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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, arrested one Hyginus Nkwocha for alleged internet fraud and money laundering.
Nkwocha, 35, was arrested at Ever Green Estate, behind Millennium Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, following intelligence about his suspected involvement in internet fraud and money laundering.
Items recovered from him include : a sum of $2,200 (Two Thousand Two Hundred Dollars), an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, a MacBook, a gold chain and pendant, a gold bracelet, a gold neck chain, Mercedes Benz ML 350, a Chevrolet Camaro, and a Mustang car.
Others include: some properties at Cookies Court 2, located in Ocean Palm Estate, Ajah, Lagos, Unit C8, Lugbe Airport Road, Abuja and Cookies Court 2, 2nd Avenue, Ocean Palm Estate, Ogombo, Lagos State.
The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Media & Publicity
August 22, 2024
EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Fraudsters in Makurdi
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC , Makurdi Zonal Directorate on Wednesday August 21, 2024 arrested 14 suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation along Federal Lowcost Housing Estate Makurdi, Benue State.
Their arrest followed actionable intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet fraud.
The suspect are: Austine Okwori, Osita Idoko Valentine, Skott King David, Thomas Ifebuche, Akor Kelvin Oche, Henry Adah, Scott Emmanuel Inalegwu, Ogbu Stephen Alpha and Samuel Moses, Ogbonna Ckukwuaogwu.
Others include: Mustapha Nasir Adinoye, SylvanusSamuel Ogbu, Emmanuel Adamu and Samuel Otene.
Items recovered from the suspects include, phones,laptops and charms
They will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Media & Publicity
August 23, 2024
Disclose details of Chinese loans, liabilities, repayments, others, SERAP tells Nigeria’s 36 governors, Wike
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike to “disclose details of any Chinese loans, liabilities, and other external borrowing obtained, and guaranteed by the Federal Government as well the terms and conditions for any such borrowing including the provisions on collateral.”
SERAP urged them to “provide details of the repayment obligations regarding any Chinese loans, liabilities and other external borrowing obtained and guaranteed by the Federal Government, the interest rates on the loans, and any defaults, debt restructurings, and debt exposure to China and other creditors.”
SERAP also urged them to “clarify any investment agreements with Chinese companies and repayment histories of any loans, liabilities and facilities obtained from China and other external creditors and guaranteed by the Federal Government.”
In the letters dated 24 August 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We are concerned that your state and the FCT may have failed to efficiently manage your debt obligations, especially your external debt and investment obligations, as guaranteed by the Federal Government.”
According to SERAP, “The failure to uphold your obligations is contrary to Section 6 of the Debt Management Office Establishment (Etc), Act, and creates financial risks and other exposure to Nigeria with respect to these Chinese loans, liabilities and other external borrowing.”
SERAP said, “These Chinese loans, liabilities and other external borrowing by your state and the FCT may not have been used for the purposes for which they have been obtained and terms and conditions guaranteed by the Federal Government.”
The letters, read in part: “SERAP is concerned that there is a significant risk of defaults of the Chinese loans, liabilities, and other external borrowing by your state and the FCT, which are guaranteed by the Federal Government.”
“There are also significant risks of confiscation of Nigerian assets in foreign jurisdictions by multilateral and bilateral agencies and other creditors in cases of failure by your state and the FCT to satisfactorily observe and fulfil the terms and conditions of the Chinese loans, liabilities and other external borrowing which are guaranteed by the Federal Government.”
“The apparent inadequacy of safeguards and accountability mechanisms for these Chinese loans, liabilities and other external borrowing may also expose Nigeria’s assets in foreign jurisdictions to confiscation.”
“Your state and the FCT have a shared obligation to ensure that the spending and repayment plans of Chinese loans, liabilities, facilities and other external borrowing are consistent with the provisions of national and international standards, and to prevent or mitigate risks of confiscation of Nigerian assets abroad.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government and the FCT to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Despite several external loans, liabilities, investment obligations and external borrowing obtained by your state and the FCT, which are guaranteed by the Federal Government over many years, millions of Nigerians in your state and the FCT continue to lack access to regular electricity supply and have been denied the benefit of renewable energy solutions.”
“A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that over 133 million Nigerians are living in different categories of poverty, the majority of them women and children.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that many of the country’s 36 states and FCT are allegedly mismanaging public funds which may include Chinese loans, liabilities and other external borrowing obtained from bilateral and multilateral institutions and agencies and guaranteed by the Federal Government.”
“We urge you to disclose the spending details of these Chinese loans, investment obligations and external borrowing, including details of and locations of projects as well as the implementation status and completion reports, if any, on the projects.”
“According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, the total external debt for Ogun State is N168,833,006.66 as at December 31, 2023. The total public debt portfolio for the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is N9.17 trillion.”
“Nigeria’s total public debt stock, including external and domestic debts, increased by ₦24.33 trillion in three months alone, from ₦97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) in December 2023 to ₦121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion) as of March 31, 2024. The debt represents external and domestic loans obtained by the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the FCT.”
“SERAP notes that the World Bank has approved several loans and other funding facilities to the country’s 36 states including the recent $750 million credit line meant to the states to carry out reforms to attract investment and create jobs.”
“The World Bank on 15 December 2020 approved a $1.5 billion loan for Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT for social protection and strengthened state-level COVID-19 response. The loan aims to help the states build a resilient recovery post-COVID19 and to reduce poverty.”
“SERAP is concerned that the Chinese loans and other external borrowing obtained by your state and guaranteed by the Federal Government are vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement.”
“Publishing details of the Chinese loans, liabilities, investment obligations and other external borrowing obtained by your state and the FCT which are guaranteed by the Federal Government would allow Nigerians to scrutinise them.”
“Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], section 44 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party impose legal obligations on your state and the FCT to disclose the details sought.”
“Section 41 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act provides: ‘1) The framework for debt management during the financial year shall be based on the following rules: a. Government at all tiers shall only borrow for capital expenditure and human development, provided that, such borrowing shall be on concessional terms with low interest rate and with a reasonable long amortization period subject.’”
“Section 44 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act provides: ‘1) Any Government in the Federation or its agencies and corporations desirous of borrowing shall, specify the purpose for which the borrowing is intended and present a cost-benefit analysis, detailing the economic and social benefits of the purpose to which the intended borrowing is to be applied.’”
“According to section 21(1)(2) of the Debt Management Office Establishment (Etc), Act, ‘No external loan shall be approved or obtained by the Minister unless its terms and conditions shall have been laid before the National Assembly and approved by, its resolution. (2) The Federal and State Government or any of their agencies shall not obtain any external loan except with a guarantee issued by the Minister.’”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
25/08/2024
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
PRESS STATEMENT
CDWR CONDEMNS THE CONTINUOUS INCARCERATION OF MICHAEL ADARAMOYE, MOSIU SODIQ, ELEOJO OPALUWA AND OTHERS BASED ON A REMAND COURT ORDER CLANDESTINELY PROCURED BY THE POLICE
CDWR DEMANDS THEIR IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE
The Nigerian Police and the Bola Tinubu-led regime are hell-bent on sustaining the incarceration of #EndBadGovernace protesters and activists. It is about 3 weeks, and still counting, since Comrade Michael Adaramoye (Michael Lenin), Sodiq Mosiu and others have been illegally and unjustly detained by the Nigerian Police on the order of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to President Tinubu without trial. The Nigerian Police have ensured that Michael Adaramoye and others are denied access to legal representation, and family members as they are kept incommunicado. The detainees are also held in deprivation of basic human needs like food, healthcare and essential housing materials like beds etc. Due to the inhuman and deplorable conditions the detainees are subjected to, some of the detainees have fallen ill and Nuhu Ribadu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetoken have denied them the right to medical treatment; the Tinubu government will be held responsible if any of the detainees dies in detention.
In furtherance of the incarceration, the Nigerian Police on Thursday, August 22, 2024, clandestinely procured a remand order at the Federal High Court Abuja to extend the unjust detention of the protesters by 60 days without their legal representatives. This underhand remand order further underscores the ongoing tyranny that has characterised the Tinubu government. The judiciary is used to enable the dictatorship of the Tinubu-led regime. Since the preparation for the #EndBadGovernance protest the government has used the judiciary across the country to undermine the constitutional and democratic rights of Nigerians to protest bad governance and anti-people policies peacefully. It is now a tradition for the government to secretly secure ‘Black Market’ injunctions and orders against workers, trade unions, and activists. We condemn this undemocratic and underhand tactics of the government.
In Nigeria, the corrupt capitalist ruling elite walks freely while innocent activists, trade unionists, socialists, and protesters are unlawfully victimised and attacked. For instance, the former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was caught on video in 2018 collecting wades of dollars in bribes from a contractor. However, the Nigerian Police have not deemed it fit to arrest, detain and prosecute him. Rather than prosecute Ganduje he emerged as the national chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and has become “untouchable” just as many privileged, corrupt and self-serving members of the ruling elite.
We of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) reiterate our condemnation of the illegal and unjust incarceration of Michael Adaramoye, Mosiu Sodiq, Eleojo Opaluwa and others. We demand their immediate and unconditional release.
SIGNED:
Comrade Chinedu Bosah
National Publicity Secretary
Onasanya; Mr. Integrity adds another year
One keyword that Dr Bisi Stephen Onasanya, the chairman of The Address Homes Limited and the former Group Managing Director of First Bank is generally known for is that you can take his words to the Bank and that is why he is dubbed Mr Integrity by his friends, family, professional colleagues, associates and acquaintances. So when a man known for his reserved nature added another year on Sunday, August 18, 2024, despite his preference for a low-key celebration and no-party affair, his 63rd birthday turned into a lively affair as family, friends, and associates gathered at his Ikoyi residence to honour the quintessential gentleman and mentor to many.
Reputed for his humility and quietude, Onasanya had hoped to mark the occasion without much fanfare. However, as a figure with a towering presence in the finance, banking, and real estate sectors, it was inevitable that those whose lives he had touched would seize the opportunity to celebrate him.
The gathering, though informal, was a testament to the deep respect and admiration he commands. Colleagues from his illustrious banking career, where he served as the GMD of First Bank from 2009 to 2015 impactful and illustrious service, joined forces with business partners, and families to felicitate with a man many regard as a beacon of integrity, selflessness, kindness and professionalism.
The dignitaries that attended the event include Akin Fanimokan, a non-executive Director and former Chief Operating Officer of First Bank; Otunba Yemi Lawal, real estate guru and the Chairman of Seagul Properties; former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and her husband, Niyi Adeosun; and Mr Dayo Adeola, Managing Director, Touchdown travels, Onasanya’s childhood friend.
Others are Mrs Oladunjoye – National Commissioner, National Population Commission; and Steve Ayorinde, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State. Managing directors and top executives of many banks and financial institutions among other eminent Nigerians from all walks of life were part of the joyful event.
Funke Onasanya, his wife of close to four decades, children and grandchildren, were on the ground to take care of everyone.
Onasanya, who became a Chartered accountant at 22, is widely credited with steering First Bank through challenging economic times and setting it on a path of sustained growth, innovation, and reinvention.
He is deservedly called the father of the Modern First Bank because of the way he guided the institution through evolution.
During his tenure, Onasanya introduced several initiatives that revolutionised the bank’s operations, including the expansion of digital banking services and the strengthening of corporate governance.
His leadership style, characterized by a focus on customer satisfaction and staff welfare, earned him widespread respect within the financial industry and beyond.
At First Bank Nigeria Limited where he held diverse portfolios before he was appointed Group Managing Director, he coordinated the bank’s Century 2 Enterprise Transformation Project, widely acknowledged as one of the most important phases of the bank’s early transformation initiatives in response to an increasingly competitive financial services landscape.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Taxation, Onasanya has served as a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers’ Sub-Committee on Fiscal & Monetary Policies, and of the Presidential Committee on Reduction of Interest Rates.
It’s therefore unsurprising how he midwived The Address Homes Limited into becoming one of the leading outfits in the real estate sector in Africa within a short period, spearheading projects that are redefining luxury living.
Despite the unexpected turnout, the celebration remained a reflection of Onasanya’s personality—warm, understated, yet filled with genuine affection. Attendees shared stories and memories about not just his professional accomplishments but also his character as a mentor, philanthropist, and family man.
Mr Fanimokan while eulogising Onasanya described him as “my friend, my boss, a mentor and a helper. A thoroughbred professional who served with passion and integrity; I worked closely with him as his subordinate at First Bank and can testify to his professionalism compassion and
his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of bankers and leaders.”
Otunba Lawal added, “I wish Dr Onasanya a more prosperous years ahead. His impactful life has been beneficial to mankind especially because of his philanthropic gestures towards many individuals and institutions.
I pray that God will grant him long life and sound health to continue to render more service to humanity.”
Mr Mike Dada, a lawyer and techpreneur, the Executive Producer of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, was one of the people who celebrated Onasanya.
The celebrator is the Patron of AFRIMA, the premier music award in Africa in partnership with the African Union and Dada, on behalf of the institution, celebrated the economist.
He said, “Happy birthday to an exceptional leader and Patron of Music and Arts for youth development. On this special day, we celebrate his tireless dedication to promoting African music and culture through his AFRIMA Patron role. His passion and commitment to empowering artists and showcasing the continent’s rich talent have made a lasting impact. May this new year bring him joy, fulfilment, and continued success.”
Warm regards,
Adejuwon Osunnuyi
Media and Public Relations Manager
+2348025237926
+2348060176677
August 23, 2024
Press Statement
PDP Hails Supreme Court Judgement Affirming Governor Diri’s Election
… Raises Concerns Over Imo, Kogi States
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri over the judgement of the Supreme Court, which today affirmed his victory in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the State.
The verdict of the Supreme Court is another victory for Democracy, Rule of Law and the expressed Will of the people of Bayelsa State in their quest for good governance and development on the platform of the PDP.
Governor Diri’s re-election by the overwhelming majority of the people of Bayelsa State is a resounding testament in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding achievements in the delivery of life-changing citizen empowerment programmes and projects in the State.
The PDP however raises serious concerns on the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the governorship elections in Imo and Kogi States despite confirmed reports and evidence that the elections were heavily flawed and blatantly compromised, marred by widespread violence and manipulations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in connivance with certain unscrupulous officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The general melancholic disposition in Imo and Kogi States at the news of the judgment validates the concerns and views of our Party and majority of Nigerians that the results of the elections declared in the two States did not reflect the true aspiration of the people as expressed in their votes.
The upholding of the governorship election in Imo and Kogi States further underscores a very serious challenge created by the blemished operation and violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 and Electoral Guidelines by INEC.
The judgement also underlines the clamour and demand by our Party and Nigerians for a comprehensive review of the Electoral Law particularly with respect to the declaration of results of election without due regard to issues and complaints arising from obvious violation of the provisions of the law and electoral processes.
This again highlights the need to strengthen the electoral law and processes to ensure that elections are determined by votes cast and not by violence and manipulations as were prevalent in the Imo and Kogi State governorship elections.
Such situation places a lot of pressure on the judiciary which would have been avoided if the Electoral Commission ensured strict adherence to the Electoral Act and Guidelines in the conduct of elections in our country.
Our Party restates its position that no candidate should be declared a winner of any election until all legal processes are concluded. This is to prevent the inclination to resort to self-help through the use of violence and manipulation to secure unearned victory as witnessed in the Imo and Kogi States governorship elections.
The PDP as a law-abiding Party, respects the decision of the Supreme Court despite our Party’s deep reservations and urges Nigerians to remain calm but determined in the collective quest to ensure the entrenchment of credible elections in our country.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM
2024/4TH MEETING HELD @ GOVERNMENT HOUSE, JALINGO, TARABA STATE ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2024
COMMUNIQUE
The PDP Governors’ Forum today, Friday, August 23,2024, held its regular monthly meeting in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital and issued the following communique’;
- The Meeting deliberated on crucial intra-party and governance matters affecting our states as well as those of overriding national interest and importance.
- The Governors noted with a sigh of relief the end of the #EndBadGovernance protests which was edging to a major national crisis. We salute the dexterity of the Governors especially of the PDP extraction in handling the situation in their respective States with maturity, thereby restraining hoodlums and other unscrupulous elements from hijacking the protests.
- The Forum reiterates that peaceful protests are the inalienable rights of the citizens through which they vent their genuine grievances. The Forum commiserates with the families of those innocent souls that were lost and calls on the Federal Government to ensure fair and speedy trial of those who were arrested.
- The Forum laments that rather than undertake a review of macro-economic and social policies with a view to giving them a human face, the Federal Government has resorted to blackmail. We call on Mr. President to show statesmanship by restraining his officials from blame games, that make the sub-nationals look bad by mentioning piecemeal interventions that cannot solve the problem. We remain unshaken in our firm resolve to stand with the suffering Nigerian masses and to take all legitimate steps to ameliorate their plight.
- The Forum notes the political impasse in Rivers State where court judgements are employed to determine the outcome of the party congresses. The PDP Governors’ Forum restates its stand with the Governor of Rivers State and will engage the NWC of our great party to revisit the congress with a view to correcting the anomaly and allowing His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take his rightful leadership position of the party in the state,
- With regard to the forth coming governorship election in Edo State, we condemn the pronouncements by the President to compromise the election in favour of his Party as well as the systematic intimidation of PDP supporters by the Nigeria Police and call on the Inspector General of Police to call his men to order.
- The Forum notes with concern, the refusal of the Federal Government to distinguish between the Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN revenue and revenue accruing to the Federation which must be allocated in accordance with extant laws. We call on the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation to be more transparent in obeying the law, particularly section 162 (1) (2) (3). And equally call on the Accountant General of the Federation to stop behaving like the Accountant General of the Federal Government and to exercise her role in line with constitution. Therefore, we call for the separation of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and that of the Accountant General of the FGN.
- Finally, the Forum commends the host, the Taraba State Government, under Governor Agbu Kefas, for the hospitality accorded members of the Forum and the Secretariat and noted with delight the giant steps taken to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state; which is in line with the governance philosophy of the PDP.
His Excellency Sen. Bala Mohammed.
Governor of Bauchi State.
Chairman PDP Governor’s Forum.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SWEARS IN JUSTICE KEKERE-EKUN AS ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, SAYS INDEPENDENCE OF JUDICIARY CRITICAL FOR PRESERVING SOCIAL ORDER, PEACE AND SECURITY
President Bola Tinubu on Friday administered oath of office on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), pending her confirmation by the Senate.
The swearing-in of the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and the second female justice to hold the office took place at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
In his remarks, President Tinubu urged the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria to defend the independence of the judiciary and promote the cause of justice.
The President emphasized the importance of strengthening mechanisms that will uphold and enhance integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judiciary.
”Undoubtedly, the position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria comes with enormous responsibilities as the head of all judicial institutions in the country. It is a position of considerable influence that demands temperance and sobriety.
”The occupant of the office must exude the highest level of integrity in the discharge of their duties. This is more so because of the finality of the Supreme Court’s judgments.
”I, therefore, urge your Lordship to be faithful and loyal to the Constitution when discharging your duty as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
”I also encourage you to defend the judiciary’s independence and always promote the cause of justice. It is vital that you strengthen all mechanisms for integrity, discipline, and transparency in the judicial sector, and pursue other reforms or initiatives to sustain and build public confidence in the judiciary,” the President stated.
President Tinubu also lauded the contributions of Justice Kekere-Ekun to the judiciary, noting that she is coming to the position with an admirable family and professional pedigree.
”Over the years, she has established a respectable and incorruptible reputation within the bar and the bench, which asserts the cause of justice.
”Her meritorious rise from a magistrate to justice of the Supreme Court is a testament to her exceptional talent, hard work, unblemished record, strong work ethic, and dedication to her calling as a priest in the temple of justice.
”Her sterling contribution to the growth of the Nigerian judiciary has been remarkable. We are inspired by her unwavering commitment to a higher ideal of upholding the principles of fairness and a strong commitment to humanity.
”Justice Kekere-Ekun is a brilliant lawyer who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981. She’s now a trailblazer becoming the second woman to hold this esteemed position after Honourable Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON,” the President said.
President Tinubu noted that the appointment of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria is an inspiration and a beacon of hope to young women who aspire to break glass ceilings across sectors and seek to make meaningful impact on society.
Reflecting on the roles and evolution of the Nigerian Supreme Court since it was empowered by the 1963 Constitution to take over from the then Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the highest court, the President noted that the court has played a critical role in resolving complex legal conflicts, even under the military.
He acknowledged the role of the Supreme Court in shaping public policies that impact all segments of society, citing the recent interpretation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) regarding the financial autonomy of local councils in Nigeria.
Highlighting the expedited passage of the Judicial Autonomy Act of 2024, which increased the remuneration of judicial officers by 300 percent, President Tinubu assured the judiciary of continued support from his administration in the expeditious improvement of its welfare and capacity.
He cited the appointment of 11 new justices of the Supreme Court in December 2023, which is enabling the court to work efficiently as it attained its full complement of 21 justices for the first time in decades.
”Let me also reassure you that the judiciary under this administration will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention, recognizing its status as a driver of social order, rule of law, peace, security and economic development,” the President said.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, commending him for his 32 years of service to the judiciary and the nation.
Speaking to the media after the swearing-in, the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria pledged to elevate the judiciary to new heights, improve its reputation, and sustain public confidence in the judicial system.
”We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary, and I believe that it is not a one-man job. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that are in need of improvement.
”I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary.
”A better judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation. Whatever the shortcomings that we see today are, we are all members of the society so, if we want to see a better society, if we want to see improvement, let the improvement start with each and every one of us and our approach to justice.
”Let us all have faith in the system and then also be particular about the process of appointment, I know it is a source of a lot of concern; the issue of discipline on the bench and at the bar as well.
”All of these things are aspects that we will look into and I believe that by the grace of God, at the end of my tenure, we should be able to have a judiciary that we will all be proud of,” the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria said.
The event was witnessed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed; justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and some members of the Federal Executive Council.
The family of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, led by her spouse, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun was also present at the State House Council Chamber.
As part of measures to ensure the welfare of the judiciary, the federal budgetary allocation to the institution was increased by 100 percent during President Tinubu’s first year in office.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 23, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATES LAGOS CHIEF OF STAFF, TAYO AYINDE, AT 60
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as he marks his 60th birthday.
The President commends Mr. Ayinde for his diligence and dedication, which he demonstrated while working as his chief detail during his time as Governor of Lagos.
The President notes that Mr. Ayinde, an accountant, has brought the same zeal and exemplary devotion to duty to his job as Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff.
President Tinubu congratulates the Lagos Chief of Staff on the milestone and wishes him long life and robust health.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 23, 2024
