Connect with us

News

Just In: Afe Babalola Withdraws Suits Against Farotimi After Ooni Intervention

Published

on

Afe Babalola

Just In: Afe Babalola Withdraws Suits Against Farotimi After Ooni Intervention

Just in that Afe Babalola withdraws suits against farotimi after Ooni intervention. Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), in the early hours of Monday announced his decision to withdraw the criminal defamation cases filed against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

Babalola made the announcement after the intervention of Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a midnight meeting at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).

Babalola made the announcement after the intervention of Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a midnight meeting at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).

Following the appeal of the traditional rulers, Babalola said, “I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case,” according to The PUNCH.

The cases were initiated after Babalola petitioned the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book titled ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,’ leading to Farotimi’s arrest and his arraignment in two courts in Ekiti State.

Farotimi is facing charges of alleged criminal defamation at an Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti and alleged cyberbullying at the Federal High Court in the Ado Ekiti Division.

According to the report, the meeting was attended by prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.

Babalola acknowledged the influence and importance of the Yoruba traditional institution, saying, “The monarchs have come to appeal to me over a criminal charge involving someone who accused me of corruption.”

He expressed deep hurt over Farotimi’s allegations, particularly the claim that he won all his cases through corruption, which initially made him reject earlier appeals to withdraw the cases.

Among those who had previously appealed to him were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe.

The PUNCH quoted Babalola as saying, “If you go through the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you will find that he attacked many judges by names, he attacked Supreme Court judges, and none is bothered, but I am bothered. I am bothered because of where and how I started life, from the farm to where I am.

There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment. There is nothing I am going to gain from so-called damages. I am not in quest of more wealth, rather how to spend what I have for the benefit of others. The only time I

The request is simple, take away this criminal case in court. When Obasanjo wrote, he came here, I said no. when Kukah phoned and came, I said no, but on this occasion, I say yes. Thank you Kabiyesis. I will speak to my lawyers to withdraw it.

Speaking on behalf of the Yoruba monarchs, the Ooni of Ife assured Babalola that his reputation remained untarnished.

“Your name is worth more than silver and gold. No one can damage your legacy. You have demonstrated that your name is sacred, and the world has seen it,” the Ooni said.

He praised Babalola’s significant contributions to the Yoruba people, Nigeria, and the world. “We, the monarchs, came here to discuss this matter, and you gave full respect to the traditional institution by agreeing to our plea.

Aare Afe Babalola has proven to the world that he values his name, which cannot be tarnished by anyone.

Appealing to Babalola, the Ooni emphasized the communal nature of Yoruba culture, saying, “Dele Farotimi is your son, whether or not you know him. As parents, we raise children with different temperaments—some tough, some soft.

“It is our duty as custodians of Yoruba tradition to intervene. Your name is intact, and we appeal to you to let this matter rest. We have resolved it in our own way and done what is necessary.”

Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, spoke about his incarceration after being released from prison custody, where he was held for 21 days.

In a heartfelt video message titled “The Road to Freedom,” Farotimi expressed his gratitude to Nigerians who rallied around him, saying their collective voice was the reason he didn’t become just another victim of the system.

Farotimi’s arrest was a result of alleged defamation charges brought against him by Babalola. He was granted bail after meeting the ₦30 million bail conditions set by a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti IN Ekiti State.

In his message, Farotimi emphasised that his experience is not unique, noting that many Nigerians continue to face similar struggles. He stressed the importance of unity and collective action in bringing about change.

Farotimi also touched on the divisive nature of Nigerian society, where people are often pitted against one another along ethnic and religious lines.
He said none of that mattered as Nigerians united to fight him.

He said, “We stopped being human because we became Nigerians. They divided us and we fell for it. Because you wouldn’t see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me, because you wouldn’t see me as a Christian, you spoke for me. Because you spoke, Nigeria couldn’t happen to me.

Afe Babalola

Afe Babalola

“The only reason why Nigeria couldn’t happen to me is because you spoke. That is why Nigeria couldn’t happen to me. You found your voices, I became you and in our collective, you couldn’t be silenced.”

“So it wasn’t me that became the porcupine, it was you – the Nigerian citizens – you have become the porcupine that is where we have gone to,” he said.

A tearful Farotimi also said, “The system resisted. I spent 21 days in captivity. Those who are inclined to the things of spiritual knowledge understand the significance of 21 days.

It pleases God that I should be kept in captivity for 21 days. A full cycle of a woman, a full cycle of modern nature – 21 days I was kept.”

Economy

Government Approves N1.149bn For Solar Street Lights, Infrastructure In Gombe

Published

on

By

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Government Approves N1.149bn For Solar Street Lights, Infrastructure In Gombe

Government approves N1.149bn for solar street lights, infrastructure in Gombe. He said the governor approved the projects to align with his vision for infrastructure development.

The Gombe government has approved N1.149 billion for the installation of solar street lights and other infrastructure in three local government areas of the state.

Mahmood Yusuf, director-general, Joint Project Development Agency, stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Gombe.

He said the Joint Project Council (JPC) meeting chaired by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, approved the projects to align with his vision for infrastructure development.

Mr Yusuf listed the projects to include the installation of solar street lights on newly constructed roads in Kumo at the total cost of N740 million; fencing of the NALDA market and installation of solar street lights at Kwadon area of Yamaltu/Deba, costing N362 million.

He said that N47 million has been approved for the expansion of the grains market and construction of six public toilets in Billiri.
Mr Yusuf said that the N112 million grain market project was approved in 2024, but reviewed upward to N159 million, to provide six additional toilets.

The director said the council also approved the deployment of GOSTEC and Operation Hatara personnel, to scale surveillance in schools and cemeteries in the state.

He said the measure was sequel to complaints over spate of theft in public buildings by the ALGON Chairman, Sani Haruna.

“The council has resolved to implement stricter security measures by deploying GOSTEC and Operation Hattara to enhance surveillance. The scope of Operation Hattara would be expanded to cover all the 11 LGAs,” he said.

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Also, Fatima-Binta Bello, chairperson, Shongom Local Government Council, expressed readiness to consolidate on Mr Yahaya’s achievements in education and health sectors.

She stressed the need to strengthen human resources through recruitment of qualified personnel to address manpower gaps and enhance quality service delivery, especially at primary healthcare and basic education level.

Similarly; Ahmad Wali, chairman, Kwami LGC, said the council had initiated resurvey and remapping of grazing reserves and cattle routes to check farmer/herder clashes.

He warned that anyone found encroaching cattle routes and grazing lands would be sanctioned.

Continue Reading

Akwa Ibom

Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas

Published

on

By

Umo Eno

Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas

Umo Eno is committed to blue economy, maritime development: Oil , Gas . Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals have been assured of the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials of the blue economy and the extensive maritime development.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Comrade Ini Ememobong, reiterated the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials when he hosted members of the Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals to a courtesy call in his office on Thursday, March 13.

He said the recent commissioning of the Surge Protections project and development of Surge lines in Oron, was a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to maritime development, emphasising that the action would bring greater focus on maritime transport and recreation in the area.

Highlighting the significance of the Ibom Deep Seaport, which he described as a foundation for future development, Comrade Ememobong acknowledged the importance of a collaboration between the Ministry and the maritime oil and gas professionals and assured them of his readiness to work together with them, in order to drive growth and development in the maritime sector so as to achieve the long-term objectives of the state in the maritime sector.

The Commissioner stated that the industrial city envisioned by the Governor aims to build indigenous capacity and ensure local participation in its development, saying, “This is where the local content law comes into play, requiring that a certain percentage of the project’s workforce, services, and materials be sourced locally.”

“To activate this law, however, there needs to be available capacity among local individuals and businesses.

This is why His Excellency has prioritised capacity procurement, which ensures that the necessary skills and resources are in place before project execution begins. By doing so, the government can guarantee that local communities are well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the industrial city’s development,” he emphasised.

Comrade Ememobong seized the occasion to commend the technical committee, led by Mrs. Mfon Usoro, in driving the Ibom Deep Seaport project forward, saying the committee is ready to collaborate with key stakeholders to turn the vision of the Ibom Deep Seaport into a reality.

Earlier, while addressing the Commissioner, the leader of the delegation and Secretary General Port State Control for the West and Central African Region, Captain Sunday Umoren, expressed his team’s enthusiasm in supporting the development of Akwa Ibom State’s maritime sector.

As indigenes of the state, with expertise in various sectors of the maritime cluster, they seek to give back by investing in human capacity building, in view of the upcoming Ibom Deep Seaport.

Umo Eno

Umo Eno

“We are here to render our services to you; we will respect your support in planning because the deep seaport is coming: the port is just a notch, but there are other aspects to port development, which if we don’t position ourselves very well, we may end up having a deep seaport in Akwa Ibom but not making the best out of it.” He said.

Other members of the team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project and Director of Project, Ibom Deep Seaport, Engr. Akaninyene Ekong; Former District Surveyor NIMASA, Marine Surveyor Engr. Eyo James; and Project Lead, Shell UK, Adjunct Professor John Moores University, UK, Prof Maurice Asuquo.

Also on the team were the Chief Engineer, Jad Construction limited, Warri, Engr. Iniobong Ebong; Marine Pilot, Nigerian Ports Authority, Bonny/Port Harcourt Pilotage District, Rivers Port Complex, Nkopuyo Abraham.

Continue Reading

Economy

Tinubu Reveals How Buhari Almost Bankrupted Nigeria; He Quickly Saved The Country

Published

on

By

Buhari Almost Bankrupted Nigeria

Tinubu Reveals How Buhari Almost Bankrupted Nigeria; He Quickly Saved The Country

Tinubu reveals how Buhari almost bankrupted Nigeria; He quickly saved The country. The statement came hours after Muhammadu Buhari issued a statement Thursday afternoon reiterating his loyalty to the president and the ruling APC.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said he took over a Nigeria that was in the throes of bankruptcy after eight years of his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari.

“Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse,” Mr Tinubu said during a meeting with a group of supporters at the State House in Abuja.
The Nigerian leader has faced criticism for mishandling the economy after inflation soared for consumer items nationwide, a development analyst blamed mainly on the president’s decision to eliminate subsidies on essential petroleum products.

Mr Buhari was the first politician to be elected president on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, serving two terms of four years each from 2015 to 2023. He handed power to Mr Tinubu on the same platform, arguing during his last days in office that he had turned the nation’s socio-economic conditions around during his tenure.

Both leaders remained key political allies, and Mr Buhari issued a statement earlier on Thursday reiterating his loyalty to Mr Tinubu and the APC, following rumours that the former president was considering joining a budding alliance to defeat Mr Tinubu at the ballot in 2027.

It was unclear how Mr Tinubu’s statement would be received by Mr Buhari, who now lives in Kaduna following his exit from power.

A spokesman for the former president did not immediately return a request seeking comments about his successor’s statement Thursday night.

A State House press release said the president sought to assuage citizens that conditions would continue to improve after inflation showed signs of cooling in recent months.

Read the full press statement as issued by the president’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga below:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu articulated on Thursday the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms, saying the primary motive was protecting the interests of future generations.
.
“For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future,” he said.

He made these remarks at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West.

The President highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties:

“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse.

President Tinubu declared that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.

“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.”

He said firm adherence to democratic tenets is the best route to economic, social, and political development.

“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.

“Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it.”

Senator Emmanuel Chiedoziem Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and at what the two organisations were offering Nigerians.

“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.

Buhari Almost Bankrupted Nigeria

Buhari Almost Bankrupted Nigeria

“And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done. I’m following their activities; we are delighted,” he said.

Other members of the delegation were Sen. Bako Aufara Musa, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Hon. Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo and Hon. Eze Nwauwa.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
March 13, 2025

Continue Reading

Trending