PRESS RELEASE

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commiserated with Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal and Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Miranda, on the death of their mother, Alhaja Muinat Abeni Lawal-Akapo

Alhaja Lawal-Akapo, died early Wednesday, March 30 at her residence in Lagos at age 85.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged deceased family, friends, associates and traditional institutions to accept her death as the will of God and be thankful for a good life lived by the late matriarch of the Akapo family.

“I sympathise with the Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal; his sister, Hon. Mojisola Miranda, who is representing Apapa Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly over the death of their mother.

“I also commiserate with the family of the deceased and the people of Iruland who will sorely miss the elderly and wise counsel of the late octogenarian.

“I pray that God will grant the late Alhaja Akapo eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.

The Governor called on the family and associates of the late Olori Muinat Abeni Lawal-Akapo to find a way to immortalise her memory due to the exemplary life she lived.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
30 MARCH 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari joins members, leaders and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in rejoicing with National Leader of the party and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 70th birthday, March 29, 2022.
President Buhari affirms the contributions of the party stalwart to the political, economic and social development of the country, setting a standard in leadership, governance and philanthropy.
As the former Governor of Lagos State turns 70, the President notes and salutes his courage, resilience, selflessness and nobility in always placing the welfare and unity of the nation above self, backed with vision of a greater Nigeria through investments in people, institutions and governments, without minding tribe or creed.
President Buhari joins family members, friends, business and political associates in celebrating the septuagenarian, who has diligently and progressively risen on the nation’s political ladder since 1992, fighting for democratic rule against many odds, angling for people-focused development and supporting visionary and purposeful leadership.
The President prays that the Almighty God will increase Asiwaju Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, in strength, good health and wisdom to keep serving the nation, and humanity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
Media & Publicity

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES TINUBU AT 70

…Says APC National Leader is visionary, consistent, enigmatic, master strategist

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on his 70th birthday.

He described Asiwaju Tinubu as “visionary, consistent, loyal, enigmatic and master strategist” whose democratic credentials are scholarly materials for study in political economy.

Asiwaju Tinubu, a leading presidential aspirant in APC and first Governor of Lagos State in the present Fourth Republic will clock 70 on March 29.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Asiwaju Tinubu is very consistent in his thoughts and actions about the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

He said Tinubu has donated the greater part of his adult life for service to humanity as well as Lagos State and Nigeria, considering his contribution to democracy and good governance, especially the role he played during the aborted Third Republic and the struggle for the enthronement of democratic government after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He said: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, like a colossus bestrides Nigeria’s socio-political space with vigour and vision. He stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people, even at the risk of losing his life and personal belongings during the dark days of the military junta. A position he took along with other progressives during the annulment of the June 12 struggle led to the end of the military interregnum and was replaced with normal government, which we all enjoy today.

“With the return to democracy, Asiwaju displayed political astuteness, courage and sagacity to save Nigeria from degenerating into a one-party state.

“His financial wizardry and economic intellect, which he put to good use as the Governor of Lagos State, has taken our dear State to a greater height. Today, Lagos is the pride of Nigeria, occupying an enviable position as the fifth largest economy in Africa.

“There are not many leaders in contemporary Nigeria that are as detribalised as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose heart accommodates every section of the country.

“On behalf of my darling wife, Ibijoke and the good people of Lagos State, as well as leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress, I wish our National Leader a happy birthday, long life, and sound health for him to continue his service to Nigeria,” Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
28 MARCH 2022
PRESS RELEASE

March 28, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Holds Anambra State Repeat LGA Congress, Tuesday, March 29 …State Congress to Hold On Saturday, April 2, 2022
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slated Tuesday, March 29, 2022 for the conduct of Repeat Party Congress in 12 Local Government Areas of Anambra State to elect Local Government Area Executive Officers and one (1) National Delegate per Local Government Area.
The affected LGAs are: (1) Oyi (2) Aguata (3) Ihiala (4) Onitsha south (5) Onitsha North (6) Ayamelum (7) Anambra West ( Orumba South (9) Orumba North (10) Dunukofia (11) Anambra East (12) Ekwusigo.
In the light of the above, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has approved the nomination of the following party members to serve in the Electoral Committee for the exercise.
The members of the Electoral Committee are;
1. Chief Emmanuel Ogidi – Chairman
2. Barr. Neli Ikpe – Member
3. Prince Yandev Amabai – Member
4. Chief Emmanuel Ibeshi – Member
5. Alh. Kabiru Aliyu – Member
6. Hon. George Daika – Member
7. Hon. Austin Nwachukwu – Secretary
In same vein, the PDP has scheduled Saturday April 2, 2022 for the conduct of Anambra State Congress to elect new State Executive Officers for the Party in Anambra State.
The PDP urges all Party leaders, critical stakeholders and members in Anambra State to remain united as the we collectively strengthen our great Party for the task ahead.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

March 28, 2022
Press Statement
Lai Mohammed’s Press Conference, Another APC’s Anthology of Lies – PDP
…Says it Reminds Nigerians of Tony Momoh’s Comment
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismisses the press conference addressed today, March 28, 2022 by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as another anthology of lies, false and bogus performance claims by the failed and rudderless All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The hurried press conference is another desperate and disoriented stunt by the APC administration to divert public attention from the exposed corruption records of the APC national leadership as well as the manifest collapse of security, command and control structure under President Buhari.
The APC administration in its arrogance in failure attempted again to downplay and treat with levity, the excruciating economic hardship, hunger and other life discounting experiences being faced by Nigerians daily because of severe food crisis, lingering fuel emergency, high cost of essential commodities and services, closure of schools, insecurity and mass killing, collapse of healthcare system and decayed public infrastructure under its watch.
It is the height of impunity and arrogance that the Minister of Information and Culture, could address the media to claim that the APC government has achieved food sufficiency, particularly in rice production, when in reality, there is famine in the land with the price of food items, especially rice soaring by over 400 percent under the APC with its “pyramid of lies”
A bag of rice which sold for N7,500 under the PDP now sells for over N30,000, a measure of bean which sold for N350 under the PDP now sells for over N1000, a measure of garri which sold for N120 under the PDP now sells for N700, a bottle of palm oil which sold for N250 under the PDP now sells for over N1000.
In the same vein, a kilo of meat which sold for N700 under the PDP now sells for N3000, a liter of petrol which sold for N87 under the PDP now sells for as high as N400 to N500 while a liter of diesel which sold for N110 under the PDP now sells for over N800, yet Lai Mohammed provocatively claims that Nigerians are better off under the APC.
Nigerians know better and the question to ask is, Is your life better now in 2022 under the APC than it was in 2015 under the PDP?
It is ludicrous and insensitive that the APC government went to the media to list non-existence roads, bridges, agricultural and health projects as achievements. More pathetic is the APC’s attempt to claim credit for development projects initiated and implemented by successive PDP administrations including in our railways, aviation, agricultural, healthcare, education, telecommunications, banking and manufacturing sectors among others.
It is laughable that the APC government is also claiming credit for critical projects in various parts of the country which are being funded by resources mobilized by the PDP administrations under the framework of counterpart funding from International Partners and bodies.
The only legitimate achievements of the APC government include its corruption record (second most corrupt in West Africa and 154 out of 180 in Global Corruption Index), over 33 percent unemployment rate, a weakened currency at over N500 to a dollar, N33 trillion foreign debt and still counting and the siphoning of over N16 trillion by APC leaders.
The PDP cautions the APC to note that its continued arrogance in failure is daily confronting and reminding Nigerians of the statement made by one of its founding members, the late Prince Tony Momoh in April 2016 and the consequences are better imagined.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

APONGBON BRIDGE FIRE: QUIT NOTICE TO TRADERS WILL NOT BE EXTENDED AFTER ULTIMATUM – SANWO-OLU

•Governor visits incident site, orders unhindered movement on alternative routes

•Chance of traders returning to site slim

The Lagos State Government’s seven-day ultimatum issued to occupiers of open stalls under the razed section of Eko Bridge at Oke Arin Market in Apongbon will not be extended, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu warned on Monday.

The Governor said all illegal traders under the damaged bridge have till Wednesday (next two days) – the day the ultimatum will lapse – to vacate the site and remove their belongings, after which Environmental Taskforce officers will move in to clear wreckage left under the bridge, following the last Wednesday fire outbreak allegedly caused by inflammables stored under the bridge.

Sanwo-Olu was on the site of the inferno at Apogbon area alongside his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and cabinet members, for an on-the-spot assessment of the level of damage on the 48-year-old infrastructure.

Following the fire incident, the Government indefinitely suspended vehicular movement on the affected part of the bridge to allow for safety test and integrity examination on the facility.

Five market groups used the open space under the bridge at the Oke Arin section of the Eko bridge for commercial activities. They are Aromoleti Esho market, Shoe and Bag market, Irewolede market, ECOWAS market and Asejere market. The inferno allegedly erupted from the area where wine traders occupied.

On sighting Sanwo-Olu at the site, a crowd of traders affected by the fire incident gathered and made passionate appeal to the Governor not to shut the market. But their plea met a stiff resistance from Sanwo-Olu, who insisted that the traders’ unsafe practices led to the situation that caused the fire outbreak, which wreaked havoc on the busy bridge.

The Governor bemoaned persistent destruction on vital public infrastructure within the State, disclosing that Lagos had recorded major damage on eight bridges across the State in the last two years. The development, Sanwo-Olu said, usually takes a toll on socio-economic activities and slows down productivity.

He said: “We have issued a seven-day notice to all illegal occupiers under the bridge. We have gone to see the extent of the destruction in the bridge; it is an unfortunate incident and the situation that caused the fire was a clear indication of how public assets should not be used. I want to reiterate that our ultimatum is still on and Wednesday is the deadline. Anybody that has anything valuable to him must remove it now, because we are starting extensive clearing of the site.

“Between last two years and now, we have had eight fire incidents on our bridges. Each time something like this happens, it affects everyone of us and the economy. The implication is far reaching and this will not be accepted as a norm. It costs more resources to put the damaged bridges back in shape and the activity takes more time to be completed. We cannot continue to have a few people who are engaging in actions that cause damage to public assets to put everyone at risk.”

Sanwo-Olu said the State and the Federal Government would be conducting a joint investigation on the affected parts of the bridge to ascertain the level of rehabilitation work required to put it back in shape. He said the reopening of the closed section of the bridge may not happen until after structural engineers completed their investigation and certified it for use.

He said the Government’s main focus in the interim was to bring normalcy back to vehicular movement along the routes and ease the pain commuters are going through in the axis.

The Governor directed removal of vehicles parked on the elevating ramp at Ebute Ero towards Constain and ordered the presence of police and traffic officers to manage movement around alternative routes in and out of Marina.

He said: “Once we can be orderly in movement across alternative routes, we would have eased journey time for commuters and people can still see that the movement to and from Eko Bridge at Apogbon axis has certainly not been hindered. The Federal Ministry of Works that owns the asset should come back and work collaboratively with us to ensure that normalcy returns as soon as possible.”

Addressing the traders, Sanwo-Olu told them that commercial activities would be restricted under the bridge, pointing out that plans were being made to relocate the traders to places where they would safely conduct their businesses.

Aside from slowing down traffic, the Governor said activities under the bridge raised security concerns for the traders and commuters.

“We can all see that the traders have refused to take care of public assets. All of the things that were happening under the bridge are totally unacceptable. Our Government is not about making life difficult for our citizens. The citizens should know that their commercial activities need to be done in places that have been designated as proper markets.

“The State Government is working with the Local Government chairman and the representatives of the affected traders to identify where we can relocate the displaced traders immediately, so that they do not lose their source of livelihood. If we should allow the traders to be back under the bridge and go back to how things were being done, it means that we are being reckless,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Governor and members of the State’s cabinet also visited Obalende Bridge for evaluation of the safety of the infrastructure.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
28 MARCH 2022

Niger Delta Youths blast Wailing Women
• Say call for NDDC scrapping unnecessary
Niger Delta youths on Sunday kicked against the call for the scrapping of the Niger Delta Commission (NDDC), labelling those behind it as enemies of the region.
‘Some of these people that make comments like that are figures who are not favoured by the current administration’’
They also said the directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice to stop placing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under any ministry including the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was done out of malice.
‘’They deliberately want to create mischief because that probably brings them more into the limelight’’
The youths at a news conference in Yenagoa distanced themselves from individuals mooting confusion and calling for the scrapping of NDDC or removal of the Commission from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
‘’They are destroyers who are bent on desta
The Secretary General of Niger Delta Youth Movement, Mr.. said

They extolled the virtues of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Specifically, they hailed him for steering the region in the needed direction, making obvious progress in transforming the region and fighting the ills which plagued the Niger Delta Development Commission,
The youths said they feel embittered that some politicians are canvassing NDDC scrapping or removal from a particular ministry simply because the minister is serving the country assiduously.
The youths urged …. To imbibe the spirit of patriotism, eschew bitterness and learn to work for the interest of the region.

Press Statement
APC Convention: Beyond The Strives Are Brighter Prospects – Southwest Govs
..Laud Buhari, Tinubu, others
..Congratulate Adamu, Omisore, Kekemeke
The Governor of Ondo State and Chairman, South West Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has expressed optimism that the outcome of the just-concluded national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would provide an inspiring enabler for cohesion and stability.
Governor Akeredolu, who doubles as the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum has, therefore, admonished all contestants for various positions to leverage on the strength of their commitment to serve the party at different levels.
The governor said: “We must consider the resolve to serve the people, even at the party level, a commendable strive. At times like this, such strives are of courage. They are borne out of individual zeal and passion for the party. Such efforts are undoubted, replete with brighter prospects–that we can shape the party stronger today, for tomorrow.
“As party leaders and faithful of varied but strongly-nested leverages and responsibilities, we have played the game not for our selfish interests even if our individual desires to serve as well as the purposeful drives to achieve same may have differed. Notwithstanding, our collective, though unsung instincts were incurably geared toward the common goal of altruistic service to the party.
“We must, therefore, at this point, put the past behind us for the greater objective to serve the people and the larger society through the instrumentality of the party platform. We have all won together. As such, the responsibility to build together is for us all irrespective of who emerged or whose aspirations are yet to come to fruition. God’s time is the best.
“We congratulate our new National Chairman, Distinguished Senator Abdullahi Adamu, our own very dear Senator(Otunba) Christopher Iyiola Omisore, Hon Duerimini Isaacs Kekemeke-National Secretary and National Vice Chairman (South West) respectively, as well as other lucky ones from the Southwest.
“For the newly-elected, here is a huge possibility of better days ahead of us all; and clearly, a greater opportunity for oneness, more than ever before, has again, berthed. Galvanize us for the enormous task ahead.
“You have our mandate, as Governors and leaders of our various states, to provide quality leadership because your individual capacities to so do have never been in doubt. On our part, we shall be ceaseless in engaging you constructively throughout your tenure in office.
“President Muhammadu Buhari(GCFR), the CECPC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all other leaders of the APC deserve to be commended and congratulated too. They have jointly and severally demonstrated in no small measure, an appreciable degree of leadership in the course of this process to chart a fresh path to enhance unity”.
Signed:
Donald Ojogo
Commissioner for Information and Orientation
Ondo State
March 27, 2022