Authorises group to press perjury charge against him

Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, dismissed a suit seeking disqualification of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, for nominating a fellow Muslim, Kashim Shettima, as running mate for the general elections holding from next month.

The case, instituted by an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Osigwe Ahmed Momoh, was struck out for lack of locus standi.

The judge held that the lawyer, having not being an APC member and participated in the process that produced Tinubu and his running mate, cannot query the nominations.

The attorney had, in the suit, prayed the court for an order nullifying Tinubu’s candidature and preventing him from participating in the February 25 election on the ground that the same faith ticket offends the spirit and letters of Sections 14, 15 and 224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Specifically, the notary, who claimed to be an apostle of rule of law and social justice, argued that the Muslim-Muslim candidacy runs foul of national cohesion, integration and unity.

He, therefore, asked the court for an order of perpetual injunction to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from publishing the name of APC and its presidential candidate for purposes of the 2023 polls.

In his judgment, Justice Mohammed disagreed with the plaintiff on legal right to institute the case and, subsequently, dismissed it.

The presiding judge, while upholding the preliminary objection of APC and Tinubu, however, did not award any cost against the applicant.

MEANWHILE, the Incorporated Trustees of Advocacy for Social Right Advancement and Development Initiative (ASRADI) has got nod of the court to press perjury charge against Tinubu on his education credentials.

The group alleged that the APC standard-bearer had claimed to have attended St. Paul Aroloya Primary School, Lagos, reportedly found to be non-existent, hence he (Tinubu) should be tried for lying under oath.

The civil society organisation (CSO) also secured an order to bring an application, seeking to compel the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the accused over the allegation.

Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon made the order, while ruling in the ex parte application brought by the group against the police chief.

ASRADI had, in the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2197/2022, sought for leave of court to bring an application for an order of judicial review, compelling the IGP to investigate Tinubu in respect of his educational qualifications submitted to INEC in 1999.

In the motion filed on November 25, 2022, the group stated that the legal action was necessitated by failure of the IGP to probe allegations of perjury brought against the APC presidential candidate.

According to the applicant, up till the time of coming to court, the respondent has “willfully refused to investigate and / or prosecute Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the offence of perjury where he is found culpable.”

The plaintiff, in its letter dated November 1, 2022 and signed by the Executive Director, Adeolu Oyinlola, had asked the IGP to “cause an investigation into this allegation of ours within two weeks of receipt of this correspondence, and initiate prosecution if it is established that he swore to an affidavit – knowing full well that what he stated therein was and is false.”

The applicant, in the memo titled: ‘Investigation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Lying on (under) Oath’, told the court that its findings revealed that the APC presidential candidate “lied on (under) oath in every material particular. As a matter of fact, St. Paul Aroloya (Lagos) has never existed.”

After entertaining arguments from the parties, the judge adjourned to February 16 for further proceedings.

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU PROMISES SALARY INCREASE, MORE WELFARE PACKAGES FOR STREET SWEEPERS, LAWMA STAFF

• As Waste Managers declare support for Tinubu, Governor, APC candidates
• Promise to deliver two million votes for Lagos Gov

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised to increase the salary and allowances, as well as welfare package of the staff of the Lagos State Waste Managers, particularly the street sweepers in recognition of their dedication to a clean and healthy environment in the State.

The Governor said his administration remains committed to the welfare of the waste managers and those ensuring a cleaner city and secure environment.

He implored the electorate, particularly PSP operators and waste managers in Lagos to vote massively for Tinubu, himself, and other APC candidates for various positions.

“Vote for all APC candidates from top to bottom. We have about one month to the election; go and inform all your neighbours and all those you pack their waste and work for that this is where you earn your income and feed yourselves, they should not make you lose your source of livelihood.

“Some people are spreading lies, they want to sack you; God will not allow that. God will not allow them to get there. We will not allow them. We have many people in your organisation. We will increase your salary and allowances, and make you more comfortable,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at a mega rally organised by the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) popularly known as PSPs at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan on Thursday, to drum up support for the re-election bid of the Lagos State Governor as well as the election of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections.

During the rally, thousands of waste managers in Lagos and South-West states endorsed the presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the re-election of Governor Sanwo-Olu, promising to mobilise for their victories in the forthcoming general elections.

He said: “Tinubu is the brainchild of LAWMA in Lagos, which many states in Nigeria have replicated. I want to assure you that the election of Tinubu at the federal level will raise the bar of more commitment to the environment and economic growth through the sector.”

The Governor also urged all Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents to vote massively for all APC candidates throughout the country to galvanise development across levels.

Also speaking, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, appreciated the mammoth crowd for their support and urged them to vote wisely.

“Tinubu knows the way, we should get our PVCs and mobilise others to get their PVCs to vote for Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu. Let them know that it is Tinubu we are voting for. When he gets to Abuja, he will perform.

“Many states in Nigeria now have KAI, LAWMA and LASTMA. Tinubu is our teacher. On March 11, we should come out and vote for Sanwo-Olu,” he said.

In his address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odunmboni, said the association will mobilise its personnel in thousands for APC’s victory in the 2023 general elections.

He said Governor Sanwo-Olu had strengthened the workforce of LAWMA to over 38,000, noting that everybody is working collaboratively to keep Lagos State clean.

“I want to urge everybody to go out, pick up your PVCs if you have not done so, and ensure that you vote for a change, generation unborn and environment,” Odumboni advised.

Odumboni noted that while the mobilisations were encouraging, the association must equally translate the massive support to electoral victory on election day, saying this was the only way to truly appreciate and help actualise the worthy ambitions of Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu.

He also urged people to go and collect their PVCs for them to be able to vote during the elections. “The opportunity is still open for those who are yet to collect their PVCs. Ensure you collect yours, to ensure victory for our leader, our governor, and other APC aspirants.”

Also speaking, Lagos APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi urged the waste managers to vote massively for Tinubu for laying the foundation for a solid Lagos.

“Vote for him to become president. Collect your PVCs, tell others to go and collect their PVCs so that we can vote for Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the waste managers, the National President of (AWAMN), Mr. David Oriyomi, vowed to mobilise all their members for the door-to-door campaign, to reach every nook and cranny of Lagos State for Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu.

He recalled that AWAMN was the first organisation that endorsed the candidacy of Sanwo-Olu in 2018, saying that the association was pleased that he has “proven us right by the great work that he has done in the State and for the environment.”

“We will secure 10 million votes for our Grand Patron, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Shettima. We will secure two million votes for our Governor, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, and Dr. Femi Hamzat. We will secure votes for all the Governors in all the states that we operate in,” he said.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

19 JANUARY 2023

PRESS RELEASE

4,300 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUPS IN LAGOS ENDORSE SANWO-OLU, TINUBU

• ‘Grassroots support, a testimony of working partnership’ – Governor 

The 4,325 Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the 57 Community Development Councils (CDCs) in Lagos State, on Thursday, announced their endorsement for the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for another term.

The grassroots groups also pitched their tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as the “most progressive contender”.

Sanwo-Olu received the endorsement instruments at the 2022 Community Day Celebration organised by the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government. The event with the theme: “Strengthening Community Engagement for Inclusive Governance”, was held at the Police College in GRA Ikeja.

CDAC chairman, Alhaji Azeez Amusat, said the community associations’ support for the Governor and the APC presidential candidate was borne out of the personal connection and the positive impacts the endorsees had with the grassroots across the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the endorsement attested to a “working partnership” his Government had established with the CDAs and CDCs across the local councils in the State, pledging continuation of programmes and policies that would have positive benefits for the grassroots.

The Governor said the critical role played by the grassroots movement in promoting peace and stability within the State could not be undermined, stressing that CDAs and CDCs’ advisory council had not only been dependable, but had proven to be trusted organisation in bringing development to local communities.

He said: “This occasion of your annual Community Day Celebration provides a unique opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the role of CDAs and CDCs as important stakeholders in delivering all Government interventions to the grassroots. You have become an important arm of our community. I cannot thank you enough for being our eyes and ears within communities. The advisory council has not only been dependable, but has proven to be one to be trusted. You are worthy partners in the progress of our State.

“The endorsement you have given us today is an attestation and a confirmation of a partnership that is working. We will not take your support for granted. This tells us we have made positive impacts in your communities and we need to do a lot more to ensure this confidence reposed in us is not lost. We will continue to engage you and strengthen your commitment on the cause you have chosen by ensuring you participate in governance and creating a sustainable system for your growth.”

Sanwo-Olu said his administration had restored peace in many of troubled communities across the State and brought dignity back through impartial appointments and installation of traditional rulers and chiefs.

The Governor said the CDAs and the CDCs played a key role in assisting the Government to bring key stakeholders to agreements whenever necessary, pointing out that the CDAC had metamorphosed into an indispensable tool for progress and peace.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, we have installed over 40 traditional rulers in various communities across the State without any rancour. The traditional leaderships are happy with us because we take their stool, their roles and interventions seriously.

“Our commitment is to serve our citizens with dignity and I reassure that we will continue to lead a purposeful government. We appreciate your participation and partnership. We will strengthen cooperation with you and ensure our development programmes reach every community in the State.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Bolaji Roberts, said CDAs and CDCs had been assisting the Government on vital issues in the areas of security and governance, while also promoting peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationships amongst the people within their domains.

This ceremony, he said, further demonstrated the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to ensuring dividend of democracy is extended to all the nooks and crannies of Lagos through Community Development Associations, which, he said, play pivotal roles in the development of the State.

Amusat noted that the State Government had been supportive of active communities collaborating with the State in promoting sustainable development in their areas. He commended the State Government for programmes targeted at improving lives in communities.

The CDAC chairman also praised Sanwo-Olu for approving annual subventions to support the groups’ activities. He added that the Governor approved leadership training for members and supported the associations’ congresses.

Amusat called on the CDA and CDC members to get their voter cards and vote for the Governor.

Chief Rotimi Williams Community Development Association in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area was named the Most Outstanding CDA in Lagos, winning a brand new 18-seater bus to support its activities.

Other winners are Hilltop Community Development Association in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA (first runner-up), and Gateway Zone Community Development in Ikosi Isheri LGA (second runner-up)

Ilupeju Community III Community Development Association in Ojo Local Government Area won the Best Rural Community.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

19 JANUARY 2023

19th January, 2023.

OKPE UNION NEC PRESS RELEASE ON THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT JUDGEMENT ON THE OKPE UNION SUIT

Earlier today, the Lead Counsel in our substantive case at the Federal High Court, Lagos, Barr. Victor Ogude, SAN, informed the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union that the judgement has been delivered in favour of the Okpe Union led by Prof Igho Natufe.

Recall that the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union had approached the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to, among other reliefs:

1. Determine if the purported dissolution of the elected National Executive Council and imposition of another by the Orodje of Okpe on the 3rd of October, 2020 was illegal and if so declare the action void and of no effect whatsoever.
2. For AN ORDER of Perpetual Injunction restraining the 1st Defendant and other members of his interim management committee (Prof. Idolor group) from parading themselves as the Management Committee of the Plaintiff.
3. For AN ORDER of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant (the Corporate Affairs Commission), their servants, agents and/or privies from recognizing, processing, considering, assenting, conferring legitimacy  or giving effect to any  act, directive or process initiated by the 1st and 3rd Defendants (Prof. Idolor led group and the Orodje of Okpe) to manage or take over the affairs of the Okpe Union.

Since the purported dissolution, the democratically elected leadership of the Okpe Union sought avenues for a peaceful resolution of the conflict with HRM Orhue l to no avail. Believing in the righteousness of our position, anchored on the imperative of democratic practice and the need to enthrone and sustain democracy in Okpe Nation, we sued the leadership of the illegal interim regime and prayed the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to prohibit them from parading themselves as leaders of the Okpe Union. In his judgement today, January 19, 2023, Hon. Justice Ambrose Lewis Allagoa ruled in our favour as all our reliefs against the illegal interim regime were granted. In the view of a highly respected Okpe elder, this was “an avoidable” conflict if only reason had prevailed on October 3, 2020.

While the judgement is a huge victory for the Okpe Union, we strongly emphasize that it is primarily a victory for the entire Okpe Nation as it establishes a solid base for the building of democratic institutions in Okpe Kingdom. It is a victory for pluralism in Okpe Nation and respect for the Constitution and autonomy of the Okpe Union.

Thus, this is a victory for ALL Okpe, including our brothers and sisters that participated in or supported the purported interim regime. They are welcome to any of the branches of Okpe Union. The Okpe Union tent is big enough to accommodate all Okpe that are genuinely interested and committed to the articulation and recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, and not a sub-group of any ethnic nationality.  It remains our firm belief that the growth and development of Okpe Nation can only be achieved via a successful pursuit of the Okpe Identity agenda.

In conclusion, we thank members of the Okpe Union in Nigeria, and in the Diaspora as well as other Okpe nationals for their steadfast support of the Union. Let us continue this exceptional spirit of unity that has defined the trajectory of Okpe Union since its inception in 1930.

God Bless the Okpe Union!

God Bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom!

God Bless the Okpe Nation!

Signed:

*Prof. O. Igho Natufe,*

President General.

*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.,*

General Secretary.