allegations that the NNPCL and it’s partners, the International Oil Companies (IOCs)operating in Nigeria, were refusing to supply his refinery crude for refining, and that the NNPCL had opened a blending plant in Malta for crude refinement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He also accused the NMDPRA of indiscriminately issuing import licences to marketers to import petroleum products into the country. Denying the allegation against it, the NMDPRA responded by accusing Dangote Refinery of producing diesel with sulphur content well above internationally specified standard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These were the issues Ugochinyere and his colleagues in the Committee were expected to address but unfortunately, things took a different turn. Contrary to the expectations of the leadership of the House and millions of Nigerians who had become worried over the likely impact of the clash of key players in the Nigerian oil sector on supply of petroleum products in the country, Ugochinyere saw in the committee, a vehicle for promoting his narrow personal interest. He turned the committee into a one-man show, sidelining other members of the committee and writing press statements and addressing press conferences without their knowledge and involvement. The height of his perfidy was his unilaterally absolving Dangote Refinery of wrongdoing and calling for the sack of Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, and Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, even before the committee had commenced investigation into the matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The disbanding of the investigative committee by Speaker Abbas has assuaged the anger of Nigerians even though Ugochinyere’s conduct has left many nonplussed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those shocked or surprised by the lawmaker’s antics can be forgiven because they know very little about his antecedents. To keen watchers of the Nigerian political scene, his behaviour is consistent with his character.

 

Eleven years ago, not very many Nigerians knew him or had heard of him but he was suddenly catapulted to national prominence in 2013 when leading opposition political parties seeking an end to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) hegemony rallied to form a mega party.

They settled for the name, All Progressives Congress with the acronym, APC. As they crossed the t’s and dotted the i’s of the alliance before seeking formal registration with Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a group with the same acronym (APC) but with the name, All Peoples Congress, immediately submitted a request for registration as a political party. The move by this group pitted them against the larger body of opposition political parties who claimed to have first come up with the APC acronym. They would also later apply to INEC for registration as a political party.

As the disagreement between the two groups raged, INEC after due consideration of the evidence before it, registered the All Progressives Congress as a party while declining to do the same for the All Peoples Congress. In denying the latter registration, INEC said it breached Section 222 (a) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.

INEC’s Director, of Public Affairs, Emmanuel Umenger explained that the commission had conveyed it’s decision to the group:

“The Commission has written to this political association and had stated in very clear terms that they are in breach of section 222 (a) of the constitution with the additional explanations stated in the letter.

 

The Commission also observed that the submission made on form PA 1 does not contain the addresses of the national officers of the political association as stipulated and it means this association has the responsibility to prove, because these are the things the commission has observed and the law says if you do not meet any of these requirements you will not be registered as a political party.

“The commission has gone ahead to explain in its letter I have on my table. The letter we have sent today was duly signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Abdulahi Kaugama and it is self explanatory, the letter is dated 21, 2013 which was signed and collected by one Michael Ogani of APC”, Umenger said at the time.

The letter as later made avaliable to the public and signed by the INEC’s Secretary, Alhaji Abdulahi Kaugama reads in part:

“Your application for registration as a political party dated 28th February, 2013 refers. The Commission has observed that your association is in breach of Section 222 (a) of the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which stipulates as follows: “No association by whatever name called shall function as a political party unless; the names and addresses of its national officers are registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission;.

 

A close observation of your submitted form PA 1 established that it does not contain the addresses of your national officers as stipulated in the provisions above. Consequently, the commission shall not register the proposed African Peoples Congress (APC) as a political party.”

The party accused INEC of conspiring with the registered APC to deny it acceptance but the electoral body insisted it acted within the purview of the law. It would emerge later that Ugochinyere was one of the key figures floating the All Peoples Congress as a means of preventing the All Progressives Congress’ emergence as a political party at a time Nigerians were seeking a genuine alternative to the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which he belonged.

A young lawyer, Mr. Chinedu Samuel Nwokorie, a 2011 graduate of the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja, blew the lid off Ugochinyere’s caper with his revelation in a newspaper interview that he was hired by Ugochinyere to scuttle the registration bid of the now ruling APC. Nwokorie told Nigerians in that interview:

“Ugochinyere Ikenga approached me sometime in February 2013 to put in an application for the registration of a political party by name African Peoples Congress,” Nwokorie said, expressing regrets and denying that he was a politician of any sort.

“He paid me an initial sum of N30,000 and later added another N50,000 and a Samsung Galaxy phone after I had filed the papers, with a promise that he was going to settle me after the party must have been registered.

“I filed the application in the honest belief that it was just another political party because even the application I entered at INEC only bears the name African Peoples Congress. The acronym APC was not included in the application.

“So there was no way I could have visualize, whether or not there was an ulterior motive in the registration of that political party. I was, however, surprised to see my name all over the newspapers, including the sample of the application letter I wrote to INEC.

“I wish to let Nigerians know that I am not a politician in anyway whatsoever. I regret the issues at hand and the dimension the entire thing is taking.”

The young lawyer who studied law in Cameroun before going to law school in Abuja added that each time he developed cold feet on the issue, Ugochinyere was always on hand to egg him on. He said:

“He keeps telling me not to worry, that I should be a man and that he would handle the matter. He also said that the real owners of the party would soon be revealed to Nigerians.

“Once again, I want to tell Nigerians that I just took a brief as a young lawyer and it ended there. I don’t know the sponsors of the party. The only person I know is Ugochinyere Ikenga, who gave me the brief.

“I got to know Ikenga through a friend. I thought it wise to come out and tell Nigerians the entire story because I keep receiving calls all-day through. My major concern now is my letter head, which is in the custody of INEC.

From the evidence above, it is clear that Ugochinyere has a history of involvement in dubious enterprises and of manipulating people to achieve his aim. After collecting what must be a handsome pay cheque from his sponsors to scuttle the APC’S registration plan, he shamelessly and unconscionably recruited a young and aspiring lawyer and paid him peanuts to put his fledgling career on the line.

For those in doubt of Ugochinyere’s status as a hatchet and gun for hire, a March 16, 2013 report in Premium Times, a leading online news platform in Nigeria, lends credence to his ability to take on hatchet jobs. The report titled, “PDP disowns hatchet man, Ikenga; says ACN behind “APC” name crisis for attention”, noted:

“Multiple media investigations have exposed Mr. Ikenga, a card-carrying member of the PDP, as the individual behind the formation of African Peoples Congress, APC, a rival controversial group seeking to be registered as a political party under the acronym “APC” already adopted by a merger of four opposition parties.

“The effort is suspected to be aimed at thwarting the new coalition, namely Action Congress of Nigeria, Congress for Progressive Change, All Nigeria Peoples Party and All Progressive Grand Alliance, seeking to form the All Progressives Congress.

“A figure well known to similar underhanded deals at the behest of the ruling party, Mr. Ikenga’s scheme this time, to launch the new party, has struck off intense crisis between the opposition parties and the PDP, accused of backing him.

“In a statement on Saturday, the PDP denied the allegation, a refutation it has repeatedly made. The party said Mr. Ikenga’s past, which saw him also lead a campaign against the current chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, had rendered him an “estranged fellow” who cannot be an agent of the party.

“To the best of our knowledge, no member of the PDP is involved in the formation of any other political organization, neither are we interested in the activities of any other Party,” the party said in a statement signed by spokesperson, Olisa Metuh.

“The alleged involvement of one Ugochinyere Imo Ikenga in the formation of the other APC has no bearing whatsoever on us. From our findings, Mr. Ikenga’s recent activities, including his unsavoury attacks and illicit campaign for the dissolution of the the Bamanga Tukur led National Working Committee makes him an estranged fellow and therefore can never be an agent of the PDP in anyway.”

Eleven years down the line, he has perfected the art of manipulation and honed his predilection for scheming into an art. Men like Ugochinyere are a menace to society and must be stopped. It is good the investigative committee he turned into a cash cow has been disbanded. It is just a start. Speaker Abbas must go a step further to remove him as head of the Committee on Midstream and Downstream for if he doesn’t, it will only be a matter of time before he makes his next move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Politics

Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants

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Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants

Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants

 

Acknowledging that the scourge of brazen extortion by miscreants on Lagos streets was on the increase, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohunda Moshood Jimoh, and heads of other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering with the latest security apparatuses, increase surveillance on black spots across the metropolis, and, where necessary, arrest such miscreants, and have the state rehabilitate them.

Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants

Hon. Sanni Okanlawon (representing Kosofe Constituency 1) raised the alarm at plenary Tuesday, May 6, under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ stating; “The unlawful extortion of stranded and innocent motorists by miscreants remains a growing concern that demands urgent attention. Nobody on the streets of Lagos is immune to their activities. If left unchecked, they could render the state unsafe.” He painted different unsavoury scenarios of how the street urchins operate brazenly, which he described as unacceptable, and called for urgent intervention to protect road users.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho Constituency II) noted that this particular trend threatens the safety and sanity of road transportation in the state. Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere Constituency 1) corroborated this and emphasised the need for active surveillance by security agencies. He also suggested the involvement of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), noting that many of the offenders act under the influence of illegal substances.

Similarly, Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu Constituency II) urged the Commissioner of Police to set up a tactical team dedicated mainly to road monitoring because “It is high time the government took the bull by the horns.” Commending Hon. Okanlawon for moving the motion, Hon. Adebola Shabi (Lagos Mainland Constituency 2) said local government chairmen have a huge role in combating this menace. Effective strategies, she added, have to be devised while recommending the installation of CCTV cameras at identified black spots.

However, Hon. Obafemi Saheed (Kosofe Constituency 2) disclosed that the government has invested heavily in security through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, and, therefore, should not sit back and watch miscreants take over the city.

Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa commended Hon. Okanlawon and the lawmakers who contributed robustly to the debate. He said that the police and other security agencies, including the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), must collaborate to ensure that Lagos remains safe for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

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Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues

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Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues

Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues

The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the state Lands Bureau to appear before it to provide clarity on previous allocations and recurring land-related issues. It also approved land compensation for communities where the state government acquired lands for public use.

At plenary last Thursday, the House adopted the recommendations of the Committee on Rules and Business on a petition titled “Application by Oriba Community in Epe Local Government to join in the petition of Ladaba Community” presented by Hon. Noheem Adams.

Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues

Following the presentation of the report, the House unanimously adopted the recommendations as its resolution by asking the bureau to appear before it with proper documents to explain the status of lands acquired by the state. The committee also recommended that the bureau issue excision/allocation letters to the 68 affected communities, while their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) should be ready within one month of the House’s resolution.

Members who lent their voices to the matter commended the committee for ensuring they got justice for the affected communities and suggested that their compensation should be increased from 20% to 25%.

In his summation, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa acknowledged the need for increased compensation but noted that the state government has its plans. Particularly, he endorsed the allocation of 20% (2,000 hectares) of the 10,000 hectares acquired by the state government as compensation.

Speaker Obasa further recommended that the committee should collaborate with the Lands Bureau, Office of the State Surveyor General, and New Towns Development Authority for the effective implementation of the recommendations.

The Lagos State Lands Bureau is responsible for land administration and management. It oversees key activities such as land allocation, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), land registration, and the management of state-owned lands.

Its primary goals include ensuring equitable and transparent land transactions, facilitating urban planning, and supporting economic development by maintaining an organized system of land ownership. The bureau also handles disputes related to land and implements policies to optimize land use while protecting public interests.

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Oluremi Tinubu and Aisha Achimugu: A Bond Forged in Compassion, by Olabode Opeseitan

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Oluremi Tinubu and Aisha Achimugu: A Bond Forged in Compassion, by Olabode Opeseitan

 

 

Two women with two distinct destinies. One, Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, is a political luminary and steadfast advocate for the marginalized. The other is Aisha Achimugu, a trailblazing entrepreneur who conquered the male-dominated oil and gas sector, yet wears her heart on her sleeve for humanity.

 

 

Oluremi Tinubu and Aisha Achimugu: A Bond Forged in Compassion, by Olabode Opeseitan 

 

Though their paths differ, their souls converge in two profound ways: an unyielding passion for women’s empowerment and a lifelong covenant with charity.

 

 

For Oluremi, empowering women and uplifting the vulnerable is not merely a mission—it’s her oxygen. From founding the New Era Foundation as Lagos’ First Lady to launching her Renewed Hope Initiative as Nigeria’s First Lady—a platform championing youth and girl-child education and spearheading transformative projects like the Community ICT Hub—she has turned biblical compassion into action. Her unalloyed commitment to charitable virtues shone brightly during the commissioning of the hub in Ibadan, a Federal Government collaboration under her RHI that bridges the digital divide for thousands, revealing a heart that beats for the forgotten.

 

 

 

In Aisha Achimugu, Oluremi unknowingly finds a kindred spirit. Aisha’s SAM Empowerment Foundation has illuminated the futures of countless Nigerian girls through scholarships, mentorship, and vocational training, transforming aspirations into tangible opportunities. Her compassion radiates beyond borders, driven by a pan-African vision to uplift communities wherever the need arises. Whether empowering women in Nigeria’s underserved regions or advocating for sustainable livelihoods across the continent, Aisha’s mantra—“When God has blessed you, be a blessing to others”— resounds in every act of service. From rebuilding lives shattered by poverty to fostering dignity through education, her golden heart has become a beacon of hope for Africa’s most vulnerable.

 

 

 

Yet, their journeys have not been without storms. Both women have endured savage media trials—unfairly judged, their reputations scrutinized. Society often forgets: behind the headlines are mothers, leaders, and humanitarians whose “crimes” are loving too fiercely and giving too generously. They are imperfect, as all humans are, but in their relentless generosity, they mirror the very best of what humanity can be.

 

 

 

To Oluremi and Aisha: Your resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to your unbreakable spirits. When cynics question your motives, remember the girls now coding in Ibadan’s ICT Hub, the mothers reclaiming their futures through vocational training, and the orphans who see you as their lifeline. Do not relent. For every life you touch—whether through education, healthcare, or the quiet restoration of dignity—a ripple of hope spreads. Your legacies are not etched in headlines but in healed hearts and transformed destinies.

 

 

We see you. We celebrate you. And we beg you: keep shining.

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