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  • Court Order: We’ve charged Emefiele- DSS 

    Court Order: We’ve charged Emefiele- DSS 

    The Department of State Services (DSS), Thursday night said it has charged the detained former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele to court.

    According to the agency, the move is in compliance with the order made by Justice Hamza Musa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court that sat in Maitama earlier on Thursday.

    The statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Department of State Services, Peter Afunanya reads in part:

    “The public may recall that the Service had, in 2022, applied for a Court Order to detain him in respect of a criminal investigation. Though he obtained a restraining order from an FCT High Court, the Service, however, arrested him in June 2023, on the strength of suspected fresh criminal infractions/information, one of which forms the basis for his current prosecution. 

    “The Service assures the public of professionalism, justice and fairness in handling this matter and indeed the discharge of its duties within the confines of the law.

    Recall that Justice Hamza Muazu earlier in the day, gave one week ultimatum to the Prosecution agency to either charge the detained Emefiele to Court or set him free.

    Emefiele sued the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Director General DSS, and the DSS, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights to freedom of movement and dignity in human life.

    He prayed the court to award N5m exemplary damages against the Respondents for his alleged unlawful detention.

    A copy of the suit has, however, not been made available as at the time of filing this report.

  • Kogi Guber: Falana petitions IGP, alleges Bello’s plans to eliminate Ajaka

    Kogi Guber: Falana petitions IGP, alleges Bello’s plans to eliminate Ajaka

    Femi Falana SAN, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun Olukayode, alleging that Governor Yahaya Bello plans to eliminate the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate in the Kogi gubernatorial race, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.

    According to the senior lawyer, since Ajaka was nominated as the flagbearer by his party, the incumbent governor has taken it upon himself to ensure that his political party and supporters would not enjoy peace in the state or be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and association. 

    Falana, in a statement he signed on 12th July, alleges that Bello uses his executive powers to launch a series of violent attacks on Ajaka, his political party and his teeming supporters as they have become victims of unwarranted harassment, intimidation and cheap blackmail.

    He posited that the illegal actions of the Governor are based on his desperate bid to install his cousin as the next Governor of Kogi State.

    The petition is following the recent attack on his client while returning from a thank you tour of the state on the 3rd day of June 2023, along with his team of supporters at about 12.30 pm after visiting the palace of His Royal Highness, the Ohimege of Koton-Karfi.

    The statement further stated that shortly after this incident, Gov Bello addressed his supporters on this incident wherein he referred to himself as a Lion returning to his jungle and our client as an antelope that crossed the part of the lion and threatened to deal with our client the next time he crosses his part.

    Falana, also revealed that, to follow up the incident, Alaka petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State and requested that the matter be investigated.

    However, rather than carry out an investigation of the said incident, our client is now being hunted around Abuja by the State Governor. He has dispatched a team of police officers to arrest our client and forcefully take him to Lokoja on trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony.

    The petition reads:

    “In view of the foregoing, we urge you to cause an investigation into the allegations of threat to the life of our client, attacks on him and his clients, trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony.

    “As a follow up to this incident, our client petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State and requested that the matter be investigated but rather than carry out an investigation of the said incident, our client is now being hunted around Abuja by the State Governor. He has dispatched a team of police officers to arrest our client and forcefully take him to Lokoja on trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony

    Our client is an Indigene of Kogi State and the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State for the forthcoming 2023 governorship elections in Kogi State. 

    “Our client’s brief is that since he was nominated by his party as its candidate for the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi State, the State Governor, ALHAJI YAHAYA BELLO has taken it upon himself to ensure that our client, his political party and supporters would not enjoy peace in Kogi State or be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and association. 

    “Consequently, it is our client’s further brief that the state Governor using his executive powers has lunched series of violent attacks on our client, his political party and his teeming supporters. The illegal actions of the Governor are based on his desperate bid to install his cousin as the next Governor of Kogi State.

    “Thus, without any legal justification, our client has become a victim of unwarranted harassment, intimidation and cheap blackmail. For instance, while on a thank you tour of the state on the 3rd day of June 2023, our client was attacked along with his team of supporters at about 12.30 pm after visiting the palace of His Royal Highness, the Ohimege of Koton-Karfi.

    “The dastardly attack took place while our client and his supporters were returning to Lokoja around the Banda Nataco Axis. Our Client’s convoy was attacked by armed gun men who were dressed in police uniform in official vehicles of the Kogi State Government.

    “Life bullets were sporadically fired directly at our client with the sole intent to assassinate him. While our client was lucky, some of his supporters were seriously injured and were rushed to the hospital where they were treated for different degrees of bullet wounds.

    “It is worthy to note that shortly after this incent the Governor of Kogi State addressed his supporters on this incident wherein he referred to himself as a Lion returning to his jungle and our client as an antelope that crossed the part of the lion and threatened to deal with our client the next time he crosses his part.

    “As a follow up to this incident, our client petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State and requested that the matter be investigated but rather than carry out an investigation of the said incident, our client is now being hunted around Abuja by the State Governor. He has dispatched a team of police officers to arrest our client and forcefully take him to Lokoja on trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony.

    “Our client as a Nigerian Citizen, an indigene of Kogi State and a Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State is entitled to the constitutional protection of his right to vote and be voted for. And in the exercise of this right, the Kogi State Governor lacks the authority to use state actors and non state actors to harass, intimidate and blackmail our client.

    “In view of the foregoing, we urge you to cause an investigation into the allegations of threat to the life of our client, attacks on him and his clients, trumped up charges of terrorism and treasonable felony.

    “We further demand that you direct the immediate demobilization of all armed thugs and killer squads set up by the State Government to intimidate the perceived political opponents of Governor Bello. Meanwhile, you may wish to direct the Commissioner of Police Kogi State to caution his men and officers from allowing themselves to be used as tools for political oppression of opposition political parties in the state and in particular our client and his supporters.

    “While anxiously awaiting your urgent reply to this letter please accept the assurances of our esteem and professional regards.

  • Court remands 17 persons for armed robbery, arson

    Court remands 17 persons for armed robbery, arson

    A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday ordered the remand of 17 men in a Correctional Centre, for allegedly robbing and setting houses belonging to four families ablaze.

    The accused persons, who live at Nenzev village in Logo Local Government Area of Benue, were charged with criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, armed robbery, and acts of terrorism.

    However, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Roseline Iyorshie did not take their plea for want in jurisdiction.

    Iyorshie adjourned the matter until July 25, for further mention.

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Inspector Godwin Ato, told the court that the case was received on June 1, via a written petition by Ipeven Iaren & Co legal practitioners.

    He said it was addressed to the Benue Commissioner of Police on behalf of Christopher Aluor and others.

    Ato said the petitioners stated among other things that, Igbayima Nengem led many others and at gunpoint, attacked and robbed them of their valuables.

    The petitioners further stated that the armed men inflicted severe machete wounds on Aondodoo Akuhe, Aondohemba Busum, Puuga Unande, and Udoo Unande, and set their houses ablaze thereby destroying goods worth millions of naira.

    The prosecutor said that Nengem and 16 others, were arrested during a police investigation for committing the crime while others are still at large.

    He said the offences contravened Sections 6(b) and 1(1) (2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004, and 337 of the Penal Code Law of Benue, 2004.

  • Rights’ Breach: Again, court dismisses Kanu’s suit against DSS

    Rights’ Breach: Again, court dismisses Kanu’s suit against DSS

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that Kanu’s suit lacked merit and ought to be dismissed.

    Kanu, in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/482/2022 and filed by his lawyer, had sued the Director General of DSS, DSS, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st to 3rd respondents, respectively.

    In the suit, the IPOB leader alleged that the DSS subjected him to different inhuman treatments, including denying him his right to wear any clothes of his choice like the Igbo traditional attire called “Isi-Agu,” while in their facility or any time he appeared in court for his trial.

    He alleged that the security outfit while allowing other inmates in their custody the freedom to choose and wear any clothes of their choice, restricted him to wearing only a single clothing.

    The applicant also accused the DSS of subjecting him to torture, breaching his right to dignity, among others.

    He, therefore, sought an order directing the respondents to allow him to put on any clothing of his choice while in the facility or when appearing in public, among other reliefs.

    But in a counter affidavit filed by the DSS and its DG, they urged the court to dismiss Kanu’s claim.

    They said that their operatives had not and had never tortured Kanu either physically or mentally while in their custody.

    According to the DSS, the applicant (Kanu) is kept in their facility where every other suspect is kept.

    They said it was untrue that other suspects were allowed to put on any clothing of their choice, including Hausa and Yoruba traditional attires.

    They said that the facility was not a recreational centre or traditional festival where Kanu and other suspects would be allowed to adore themselves in their respective traditional attires.

    They argued that there is a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) on dress code by persons in their facilities.

    “That in line with global best practices, persons in the 1st and 2nd respondents’ facility are allowed to wear only plain clothes which do not bear symbols, writings, colours and insignias that are offensive to any religion, ethnic group or even the Nigeria state in general,” they said.

    They accused Kanu’s family of bringing traditional attires and other clothing with Biafra insignias and pairs of red shoes decorated with shiny beads for him to wear in custody and also to attend court for his trial.

    According to the DSS, the clothes have colours of the non-existing Biafra Republic, which is the subject matter of the applicant’s criminal trial.

    They said the Isi-Agu attire, popularly called chieftaincy attire, was not a suitable dress for persons in detention facilities and was against its SOP.

    They also argued that Justice Binta Nyako, where Kanu is currently standing trial, had directed that Kanu should be allowed to wear any plain clothing of his choice and that anything contrary would contravene the court’s directive.

    The DSS said they never breached his right to human dignity as alleged by the IPOB leader.

    Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the right to human dignity is contained in Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution.

    He said it was clear that a right to human dignity is related to the right against torture, inhuman treatment, among others.

    The judge held that Kanu’s case did not relate to torture or forced labour as he was never tortured while in custody based on the evidence before the court.

    He said a right to dignity was not a right to change clothes as an inmate in a prison.

    “The applicant cannot come to court to seek for rights which are not in the constitution,” he said.

    Besides, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu failed to provide the photographs and names of inmates who were allowed to wear different attires while in custody.

    He said the onus was on him to prove his case but the applicant merely rely on bare facts without any evidence.

    He described the IPOB leader’s allegations as “a hypothesis without concrete evidence.”

    The judge, consequently, dismissed the case for lacking merit.

    Recall that a retired judge of the court, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, had dismissed a similar suit brought by Kanu in 2022.

    In the judgment, Justice Taiwo held that Kanu had not provided sufficient evidence that his fundamental rights were infringed upon by the security outfit “as there is no proof of torture before the court.”

    On Kanu’s right to practice his religion, the judge said that while the applicant (Kanu) had the constitutional right to practice his religion in custody, he agreed with the position of the respondent (DSS) that a suspect in custody cannot be allowed to practise his religion in such a way that would disturb the peace of other suspects in custody.

    On the allegation that the IPOB leader was receiving inadequate treatments from DSS’ doctors whom he had referred to as quacks, Taiwo said that “the applicant fails to lead evidence by calling a medical practitioner to convince the court that based on the medical report, the treatment giving to Kanu is inadequate.”

  • Charge Emefiele or release him, Court orders DSS

    Charge Emefiele or release him, Court orders DSS

    A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to charge Godwin Emefiele, suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to court if they have criminal allegations against him.

    Hamza Muazu, the presiding judge, said the former CBN governor should be released on bail if he is not taken to a competent court within one week.

    On June 9, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele and asked him to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, deputy governor, operations directorate.

    The day after, the DSS announced that Emefiele was in its custody for “some investigative reasons”.

    Through his lawyer, Joseph Daudu, Emefiele filed a suit against the DSS and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), seeking an enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

    Tijjani Ghazali, counsel to the AGF, stated that the first respondent is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case brought before it by the applicant.

    He said Emefiele’s arrest and detention by the DSS is an administrative decision of an arm of the executive.

    The DSS also challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the suit, insisting that there is a subsisting order of a chief magistrate court for Emefiele’s detention.

    Delivering judgement on Thursday, Muazu held that Emefiele’s continued detention without trial, amounts to a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.

    The judge, however, held that Emefiele failed to prove that his arrest, detention, and investigation were unlawful since it was based on a valid court order.

    “Detention, no matter how small, can amount to a breach of fundamental rights,” Muazu said.

    “Though I am in sympathy with the applicant (Emefiele), but my sentiment will not go far to deliver judgment by granting all the reliefs sought by the applicant.

    “The applicant has not shown that his arrest, detention, and investigation were unlawful.

    “However, I am concerned that the application is not without merit. The applicant is entitled to a fair hearing.

    “At this point, the continued detention of the applicant cannot be justified in the absence of any charge against him.

    “At the very least, justice demands that applicant should be released on administrative bail.

    “Consequently, I hereby make an order, directing the respondents to within one week, charge the applicant to court or release him on administrative bail.”

  • We’ve put measures in place to end Plateau crisis – Lagbaja

    We’ve put measures in place to end Plateau crisis – Lagbaja

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army has put measures in place to end the perennial crisis bedeviling Plateau.

    Lagbaja said this when the Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Muftwang paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

    He said the security challenge in Plateau was largely due to farmers-herders crisis and had been limited to three local governments of Riyom, Jos South and Barkin Ladi.

    According to him, the recent crisis in Mangu was a cause for concern to the army, and President Bola Tinubu.

    “Be rest assured that you have come to the right place to seek for solution on the security challenges.

    “We have taken some measures and we believe those measures will yield the desired results quickly.

    “We are still receiving reports from the field to see other areas of intervention that can bring lasting peace to the troubled local governments and even the entire Plateau.

    “We will stop at nothing in providing the combat enablers and other interventions that are required to bring lasting peace to the state,” he said.

    Lagbaja urged the governor to convene an expanded stakeholders meeting to let them ‘jaw-jaw’ rather than ‘war-war’.

    He said it would be better to look at the possibility of creating a platform for stakeholders to express their grievances and proffer solutions from such discussion.

    The COAS said that there was also the need to properly organise the state-controlled security outfit to avoid working at across purposes, in the overall interest of the state.

    He advised the governor to consider the report of all previous Commissions of Inquiry on the crisis to see what issues had been addressed and those not addressed.

    Lagbaja assured the governor that security agencies would go after all outlaws bearing illicit arms in the state.

    “It is also important that in convocating the expanded stakeholders meeting to bring traditional rulers, clergymen and all critical opinion moulders in the society and the communities, so that they can talk and find solutions,” he said.

    The COAS urged the governor to sensitize the citizens on the need to give out credible information that would help the military to bring peace and stability to the affected communities.

    Earlier, Gov. Muftwang congratulated the army chief for the well deserved appointment and expressed confidence that the President did not a make mistake in appointing him.

    He said that Nigerians were hoping that the Nigerian army under Lagbaja would meet their expectations and bring about lasting peace in the country.

    “Plateau at the moment is at a very challenging junction and we know that we will not be able to get out of the woods without the adequate support and involvement of the armed forces.

    “We want to thank all those who so far have been in that theater of crisis and the contributions they have made towards the resolution of the crisis, but we want to say it is not yet uhuru.

    “Of recent, Plateau and particularly Mangu, has been in the news and I am glad to report that under the new GOC, we have begun to witness some return to peace and order.

    “We want to trust that the chief of army staff will give them all the needed support to be able to bring an end to this unnecessary conflagration.

    “Plateau as you all know, is known to be the home of peace and tourism and we are determined to ensure that that status is not lost.

    “We want to ensure that plateau remains home to every Nigerian and a compelling destination where every Nigerian that wants to find a place of refuge and a place of rest will go,” he said.

    Muftwang urged the Nigerian army and other security agencies to ensure that the sectarian crisis in the state was promptly brought to an end.

  • Girl lures man to Osun, robs him of N1.5m

    Girl lures man to Osun, robs him of N1.5m

    The Police Command in Osun State have arrested a 17-year-old girl who allegedly lured her victim from Lagos to Osun, through the social media.

    The Command Spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, made this known in Osogbo.

    Opalola said the victim was lured to Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area by the teenager, on June 28.

    According to her, the girl arranged with other suspects and allegedly robbed the man of his phone, which they used to transfer N1.5 million from his bank account.

    “On June 28, at about 1.30 p.m, a complainant reported at Ikire Police Division that he met one girl (name withheld) on social media and they started chatting.

    “He added that he was later invited to come to Osun from Lagos State by the girl.

    “He stated further that, when he came to Ikire, the girl lured him to her boyfriend’s house where he met some unscrupulous elements who attacked him and collected his phone, which they used to transfer the sum of N1.5 million from his account.” she said.

    The police spokesperson added that immediately the case was reported, police detectives swung into action and arrested the suspect and one Ariyo Ayobami at their hideout.

    She said preliminary investigation also led to the arrest of another accomplice, while efforts were on to arrest other suspects.

    Opalola also said officers of the command on July 10 arrested two suspects in Ilorin, Kwara, in possession of a car stolen at gunpoint from a complainant’s residence in Osun.

    She said that the victim on May 11, reported that he was attacked by three men, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons at his residence.

    The hoodlums dispossessed him of his valuables and two Toyota Camry cars valued over N12.46 million.

    Opalola said intelligence gathering thereafter led detectives of the command to Ilorin where one Abdulwasiu Jato and Kolawole Iwalaye were arrested in possession of one of the stolen cars.

    She said that another suspected stolen car, a Toyota Corolla 2012 model, was found in their possession.

    Opalola said six other armed robbery suspects terrorising motorists at Aba-Ede Junction on Osu-Ile-Ife highway, were also arrested on July 9, by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

    The command spokesperson said all the suspects would be charged to court after completion of investigation 

  • Flood: Niger Govt gives people living on waterways quit notice

    Flood: Niger Govt gives people living on waterways quit notice

    The Niger State Government has asked residents who built houses on waterways to vacate with immediate effect to avert flooding.

    The Deputy Governor, Mr Yakubu Garba, gave the directive on Wednesday, during an inspection visit to some of the communities affected by flood, following a heavy downpour on Tuesday night in Minna.

    Garba also directed the State Urban Development Board, the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and the State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA), to sensitise people living on waterways to relocate to safer areas.

    “I sympathise with people affected by last night’s flood, especially those whose properties have been affected.

    “As government, it is our obligation to ensure that lives and property are saved.

    “As such, I have given a matching order to relevant government agencies to inspect houses and structures built on waters ways and ask all the occupants to vacate such premises.

    “They are also to ensure that structures, especially shops built close to drainages, vacate with immediate effect.

    “This is to avoid future re-occurrence of flood disaster,” he said.

    The deputy governor further advised residents who acquired lands on waterways against developing such lands due to the impending danger.

    He also advised residents to desist from dumping of refuse on waterways to prevent flood.

    Alhaji Ahmad Bako, General Manager, Urban Development Board, said that most of the structures on waterways were already marked as illegal structures.

    Bako added that the owners were already served with notices to vacate.

    “The owners of the structures do not have development permits, as such we will implement the executive order with immediate effect,” he said.

    Some of the areas inspected were Brighter Road, New Market in Maitumbi, Gurara and Gbaganu communities. 

  • Akpabio assures Turkiye of sustained bilateral relations with Nigeria

    Akpabio assures Turkiye of sustained bilateral relations with Nigeria

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has assured the Turkish Government of Nigeria’s readiness to sustain bilateral agreement reached between both countries.

    According to him, the agreements are on education, health and military collaboration to fight terrorism and insecurity.

    Akpabio promised that the 10th Senate would do everything humanly possible to ensure that the age-long bilateral relations and collaboration in critical sectors continued in the overall interest of both countries.

    He stated this while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hidayet Bayraktar, in Abuja.

    Akpabio said: “On behalf of the leadership of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I welcome you to the Senate, we are very happy and delighted to receive you and your team in the Senate.

    “Nigeria and Turkey have very cordial bilateral relationship in the areas of education and military.

    “Both countries are currently being faced with insecurity and terrorism, but you have the experience and that is why you have been able to deal with it in a decisive manner.”

    He stressed that no nation can do it alone, as there is need for cooperation and collaboration in the area of healthcare and other sectors and not only in military hardwares.

    “We need each other to overcome our security challenges and I commend the Turkish Parliament for standing by its people to fight terrorism and insecurity,” he said.

    Akpabio emphasised the need for the people to be united to fight terrorism and insecurity in Africa.

    “We will be delighted to visit the Turkey Parliament for exchange of parliamentary ideas.

    “The Senate will do everything to ensure that this cooperation continues in the overall interest of the two countries,” the president of Senate assured.

    Earlier, the Turkish Ambassador congratulated Akpabio on his emergence as the President of the 10th Senate.

    He assured the Senate leadership of improved bilateral relations between Nigeria and Turkey, and more support from the Turkish government in order to improve on the diverse sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

    In another development, the Senate President also received Rev. Father Innocent Jooji of the Abuja Catholic Diocese.

    Jooji, who stood in for the Arch Bishop of Abuja, Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, said he came to deliver a congratulatory message on behalf of the Archbishop to Akpabio, on his emergence as the President of the Senate.

    He assured the Senate President of more prayers for his success, his family and the National Assembly at large.

    He prayed for a better Nigeria under the current leaders at all levels.

  • Subsidy Removal: Palliatives coming your way, Tinubu reassures Nigerians

    Subsidy Removal: Palliatives coming your way, Tinubu reassures Nigerians

    President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Abuja, assured Nigerians that the framework for palliatives to remedy the effects of fuel subsidy removal was being worked out.

    Tinubu, who gave the assurance when he received members of the Class of 1999 Governors, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, explained that the decision to phase out subsidy was taken in the best interest of the country, and to guarantee future prosperity.

    18 of the former governors were present at the Council Chambers where the President met them.

    Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, also belong to the class.

    While appreciating his former colleagues who served during the birth of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Tinubu appealed for more patience from Nigerians, saying the government would increase efforts to alleviate the pains of the subsidy removal speedily.

    He said the government would ensure a fool-proof social security structure that would not be compromised, especially in cash-transfer.

    “I understand that our people are suffering, yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the baby.

    “Relief comes after the pain, Nigeria is being reborn, it is a rebirth of the country for the largest number, over a few smugglers.

    “Please tell the people to be a little patient, the palliative is coming. I am doing the arithmetic, I don’t want the cash-transfer to fall into the wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult.

    “In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country,’’ he told the governors, who were led by former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.

    Speaking on the importance of national unity and citizens’ cooperation to forge a stronger country, Tinubu stated that only Nigerians could build their country.

    “We must put the country in the right direction. No European, no Bretton Woods Institution will do it for us.”

    The governors visited the President to congratulate him on the victory at the polls, his visionary decisions on the economy, and his recent election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government.

    “We served as governors and sat in this Council Chamber. All I wanted was democracy and the salvation of the country, I never thought I was going to be here as President, but God Almighty has brought me here,’’ Tinubu stated.

    The President assured the governors and Nigerians that he would work towards “unity, equity, stability, and prosperity of the country’’.

    “My commitment to that democratic value is unwavering. I am overwhelmed and honoured by this large number present here.

    “I have an open door policy, you are my advisers. We went into the pond and wrestled with the pig, we got dirty, and cleaned up. That is why I am here today.’’

    Tinubu noted that the country would not make meaningful progress without fixing electricity, assuring that his administration would harness gas resources and explore every opportunity to ensure stable power generation and supply.

    On security, the President who had earlier met with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno to review situation in the North-East, appealed to Nigerians, especially Plateau State, to sheath their swords and use dialogue in resolving conflicts, adding that issues of borders were man-made and not created by God.

    The former governors urged the President to pursue his vision for a greater Nigeria with vigour, steadfastness, and resilience.

    They expressed their support for development policies, and promised to provide the necessary social structure for actualization.

    “We are here with you, we are your foot-soldiers, and you can tap into our experience. You are a person who believes in Nigeria, with your good leadership, Nigeria will take its place,’’ Igbinedion, the Chairman, Class of 1999 Governors said.

    He affirmed that they were 20 at the meeting, including Tinubu, who was former Governor of Lagos State and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, former Governor of Benue State, while 10 of their mates had passed on.

    Other governors at the meeting were; Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Abia, Sen. Sam Egwu, Ebonyi, Adamu Muazu, Bauchi, Donald Duke, Cross River, James Ibori, Delta, Obong Victor Attah, Akwa Ibom, Chimaroke Nnamani, Enugu State, Saminu Turaki, Jigawa, and Sen. Adamu Aleiro, Kebbi.

    Others were Olusegun Osoba, Ogun, Adebisi Akande, Osun, Sen. Joshua Dariye, Plateau, Attahiru Bafarawa, Sokoto State, Ahmad Yarima, Zamfara and Rev. Jolly Nyame of Taraba.