- Insists Jonathan’s former aide sabotaged PDP
Who is lying? That is the question that the aide of former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has to provide an answer to.
Delta-born Fejiro Oliver on Thursday exposed Reno Omokri on the raging allegations against him.
‘’You can’t claim one man, one wife or no side chick whereas you break the very law preached’’ the publisher of Secret Reporters said in a Facebook post.
He particularly decried Omokri’s views on marriage, corruption and bad governance.
‘’We all hate the government but what many do not know is that Reno Omokri is a big beneficiary of the corrupt government. Ask Reno how much a former governor in the South-South paid him in 2019 to kill the tape that he got. That was a tape that was enough to give PDP victory but he sold out. It’s a different story’’.
In a tone suggestive of his rejection of Omokri’s lifestyle, solution to the myriad of problems bedeviling the country, the online publisher insisted that Jonathan’s former aide failed to live by example.
In a statement titled: Reno Omokri and the untold stories’’, Oliver accused Omokri of abandoning his legal wife and three kids.
‘’The lady with a former president is Reno Omokri’s legal wife. The three kids are his kids. While Reno claims to be married to one wife, the untold truth is that he has ‘married’ a second woman who gave birth to his latest baby. He ran away from the US abandoning his wife and three kids to suffer and staying in UK with his new girlfriend who he’s not married to yet’’
The online publisher stated that Omokri has the dubious reputation of claiming to be a faithful husband but does not practice it.
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‘’The first wife, Itsekiri, caught him in an act (I don’t want to say now unless he denies this write up) which led to their quarrel. Reno Omokri has been cheating on his wife in Nigeria and abroad’’.
PRESIDENT BUHARI URGES OGONI LEADERS TO SENSITIZE INDIGENES MORE ON VALUE OF PROTECTING PIPELINES, NATIONAL ASSETS
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja urged Ogoni Leaders to sensitize indigenes on value of protecting national assets like pipelines and other oil installations, saying wilful damages usually create more havoc on their environment and hamper development in the area.
Receiving some leaders and people of Ogoni Land at the State House, the President noted that the Federal Government was committed to the
cleaning up of Ogoni Land so that indigenes can regain their lives, return to farms and reactivate economic activities.
“You will need to educate the people of Ogoni Land and the region more that when pipelines are broken, the damage is more to the immediate environment and the people. The majority farmers and fishermen struggle because the fishes now move to the deep sea,’’ he said.
The President said bad industry practices coupled with security challenges had resulted in massive spills with attendant environmental degradation of Ogoni, leading to agitations and strife.
He said the government would bring to a close all pending issues on sons of Ogoni Land.
“Your Royal Highnesses, distinguished representatives of the people of Ogoni Land, I note the need to ensure completion of segment of the East-West road traversing Ogoni Land, and steps will be taken to ensure delivery under the Infrastructure Development Fund as earlier conceived. We intend to complete this vital artery of Nigeria.
“Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring clemency and national integration as part of this Administration’s bid to lay the foundation for genuine reconciliation and bring closure to the issues of Ogoni Land.
“The unfortunate incidents of the early 1990s leading to the loss of lives of distinguished sons of Ogoni Land and the collateral judicial processes are indelible in our memories.
“Despite the grievous circumstances, the Federal Government will consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga,’’ President Buhari noted.
According to the President, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Ltd (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had been granted license to operate OML11, which will stimulate economic activities and integration in the zone.
“To ensure the stimulation of economic activities in Ogoni Land as underpinned by the vast petroleum resources underlying Ogoni Land and neighbouring communities, NPDC, a subsidiary of the NNPC has been granted licence to operate OML11.
“Accordingly, NNPC is hereby directed to engage all host communities, particularly Ogoni people to ensure inclusive processes of oil and gas exploration and production is anchored on optimum involvement of host communities. NPDC will lay a broad-based programme for the emergence of a new Ogoni Land for the benefit of the Ogoni people and Nigeria as a whole,’’ he added.
President Buhari said he was aware of the passage of the Bill on the Federal University of Environmental Technology by the National Assembly and awaits transmission for further necessary action.
“This Administration has placed the rehabilitation of the Niger-Delta as a top priority and has committed a lot of resources to tackle existing problems, including launching a US One Billion dollar oil clean-up exercise to reverse the terrible damage and restore the ecosystem.
“I am pleased that the restoration and amelioration activities under the auspices of the United Nations and the vehicle of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, has commenced work since we assumed office as we promised.
“We will take further steps to ensure faithful and speedy execution of the project so as to restore the environment and enable farming and fishing activities to resume in the affected areas,’’ he added.
The President also appreciated the leaders for recognition of the Federal Government’s efforts to clean up the area and stimulate more economic activities.
“Your Royal Highnesses and very distinguished people of Ogoni Land, I thank you very much for your kind words and recognition of efforts made by our administration to bring progress to your part and all parts of the country.’’
In his remarks, the President of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, His Majesty King Godwin N.K. Giniwa, thanked President Buhari for various interventions in the area, particularly on clean-up of the environment.
The paramount ruler noted that the people believe in the unity of Nigeria and the future of every group could only be guaranteed in one nation.
He congratulated the President for achievements in critical infrastructure in the country, especially in railways and road constructions, urging more efforts in provision of potable water.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 22, 2021
October 20, 2021
Press Statement
EndSARS Anniversary: PDP Remembers Slain Victims, Condemns Renewed Brutalization
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joins Nigerians across the country in remembering slain victims of the 2020 “EndSARS” protests against brutality of citizens and bad governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Buhari Presidency.
The party vehemently condemns the sustained brutalization of Nigerians by APC-controlled security forces, particularly the bloody assault on innocent youths at Wednesday’s EndSARS remembrance procession, in various parts of the country.
The PDP notes that EndSARS has come to stay as an epitaph of the manifest cruelty, wicked brutality, torture, illegal detention, mindless extra-judicial killings, gagging and suppression of citizens that were the hallmark of the APC and its administration in the last six years.
EndSARS has become the emblem of the resistance by Nigerians against the insensitive, incompetent corrupt, divisive and decadent APC administration that has brought so much anguish and pain to our dear nation.
It is shocking that, despite the promises to stop brutality and restore good governance, Nigerians who came out to march in remembrance of the victims of last year’s brutality were made to face the same trauma, if not worse brutality in the hands of security operatives.
Our party weeps at the cruelty inflicted on the Lagos Uber driver and many other youths by APC-controlled security agents as well as non-state actors, hired to repress Nigerians who were out exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
The PDP demands that the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, should immediately arrest and commence the trial of all security operatives involved in the heinous act against Nigerians.
Our party laments that most of the issues that led to the EndSARS protest in 2020, including bad governance and brutality of citizens, remain unresolved and charged the Federal Government to accelerate efforts into resolving them and bringing justice to the people.
The PDP commiserates with the victims of 2020 and 2021 EndSARS protest and urges Nigerians to remain calm as they rally on the platform of the PDP to rescue our nation and return her to the path of justice, national cohesion and economic prosperity.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH GOVERNOR IKPEAZU AT 57
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State on the occasion of his 57th birthday anniversary, October 18, 2021.
The President joins the entire Ikpeazu family, their friends and associates in praying for good health and long life for the governor.
As the Governor counts his blessings for another new year, President Buhari believes that the highest aspirations for those in leadership positions is to see their vision and dreams of a better life for the people come to pass.
The President wishes Governor Ikpeazu every success as he continues to steer ‘God’s own State’ on the path of sustainable development and prosperity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 17, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS PROF PROF. AKIN LADIPO MABOGUNJE AT 90
President Muhammudu Buhari joins the academia in celebrating with renowned geographer, Prof Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, on his 90th birthday, October 18, 2021, extoling the scholar, administrator and consultant for the historic roles he played in structuring, growth and demography of the country.
The President notes, with commendation, contributions of the scholar in economic development of the country, serving variously as member of the Western Nigerian Economic Advisory Council in 1967, member, Federal Public Service Review Commission, 1972, Chairman, Nigerian Council for Management Development, 1976 and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ogun State University.
President Buhari believes the geographer made great impact with the publication of “Urbanization in Nigeria’’ in 1968, which had remained relevant in predicting some of the social, economic and structural challenges facing the country, and insightfully projected solutions from his research, later guiding the National Census Board and Federal Capital Development Authority.
The President congratulates the nonagenarian on the many firsts he scored over many years, which brought glory to the country, including African President of the International Geographical Union, Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences and Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and receiving the Vautrin Lud Prize in 2017.
The President prays for the wellbeing of Prof. Mabogunje, wishing him more strength and courage to keep inspiring.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 17, 2021
JOE IGBOKWE: WHEN IT’S A CRIME TO LOVE BUHARI, NIGERIA AND IGBO LAND
There are millions of us round the country who follow Muhammadu Buhari passionately. Some got enlisted in 1984 when the man was military head of state. Others joined along the line as the principal was Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) in the Gen Sani Abacha years, or when he joined partisan politics in 2002, ran for President a year later, also in 2007, 2011, and 2015, when he eventually coasted to power.
Over the years, some of the Buharists (as we are called), have fallen off, and even joined the opposition. Yet some others have stood sturdy, steady, resolute, as constant as the Northern Star. Stand up and take a bow, Engineer Joe Igbokwe, the man from Nnewi, in Anambra State.
President Buhari is possibly the most credible politician we have seen in the country in contemporary times, with a magnetic pull that draws people to him in droves. That was the point I was making last week in this column, but which an illiterate journalist with an online medium twisted to say I claimed Buhari was better than Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano etal. He succeeded in his mission: generating hateful comments against me, but I leave him to God. For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God to answer for what we have done, including all forms of lie against a fellow man. Our profession, or political and ethnic affiliations would no longer matter then.
We were talking of Joe Igbokwe before the brief diversion. Yes, this man loves Buhari to bits. He loves Nigeria, and he loves his native Igbo land. And you know what? That is now a crime in our country. Igbokwe’s life has been severely and severally threatened, his family hounded, and on October 3 this year, his county home in Nnewi was set on fire.
Igbokwe is a nationalist. His education, primary, secondary and even university he had in the Southeast. But since he got posted for national service in Ogun State in 1985, he had remained in the Southwest, identifying with the people, their politics, their ways of life, while not repudiating his love for his roots in Nnewi, and the Southeast generally. No wonder he is popularly called Agbalanze, after that Onitsha cultural association.
When it was not popular for people in the Southeast to follow the Progressives, Igbokwe threw his hat into the ring. From Alliance for Democracy (AD), to Action Congress of Nigerians (ACN), to All Progressives Congress (APC), he stood to be counted. And if you count committed followers of Buhari today, the Agbalanze is in the number.
If there is anything he needs to clarify about government, or our principal, Igbokwe never hesitates to get in touch with me. I give him background information, and he is satisfied.
When some people from his part of the country began to retreat into ethnic cleavages, and wanted the intelligentsia to identify with them, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Drainage and Water Resources made it clear he was a nationalist. And he stood by his conviction, speaking out against separatism and an attempt to balkanize the country. At the risk of so much, he opted for one Nigeria.
Igbokwe loves Igbo land. Yes, don’t we all love where we come from? Shouldn’t we? We should, we must, before we can even be good Nigerians. When strange things began to happen in the Southeast, people being decapitated, public buildings being torched, and security agents being murdered in cold blood, Igbokwe stood against it. Mum was the word from majority of the leaders of the region, but for Igbokwe, the man dies in him who keeps quiet in the face of tyranny. He spoke out.
He kept saying building bridges across the length and breadth of the country was the way to go, particularly for Igbo renaissance. He refused to join those who were retreating into ethnic cocoon, and stood for nationalism. It is either Nigeria or nothing! The man earned earned my deep respect. He stood for what was right, fair and just, for centripetal, rather than centrifugal forces in the country.
On October 3, I was in Ethiopia with Mr President, attending the inauguration of that country’s Prime Minister for second term in office, when we saw the sad news online. The regal country home of Igbokwe in Nnewi, where the man often retires for solitude, and where he had a vast library, had been set ablaze. Whodunnit? You know the answer. Unbridled hatred was on display, and a patriot was paying a heavy price for his convictions. When that magnificent white house erupted in smoke and fire, it was innocence that was burning. Patriotism was aflame, and love for motherland was ablaze. Thy glory oh Israel is slain upon the high places.
Gladly, no life was lost, because the attackers couldn’t lay their hands on anyone. But great was the loss, and I sorrowed for my brother Joe, and his wife (he calls her his crush) Dr Grace. What happened is what evil speaking does to a country. The lies and hate peddled by evil hearts have germinated, grown, and brought forth evil fruits.
You would expect a man who had been hounded, reviled, and attacked by arsonists, to return bile for bile, hate for hate. Threaten fire and brimstone. But not our Joe. What did he say?
“We paid the price for the good of Igbo land and Nigeria…By the grace of God, we will rescue Igbo land. It is my turn today, tomorrow it may be the turn of anybody. We must take Igbo land back from the killers and arsonists.”
I say a resounding amen to those prayers. We must take every part of the country from those who mean no good, concocting sorrow, tears and blood. It is Nigeria or nothing! In brotherhood we stand. No other option is acceptable, not even conceivable, otherwise, we would all lose, cutting our noses to spite the face.
*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity.
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FORMER HEAD OF STATE, GEN. YAKUBU GOWON ON 87TH BIRTHDAY
On behalf of the government and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon his 87th birthday, rejoicing with the leader and his family on the grace for good health and strength to keep serving.
President Buhari congratulates Gen. Yakubu on the formidable role he continues to play in the development of the country, always advocating peace and unity, and consistently remaining a voice of reason and wisdom in good governance and democracy.
As the former Head of State turns 87, the President notes, with commendation and gratitude, the statesmanship of the Convener and National Chairman of “Nigeria Prays’’, whose vision for a greater country resonates in the programmes he instituted in the 70’s like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), creation of states and the Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation project, which has turned a reference for harmony.
The President believes that grace and fortune continue to guide Gen. Gowon, starting out as a career soldier, youngest military Chief of Staff and youngest Head of State, before turning a Professor of Political Science and founder of the Yakubu Gowon Centre, an organization that continues to support issues of good governance, infectious disease control, HIV/AIDS and malaria.
President Buhari joins family, friends and Nigerians in praying for longer life for the visionary leader.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI HOSTS TURKISH COUNTERPART, RECEP ERDOGAN TO AN OFFICIAL VISIT
President Muhammadu Buhari hosts President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to a two-day official visit to Nigeria starting today, Saturday October 18th.
Accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Emine Erdogan, President Erdogan is expected to come in from Angola, and depart to Togo at the end of his visit.
In the course of the visit, the leaders of the two countries are expected to consider about two dozen Bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, MOUs and they will authorize the signing of those on which there is a concurrence.
In addition to the bilateral discussions, President Erdogan will hold one-on-one meeting with President Buhari and he is expected to commission the Turkish Cultural Centre in Abuja while his wife, Emine, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari is expected to commission the newly-renovated Government Secondary School in Wuse 11.
The school was renovated by a Turkish aid organization, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordinating Agency,TIKA.
Nigeria considers Turkey a close partner and sees this visit as a milestone in our bilateral relations.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISERATES WITH U.S PRESIDENT BIDEN AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ON THE PASSING OF COLIN POWELL
On behalf of all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari offers deepest condolences to President Joe Biden, the government and the people of the United States, on the passing of the former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell.
The President believes that as the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the U.S. Department of Defense as well as the first African American Secretary of State, Powell was a great statesman and a global icon in every sense of it.
The Nigerian leader recounts that as U.S Secretary of State, Powell played a very important role in advancing his country’s foreign policy and national defense interests. He was also a great advocate of the eradication of Polio and in addressing the deadly spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.
President Buhari’s prayers and thoughts are with General Powell’s family and the people of the United States as they mourn the death of an exceptional leader and one of America’s greatest pride, who as a professional soldier, a distinguished public servant and an effective diplomat, gave his utmost for his country.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 18, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS ON EID-UL-MAULUD, REASSURES THAT SIGNIFICANT GAINS ARE BEING MADE IN COMBATING INSECURITY
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with the Muslim Ummah, Nigerians of all faiths and the followers of Islam all over the world on the occasion of the Maulud-Un-Nabiyy, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him.
In a message to mark the occasion, Tuesday, 19th October, a public holiday throughout the Federation, President Buhari says, “I am delighted to send greetings of peace, unity and goodwill to the Muslim Ummah, fellow citizens and Muslims all over the world as they observe and celebrate Eid-ul- Maulud.”
The President urges Muslims to strive for “forgiveness and closeness to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW) whose birthday is being marked on this blessed day. On this auspicious occasion, I wish you all the blessings of today.”
The President uses the occasion to give a snapshot of the increased activities the Armed Forces, Police Force, and intelligence agencies have embarked upon to effectively respond to the security challenges in the nation.
He says the government fully expects and intends for these trends to continue, and calls on the media to address the tone, content, and standards of reporting into security and safety measures. Time has come to revise the prefixes “rising insecurity” with “declining insecurity.”
The President adds that increased cooperation and collaboration from the citizenry, coupled with reinvigorated, dynamic, and energized police, security and military leadership is helping the administration score more victories against terror, criminality, and economic sabotage. The reality of declining insecurity should replace the inaccurate narrative of rising insecurity in the country.
“While there is work to do, the men and women in uniform who are helping the nation to achieve this goal, desire our collective appreciation and encouragement to do even more. The whole country and its mass communications systems have a duty in this regard,” the President adds.
President Buhari concludes his message by appealing to road users to drive with care and avoid needless accidents.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 18, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
COMIC YOUTH ARTIST BEHIND SANWO-OLU’S FUNNY PORTRAIT FINALLY MEETS THE GOVERNOR
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has finally been presented with his caricature, days after daring Boda Taiye Oniyakuya, the comic artist who made a mockery of the Governor’s official portrait.
The comic artist, whose real name is Taiwo Osinowo, dared the Governor and showed up with Sanwo-Olu’s drawing at a youth event held in LTV Blue Roof, Agidingbi, on Tuesday.
Midweek, Boda Taiye Oniyakuya became a social media sensation after a viral post showing the Governor’s caricature. The artist, then, threatened to show up at the Governor’s office to present the humorous image.
The artist’s audacity elicited Sanwo-Olu’s response under the viral post, inviting the artist to present the funny drawing.
Sanwo-Olu, dressed in Boy Scouts’ venturing green shirt, beret and light-brown pant with yellow tie to match, received the comic image from the artist and praised the creativity behind the post.
“I’m truly excited with the creativity we have in Lagos and the amount of talented youths we have here. There are several of Boda Taiye Oniyakuya that we need to bring out to showcase to the world. We have gifted artists and scientists in Lagos.
“I use this opportunity to tell our youths that we are changing education curriculum to accommodate music, song writing, entertainment and fashion to be taught right from school. This is to help young people develop their abilities and give them choices.”
The Governor received the drawing and reward the artist for his effort.
Visibly excited after meeting the Governor, Boda Taiye Oniyakuya, who attended the event with his twin brother, thanked Sanwo-Olu for encouraging his talent.
He said he received messages warning him not to honour the Governor’s invitation for fear of possible arrest, pointing out that Sanwo-Olu’s simplicity and good-nature had changed the impression people sowed in his mind about the Governor.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
OCTOBER 19, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
‘I WON’T GIVE UP MY BELIEF IN YOUNG PEOPLE,’ SANWO-OLU DECLARES AT PEACE FORUM
…State Govt, Lagos youths broker reconciliation; pledge commitment to conflict resolution
Drawing lessons from the aftermath of the string of violence that trailed the youth-led nationwide protests against police brutality last year, Lagos State Government has brokered a reconciliation with youths in the State.
Youngsters across the State, on Tuesday, defied the national holiday and came together to participate in a peace conference aimed at creating a common platform to pursue resolution to conflicts.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was physically in attendance, listened with rapt attention as the youths led conversation on how they could effectively channel their grievances to the authorities.
It was all at an event with the theme: “Rebuilding for Greatness: Peaceful Conflict Resolution”, held at the LTV Blue Roof and organised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development. The event was facilitated by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Saheed Akanbi.
The seven-man discussion panel moderated by Mazi Sam Uche Anyamele, a filmmaker, set the tone for the Governor’s response to various suggestions and ideas shared by youths at the event.
Sanwo-Olu, dressed in Boy Scouts’ venturing green shirt and light-brown pants with yellow tie to match, declared: “the moment for true reconciliation has begun.”
With the commitment to peace pledged by the youth, the Governor said Lagos could now undergo a total healing process after last year’s coordinated attacks on its assets, which also resulted in loss of lives and livelihoods.
He said: “Today is a day of reconciliation and it is about our teeming youths. This is the moment to create a common ground and take ownership of our future. We have indeed assessed what we have passed through as a people; it’s now the moment to come together and build our lives together.
“This event is about aggregating all the conversations of the millions of youths that have been represented here. All of us have agreed that, when we work together, we can build a resilient society we will truly be proud of. We will continue to build, engage and work with our young people. I certainly will not give up on you as partners in progress and your ability to bring about positive changes.”
Sanwo-Olu agreed with the youths that there was need for inter-generational dialogue to proactively address issues that may lead to conflict, assuring the participants of his administration’s readiness to champion causes that would be beneficial to young people.
The Governor said he believed the youth must not only be granted a stakeholder status in the State’s project, but also be given prime seats at places where decisions are taken. He said his administration had shown example by appointing scores of young people under 40 years into the State Executive Council, political aides and administrators of Government’s agencies.
Sanwo-Olu also promised to increase the State’s investment in human capital development and equip the youths with requisite 21st skills that would empower them economically.
He said: “I thank all the youths who participate in this forum for the valuable suggestions offered and the ideas shared. I’m taking full responsibility and ownership of all the feedback recommended for me here. All the points have been taken and I will continue to rely on them in the course of governance.”
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Segun Dawodu, said the State Government recognised the youth as stakeholders in peace building and violence prevention, stressing that the Governor’s physical presence at the event was an indication of Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to turn listening ears to issues faced by the youth.
Represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Oluwagbemiga Aina, the Commissioner said the aftermath of negative conflicts would never be beneficial to any society and its people.
He said: “Rebuilding Lagos for greatness is a multifaceted task that involves constructing a formidable identity using the power of the State to unify people of common interests for a common goal. Together we will rebuild, recover and Lagos will emerge stronger. The aftermath of the past crisis will not determine the destiny of the State.
“We can find solution to our conflict in our unique education and value system, in our creativity and innovation, in our hard work and resilience. As we foster relationships with our youths, it is a charge on all of us to take responsibility for our today and uphold human dignity, equity, social justice, human rights and inclusiveness.”
The keynote speaker and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Wahab Ellias, said the theme of the event connoted a resilient city, stressing that conflict remained endemic and part of the society’s makeup.
The Professor of Sociology posited that conflict remained inherent in any society where there constant struggles among social classes usually took place.
He however said constructive engagement and peaceful dialogue are key to settling all conflicts, irrespective of their nature.
“Clashes of ideas among the social classes and cultural differences are part of the reasons why conflicts arise. There is nothing bad in conflict, but a conflict that is not progressive in nature is bad and inimical to the peace in the society,” he said.
The don appealed to the Government to keep its promise of raising investment in human capital, which, he said, remained a key factor in preventing conflict. Youths, Ellias said, are the most important resources for the Government to harness.
Some of the participants had the opportunity to share their thoughts.
Miss Halimat Akanni-Shelle, thanked the Governor for giving the youth a listening ear and privilege to rub minds with decision makers.
“We are ready to join hands and take action in building a Lagos that is safe and functional for all of us,” she said.
A transformational leadership trainee, Miss Mary Makinde, described the Governor as a progressive leader, defining progressive leadership to be selfless act driven towards purpose, vision and motivation.
She said Sanwo-Olu was not just leading by action, but showing examples that could be emulated.
She said: “Despite the ugly circumstances that befell Lagos in the past year, the Governor has remained focused on the situation and focused on things that matter. This is progressive leadership.”
Leader of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Lagos, Comrade Rasheed Ogunsanya, described the youth as the engine room of Lagos’ resilience, thanking the Governor for identifying with young people.
Lagos State chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Billiaminu Oba, presented a 14-page suggestion and resolution on the way forward vis-a-vis youth engagement to the Governor.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
OCTOBER 19, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU FELICITATES MUSLIMS ON MAOLUD NABIY, URGES THEM TO EMULATE PROPHET MOHAMMED
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Nigerian Muslim faithful as they celebrate Maolud Nabiy, which marks the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his goodwill message to commemorate the celebration of Maolud Nabiy today asked Nigerians, particularly Muslims to emulate the life and good virtues of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Tuesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians and Muslims in particular to continue to tow the path of peace for the sustainable development of Lagos State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to embrace peace, harmony and tolerance in line with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), adding that Muslims should remain tolerant and continue to work in harmony with other religious denominations for a peaceful and violence-free society.
He also advised Muslims to seize the opportunity of the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) to strengthen their love towards one another and make the society a better place by eschewing tendencies that could tamper with the unity and stability in the country.
“Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria happy Maolud Nabiy, which is the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
“Lagos is noted for religious harmony, therefore, I want to enjoin Muslims to continue to be tolerant of other religious denominations as they’ve always been in the State. The Muslim faithful in Lagos State should continue to live in peace and harmony with believers of other faiths,” the Governor advised.
While commending Lagosians for their steadfastness, resilience and cooperation with his administration, Governor Sanwo-Olu reassured Lagos residents of his government’s commitment to good governance and people-oriented programmes.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration is fully committed to impacting the lives of the citizens by delivering the dividends of democracy to Lagosians through his government’s THEMES developmental agenda for a ‘Greater Lagos’.
“Eid Maolud Nabiy”, Sanwo-Olu stated.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
OCTOBER 19, 2021
SERAP sues Buhari, wants court to declare ‘plan to monitor WhatsApp messages illegal’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari, asking the court to “declare illegal and unconstitutional the plan by the administration to track, intercept and monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and text messages of Nigerians and other people, as it severely threatens and violates the right to the preservation of privacy.”
The suit followed the proposal in the Supplementary Appropriation Act signed in July 2021 to spend N4.87bn to monitor private calls and messages. The amount is part of the N895.8bn supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1240/2021 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining President Buhari and any other authority, persons or group of persons from unlawfully monitoring the WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages of Nigerians and other people.”
SERAP is also seeking “a declaration that any monitoring of WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages is oppressive and draconian, as it threatens and violates sections 37 and 39 of Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]; Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; and Articles 17 and 19 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party.”
SERAP is arguing that, “The plan to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages is an arbitrary interference by the administration into respect for family and private life, the home, and correspondence. It also fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”
According to SERAP, “The Buhari administration has legal obligations to protect Nigerians and other people against arbitrary interference and violations of their human rights. Monitoring of WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages would grant free rein to government agencies to conduct mass surveillance of communications of people.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The mere threat of mass surveillance, even when secret, coupled with the lack of remedy, can constitute an interference with human rights, including the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”
SERAP is further arguing that, “Privacy and expression are intertwined in the digital age, with online privacy serving as a gateway to secure exercise of the freedom of opinion and expression. Therefore, targets of surveillance would suffer interference with their rights to privacy and freedom of opinion and expression whether the effort to monitor is successful or not.”
Joined in the suit as Respondents are Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation; and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, read in part: “The powers to conduct arbitrary, abusive or unlawful surveillance of communications may also be used to target political figures and activists, journalists and others in the discharge of their lawful activities.”
“Any spending of public funds should stay within the limits of constitutional responsibilities, and oath of office by public officers, as well as comply with Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution relating to fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.”
“The lack of any safeguards against discriminatory decision-making, and access to an effective remedy shows the grave threats the purported plan poses to constitutionally and internationally recognized human rights.”
“Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provide for the right to freedom from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy and correspondence, communications and private data.”
“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 19 of the Covenant also guarantee the right of everyone to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers and through any media.”
“The UN General Assembly has condemned unlawful or arbitrary surveillance and interception of communications as ‘highly intrusive acts’ that interfere with fundamental human rights (see General Assembly resolutions 68/167 and 71/199).”
“Interference with privacy through targeted surveillance is designed to repress the exercise of the right to freedom of expression. Surveillance of journalists, activists, opposition figures, critics and others simply exercising their right to freedom of expression – would lead to violations of other human rights.”
“Targeted surveillance creates incentives for self-censorship and directly undermines the ability of journalists and human rights defenders to conduct investigations and build and maintain relationships with sources of information.”
SERAP is also seeking the following reliefs:
- A DECLARATIONthat monitoring of WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages of Nigerians and other people is inconsistent with the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality and amounts to threat and infringement on the rights to private and family life, access to correspondence, and freedom of expression and the press guaranteed under sections 37 and 39 of Nigeria Constitution, 1999; Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Articles 17 and 19 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
- A DECLARATIONthat the act of the Defendants budgeting N4.87bn of public money to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages of Nigerians and other people is unlawful and a violation of the rights to private and family life, access to correspondence, and freedom of expression and the press
- AN ORDERsetting aside the budget line of N4.87bn to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages of Nigerians and other people for being inconsistent and incompatible with constitutional provisions, and international human rights treaties
- AN ORDERmandating the 1st Respondent to redirect public funds in the sum of N4.87bn budgeted to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls and text messages of Nigerians and other people to improve the working conditions of healthcare practitioners and improve public healthcare facilities across Nigeria
- AND FOR SUCH FURTHER ORDER OR ORDERSthat this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
17/10/2021
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
PRESS RELEASE
EndSARS: LAGOS JUDICIAL PANEL REPORT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC – SANWO-OLU
…‘I’ve directed release of those detained in Wednesday memorial protest’ – Gov
…Asks youths to join ‘Rebuild Lagos’ effort
As the final report of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution is being awaited, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the Government would be making full disclosure of the report to the public.
Sanwo-Olu said the State Government would not make an attempt to cover up the recommendations of the panel, whether it is in its favour or not. The Governor said the panel report would be helpful in strengthening true reconciliation and preventing re-occurrence of violence in the State.
Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, spoke on the arduous task of rebuilding the State, one year after Lagos was hit by a wave of arsonist attacks resulting from EndSARS protests.
Lagos recorded a huge loss in assets and resources, following the violence that trailed the protest, as public transportation infrastructure, court buildings, police stations, private properties and iconic assets were razed by arsonists on October 21, 2020.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu said the panel was set up to look into allegations of human rights abuses against the police and also determine the cause of coordinated attacks on Lagos, noting that the panel’s final report would be fully implemented.
The panel concluded its sittings last Monday, after 12 months it was constituted.
Sanwo-Olu said: “The panel concluded its sittings about three days ago and has asked for time to put the reports together behind closed doors. We do not know the content of the report, but we want to say publicly that, upon the handover of the report, we will be making it public. We will not cover up anything. This is not who we are and that is not what our Government stands for. We will make full disclosure of whatever recommendations that the panel will come up with. I assure citizens of Lagos that we will not leave anything to chance.”
The Governor also spoke on the arrest of some youths that participated in a drive-through EndSARS memorial protest at the Lekki Tollgate on Wednesday, disclosing that he had ordered an unconditional release of those detained by the police, except one person who was caught with dangerous weapons at the scene.
“Yesterday (Wednesday), we saw a protest in Lagos and everybody that was arrested in connection with the protest have all been released, except an individual that was caught with dangerous weapons and who confessed to the police that he joined the protest to cause mayhem,” the Governor said.
He commended the police for being alive with its responsibility to identify and isolate troublemakers from among law-abiding people who conduct themselves in line with the laws.
Sanwo-Olu, again, extended a hand of fellowship to the youth to be stakeholders in the development of the State, while reiterating his commitment to reconciliation. He urged them to join the rebuilding effort in order to restore the operating capacity of institutions affected in the violence.
Speaking on the rebuilding effort, the Governor said the destruction had slowed down operational activities of the affected public institutions, but stressed that the State Government would not shy away from its responsibility to rebuild the facilities and restore their operating capacity.
He said: “It is exactly a year ago today when Lagos was hit by violence in the aftermath of the EndSARS protests. Lagos witnessed massive destruction of infrastructure, iconic buildings, transport infrastructure, police station and others.
“Today being a year after the event, there is no better time to say how difficult it has been for us as a State and how committed it has been for us. As tough as it is, the Government will certainly not shy away from its responsibility. We see the incident as a challenge and we will fix it with everything that we have.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
OCTOBER 21, 2021
KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY H.E BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN AT THE 10TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT D’PODIUM INTERNATIONAL EVENT CENTRE, IKEJA LAGOS ON 21ST OCTOBER 2021
Ladies and gentlemen, let me start by thanking the Government, the Governor and people of Lagos, my home state, for accepting to host this 10th meeting of our National Council and for the top-class facilities they have placed at the disposal of the Council for this purpose.
My appreciation also goes to all the technical staff and resource persons who have worked since Monday the 18th to bring us to this climactic last day.
The unsung and unseen contributors who have worked behind the scenes, whose work is visible but whose faces are rarely seen I thank you for lending your hands to nation building.
To the Government and people of Lagos, I bring the goodwill and best wishes of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari for outstanding progress and success in your developmental goals and objectives and assure you of the Federal Government’s support.
At this year’s meeting we have decided to focus on how to create more jobs, foster social inclusion and accelerate economic development and this much is obvious in the theme of this meeting which is “Housing development as a catalyst for job creation, social inclusion and economic development.”
This decision is informed by many reasons including the unquestionable need to expand opportunities for Nigerian citizens by collective action of Government and private sector actions.
The decision is also informed by the commitment made by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 12, 2019 on behalf of Nigeria, to attempt to lift 100 million people out of poverty in a decade.
The decision is further informed by the reality that this commitment is a national and not a Federal Government commitment, because the Federal Government alone cannot achieve this objective without the state and local governments.
ALL OF GOVERNMENT ACTION
One reason why this will require an All of Government Action is the fact that land is a critical component of capital formation and it is controlled by the states (not the Federal Government) and I am persuaded that appropriate, targeted and purposeful use of land, such as for the development of housing by the states and private sector, will unleash prosperity in all states that aggregates to national prosperity.
As you know, the Federal Government is undertaking a National Housing Program in all states (except Lagos and Rivers which has not started) aggregating to about 5,000 housing units, and trying to complete an inherited ministerial pilot housing scheme across the states which has a little over 6,000 units.
The Federal Housing Authority and Federal Mortgage Bank are also intervening as federal agencies in respective housing development directly, through cooperative societies and the provision of development loans and mortgage loans.
But all these account for only a small amount of the need across the nation for many reasons not excluding the limited amount of land available to these federal agencies.
These are some of the reasons why I seek to persuade all of you to go back to your states to persuade your Governors to re-commit to housing development.
I said recommit, because I am aware that many states are doing something, but you will agree that there is a scope to improve and scale up.
Lagos, since the days of the LEDB, LSDPC, Lateef Jakande has been and today in the time of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remains an example of what state governments can do to deepen housing supply and reap the benefits that come with it.
Permit me to reflect on the benefits of some of them.
HOUSING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS AND JOBS
The first is that most of the land held by the states that is not developed either for farming, manufacturing housing or other use, is idle, less valuable, and therefore dead capital that earns little if any income and generates little if any economic activity.
But from the day a decision is made to build, activity is created, people are galvanized, manpower is required, jobs are created and an economic exchange that leads to productivity starts.
Bulldozers employed in clearing are hitherto idle plant and equipment that get put to use, they require diesel to operate, which has to be bought and supplied, transporters are involved to deliver them just as operators are employed to operate the bulldozers.
But before all this happens, some people have been employed in design, layout planning, soil test and other pre-construction activities.
When construction actively starts, the economic explosion happens, supplies of sand, cement, reinforcements, roofing, plumbing, painting, and other components get to work.
This drives a critical business in all our states, the micro small and medium enterprises who make or supply these building components.
The delivery of building materials engages transporters, drivers and lubricant suppliers, but this is only part of the story.
The final leg is the inclusion of the urban poor, the people who depend on daily or weekly wages, the skilled and unskilled workers, bricklayers, carpenters, welders, painters, plumbers, electricians and others who work the materials into the construction of a house.
Of course, there is indirect employment in vendors who supply food, water and sustenance to the workers daily for months.
This is personal income, that is taxable by the states and Lagos State has shown the example of what is possible not only with personal income tax as a source of prolific internally generated revenue, but also the impact of property tax with the Lagos land-use charge as an example.
If we can imagine the picture I am painting we can only see a picture of gainful employment, inclusiveness and income that heralds prosperity as the opposite of poverty.
But the story is not finished. It also leads to furnishing; carpets, beds mattresses, curtains, and other household equipment usually purchased when people move to new homes.
However, let me be clear, not every government can afford to build houses on scale and not all residents want government built homes. So some of the things that the government can also do is to provide infrastructure, roads, connection to electricity and water in site and service schemes, allocated to citizens to build according to their budget but in conformity with the planning order.
CAPITAL APPRECIATION AND PROPERTY TAXES
Apart from some of the benefits that come with building which I have highlighted above, the investment in infrastructure alone adds 30 to 40% to the value of the land which was hitherto of little or no value. Estate surveyors will confirm this to you.
Land that appreciates in value, yields more revenue when property taxes are computed without necessarily raising the rate of taxation.
Every time I visit a housing site that is under construction, I pay particular attention to the people working on site.
They are often happy; they have dignity; they are proud to work instead of beg.
They can go home to their families and put food on the table for their children.
More importantly, they feel included.
But the matter does not end there.
PLANNING/CONSTRUCTION PERMITS AND URBAN PLANNING
I have had the privilege of sitting as a member of the committee set up by President Buhari to facilitate the ease of doing business across Nigeria; a national rather than a federal government business.
One of the parameters where we need to improve upon, and which has hampered our rating as a country, is the number of days and the length of time it takes to get a construction permit or planning approval; and the cost of it.
We in government must consciously improve on the bureaucracy around granting of construction permits or planning approval by taking steps to reduce the number of people involved, introducing some level of automation, such as online submission of applications and reducing the cost of approval.
We must see revenue in a more broader sense, such as reduced income for planning approval, and increased income from consequential construction like income tax of employees on site, and a broader land use charge from more houses built.
Please permit me to make one final point about planning before I leave it.
All over the developed world it is easy to observe sports and tourist facilities connected by interstate highways and interstate rail.
It is not accidental that thousands of people go by train or buses to a sports or entertainment event and return by it. It is the result of planning.
I urge you to take the opportunity as the Federal Government continues to connect the interstate roads and build the national rail network to challenge your land managers and Town Planners to take large tracts of land, plan them for residential and business purposes and set aside land for sports, recreation and entertainment.
You will be investing in the future of prosperity of your states and your indigenes if you do so now.
LAND TITLE AND DOCUMENTATION
It is impossible to address such a gathering of policymakers without touching on title documentations of land.
An untitled land, in the words of Hernando De Soto is “dead capital.”
It is a cause of exclusion, because the land is not formatted into a recognizable way that enables a financial institution identify the owner.
Therefore, untitled land cannot attract credit like a mortgage or development finance because it is not in transferable form to constitute security or collateral.
All states who seek prosperity and inclusion for the people must commit to expeditious processing, GIS mapping and titling of their land.
Lagos state will tell you how much IGR comes from land transactions, but you must find out how much has been invested in GIS mapping, scanning of millions of pages of Land title documents and automation of the issuance of certificates of occupancy.
RENT
My dear colleagues, there is no debate that the world is a place of inequality; among nations and amongst people.
While we cannot make the world equal, we can commit to reducing inequality.
We may not be able to make all people homeowners, but we can reduce the number of those who lack shelter or live on the edge every so often when rent is falling due.
I am sure that our country will be a much better place when three years rent in advance, two years rent in advance or one year rent in advance for middle class and working family residential homes becomes monthly rent, payable at the end of the month.
Why we may not get there immediately, this is an area of immense exclusion that we can remedy by legislative action at state level.
This is a matter in which the Federal Government has no legislative competence. It is a matter for the states, and I urge you not to turn your backs.
Three years rent in advance of monthly salary paid in arrears lies at the heart of affordability of access to shelter.
All state legislators must see this as an important area of representation of their people to make life easier.
So must Governors and Commissioners through Executive bills.
I will close by asking these questions.
If not us, then who?
If not now, then when?
Thank you for listening.
Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Works and Housing
Thursday 21st October 2021