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Heeding The National Call Again… By Louis Odion, FNGE

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5 years ago

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It’s no longer speculation; this is to confirm that, God willing, I shall assume duties in the coming days as the Senior Technical Assistant (Media) to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In media circles, they call me “Capacity” or “Unbreakable” because, I guess, I don’t fit into regular category. Truly, my clothiers, Goddy Mekwene (Vivid Imagination) and Benny Obaze (Bevista), often tease that nothing fits my “troublesome coconut head” but an “extra, extra large” cap.

So, when the Vice President and widely acclaimed man of God, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, began to explain my portfolio as “technical” last week, I knew an entirely new classification has to be made again for the “Lagos boy” from “Odiguetue” (in Edo State) under circumstances that could only have been divinely dictated.

To become Edo Information Commissioner in 2011, Comrade Adam Oshiomhole broke the rules. Comrade Osagie Obayuwana started off as the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in 2008. His community is a stone’s throw from mine. So, with my first outing in July 2011, it was the first time in Nigeria’s political history that two state commissioners would come from the same ward (Ward 7 of Ovia North-East, Edo State).

Following reports last week of my appointment as the Senior Technical Assistant on Media to the President, naturally, I was inundated with calls and messages from friends, associates and wellwishers. While those expressing goodwill are appreciated, I took particular note of the apprehension expressed by a good many others as to whether I had fallen for the temptation of accepting to trade the liberty of a writer for the comforting invitation to “come and eat” in Abuja.

Well, such concerns are legitimate.
On a jovial note, let me say that I am intimately close to my professional colleagues and forerunners at the Presidency – Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu, Laolu Akande and Senator Femi Ojudu – to attest that they have not been “chopping” anything well above what their illustrious careers in journalism spanning decades had not already afforded them long before accepting to serve President Buhari in 2015.

But those who ever entertained such worries could not truly be counted among those who know me intimately or are aware of the testimonial from my first outing in Edo. Of course, during that four-year adventure, I gave the job my best shot. With bare hands, we confronted PDP’s ruthless godfathers all the way, never afraid of any fight, emboldened by nothing more than a steely conviction in the justness of our cause, narrowly escaping assassination on April 29, 2012, until Hurricane Buhari, propelled by people’s power, not only swept PDP from the ATM they had reduced Abuja into but also dislodged their now vegetating lords from the makeshift political “oxygen mask” on March 28, 2015.

For me, it is another challenge to make a difference in the service of our fatherland. We cannot keep whining about decline in leadership from afar and yet be unwilling to show how things can be done differently. In a democratic environment, it is only by deploying the force of idea in the contestation of what option to pursue in policy conception, formulation and execution that we can hope to make sustainable change possible in our fatherland. We can disagree without being disagreeable. All it requires for the public space to be hijacked completely by “thieves” is for the self-anointed “angels” to stay away and remain indifferent.

In my first outing in Edo, I had a clear idea of what my mission was as media professional with a social conscience: helping to manage information and strategic communication. So, the day after General Mohammadu Buhari was declared president-elect in April 2015, I had a surprise news for the then Edo governor. I told him that since we had succeeded in securing the homeland against the onslaught of the vicious PDP godfathers and that the progressive forces led by Buhari had routed PDP in Abuja, I believed my mission in Edo had been achieved, hence the need to move on.

One’s position in the last four years of engaging the public space through the agency of columnism has been that of critical solidarity with PMB. While opinions will naturally be divided on the President on the basis of partisanship, there are virtues of his that are never in dispute. Even the fiercest critics cannot deny his personal integrity, humility, forebearance, genuine compassion for the poor and the vulnerable, frugal taste, contempt for primitive acquisition and patriotism.

These are values I share also.
We have seen these lofty qualities on display at the many twists and turns of the Buhari trajectory in the last four decades across the national firmament. As we learnt from history, to gain public acceptance in 1983, the soldiers of fortune had to name Buhari head of the coup that buried the second republic. Later, the good soldier from Daura would not bend his high principle of incorruptibility. Till the end, he refused to compromise his values in exchange for the security of office, and was more than willing to let go the summer night they finally came for him.

Through PMB’s force of personal example in the past four years, we have seen money increasingly losing its power in political contest. That is not to say perfection has been attained. Let it be recognized that it is not everything that grows in the orchard that was planted by the diligent gardener; weeds are inevitable.

As a testimony, not a few media managers will agree that the 2019 presidential election was the cheapest in the nation’s history. Just one indicator: media advertising was generally very low. PMB’s parsimony meant a breather too for the opposition as no one came under pressure to auction their property to match the financial firepower of the ruling party, unlike in the past when anyone with access to CBN would simply outmuscle others with Naira. In most places, APC had to rely on Buhari’s charisma to sell.

With such prudence, the leader invariably inspires a culture that ensures the nation’s scarce resources are utilized only for things that benefit the people more.

Unlike what happened in 2014/2015, Buhari would not have approved the $2.1b meant to buy arms to fight Boko Haram be shared like candy to the ruling party’s fat cats and obese rats, thus not only denying our long-suffering troops a fighting chance against the worse adversary the nation has ever known, but also endangering the very basis of our national existence.

Again, one cannot have any moral difficulty serving Professor Osinbajo. Through deeds more than words, he has continued to demonstrate what is possible when high integrity is matched with matchless intellect in the pursuit of common good for the society.
The scripture forever teaches us that the people rejoice when the righteous are in authority. For a nation whose values had been debased over the years by a succession of political pimps, where conmen have been misnamed as heroes, cant canonized as substance, where people seem too eager to spend what they don’t earn, this very loyal Vice President offers some hope that the paradise lost can indeed still be regained and national pride restored.

Of course, there is no way I can tell the story of my first transition from the newsroom to public office without acknowledging Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He, it was, that prevailed on me in 2011 to take up the offer from Edo, counseling that, if nothing at all, it would offer me an experience I could never learn in the university about not just realpolitik but also feel the true pulse of the national condition, thus equipping me to write better in future.
There are great lessons to be learnt from Jagaban as well. The story of the Tinubu evolution is undoubtedly a profile in consistency and uncommon courage in the defence of a conviction. A true test of a man’s character is taken not in the time of convenience, but by the choices he makes under great temptations in adversity.
When easy compromise was profitable and switching political camp was most glamorous, Tinubu preferred to endure the loneliness of opposition and, with uncommon equanimity, bore the vicious onslaught of rampaging PDP for more than a decade as a key opposition leader.

While latter-day revisionists are quick to attack him more out of envy of the influence he presently wields in the polity, only a few are charitable enough to also acknowledge his self-sacrifice in the popular struggle for democracy against military despotism in the 90s.

Without any strong hope of surviving Abacha’s ubiquitous hitmen even while on exile abroad, much less the faintest chance of ever returning home to vie for Lagos governorship in 1999, Asiwaju would give up all his life savings to bankroll NADECO. As Colonel Tony Nyiam (rtd) recently revealed, at some point, Tinubu started selling his property and putting the proceeds at the disposal of the struggle to restore democracy in Nigeria, while several others were seeking easy accommodation with Abacha at home to either secure their next meal ticket or for continued political relevance.

So, as I heed the call to serve at the national level, I am conscious of the burden of moral responsibility. With my eternal hero, Professor Wole Soyinka – from whose transcendental example we learn the values of integrity, justice, honour, courage and patriotism – already giving me his fatherly blessings, I proceed without fear. I didn’t accept the Edo offer in July 2011 without consulting him. His great counsel had echoed in my ears throughout the days I spent in Benin.
Back in my native Edo, the great Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, forever reminds us that, being products of an illustrious DNA, we have no choice but be men and women of character and courage. Nor can I afford to disappoint my friend and big brother, the “Wake and See” governor of Edo State, Godwin Noghehase Obaseki.

I already assure my three “big daddies” in Lagos and Akure – Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide and Pa Seinde Arogbofa; my spiritual mentor – Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock; and God-sent “egbons” – Tunji Bello, Dele Alake, Professor Pat Utomi, Ex-Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo, Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR, and Oseni Elamah that I shall not depart from the values of integrity and patriotism they taught me.

Let me conclude by saying that I cherish the fraternity this forum fostered between readers and my humble self in the last four years. As I take up the gospel of the “Next Agenda” in the coming days, our conversation will continue, in fact more frequently.

God Bless you all.

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Reactions as Korra Obidi travels to Hawaii for vacation after fans donated $50,000 for legal fee

Published

3 days ago

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May 13, 2024

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Nigerians across social media have begun to slam popular Nigerian-American singer and dancer, Korra Obidi, as she flew immediately to Hawaii in the United States after completing her GoFundMe $50,000 target.

Obidi created GoFundMe on Friday to seek a good lawyer, adding that she wants to overturn the right of her ex-husband, Justin Dean, over their kids.

According to her, she would need money to get a good lawyer, which is why she created the GoFundMe account to meet the target of $100,000.

The account generated over $50,000 raised from over 950 donors worldwide.

“As a mother, it’s time to fight for myself and my kids,” Obidi said. She also shared her GoFundMe account details, seeking the assistance of fans and friends.

However, on Sunday, the dancer, after raising the money, said during a live session on Facebook that she had plans for a vacation in Hawaii.

Her decision has been greeted by outrage from her fans, with many alleging that the main intent of the GoFundMe was never to file a suit against the husband but to lavish on her extravagant lifestyle.

Wanda Johnson, a Facebook user, said, “She got y’all’s money, now she’s at the airport. Some of you are so weak to believe her foolishness. She is always begging, scamming, and manipulating.”

“You are gradually becoming a professional beggar on social media,” one Chigoziri Ohochukwu on Facebook opined.

“Mad that she can’t post pictures because without posting pictures she can’t make money. She needs to post pictures of her kids to make money. But she would rather go to Hawaii than see.Her children sickening and people gave her $.Or whatever was on that go find me.People needs to report the go fund me everybody needs to report to get their money back,” a user who identifies as Jennifer Lynn Russell claimed.

Nene Peters stated, “WTF you was just on here crying about you need a lawyer now, you traveling. I’m done with you wow.”

“Two days ago she was crying for donation now she is traveling,” said Hermi Matilya

Meanwhile, Bridget O’Connell said, “Yeah I’m not gonna lie Traveling to Hawaii is crazy after receiving all that money for Lawyer girl! You shoulda did that in silence.”

Also, Mary Monique Napont said, “It’s none of your business lady. She is an influencer, performer, student, and most importantly a great mother. Leave her be. You are a part of the problem. She’s not hurting you in any way. If you don’t like her, don’t follow her. It’s that simple.”

Recall that the divorce and custody battle between Obidi and Dean has been on the public scene lately. Recent developments have granted Justin the right to restrict their two children from featuring on Obidi’s online content.

She posted a plea online, accusing Dean of abuse and “gaslighting” during their marriage, claiming he is now subjecting their daughters to similar treatment.

 

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Police declare Lagos socialite wanted for murder, cyber-stalking

Published

3 days ago

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May 13, 2024

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The Nigeria Police Force, on Sunday, declared a Lagos socialite and blogger, Dorcas Adeyinka, wanted for alleged cyber-stalking, abduction and murder, among others.

The police urged members of the public to “arrest and hand over the suspect to the nearest police station or the office of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”

The police further described Adeyinka as a married female Yoruba blogger from Ekiti State and Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

She is said to be approximately 1.64m tall with an oval face, tribal marks, pointed nose, wide mouth, full and white dentition, and light-skinned with black eyes.

The police added that she lives in the United Kingdom, and frequently visits Ikeja, Ogudu and Fagba in Lagos State, as well as Otta and Sango in Ogun State.

Meanwhile, PUNCH Online had earlier reported that a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, summoned two social media users for defaming Adeyinka by allegedly sharing her nude photo online.

In the court summons dated Thursday, May 9, 2024, which was obtained by our correspondent, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ordered the two defendants – Tolulope Adeoye aka Abike Jagaban, and Tolulope Odegbami aka Olowosibi – to appear in persons before the court on June 4, 2024, to answer the charges levelled against them by the complainant.

The summons followed a criminal complaint filed by the complainant’s lawyers led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of an Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor.

The socialite accused the defendants of sharing her nude photo on social media and ridiculing her.

The application partly read, “On March 5, 2022, Abike Jagaban shared the complainant’s nude pictures on YouTube, directing her followers to different online platforms where the complainant’s pictures were/are shared and ridiculed the complainant in the process.

“The video was captioned, ‘Abike Jagaban on Dorcas Adeyinka, aka TMS Blog.’ These actions have exposed the complainant to contempt, hatred and detestation as some people can be seen making disparaging remarks against the person of the complainant in the comment section of the above-referenced post. Abike Jagaban has also bullied the complainant in another video titled, ‘How Abike Jagaban bullied Dorcas Adeyinka,” among others.”

The complainant told the court that the alleged actions of the defendants constituted criminal defamation and contravened Section 391 of the Penal Code.

Meanwhile, in suit number CR/93/2024 with motion number MN/140/2024, Magistrate Iyanna ordered the complainant to serve the defendants with the criminal summons and all other subsequent processes of the court via their social media handles or pages @Tolulope Omolara Ghaba (Facebook) and @Princess Tolulope Ajike Olowosibi (Facebook).

The magistrate adjourned the matter till June 4, 2024, and ordered that the two defendants be present in court on the said date.

 

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Even if arrest warrant was illegally obtained, Bello should’ve appeared in court – Judge

Published

6 days ago

on

May 10, 2024

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By Taiye Agbaje

 

Abuja, May 10, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday granted the application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear in court for his trial.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the former governor ought to appeared before the court before making any application.

 

He insisted that even if the arrest warrant was illegally obtained, the defendant (Bello) should have still shown up in court.

 

It would be tracked that the judge had, on April 23, fixed today for the ruling on the former governor’s application to set aside the arrest warrant against him.

 

The EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had, on April 17, moved the ex-parte application for the arrest warrant.

 

But Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, on April 23, prayed the court to set aside the arrest warrant against their client

.

He canvassed that the arrest warrant had become unnecessary since their lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had accepted the service of the charge on behalf of the ex-governor.

 

He argued that the arrest warrant order, having been made before the charge ought to be set aside suo motu (on its own accord, without any request by the parties involved).

 

The senior lawyer argued that contrary to the submission of the lawyer who appeared for EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, that the ex-governor must be in court first before any application could be entertained being a criminal case.

 

He said that the anti-graft agency also made an application on April 18 after the warrant arrest was issued to EFCC on April 17 and that the court granted it.

 

The lawyer submitted that the arrest warrant was issued in favour of the EFCC by the court in violation of fair hearing to their client.

 

He noted that the complainant made an application for substituted service on 18th day of April after the arrest warrant had been issued on 17th day of April and today, my noble lord granted it.

 

“The court must satisfy itself that the defendant (Bello) will not be prejudiced in fairness if the warrant of arrest continues to hang on his neck, having been made before service of the charge contrary to Section 394 of ACJA,” Adeola argued.

 

He argued that justice should be a three-way traffic; that is, justice to the prosecution, the defendant and the public.

 

He said for Bello to appear in court, he must have the notion that he would get justice.

 

Adedipe also argued that the EFCC was an unconstitutional body because its establishment was not ratified by the 36 states of the federation.

 

He said that for the EFCC to become a constitutional body, the 36 states of the federation must ratify the law establishing it as against the current position, that the EFCC Establishment Act was unilaterally ratified by the Federal Government.

 

He, therefore, asked the judge to vacate the arrest warrant against the former governor.

 

But Pinheiro vehemently opposed the application.

 

The senior lawyer argued that for the arrest warrant to be vacated, the former governor must be arraigned and take his plea in compliance with Section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

 

Delivering the ruling on Friday, the judge agreed with the argument of the EFCC.

 

He said that the order of court subsisted until it is set aside, even if there is irregularity.

 

The judge said Yahaya Bello’s staying away amounted to disregard to the sanctity of the court.

 

“Therefore, the application by the counsel for the defendant cannot be moved unless the defendant is present in court.

 

“Bello should come to court in his own not through EFCC for arraignment on the next adjourn date,” the judge declared.

 

Meanwhile, shortly after the ruling, Mohammed, who appeared for the former governor, informed the court of a motion on notice filed on May 9.

 

He said the motion prayed the court to stay further hearing of the alleged money laundering suit filed against Bello until the Court of Appeal decides a pending case relating to same matter.

 

The senior lawyer said the anti-graft agency had, by a motion ex-parte, got an order of the Appeal Court stopping the contempt proceedings filed by the ex-governor against the agency at the High Court sitting in Lokoja.

 

He said the appellate court had already fixed May 20 to hear the case.

 

He said it would be important the Federal High Court, Abuja awaits the outcome before going further with the trial.

 

But the EFCC’s lawyer, Oyedepo, disagreed with Mohammed’s submission.

 

In a short ruling, Justice Nwite refused Mohammed’s application.

 

The judge said that the matter had generated controversy all over the world and was unnecessary.

 

Reacting, Mohammed responded that the former governor was not afraid to come to court but was only afraid of his life.

 

Justice Nwite, however, said that Bello should not be misguided but should be advised to come and answer to the alleged charge.

 

“It is just a charge. It has not been proven. Counsel, it is your duty to bring him and you prepare yourselves.

 

“We thank lordship. We will take your admonition to him because that is just his fear,” Mohammed said.

 

He assured that efforts would be made to contact the former govenor to appear in court in the next adjourned date.

 

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until June 13 for arraignment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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