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Abatement Notice: Lagos Government Seals Construction Site

The building sealed by Lagos State Government

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources took swift action following a public petition, closing off a construction site situated on Onasanya Street, off Ishaga Road.

Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab made this announcement in a statement shared on his official account on Saturday.

In his statement, Wahab detailed the intervention, explaining,

“Operatives from the Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance Department of #LasgMOE, responding to a public petition, sealed a building under construction at Onasanya Street, off Ishaga Rd, after the owner failed to comply with abatement notices.”

He added, “The owner of the sealed construction site had deposited building materials on the road and drains, causing disruption to the smooth flow of water in the area.”

Additionally, Wahab noted, “During the operation, illegal structures encroaching on setbacks along Onasanya Street were also demolished by the operatives.”

11/18/2023
Former Ondo Military Governor, Babakayode Opaleye Is Dead

Major-General Ekundayo Babakayode Opaleye (rtd), a distinguished military figure and former governor of old Ondo State has died.

The retired General breathed his last in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, succumbing to a heart attack early on Saturday morning.

General Opaleye (rtd) notably served as the military governor of old Ondo State, presiding over the region from August 1986 to December 1987.

His tenure fell within the regime of Military President General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

He succeeded Admiral Mike Akhigbe and subsequently handed over the reins to Commodore Olabode George.

Beyond his military contributions, General Opaleye (rtd) held the esteemed title of Balogun Erunmu of Owu in Abeokuta, Ogun State, up until his demise on this fateful Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun is mourning the death of the late Ondo governor.

He emphasized that the memory of late Maj. Gen. Opaleye’s patriotism as a military officer and commitment as an administrator would endure.

He highlighted that Opaleye’s significant contribution during his tenure as the military governor, his devoted service to the people of old Ondo State, and his unexpected passing constitute a profound loss for the entire nation.

11/18/2023
Liberia Election: Tinubu Hails George Weah For Conceding Defeat

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Liberia for the successful completion of its Presidential Election.

In a statement delivered by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu praised the Liberian government and its people for their commitment to a transparent and peaceful electoral process.

President Tinubu specifically congratulated President-elect Joseph Boakai on his victory, urging him to prioritize national unity and harness the overwhelming support expressed by the electorate to drive progress and effective governance in Liberia.

The Nigerian President also lauded outgoing President George Weah for his demonstration of remarkable leadership by gracefully conceding defeat, preventing potential socio-political tensions.

“President George Weah’s gracious concession sets a sterling example of democratic sportsmanship, especially at a time when democratic values face threats in West Africa,” President Tinubu remarked in his statement.

“His act underscores the importance of respecting the will of the people and avoiding unrest following election outcomes.”

Acknowledging the peaceful participation of Liberian citizens in exercising their democratic rights, President Tinubu urged continued dedication to upholding peace and democratic principles in the nation.

The recent electoral results showed opposition leader Joseph Boakai leading with nearly 51% of the votes, prompting President Weah to acknowledge the irreversible lead and gracefully accept defeat.

In a humble concession speech, President Weah emphasized that while the election might have ended his presidency, the true winners were the people of Liberia.

He highlighted the significance of respecting the electoral process and gracefully accepting outcomes for the greater good of the nation.

11/18/2023
Plateau: Muftwang Debunks Reports Of Bribery Collection By Judges

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has vehemently denied allegations suggesting judges received a $5 million bribe to annul his election victory.

Elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Mutfwang labeled the claims as “baseless and defamatory.”

Through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, in Jos on Friday, Mutfwang refuted the allegations, attributing them to deliberate attempts by detractors to sow discord between him and the judiciary.

Expressing deep concern, Mutfwang urged thorough investigations by security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the libelous publication, emphasizing the importance of facing legal consequences to deter such misconduct.

Terming the report a fabrication by individuals manipulated as pawns by the opposition party in Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang highlighted that it aims to tarnish the PDP government’s image in the state.

He reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Judiciary while cautioning against disparaging justices and respected leaders, warning of severe consequences for those engaging in destructive activities.

11/17/2023
Appeal Court Ruling: I’m Undeterred, Says Governor Dauda Lawal

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said he remains undeterred following the Appeal Court’s Thursday declaration of the state’s gubernatorial election as inconclusive.

Recall that the Appeal Court in Abuja voided the election that produced Lawal as winner while declaring a rerun in three local government areas.

In response to the ruling, Governor Lawal expressed confidence in the unwavering support of the people for progress and development in the state.

Terming the court’s decision as a “temporary setback,” Governor Lawal reaffirmed his resolute commitment to honouring the people’s mandate.

He assured Zamfara citizens of his dedication to pursuing all legal avenues to ensure a fair and just resolution.

“The ruling by the Appeal Court is a temporary setback,” said Governor Lawal.

“However, I remain optimistic that the collective decision of the people will ultimately prevail.”

Acknowledging the challenges faced during the previous election, Governor Lawal emphasized his determination to uphold what he termed the “widely acclaimed mandate” and called for calm among the populace while his legal team rigorously reviews the verdict.

“We will emerge victorious,” Governor Lawal affirmed.

“Our unwavering determination and steadfast commitment leave no room for doubt or fear.”

Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, the governor urged the people of Zamfara to remain composed, stating,

“Our legal team is thoroughly reviewing the verdict. We will follow through with the necessary actions to achieve a just outcome.”

11/17/2023
Lagos Govt Announces Traffic Diversion On Adekunle Ramp For Construction Works

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has declared a temporary closure of the Adekunle Ramp, both inward and outward, effective from Sunday, 19th November to 8th December 2023.

This closure aims to facilitate ongoing construction works with a projected completion period of five weeks.

In a press release signed by Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, alternative routes have been outlined to ease traffic flow during this period.

The routes are: Lagos Island to Ebute Meta: Motorists are advised to utilize Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota Bridge), subsequently linking Iddo and accessing the Otto/Oyingbo axis. From there, they can proceed along Herbert Macaulay Way to reach their intended destinations;

Concerning Victoria Island Traffic Diversion, commuters were asked to navigate through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, then proceed through Apongbon to access Eko Bridge. Continuing via Costain through Apapa Road and Railway Compound to Alagomeji, they can use Glover Road to reach Apena Junction, eventually accessing Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journey.

If one is traveling from Lagos-Ibadan through Adekunle to Ebute-Meta: they are advised to utilize the Ikorodu Road via Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, and Fadeyi. From Fadeyi, they can proceed through Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way for onward movement.

Similarly, motorists from Gbagada are encouraged to pass through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road towards Jibowu. From Jibowu, they can access Herbert Macaulay Way to connect to their intended destinations.

For those traveling from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to Ebute-Meta, they were recommended to take the Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way. From there, they can access Ikorodu Road to reach their respective destinations.

The press release emphasized the presence of traffic and security personnel deployed to manage the construction zones and alternative routes.

Motorists were also urged to cooperate with officials, exercise patience, and observe safety measures during the ongoing construction works.

According to the statement, the closure applies solely to the Adekunle Ramp, with the entirety of the 3rd Mainland Bridge remaining accessible to motorists during this period.

See the full statement below:

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

PRESS RELEASE

DIVERSION OF TRAFFIC ON ADEKUNLE RAMP, INWARD AND OUTWARD

Following the level of the construction works ongoing on Adekunle Ramp and in order to complete it in record time of Five Weeks, the entire traffic inward and outward of the ramp will close to traffic from Sunday, 19th November till 8th December, 2023, (the completion period of 5 weeks earmarked for the project).

Consequently, alternative routes presently in use still subsist as follows;

1. Motorists from Lagos Island heading to Ebute Meta will make use of Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota Bridge) to link Iddo inwards Otto/Oyingbo axis and access Herbert Macaulay Way to link their desired destinations.

2. Motorists from Victoria Island are to go through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, Apongbon to link Eko Bridge, Costain via Apapa Road, Railway Compound to link Alagomeji, Glover Road to access Apena Junction, Herbert Macaulay Way to connect their desired destinations.

3. In the same vein, Motorists wishing to travel through Adekunle to Ebute- Meta from Lagos- Ibadan are advised to make use of Ikorodu Road (Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, Fadeyi) and Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journeys.

4. Motorists from Gbagada can go through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road inwards Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way and link their desired destinations. 5. Motorists from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway wishing to link Ebute-Meta are advised to link Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way to Ikorodu Road to access their various destinations

Adequate traffic and security personnel are still on ground at the construction zones and the various alternative routes/critical points, Motorists are encouraged to cooperate with them, exercise patience and observe safety measures during the palliative works.

It should be noted that the entire stretch of 3rd Mainland Bridge inward and outward is still open to Motorists during this period as only the Adekunle ramp is affected.

E-signed;

Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi,

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation.

16th November, 2023.

11/17/2023
Kano Guber: Appeal Court Affirms Abba Yusuf’s Sack

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the judgment of the Kano State Governorship Tribunal that sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as the governor of the state.

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, as the winner of the state’s governorship poll held on March 18.

The Independent National Electronic Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced Yusuf as the winner of the March 18, 2023 election, saying he garnered 1,019,602 votes to defeat Gawuna who got 890,705 of the votes cast.

Consequently, the APC headed the Tribunal, citing alleged electoral malpractice.

The Tribunal in it ruling nullified Yusuf’s election, adding that over 160,000 ballot papers “were not signed or stamped by INEC”.

The three-man panel of the Tribunal led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay sacked Yusuf on September 20, 2023, after deducting 165,663 of his votes.

Yusuf’s votes were subsequently reduced to 853,939 while Ganuwa’s 890,705 votes were not affected.

Not satisfied, Yusuf proceeded to the appeal court which held that it can be seen that the Tribunal acted in the overall interest of justice when it allowed APC’s tendering of documents during trial.

The court held that INEC released documents to the APC piecemeal in order to defeat the petition of the petitioner.

The judgement further posited

the the Petitioner’s insistence that APC ought to have joined its candidate, Ganuwa, as a party at the Tribunal proceedings, was not backed by the 1999 Constitution.

It maintained that a candidate is entitled to be represented by his political party during litigation, adding that every political party shall maintain the register of its voters.

The court said the appellant to his own detriment did not submit his NNPP membership registrar or even tendered his statement on oath regarding his membership of the party.

The court added that the name of Abba is not the NNPP membership registrar.

“As rightfully found, Yusuf Abba was not a member of the NNPP at the time he was purportedly sponsored by his party and he was not qualified to contest the March Governorship Election,” the court while affirming the judgment of the Tribunal.

“If you claim to be a member of a political party, is it not logical for you to say so by yourself and not by proxy?

“Even though membership of a political party is an internal affair, a political party cannot be permitted to circumvent or breach the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

“The Tribunal was wrong not to have disqualified the appellant.

“Therefore, the failure of the appellant and the NNPP to comply with the 1999 Constitution is fatal to their election.

“All issues in this appeal are dismissed and the judgment of the Tribunal is affirmed,” the court held.

11/17/2023
Updated: Again, Court Remands Former CBN Gov, Emefiele in Kuje Prison

*Trial Commences November 28

Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Maitama on Friday, remanded a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, in Kuje Prison.

Emefiele will be at the correctional facility till November 22, pending the court’s determination of his bail application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned the Ex-CBN Boss on a six-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and abuse of office.

When the charges were read to him, Emefiele pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Sequel to his not guilty plea, his counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN) prayed the court to grant his client bail because he has suffered unduly, asking the court to use its discretion to grant him bail.

“We have placed evidence before your Lordship that the defendant will not jump bail. But the plaintiff has not given sufficient evidence that he would jump bail. We urge your Lordship to grant him bail,” he argued.

Responding, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the court to refuse him bail as he would jump bail.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu said the ex-CBN Governor should be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre till November 22 for the determination of his application for bail.

Meanwhile, November 28 has been fixed for the commencement of his trial.

Emefiele will also appear before Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the same FCT High Court for a fundamental human rights enforcement suit, having been illegally detained for 151 days.

11/17/2023
Court Declares Zamfara Guber Election Inconclusive, Mandates Rerun in 3 LGAs

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, declared as inconclusive, the governorship election that held in Zamfara State on March 18.

The court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices, nullified the return of Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) as the winner of the gubernatorial contest.

It ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct a fresh election in three Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state.

The court however, did not award any cost to the respondents.

The court agreed with All Progressive Congress APC candidate that elections did not hold previously or where results from various polling units were not counted in the three LGAs.

In the lead judgement that was read by Justice Sybil Nwaka, the court held that it was wrong for INEC to rely on information it obtained from its IReV portal, to collate the final result of the governorship election.

The judgement followed an appeal that was lodged before the court by the immediate past governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election.

More details later…

11/16/2023
22 Justices Nominated For Supreme Court Promotion (Full List)

The Federal Judicial Service Commission has forwarded a list of 22 justices from the Court of Appeal to the National Judicial Council, marking them as potential candidates for elevation to Nigeria’s prestigious Supreme Court.

In a move highlighting geographical diversity, the nominations represent various regions across Nigeria, showcasing a comprehensive array of candidates.

Among the nominees, six justices originate from the north-central region, while the southeast and south-south regions boast six and two nominees, respectively.

Additionally, the southwest region has two nominations, and both the northeast and northwest regions contribute two candidates each.

Here’s a breakdown of the nominated justices from the different regions:

South East

Hon Justice Nwaoma Uwa (Abia State) – Priority

Hon Justice Onyekachi Otisi (Abia State) – Reserve

Hon Justice Obande Ogbuinya (Ebonyi State) – Priority

Hon Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua (Imo State) – Reserve

Hon Justice Anthony Ogakwu (Enugu State) – Priority

Hon Justice Chioma Nwosu-lheme (Imo State) – Reserve

South South

Hon Justice Moore Adumein (Bayelsa State) – Priority

Hon Justice Biobele Georgewill (Rivers State) – Reserve

South West

Hon Justice Adewale Abiru (Lagos State) – Priority

Hon Justice Olubunmi Oyewole (Osun State) – Reserve

North Central

Hon Jummai Sankey (Plateau State) – Priority

Hon Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo (Plateau) – Reserve

Hon Justice Stephen Adah (Kogi State) – Priority

Hon Justice Ridman Maiwada Abdullahi (Nassarawa State) – Reserve

Hon Justice Baba Idris (Niger State) – Priority

Hon Justice Joseph Ikyegh (Benue State) – Reserve

North East

Hon Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani (Bauchi State) – Priority

Hon Justice Abubakar Talba (Adamawa State) – Reserve

North West

Hon Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu (Jigawa State) – Priority

Hon Justice Bello Aliyu (Zamfara State) – Reserve

Hon Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar (Kebbi State) – Priority

Hon Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero (Kano State) – Reserve

11/16/2023