EFCC Presents More Evidence Against Naira Marley, Trial Adjourned Till Sept 26
The trial of Azeez Fashola also known as Naira Marley continued on Friday, July 15, 2022, before Justice I. Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos with a prosecuting witness, Dein Whyte, an operative of the EFCC continuing his evidence even as the court dismissed the defendantās objection to the forensic evidence earlier presented by the witness.
Fashola is standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on credit card fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
At the last sitting on June 9, 2022, the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo SAN had objected to the witness’s opinion on the forensic evidence linking the defendant to credit card fraud. He had argued that only the court could make pronouncements on the defendantās culpability, not an investigator.
At the resumed trial today, Justice Oweibo delivered a short ruling in which he dismissed the defenceās objection. āIt is the duty of the law enforcement agency or Police, charging a person to court to investigate if the defendant committed the crime or not. The investigator must be able to link the defendant to the commission of the crime. The prosecutor must have made up his mind as to the involvement of the defendant before bringing the case to court. I do not agree that the prosecution has declared the defendant guiltyā, the Judge ruled.
Continuing his evidence, PW3, Whyte, who was led by the EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that findings from his investigation, āclearly established that the defendant through his phone had in his possession credit card details that did not belong to him.
āThat he shared this credit card information with another person and it was also discovered that a fraud report had been generated for the same credit card stating that it had been used fraudulentlyā.
He said, investigation also revealed that the defendant had on his laptop āelectronic tools that are specifically used for accessing compromised credit card information as well as other electronic tools that are used to disguise both the identity and location of anybody accessing compromised credit cards in real time on the internetā.
Explaining the role of his team before Exhibit E (forensic analysis) was produced, the witness said it was procedural in investigation for investigators to make a request to the Digital Forensic and Crime Laboratory Services Department to carry out forensic analysis of the content of recovered digital device of evidential value to a case.
āIn doing so, the investigator or investigating team will include specifics to guide the Forensic as to what is of importance to the investigation. These specifics guide the Forensic examiner in narrowing down the analysis and searchā, Whyte said.
While analyzing the forensics report, the PW3 revealed that the defendant had running on his computer, a VPN called IP Varnish (a tool used to disguise identity and location of the user).
According to him, āIn relation to the contents found on the NOTES (a software application) on the devices of the defendant, wherein counterfeit card number was found alongside the details of the cardholder and an IP address, It would suggest that the only reason the possessor of this information will need an IP address attached to it, would be to satisfy the location specifics for consumption of transaction for merchants who require cards to be used only within countries and locations recognized by them.
āIf these cards were to be used on the internet from Nigeria, the browser that is stated here will attribute in real time the location of the user to the IP address. And, If Nigeria is not the compliant location of the card issuer, the transaction will be blocked. But if this card when being used passes through a VPN and assigned with the IP address to conform with the compliant location of the card issuer, the Nigerian Location will be disguised and substituted to be Cardiff, thereby giving the merchant the impression that the card is being used from Cardiff or otherwise the compliant locationā he opined.
Counsel to the defendant, Olalekan Ojo SAN objected to the evidence of PW3, on the grounds that he was not competent to give evidence on what went on in the mind of the user of the laptop.
āI wish to rely on the Provisions of S11(2) of Evidence Act in support of my objection. An investigating officer is not competent to ascribe a state of mind to any defendant. Whether the state of mind exists or not is a matter for judicial determination. PW3, though an investigator is not a psychologist but a forensic officer who cannot give evidence on the state of mind of a defendantā, he submitted.
Responding to the objection, the defence counsel, Oyedepo said the learned silk missed the point. According to him, the ā the question being answered by the witness is to connect if there is any relationship between Pages 8 & 27 of Exhibit E (The forensic analysis).
āThe witness is not only competent to give that evidence, but rather in the circumstance of this case, is in the best position to bring life in the best way by explaining the relevance of the report of the forensic analysis that he sought for and obtained.
āI agree that the state of mind of the defendant is for the court to determine, however it is also the power of the court to rely on the facts and evidence.ā
In a short ruling, the Judge overruled the objection, saying that āthe witness can give evidence on the reason he believes the defendant had those documents in his possessionā.
Justice Oweibo adjourned the matter till September 26 & 30, 2022 for continuation of trial.
Media & Publicity
15 July, 2022
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Alleged N204million Fraud: Senator Bassey Admits Receiving Vehicles from Omokore
Fresh facts have emerged in the ongoing trial of Senator Albert Bassey before Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with the Senator admitting that he received vehicles from a contractor, Olajide Omokore while he was a Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State.
Bassey is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged money laundering and being in possession of six vehicles worth N204 million, at the instance of Omokore, whose companies allegedly executed contracts for the Akwa Ibom State government.
The cars include; Infinity QX 56 BP, valued at the sum of N45million; Toyota Land Cruiser V8 B, valued at the sum of N40million; Range Rover, valued at the sum of N40million; Toyota Hiace high-roof, valued at the sum of N27million, another Toyota Hiace high-roof valued at the sum of N16million and Toyota Hilux 4X4 valued at the sum of N36million.
One of the charges against the Senator reads: “That you Albert Bassey (whilst being the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee (IMDLCC) sometime in December, 2012 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly took possession of a vehicle (Infinity QX 56 BP) valued at N45, 000, 000.00 at the instance of one Olajide Jones Omokore (whose companies had contracts with Akwa Ibom State Government at that material time), when you reasonably ought to have known that the said vehicle formed part of proceed of unlawful activity (to wit: corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act”.
At the resumed trial of the matter on Thursday, July 14, 2022, Bassey, while being led in evidence by the lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, admitted receiving cars from Omokore. According to him, he had been friends with Omokore for nine years before he joined politics. He, however, denied knowing Omokoreās companies, and also denied being involved in the award of contracts to any of his companies in November 2013 before he left office as the Commissioner for Finance in April 2014.
In a cross-examination by the EFCCās counsel, E. E. Iheanacho, Bassey admitted that he was aware that contracts were awarded to companies while he was the Commissioner for Finance and the Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee-IMDLCC, but did not know if the said Committee he chaired received over N30billion as alleged.
The prosecutor further asked the Senator if he knew that the cars mentioned in the charge were luxury cars, Bassey affirmed that they were bullet-proof cars, but denied knowing if they were luxury cars. Bassey was also asked if he would be surprised to know that the said Committee he chaired, made payments to Omokoreās companies during the period in question, and he responded that he would not be surprised.
Justice Okeke adjourned the matter to September 26, 2022 for adoption of written addresses.
Media & Publicity
16 July, 2022
NLC BACKS ASUU, MOBILISES WORKERS FOR JULY 26, 27 NATIONAL DAYS OF PROTEST
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has said that it would embark on a nationwide protest on July 26 and 27 in solidarity with the trade unions in the Nigeria public universities and others.
The NLC President, Mr Ayubaa Wabba said this in a circular jointly signed by Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Congress on Sunday in Abuja.
The circular which was issued on July 15, was addressed to the Chairpersons and Secretaries of NLC State Councils.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and other trade unions in the education sector have been on strike for over five months over alleged failure of government to keep to agreement entered with the unions.
The demands of the striking workers include issues bordering on funding of universities, salaries and earned allowances of lecturers.
According to Wabba,Ā the action is in line with the decisions of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress on June 30.
āWe have scheduled as follows the National Days of Protest to get our children back to school and support our unions in Nigeriaās public universities fighting for quality education.
āThe dates are on July 26 and 27 at all the state capitals of the federation and Abuja the Federal Capital Territory and take off point are at the NLC State Secretariats and the Labour House, Abuja.
āYou are requested to immediately convene the meetings of your SAC to disseminate this information and to fully mobilise workers in the states for this very important protest for good governance, āā he said.
Also, in a separate statement, Wabba faulted the Federal Governmentās purported rejection of the Nimi-Briggs Committee report of the university based unionās negotiations.
According to him, the alleged action is inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the ILO Convention Number 98 ratified by Nigeria and which core principle is Negotiation in Good Faith.
āThe Nigeria Labour Congress is concerned about reports widely disseminated by the media both online and traditional, positing that the Federal Government may have rejected its own Nimi-Briggs Committee.
āThat is Ā on the premise of alleged disparity between the pay rise allocated to university teaching staff and the non-teaching staff.
āFirst, we wish to posit that the purpose for setting up the Nimi Briggs Committee was to conform with the fundamental principles of the rights of trade unions to collective bargaining as guaranteed by ILO Convention Number 98 which Nigeria has ratified.
Wabba pointed out that one of the cardinal principles of collective bargaining was the Principle of Negotiation in Good fate.
He noted that elements of the principle included conducting genuine and constructive negotiations.
Wabba however, noted that since the government set up the Nimi-briggs Committee to make recommendations on the review of the salaries of workers in Nigeriaās universities, the unions and NLC had been kept in the dark on the report of the Committee.
According to him, it is a shocker to read from the media snippets of a report of what is strictly the product of a negotiation between the Federal Government Committee and the concerned trade unions.
āOur first response is to aver that this development gravely betrays and undermines the principle of negotiation in good fate as it manifests crass disrespect by government for trade unions in Nigeriaās universities,āā he said.
He said the Congress therefore demanded that the Federal Government should immediately conclude the ongoing negotiation with trade unions in Nigeriaās universities.
He also called on government to be prepared to commence the implementation of whatever Collective Bargaining Agreement arising from it.
āThey should also immediately pay the salaries of striking university workers which had been frozen on the premise of the so-called āno work-no payā policy, especially as recommended by the leaders of Nigeriaās two major faiths,āā he said.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES ADELEKE ON OSUN ELECTION VICTORY
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Senator Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the Peopleās Democratic Party (PDP), following victory of the party in Saturdayās gubernatorial election in Osun State.
With the election over, the President expresses conviction that the people of Osun have expressed their will through the ballot, and the will of the people must always matter and be respected in a democracy.
President Buhari notes that the successful conduct of the election is a further testimony to the maturity and commitment of all stakeholders ā the electoral body, security agencies, political parties, the media, civil society and the electorate- to further strengthen the integrity of the electoral process in the country.
The President reassures the nation that the commitment of this administration towards having credible elections remains unshaken.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 17, 2022
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OYINLOLA, ATIKU, OTHERS CONGRATULATE ADELEKE
A former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has sent a message of congratulations to the governor elect of the State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
In a statement he released in Okuku on Sunday, Prince Oyinlola described Adelekeās victory at Saturdayās election as a divine validation of his efforts.
āThat you emerged victorious in the poll was, no doubt, a product of Godās favour and peopleās love powered by long years of planning and single-minded determination to serve our people as the stateās chief executive.
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated the winner of Osun governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Abubakar in a statement on Sunday in Abuja described Adelekeās victory in the election as a well-fought victory.
He also congratulated the PDP family and all stakeholders who came together to make the victory possible.
Abubakar congratulated the people of OsunĀ for proving that power truly belonged to the people.
āI have always had affection for the people of Osun for obvious reasons. Yes, my wife hails from there, but if you have to walk a difficult path and you need men and women of courage and astute valour, the people of Osun will never be a disappointment.ā
Abubakar said that it wouldĀ be on record that Osun had provided the compass into that brighter future that awaitedĀ Nigeria at the horizon.
He saidĀ the referendum on 2023 general elections had commenced with the verdict of the people of OsunĀ in electing Adeleke, saying we know that the 2023 general election would be a full referendum.
āThe ship of hope is already at the harbour under the umbrella of the PDP. We shall intensify the work to ensure that we uproot all vestiges of bad governance and false hopes toward the 2023 election.
āThe Imole (light) that has started to shine from Osun shall soon have a national coverage.
āOne better thing about the victory in Osun is that it has provided a catalyst for the PDP to see the opportunity when the party works together in unity.
āThe work to bring the PDP together is a work in progress and the good news is that we are steadily making progress.
As you wake up the morning after (Sunday, July 17), you may be assured that you are doing so with the illumination that has come to Osun.ā
Abubakar said that the marchĀ to reclaim Nigeriaās greatness had begun and it shall not stop until the party achieved the goal of one people, one future and one country.
Similarly, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke, for winning the Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke, the PDP candidate, defeated the APC candidate and incumbent governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
George, in a statement, congratulated Osun voters for speaking with one voice and declared that Nigerians will speak with one voice on February 25, 2023 during the presidential election.
George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, said: āThe beginning of the journey to the Promised Land has started. And we thank God that the journey has started in Osun, the heartland of Yorubaland.
From Ilesa to Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ede, Ejigbo, Gbongan, Ila Orangun, Ikire, Ipetumodu, Ode Omu, Modakeke and other towns, the people have declared their support for PDP.
āAs one of the founders of PDP, I want to thank the voters for rejecting APC and I am sure this rejection will also be extended to APC during the presidential election next year.
āI also want to congratulate the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other officials for ensuring transparency during the election. Every vote was counted and results from all polling units were uploaded to INEC election portal in line with the new Electoral Act guidelines.
āI am happy that we have a new INEC now and I want to tell Nigerians that they should not be afraid at all.
āThe presidential election will be free and fair. I also want to thank security agents for allowing the votes of the people of Osun to countā.
George, however, warned some PDP members acting as spies for APC to desist or leave the party.
āNow, all patriotic PDP members should be at alert. This is the time for us to iron out issues in the party. The party is for everybody, not a few individuals.
āAll the issues in the party causing friction must be addressed this month and early next month. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well. In decision making, everybody must be carried along.
āIn 2023, Nigerians are waiting for us. Are we waiting for them? Some are pretending to be PDP members but working for APC. We are not ready to accommodate renegades again in our party. This is the time for them to change or leave our partyā.
Meanwhile, Osun Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adegboyega Oyetola, has taken cognisance of the results of the governorship election in the state as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday.
He, however, noted that the party would be responding appropriately after studying the results and consulting with critical stakeholders of the party.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola called on his supporters to remain calm, and the people of the state to go about their businesses without let or hindrance.
The Governor also called on security operatives to ensure maintenance of law and order. He, has therefore, directed security operatives to take adequate charge so as to prevent break down of law and order.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS FRONTLINE APC WOMEN LEADER, KEMI NELSON
President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of himself and his wife, Aisha, commiserates with the Nelson family on the demise of frontline politician and advocate of the womenfolk, Chief Kemi Nelson.
The President also sends condolences to the Government and people of Lagos State, Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Lagos APC family on the loss of “a consistent and faithful party member who devoted so much to the evolution, development, sustenance and relevance of the party in Lagos and around the country.”
President Buhari notes the contributions of Chief Nelson as a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State, the State Women Leader, National Deputy Women Leader of APC, and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, remarking that she was such a grassroots mobiliser and an achiever who left her footprints wherever she served.
āAs the only female member of the Lagos State Governorās Advisory Council (GAC), Kemi Nelson continued to be part of the governance structure that led to the transformation of Lagos State into the Centre of Excellence it has become,ā he says.
The President prays that almighty God will grant the husband, Adeyemi Nelson and the family, friends and associates of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the loss and repose her soul.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 17, 2022
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PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU MOURNS GAC MEMBER, KEMI NELSONāS PASSAGE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nelson, a former Executive Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and ex-South-West Zonal Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, died on Sunday at the age of 66.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the death of Chief Kemi Nelson as a great loss to Lagos State, especially the ruling party, considering her unique position as one of the great mobilisers in the party.
The Governor described the late Lagos APC Women Leader as a āpassionate, trustworthy, committed, extremely loyal politician, leader, women advocate and an invaluable asset to APC and Lagos State.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu said “The death of Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson is a painful and big loss to me personally. It is also a great loss to the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), our party, APC, the deceased family and friends.
“I am saddened by the passage of this indefatigable, devoted, loyal, committed, progressive democrat and team player who played remarkable roles in the success of our party at the state, zonal and national levels during her lifetime.
āChief Kemi Nelson as a consummate politician and committed leader of her people, especially women, contributed immensely to the growth and development of our great party as APC Women Leader in Lagos and South-West. She also did her best for our dear Lagos State during her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
āShe will be missed dearly by her family, friends and the entire political class, particularly GAC, chieftains and members of the ruling party across Lagos State and Nigeria.
“I pray that God would grant the soul of our beloved GAC member, Chief Kemi Nelson, eternal rest and comfort to the immediate and political family she left behind.”
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SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
17 JULY 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
Late Kemi Nelson Was An Asset To Our Party, A Dependable Ally-Akeredolu
- Condoles Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, APC Family
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, received the news of the death of the former Southwest Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Kemi Nelson with deep sadness.
Governor Akeredolu, who described the death of the APC Chieftain as a great loss to the party, noted that her demise was shocking and irreplaceable.
The Governor specifically sympathised with the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, as well as the entire APC family.
“The death of Kemi Nelson prods remarkably nostalgic moments. We have had cause to work together on the platform of our great party, the APC. Her commitment to the party, and the good of the people was admirable. She was a progressive to the core.
āWhile we understand the inevitability of death, the loss of close associate and friend stirs the vein. Kemi was a dependable ally and trusted party leader. She will be sorely missed by all.
“Indeed, our party and the good people of Lagos State have lost a rare gem with adorably immeasurable qualities. It is more saddened that we lost this great mobilizer at this crucial time when her services to the party is most needed.
“This is a moment of shared pain, especially as late Kemi Nelson was an asset to behold. Her political experience was vast and inexorably deep. We will never forget her hard works.ā Governor Akeredolu said.
The Governor also extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late APC Chieftain, while praying God to grant her eternal rest.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 17, 2022.
Okowa congratulates Maikyau, NBA President-Elect
Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Mr Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) on his successful election as the 31st President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Maikyau was announced President-Elect of the body following a virtual election conducted by a committee chaired by Professor Ayodele Akintunde.
Akintunde said while announcing the result of the poll on Sunday, that Maikyau scored 22,342 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, who polled 10,842 votes.
Okowa described Maikyauās emergence as eminently deserving and an inspiration to young lawyers, adding that with his antecedents in the past, the NBA was in safe hands.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the governor said that Maikyau had over the years proven his mettle in the legal profession.
He urged him to bring his wealth of experience to bear not only in advancing the course of NBA but also the legal profession in general.
He assured the NBA President that his administration would continue to partner relevant authorities to ensure prompt administration of criminal justice system in Delta.
āOn behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate you, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, on your election as President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).
āAs a member of NBA’s Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee (LPRRC), you contributed immensely to the reform of the profession, which birthed the Legal Profession Regulation Bill.
“And, as the pioneer and current Chairman of NBA Welfare Committee, you midwifed the NBA-Law Pavillion Partnership, the NBA-NHIS scheme, and the NBA-Leadway Improved Life-Insurance scheme,Ā making the welfare of lawyers a top priority.
“We recall your heroism as a young lawyer when you came on the national stage as a counsel in the Human Rights Investigation Commission of Nigeria popularly referred to as ‘Oputa Panel’, set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 as the country returned to democratic rule.
“As a cerebral Senior Advocate of Nigeria, you attained the pinnacle of legal practice in Nigeria through sheer hard work and distinction of character.
“Armed with these achievements and contributions to the bar, I have no doubt in my mind that the NBA will be in ‘safe hands’ with you,” Okowa stated.
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MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT: AKURE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, PRINCE ADEGOROYE TELLS GOV AKEREDOLU
- Says An Akure Man Is Appointed Minister For The First Time
- God Has Made You Minister Against All Odds, Gov Akeredolu Tells Adegoroye
The new Minister of State for Transport, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, on Friday said the people of Akure will never forget the good deeds the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has done for the state capital.
He said the Governor has made it possible for an Akure man to become a Minister for the first time.
The new Minister paid a Thank-You visit to the Governor in company of his wife, Mrs Olufunke, and hundreds of Akure sons and daughters.
They were received at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governorās office, Alagbaka, Akure.
Prince Adegoroye who could not hide his joy appreciated God Almighty and sang various songs of praise, saying that God has elevated him through the Governor.
He was quick to thank Governor Akeredolu for his immeasurable roles, which he said led to his emergence as a Minster of the Federal Republic.
The Minister, who explained that itās the first time an Akure man would be appointed as Minister, disclosed that the appointment came at a time when people thought everything was finished for him.
āAn Akure man has never been Minister before. What you have done for us is something that no one has ever done. And Akure will mark it. Please, forgive and forget all that Akure has done in the past. You will see the difference from now on.
“The Governor is a man of integrity. He said go and I will back you. When a man has integrity, when he says yes, the yes will not change. Mr Governor, you have shown mercy to me. God has used you to take me up, God will continue to lift you and your children up sir. An Akure person has never been Minister before.ā He said.
He specially prayed God to give the Governor and all other members of his family long life and good health.
Receiving the new Minister and his entourage, Governor Akeredolu, who expressed delight over his appointment, said only God gives position, adding that God has given him victory despite all odds.
The Governor pleaded with the poeple not to distract the new Minister with endless responsibilities.
“Ademola, this is a victory God has given you. Please use this office very well, serve everyone in the State. Whatever will be, will be. God has elevated you.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 15, 2022.
GOV AKEREDOLU: WEāII SMOKE CRIMINALS OUT OF THEIR HIDINGS IN ONDO
- Donates 50 Fitted Patrol Vehicles To Security Agencies
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Friday donated 50 fitted Patrol Vehicles to all the Security Agencies as part of the commitment of his administration to further strengthen the security of lives and property of the people in the State.
Governor Akeredolu handed-over the fitted Patrol Vehicles to heads of the Security Agencies in the State including the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Police; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Department of State Services and the Amotekun Corps.
The vehicles were distributed at the Governorās office, Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital.
The Governor noted that the commissioning and handing over of additional 50 Vehicles was a further demonstration of the commitment of his administration towards providing the needed support for all security agencies operating in the State.
Governor Akeredolu, who said his administration places Premium on the dignity of human lives, vowed to smoke out all criminals in the State from their hidings and make the State uncomfortable for them.
The Governor said:āWe still recall with trepidation the dastardly act of last month when some daredevil terrorists who have lost their souls to the devil launched an attack at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa in the ancient city of Owo.
āOne of my promises then to the people of Ondo State was to do everything humanly possible to strengthen the capacity of our security agencies to be able to anticipate, prevent and combat a recurrence of such manās inhumanity to mankind.
āToday, it gives me great delight to commission and hand over additional security equipment particularly fitted Patrol Vehicles, to security agencies operating in the State towards boosting the capacity of our men in the line of duty of crime fighting so that our people can go about their businesses and livelihood without fear of molestation or attack.
āIn doing this, the agencies would be better equipped and strengthened to carry out their constitutional duties of protecting lives and property and combating acts of criminality in our dear State.
āLet me emphasise that procurement and distribution of vehicles to security agencies have been a recurring exercise in our state since we came on board. We have done this for the umpteenth time. As a government, we are aware of the inadequacies of our security agencies and we are prepared, more than ever, to be supportive because it borders on the lives of our people who voted us into office.
āI wish to reassure the good people of Ondo State of our avowed commitment to the constitutional responsibility of every government which is the security of lives and property and welfare of the people as enshrined in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended). This will remain our topmost priority.ā
Governor Akeredolu noted that the provision of the vehicles is in addition to other logistic supports which his administration has continued to render because of its conviction in the dignity of human life.
āI, therefore, wish to inform naysayers that we are prepared to make Ondo State uncomfortable and too hot for any identified criminals to hibernate.
āTherefore, these vehicles will be deployed to relevant security agencies in charge of internal security to enable them function more effectively and efficiently. Our Key Performance Indicator shall remain a Zero Tolerance to Crime of whatever dimension.ā He stressed.
Governor Akeredolu commended the sustained cooperation among the security agencies in the State , which he said has culminated in a more peaceful environment and reduction in crime occurrences.
āIt is apposite to state that in spite of the occasional flashes of incidence of criminalities, Ondo State still remains one of the relatively peaceful states in Nigeria. I salute you all for your efforts in this regard.ā The Governor noted.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and the Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the State, Rt. Rev Daniel Ayodeji Akomolafe commended the Governor for his efforts at securing the lives and property of the people.
They called for the establishment of State Police and better empowerment for the Amotekun Corps to be able to bear arms so as to complement the efforts of the security agencies in fighting crimes.
The Chairman of CIG motors, Chief Diana Chen, who condemned the June 5, Owo attack, commended Governor Akeredolu for his bold steps in securing the lives and property of the people.
Chief Chen said the CIG Motors is happy to partner with the Ondo State Government towards strengthening the Stateās security.
She charged the people to support the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the State, saying āIt is important for the people to come out and say we are not afraid.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State
July 15, 2022
NBA NAMES BUILDING IN HONOUR OF GOV AKEREDOLU, CHIEF SOLANKE
- Says Gov Akeredolu Has Demonstrated Excellence In Public Administration
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on Thursday unveiled and commissioned a Building named after the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, and the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Folake Solanke.
Chief Solanke SAN, is the
Professional Mother of Governor Akeredolu.
The NBA building, located at Oro Ago Crescent Garki 2, Abuja-FCT, Nigeria was commissioned by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.
The building is made up of two wings, named after the Governor and Chief Solanke,SAN.
The Folake Solanke Wing houses the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education(NBA-ICLE) while the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Wing houses the NBA Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI).
The President of the NBA, Olumide Akpata, who described Governor Akeredolu as an icon of the Law Profession, commended the Governor for demonstrating excellence in Public Administration.
The NBA President stressed that Governor Akeredolu’s fearless stance on issues of national importance has distinguished him as a true leader of the people.
He said both the Governor and Chief Solanke have earned their stripes in the Law profession, adding that they are so deserving of all the excellence that the centre will continue to represent.
The NBA President said:āTo my illustrious, very illustrious predecessor in office, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, another icon of our profession who continues to demonstrate that excellence in practice can also be deployed successfully in public administration.
āHe is not just a second term Governor of Ondo State, he is also leading the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum. As my predecessor in office, I am glad to be associated with his fearless stance on issues of National importance.
āAs some of my colleagues say, when we need to hit the nail on the head on any national issue, just call on Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. Many may not be aware, His Excellency still follows all that happens at the Bar and contribute financially to many programmes of the Association.
āOnly recently, we were all in Owo where His Excellency commissioned an Ultra Modern Bar centre that he built and handed over to the Owo Branch of the Association.
āIt is not a coincidence that the property we are now Commissioning today was actually bought during his tenure as President of the Bar.
āSeeing the marks that these two icons have made on the sands of our time, we need not explain further why the wings of this building are named in their honour. They have earned their stripes in the profession and are so deserving of all the excellence that this centre will continue to represent.
āEstablishing this institute is the fulfillment of the vision of our founding fathers and we of this administration are committed to seeing that the NBA continues to do that which our forebears had asked us to do.
āThese icons have inspired generations of Lawyers and non-lawyers alike. In the order of precedence, I must again extend my hearty
congratulations
to Chief Solanke SAN for being privileged to witness a glorious event like this.
āChief Solanke SAN is not just an Advocate of repute, her distinction that saw her elevation to the inner bar as a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1981 still stands strong today.
āTo have had 41 years of unbroken and unblemished record as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria leaves an important message to the younger generation of lawyers that it is possible to sustain practice for all times with integrity.ā
In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu thanked the NBA for the honour done on him and Chief Solanke.
He assured that he will never depart from the path of speaking the truth to power at all time, while calling on Lawyers across the country to prosecute their convictions.
Governor Akeredolu said the NBA, under his leadership, was always at the forefront on the issue of protecting human rights and promoting the rule of law, while the late former president Umaru YarāAdua was in charge of affairs of the country.
āWe kept the fire on and continued mounting pressure, even till the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan. In fact, as president of the Bar, I saw myself as the alternate President of the country. Presidency of the Bar is not what you joke with. You are the voice of the people and when you speak, you do so with authority,ā he said.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State
July 15, 2022
Press Statement
Akeredolu Reappoints Three Aides
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has approved the reappointment of three aides who resigned their appointments to participate in the Primary Elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in line with the 2022 Electoral Act.
The reappointment takes effect from July 1, 2022.
The three aides to the Governor reappointed are:
- Mr. Olumbe Oluleye Akinkugbe – Chairman, Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA)
- Mr. Olumuyiwa Ojo Ogunyemi -Senior Special Assistant, Youth and Student Affairs
iii. Mr. Olusegun Micheal Iwalokun- Special Assistant to the Governor (Office of the Deputy Governor).
Governor Akeredolu congratulates the reappointed aides, while charging them to redouble their efforts and give their best in the discharge of their duties.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 14, 2022.
GOV AKEREDOLU SIGNS FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMOTEKUN LAW
- As Ondo Govt Gives Update On Owo Attack Victims
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has signed into law the first amendment to the Ondo State Security Network Agency Law.
The Governor, who assented to the bill at the State Executive Chamber of his office, noted that the new amendment became imperative in light of the heightened insecurity across the state.
He assured that the amended Law will enhance the security architecture of the State and help the Amotekun Corps to perform better.
The Governor appreciated the State House of Assembly for the quick passage of the bill.
Similarly, the Ondo State Executive Council has taken some far-reaching decisions to further shapen the course of governance for the well-being of people of the state.
Addressing Government House Reporters at the end of the Council meeting, the newly reassigned Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju regretted that one more death has been recorded as a result of the June 5 terror attack on St Francis Catholic Church,Owo .
She said the number of fatalities is now 41 while 17 persons were still being hospitalised.
While commiserating with the bereaved families and praying for speedy recovery of those still in the hospital, the Commissioner restarted the commitment of the State Government to having a memorial site built in honour of all the victims.
Also at the briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye appreciated Governor Akeredolu for assenting to the amendment to the law which established the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.
He assured that the development will scale up the operational capacities of the state security outfit.
He used the occasion to announce the procurement of newly acquired operational vehicles to be distributed to all security operatives in the state including the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Directorate of State Security and Amotekun Corps to fortify the performances of security agencies in the state.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 13, 2022.
