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WE ARE BEING MARGINALIZED FROM PUBLIC OFFICE, LAGOSIANS TELL COURT

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ARE MUSLIMS SHORTCHANGED IN SANWO-OLU’S CABINET LIST? 

WE ARE BEING MARGINALIZED FROM PUBLIC OFFICE, LAGOSIANS TELL COURT.

A group under the aegis of Lagosians Advocacy Group (LAG) has dragged the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and 18 others before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged continuous and deliberate violation of constitutional rights of Lagos State indigenes regarding appointments into public offices and career positions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The suit was filed by four legal practitioners; Yakubu Eleto, Adeyemi Onikoro, Shittu Akeem and Nurudeen Aregbeshola. Others are; Chief Muhammed Jamiu, Madam Titilayo Medeme Ogun and Gbenga Agoro (for themselves and on behalf of LAG)

 

 

 

 

 

However, the Nigeria President, Attorney General of the Federation, The Senate, Lagos State Governor, Attorney General of Lagos State, Lagos State House of Assembly, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were some of the defendants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Others are; Head of Service of the Federation, Federal Civil Service Commission, Head of Service of Lagos State, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission and Lagos State Health Service Commission. They were joined as 2nd to 19th defendants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the hearing of the suit yesterday, the plaintiffs were represented by Yakubu Eleto, while the 5th, 7th, 13th and 19th defendants were represented by Olamide Ibrahim. M.S. Saliu represented the 8th defendant while Adeleke Ogunnuga represented the 9th defendant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his arguments, Eleto told the court that the plaintiffs have filed their responses to the preliminary objections filed by other parties that were represented in court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Responding to issues raised in the preliminary objections, Eleto maintained that it is settled law that members of LAG can maintain the action in their personal and representative capacities notwithstanding that the group is not registered as a legal entity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He also faulted claims by the defendants that the plaintiffs have no ‘locus standi’ to institute the action. The lawyer argued that Section 6 (b) of the Constitution has created a constitutional ‘locus standi’ in matters relating to challenges to the provisions of the Constitution and statutory enactments under it and the issue of sufficient interest required in other ordinary cases is inapplicable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He consequently submitted that the objection of the defendants to ‘locus standi’ of the plaintiffs to maintain an action in respect of breach or non- compliance with the constitutional and statutory provisions as it relates to indigenes of Lagos State is misconceived and should be discountenanced.

 

 

 

 

 

He also described the submissions of the defendants that the suit as premised on non-compliance with the constitutional provisions of Section 13 and 14 contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution is non-justiciable as misconceived.

 

 

 

 

 

The defendants have contended in their preliminary objections that the plaintiffs have no ‘locus standi’ to institute the action and that the substance of the case is not justiciable. The defendants also contended that the suit was wrongly initiated by way of originating motions.

 

 

 

 

 

After listening to the submissions of parties, Justice Allagoa adjourned the matter to April 11, 2022 for judgement.

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NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

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NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

 

Comrade Oyewumi Festus, the leading Presidential Aspirant for the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the substantial increase in the education sector allocation in the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Restoration Budget,” was presented to the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday, December 8, 2024, and earmarked ₦3.5 trillion for education.

NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Comrade Festus described the allocation as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, which he called a significant step toward securing the nation’s future.

Speaking at Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja during his campaign tour on Friday, December 20, 2024, Festus urged the Federal Ministry of Education to channel a considerable portion of the allocation toward polytechnic education. He emphasized that polytechnics are the backbone of Nigeria’s technological development, highlighting their critical role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilled manpower needed for economic growth.

“Nigeria’s polytechnics have long been the cornerstone of the nation’s technological progress. A strong investment in technical and vocational education will drive sustainable development and innovation,” Festus stated.

During the visit, Comrade Festus commended the Kogi State Government and the management of Kogi State Polytechnic for their strides in infrastructure development, prioritizing staff and student welfare, and ensuring campus security. He also extended his gratitude to Governor Ododo for reappointing Professor Usman Ogbo as the institution’s Rector for a second term.

 

As part of his address, Festus appealed for increased support for the Students Union Government (SUG) and the broader student community, emphasizing the need for effective representation that transcends campus boundaries.

The NAPS aspirant was warmly welcomed by the SUG President, Miss Oluwadamilola Enimokanyi, who acknowledged his advocacy and commitment to the advancement of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

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My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

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My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

Dr. Evangelist Rotimi Onimole, famously known as Oba Ara, is a prominent name in the Nigerian gospel music scene. With over two decades of impact, the Lagos-born singer has built a legacy that continues to inspire.
Oba Ara, who has received numerous awards, is celebrated for his unique musical style and his ability to spread the message of God through his songs. Some of his accolades include Best Gospel Musician by Crowd Puller Event Award, Best Newest Gospel Artiste of the Year by Exclusive Magazine, Best Gospel Artist of the Year by Expo Plus Magazine, and an honorary Doctor of Music by INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, among others.
In 2010, Oba Ara released his debut album titled Oba Ara, which not only sold over 30,000 copies but also earned him his stage name through what he describes as divine connection.
Building on this success, he released his second album, Beautiful Testimony (Eri To Rewa), in 2013, which gained international recognition. Both the audio and video versions of the album were widely embraced, with the video being shot in Nigeria and abroad.
His third album, Oba A Ju Lo, is a powerful collection of songs focused on God’s greatness and praises, further cementing his reputation as a leading gospel artist.
Oba Ara is also the pioneer of Jufujigospel music, a unique genre that blends contemporary sounds with traditional gospel.
Beyond his albums, Oba Ara is the brain behind the Power in Praise Concert, an annual event that has featured renowned gospel artists like Evangelist Tope Alabi, Dr. Lanre Teriba (Atorise), Evangelist Dare Melody, and many others.
With a career defined by creativity, divine inspiration, and a passion for spreading the gospel, Oba Ara remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel artists.
My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

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“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

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"US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme"

“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

Mastermind Behind Multimillion-Dollar Drug Operation Jailed
A United States-based Nigerian, Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, 49, have been sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation. The duo used the dark web to distribute over 300,000 oxycodone pills across multiple states, amassing $9 million in profits.


According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, Adegboruwa orchestrated the illegal enterprise, directing associates on procuring, packaging, and distributing the drugs to buyers who placed orders via dark web marketplaces. Payments were received in cryptocurrency, which was later converted into local currency.

The operation ran from October 2016 to May 2019 before law enforcement dismantled it. Adegboruwa was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in November 2024, while Isong received a 10-year sentence in October 2024.


In addition to his prison term, Adegboruwa was ordered to forfeit $20 million, one of the largest financial penalties ever imposed by the District of Utah. The court also mandated a lifetime of supervised release following his incarceration.


During the trial, evidence revealed that Adegboruwa was the operation’s mastermind, overseeing every aspect of the syndicate’s activities. He confessed to controlling the drug sales and managing cryptocurrency accounts used to conceal proceeds.

Prosecutors described the operation as a “continuing criminal enterprise,” with Adegboruwa employing a team to procure pharmacy-grade oxycodone pills, package them, and ship orders to customers across the U.S.


Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, praised the verdict, highlighting the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks, even those operating in the clandestine world of the dark web.
“Adegboruwa’s criminal enterprise was complex, sophisticated, and generated millions in profits concealed in cryptocurrency. This sentencing sends a clear message: drug traffickers have no safe haven, not even in the dark web’s hidden corners,” Pullen said.


The sentencing serves as a grim warning to those exploiting technology for illicit activities, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are vigilant in uncovering and prosecuting such crimes.

 

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