PRESS RELEASE

2023: TINUBU IS MOST SALABLE CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT – SANWO-OLU

• Governor leads others to inaugurate ABAT movement

The indisputable capability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to effectively manage human and material resources for visible progress stands him out as the most qualified Nigerian to be president in 2023, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said on Thursday.

The Governor said Tinubu’s qualification rests on his demonstrated capacity in deploying a mix of genius and statecraft to nurture a city on the brink to a flourishing economy, noting that the progress in Lagos remains a visible experiment initiated by the APC National Leader.

Sanwo-Olu drummed support for the Tinubu candidacy during the formal inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Movement’s Working Committees in Ikeja GRA. The Movement was conceived and set up by members of Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos for the actualisation of the presidential ambition of the former Lagos Governor.

The Governor was in company of his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and all members of the State Executive Council.

Also, APC leaders across the State’s 57 local councils and a large number of party supporters thronged the event’s venue to lend their support.

Sanwo-Olu said Nigeria had continued to shoulder the burden of the black race, stressing that the country’s transformation into a stable economy would be a source of pride to the black man.

In 2023, the Governor said the country was in need of a capable leader with progressive ideas to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari and build on the progress recorded by the current administration.

Tinubu’s practicable ideas in governance, Sanwo-Olu said, makes him the most qualified successor and salable choice for the job.

The Governor said: “Our country is the most populous black nation in the world and the responsibility that comes with that is enormous. No doubt that the destiny of the entire black race is tied to the greatness of Nigeria. If our country must be great, we have the responsibility to choose the leadership that will bring about true transformation across every facet of our national life. Who is that rallying figure that should lead us in this journey?

“The answer is deeply connected to our mission and purpose here today. That person must be a detribalised Nigerian and a bridge builder, who has been tested and trusted. A thinker who must sustain the legacy our current president is leaving behind. That person is the reason we are inaugurating this Movement for the actualisation of his presidential ambition. That person is our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Let us tell the naysayers and those who are still in doubt that we are ready to work for the realisation of this ambition, because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Number one salable candidate for the president. We will preach this gospel with diligence, dedication and high sense of commitment. Asiwaju is an unfolding success story our nation deserves at this time.”

Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu’s name is synonymous with growth and development, noting that the APC National Leader possessed a Midas touch to positively turn around the resources of the country for general good.

The Governor said the event was to raise foot soldiers, team leaders and cheerleaders who would pursue the Movement’s objectives and cascade down its messages to every voter at the ward level with commitment and passion.

He charged all selected for leadership roles in the Movement to reflect Tinubu’s political ideals of openness and tolerance in their engagement and mobilisation.

Sanwo-Olu said: “We must see ourselves in line with Asiwaju’s political ideals. To be open to all, tolerate various interests and embrace everyone. We must reflect those ideas of our leader in our utterances and actions. You cannot afford to disappoint us on this mission.”

APC stalwart, Cardinal James Odumbaku, said  the forthcoming general election presented another opportunity for Nigerians to make the right choice to keep the country on the path of development.

He said the electorate must get it right by electing a tested and credible leader to steer the leadership of the country, stressing that the movement believed Bola Tinubu remains the right man for the top seat.

He said: “Tinubu is a tested leader to lead Nigeria out of the woods. We will work with passion to ensure he emerge as party candidate and also win the presidential election.”

GAC leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi described Tinubu as “a genius” in statecraft, saying the APC National Leader is a salable article in the political market.

“We have to be prepared and determined, because the contest would be a battle of might and strength,” the GAC leader said.

The Movement’s Director-General, Honourable Oyinlomo Danmole, said ABAT structure was different from other support groups set up across the country for the actualisation for Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

Reeling out the organs and structures, Danmole said all cluster groups within the Lagos APC have representation in the movement, with the inclusion of every locality in the State.

The DG said seven-man committee had been set up in each of the 57 local councils in Lagos, with each committee headed by coordinators.

At the ward level, he said the movement maintained similar committee structure of seven persons across the 377 wards, adding that registration to be part of the ward committee would be made open to Lagosians in the coming days.

Other speakers at the event included the former Deputy Governors, Mr. Femi Pedro, and Abiodun Ogunleye, and representative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dolapo Badru, among others.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

27 JANUARY 2022

Lagos land owner files suit against Carter-Tech Limited for fraudulent breach of Agreement 

A Lagos based land owner, Mr. Christopher Folajoye Awosika and Mrs. Esther Olufunmilayo Awosika, has filed a suit before a Lagos High Court, against Carter-Tech Limited for breach of agreement over a parcel of land measuring approximately 1.183 hectares of land at Ologolo ancient Village, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Awosika, in suit No. LD/6846GCMW/2020 through his lawyer, Ade Oshodi, told the court that he rightfully purchased the said property from the Ologolo family, the original owners in 1996. Awosika is said to have enjoyed peaceful possession of his land, and even rented it out to a company at some point as a storage facility. However, events took an adverse turn when sometime in 2017, 21 years after he bought the land and 17 years after he had laboriously completed the sand filling and perimeter fence, Awosika (claimants) executed a Finance and Development Agreement for the construction of 50 housing units over the property with (Carter-Tech Limited) the defendant. The claimants’ contribution to the agreement was their land while the defendants were responsible for finance, construction and development.

The counsel also told the court that his clients’ agreed share of the subject property upon completion is 18 housing units while the defendant’s share is 32 housing units.

He also told the court that, “the defendants have since completed the subject property which they termed: ‘Atlantis 2’ and have refused to put the claimants in possession of their housing units despite repeated demands. In fact, despite the ages of the claimants who are both in their late 70’s, the defendants, Carter-Tech Limited through its directors, One Jerry, Samson and Mrs Olopade drove the claimants out of the premises when they approached them for their entitlement in the development” and have since employed various nefarious means to deny them access to the land.

This necessitated the claimants to institute the above action at the High Court of Lagos State claiming amongst other reliefs, the units they are entitled to under the Joint Venture Development Agreement and damages for the fraud perpetrated by Carter-Tech, the defendants.

Notwithstanding, sometime in 2020, the claimants had obtained an order restraining the defendants from selling or alienating any of the 50 housing units, but the (Carter-Tech) defendants have flouted this order of court and has been selling the housing units to unsuspecting third parties/public.

Oshodi, therefore urged the Hon. Justice Oyekan-Abdullah of the High Court of Lagos State to grant an application filed by the claimants to either order the defendants to deliver the claimants’ housing units to them or direct that the official receiver of the court takes over the premises pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

But the application was truncated by the application of Aluko &Oyebode to change counsel from one Yomi Alagbada who earlier acted for the defendants in the suit. Yomi Alagbada however sought to challenge the change of counsel application on the grounds that the defendant (Carter-Tech Limited) still owes his Chambers legal fees. Cater-Tech Ltd were therefore unable to resolve the issue of legal representation.

Justice Oyekan-Abdullah adjourned the matter till 23rd February, 2022 for further proceedings.

PRESIDENT BUHARI SENDS VIDEO/RADIO BROADCAST TO ZAMFARA PEOPLE, AS BAD WEATHER ABORTS CONDOLENCE VISIT

Arising from the cancellation of his scheduled trip to Zamfara State on Thursday due to inclement weather conditions, President Muhammadu Buhari has made a broadcast to the people of the State.

Please find below the text of the broadcast.

My dear people of Zamfara State.

It pains me that I can no longer be with you today as I had planned. I had just finished what I came to do in Sokoto at the BUA cement facility and was looking forward to meeting you.

I have been told that the trip cannot hold anymore because of bad weather which has made it impossible for my helicopter to fly to Gusau from Sokoto.

I understand how you feel about this development but I know that you will agree with me that Allah knows best. I particularly sympathize with your Governor, Bello Matawalle and his cabinet who have put everything in place to make the visit a successful one.

I look forward to a more weather-friendly period when I will visit.

I am directing our security agencies to sustain the onslaught against terrorists, restrict cross-boundary infiltration and all unauthorised access to the goldmines in the state.

The Federal Government and the Zamfara State Government are working to ensure that peace returns to all parts of the State in the shortest possible time and we expect all citizens to cooperate with, and support in all ways, the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

God bless the people of Zamfara State.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

January 27, 2022

WE’LL DEFEAT FORCES OF EVIL, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES ON CONDOLENCE VISIT IN SOKOTO

President Muhammadu Buhari has again directed the nation’s Armed Forces and other security services to deal decisively with any person or group undermining efforts at achieving sustainable peace, security and stability in the country, assuring that the country will ultimately defeat the forces of evil..

Speaking at the palace of Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, President Buhari said:

“I gave them specific orders not to spare any bandit or terrorist threatening the lives and property of innocent Nigerians.”

The President, who commiserated with the Government and people of Sokoto over the recent loss of lives and property as a result of outrageous attacks by bandits and other criminal gangs, assured the people that he remains unrelenting in his resolve to put an end to heinous criminal activities in the state and other parts of the country.

The President wrote in the visitors’ register: “My condolences to the Sultanate, the Government, and people of Sokoto State over the recent mindless killings by bandits and terrorists.

“Nigeria shall win the battle over evil.”

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and the Sultan thanked the President for the show of sympathy assuring him of continued support towards peace and stability in the country.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

January 27, 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI INAUGURATES 3 MILLION METRIC TONNES BUA CEMENT PLANT IN SOKOTO, SAYS POLICIES ON JOB CREATION, ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION WORKING

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Sokoto inaugurated a new 3 million metric tonnes per annum BUA Cement Sokoto Line 4 Factory, expressing delight that the Federal Government policies on economic diversification, job creation and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive are working.

Speaking at the inauguration of the plant, described as the largest private sector employer of labour in the North-Western part of Nigeria, the President pledged that his administration would continue to support serious investors to set up businesses that will take advantage of huge reserves of resources in different parts of the country.

The President recounted that in 1985 as the then Head of State, he was at the same location to commission the 2nd line of the facility.

”Today, almost thirty-seven years later, to commission the fourth line is a very special day for me personally.

”As you all know, one of the key economic pillars of our administration has been to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This is necessary for job creation and indeed, for our economy and national security.

”In the past few weeks, I visited Ogun and Kaduna States where I observed many private sector investments in action. And today, I am here in Sokoto to commission this multi-billion Naira project.

”It is therefore very clear for all to see that our policies are working. Progress is gradually being made in all parts of the country,” he said.

The President thanked the Founder of BUA Cement, Abdul Samad Rabiu and the entire team for the great work they are doing in supporting the government’s economic diversification and job creation agenda.

He noted the company, which has completed four new cement plants of similar capacity in the last five years in different parts of the country and is set to complete two more plants soon, had shown through these investments that they believe in Nigeria and its potential.

Commending BUA and other entrepreneurs for making Nigeria self-sufficient in cement and a net exporter of the strategic product, the President said:

”I am pleased that through these investments, BUA Cement has created employment opportunities for our citizens. Today, BUA is the largest employer of labour in the North-West region.

”I always remind Nigerians that every region, indeed every State, in Nigeria sits on huge reserves of resources. For example, in this area, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara can boast of rice production, gold and other precious metals development and of course, heavy industries like cement manufacturing.

”As a Government, we introduced policies and mechanisms to support such investments in a legal, ethical and inclusive manner.

”For example, we have the National Food Security Council on Food Security Matters and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative to develop local artisanal gold mining and ensure health and safety of mining workers and protect the environment.

”We remain prepared to support serious investors to set up businesses that will take advantage of these opportunities through value addition so as to take advantage of the huge market here, as well as in the greater African region and the world at large.”

Highlighting other efforts to bring even development to all parts of the country, the President expressed confidence that the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas project, when completed, will bring gas for domestic and industrial purposes from the South South region to the South East, North Central and North West Geopolitical zones.

He said the AKK project would significantly reduce cost of operations for industries in the regions.

The President also used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that his government would continue to invest heavily in roads and rails to ease movement of people, goods and services, with a view to facilitating trade while lowering logistics costs associated with the inefficiencies of bad roads and bridges.

On security, President Buhari reiterated his commitment to bring peace and stability to all parts of Nigeria, listing a raft of measures undertaken by this administration to ensure that normalcy returns to the country.

”We continue to recruit and equip security personnel while expanding our social investment programs to support the youth and some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

”You should all be reassured that we will win this battle against the criminal elements looking to destabilize our nation by hindering the progress of our economy.

”I want to now call on all entrepreneurs and businesses to emulate what is being done here.

”The task of nation building requires all hands to be on deck. The public and private sectors must collaborate if we are to achieve our aim of collective peace and prosperity across the entire nation.”

Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman, BUA Cement, who commended the President for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, acknowledged the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its Governor in setting up the gigantic project.

He announced that, ”so far, we have invested over a billion dollars in the past four years and we urge the CBN to continue to support industries like ours that use locally sourced raw materials to add value.”

He pledged that BUA would continue to invest more in the cement industry until Nigeria is self-sufficient and the commodity is made available, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians.

”In the past 6 years, we have completed 4 plants – two in Obu, Edo State and two in Sokoto (of which this Sokoto line 4 is the fourth) with BUA’s total production capacity now standing at 11.5million tonnes with the completion of this plant.

”Next year, we intend to complete the construction of two new plants of 3 million metric tonnes each for which construction is ongoing – one in Edo and the other, here in Sokoto.”

The Chairman of BUA said he looked forward to President Buhari commissioning these plants next year which will bring total production capacity to 17.5million metric tonnes.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

January 27, 2022