Category: Nigerian Tribune

Nigerians are groaning under yet another hike in the price of cooking gas, with a kilogram now selling for as high as ?2,000 – and in some locations up to ?3,000 – sparking widespread concern over the cost of living.

But gas marketers say the situation is not the result of any official price adjustment.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Oladapo Olatunbosun, attributed the price surge to temporary supply disruptions and market exploitation by opportunistic dealers.

‘I sympathise with Nigerians as the President of NALPGAM because we never intended to have a situation like this.

‘I must say categorically that the price of cooking gas has not gone up. No increment has been done officially.

‘What is happening is that some marketers are taking advantage of the shortage in supply and market forces that have increased demand. They are cashing in to make quick money, which is wrong,’ Olatunbosun said.

He assured that the situation is artificial and temporary, and that normalcy is expected to return within days.

Channels TV had earlier reported that LPG prices, which averaged between ?1,200 and ?1,300 per kilogram, have recently jumped to between ?1,700 and ?2,000, depending on location.

According to Olatunbosun, the problem began when Dangote Refinery – a key player in improving local supply – embarked on maintenance that slowed truck loading, creating a shortfall in distribution.

‘Before the strike, Dangote loaded about 50 trucks per day, which served the South-West and some parts of the North. But when renovation started, trucks began spending up to 14 days at the refinery yard before getting products.

‘Marketers then switched to Apapa for supply, and when the PENGASSAN strike hit, vessel discharges and inspections were disrupted, drying up stocks nationwide.’

He explained that although Dangote Refinery did not completely halt production, the strike prevented inspectors from clearing vessels for discharge, causing a backlog that severely affected supply across the country – especially in the South-West, which consumes the largest volume of LPG in Nigeria.

Olatunbosun disclosed that Nigeria’s LPG consumption had risen from 1.2 million metric tonnes three years ago to nearly two million metric tonnes, making the market more sensitive to disruptions.

To cushion the impact, he advised consumers to buy directly from registered gas plants, warning that those purchasing through middlemen were likely to pay inflated prices.

‘If you buy from a third or fourth party, the chain extends and the price rises – just like buying petrol from black market vendors.

‘At gas bottling plants operated by our members, the price is between ?1,000 and ?1,300, depending on the area and cost of transportation,’ he clarified.

He added that before the recent disruption, prices were as low as ?950 to ?1,050 in some areas, assuring that supply and pricing will stabilise soon.

‘We are working with relevant authorities to ensure steady supply and normal pricing in the coming days,’ Olatunbosun concluded.

Becoming a first time parent has its moments, the magical ones and the bittersweet ones, but every moment will definitely be one you’ll treasure forever. From when you get to hold them in your arms and feel them on your chest, you know you’ll do everything for this little one. Holding them by your chest or most commonly known as skin-to-skin contact has a fair share of scientifically proven benefits for both the parents and the child, from emotional, physical, and psychological well-being.

Many parents often thought that this is just a delivery-room tradition, but this practice can be extended beyond those precious first hours. Some simple tools like wraps and carriers or even those with infant carrier head support can be of help in maintaining closeness. They also provide the warmth and security that skin to skin contact gives. In this article we’ll talk about how the parents and child benefits from skin-to-skin contact

What Exactly Is Skin-to-Skin Contact?

As the name of this practice suggests, skin to skin contact means gently holding your baby naked (except for a diaper or a hat) directly onto your bare chest. To keep your baby warm you can also drape a blanket or cloth over the both of you.

You might think that this is just a simple act to provide heat for your child and establish a bond. But it has far greater benefits, it helps regulate your baby’s temperature, their heart rate, and even their breathing. Aside from this it also provides comfort from your familiar smell and heartbeat. This practice is highly encouraged after birth, but it can and should be also continued at home in the early months.

The Incredible Benefits for Your Baby

A lot of babies can be seen thriving when given more frequent skin to skin contact, according to numerous research. Here are some notable benefits that babies get:

Improved breastfeeding – more successful feedings are observed when babies are more frequently held skin-to-skin.

Temperature regulation – Holding your baby by your chest helps them adjust temperature as your body acts as a natural warmer for them.

Enhanced sleep – Babies tend to fall asleep faster and for longer hours after skin-to-skin sessions.

Stabilized breathing and heart rates – skin-to-skin sessions help the baby’s transition to the outside world more smoothly.

For babies who were born pre-term or with low-birth weight, skin-to-skin contact is even more critical, this supports their development more than any machine could do.

The Positive Impact on Parents

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact are commonly focused on the advantages for babies, but it is equally powerful for parents. Whenever a parent holds their child this way, it encourages the release of oxytocin that strengthens the emotional bonds and reduces stress for parents.

Some mothers also notice an improved milk production and faster postpartum recovery; on the other hand, it also provides confidence for fathers or partners with caregiving. This is more than just about nurturing the baby but about really building a family connection.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Do It

Skin-to-skin contact can be safely done at home as well and not only in a hospital environment. If you’re ready to start today, we’ll share tips to safely do it at home:

Prepare a safe and comfortable space – a warm, quiet area at home is ideal. A place where you won’t be easily interrupted or distracted.

Undress your baby – you can leave on their diaper and a soft hat.

Remove your shirt or expose your chest area – place your baby in an upright position between your breasts or against your chest.

Cover up – to maintain warmth, drape a blanket or cloth on both of you.

Relax and enjoy – this time focus on your baby’s gentle movement and calm your breathing.

Sessions can last from 20 minutes to an hour but will still depend on your baby’s needs and your comfort.

Beyond the Delivery Room: Making It a Regular Practice

Skin-to-skin contact magic doesn’t need to stop after the first day of childbirth. It’s ideal for parents to weave this into daily routines, like times before naps, after feedings, or just during quiet bonding time.

Carriers with breathable fabric and infant carrier with head support makes it possible to extend these benefits even while moving around. Technically, it isn’t really skin-to-skin, but it gives that closeness and the similar emotional comfort that babies feel in skin-to-skin contact. But the key here is consistency, making this as a practice that naturally fits into your family’s lifestyle and needs helps a lot in continuing the practice in the early months.

The Science Behind the Magic

You may still wonder why does skin to skin contact works so well? The answer lies deep in biology. The warmth and the pressure that your body provides help stimulate your baby’s vagus nerve, this regulates critical functions of your child’s body like heart rate, digestion and your stress response.

In turn, for parents, oxytocin helps lower cortisol levels and deepens attachment, skin to skin contact also creates a calming effect. The provided hormonal harmony reinforces the strengthening of the natural bond between parent and child; this paves the way for your child’s healthier development.

Kangaroo Care: A Lifeline for Premature Babies

Skin to skin contact becomes more vital when it comes with preterm infants. Commonly known as ‘Kangaroo care,’ this prolonged chest-to-chest holding, supports fragile babies who cannot self-regulate their body systems yet.

This method is highly encouraged around a lot of hospitals for preterm babies because of these reasons:

Help in boosting weight gain and growth rates.

Enhances bonding despite some medical intervention

Reduced time in neonatal intensive care

In these cases, the power of healing and touch is truly lifesaving.

Building a Lasting Bond: The Emotional Connection

Undeniably, the greatest gift of skin-to-skin contact is the bond that it helps form and strengthen. Babies who get to experience being carried this way feel safe, secured, and loved. This is a great foundation that helps shape the emotional development well into their childhood. These calming moments are also grounding for parents, especially in this whole whirlwind of new parenthood.

As babies grow, the definition of strengthening the bond becomes different, it evolves into cuddles, play and conversations. But the trust and connection are deeply rooted from the skin-to-skin contact in early childhood.

Conclusion

From creating and strengthening the emotional bond, to regulating your baby’s body temperature, skin to skin contact is the simplest yet most powerful tool and practice that provides lifelong benefits. From the delivery room, at home, or through ongoing routines supported by carriers and accessories like infant carrier head support, the power of touch is something that can never be underestimated.

Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday kicked against the resolution passed by the US Senate, which seeks to designate Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and impose sanctions on Nigerian officials under Executive Order 13818 (Global Magnitsky) and related authorities.

The resolution was passed in sequence to the adoption of a motion on the ‘Urgent need for a coordinated Diplomatic and Domestic response to the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (U.S. Senate Bill S.2747) and to Mischaracterisations of Nigeria’s Security and Religious-Freedom Landscape’, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and others.

The Deputy Speaker specifically frowned at the negative narratives that frame Nigeria’s security crisis as a singularly religious conflict or as State-sponsored persecution; however reaffirmed Nigeria’s constitutional protections for freedom of religion and belief.

In his lead debate, Hon. Kalu noted that on 9th September 2025 a bill titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (S.2747) was introduced in the United States Senate seeking to require the U.S. Secretary of State to designate Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) and to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials under Executive Order 13818 (Global Magnitsky) and related authorities.

‘The House further notes that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has in recent Annual Reports, recommended Nigeria for CPC designation, citing persistent violations and state failures to protect against non-state actor abuses.

‘The House recognises that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion and bars adoption of a State religion, and that successive administrations, security agencies, faith leaders and civil society continue to undertake measures to protect all worshippers and prosecute offenders, as reflected in the U.S. Department of State’s 2023 country chapter and prior reports.

‘The House observes that insecurity in Nigeria is complex and multi-causal, driven by insurgency, criminal banditry, farmer-herder conflict, separatist violence and communal disputes, affecting Citizens of all faiths; international reporting attributes a significant share of fatalities to terrorist groups and criminal gangs rather than State policy or a single religious dynamic.

‘The House is concerned that external legislative actions based on incomplete or decontextualised assessments risk undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, misrepresenting facts, straining strategic relations, and unintentionally emboldening violent actors.

‘The House is mindful of Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with the United States on counter-terrorism, human rights, democratic governance and inter-faith dialogue, and the African Union’s emphasis on tolerance and inclusive societies.’

To this end, the House condemned all forms of violence and persecution against any person or group on the basis of religion or belief and commiserates with all victims irrespective of faith.

The lawmakers also rejected outrightly narratives that frame Nigeria’s security crisis as a singularly religious conflict or as state-sponsored persecution, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s constitutional protections for freedom of religion and belief.

The House also mandated the Committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security, and Intelligence, Interior, and Information, National Orientation and Values, Police Affairs, Civil Society, Human Rights to within 21 days coordinate the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C. to lodge a formal diplomatic demarche to the sponsors of S.2747 and relevant U.S. committees, transmitting empirical data and Nigeria’s official position.

The joint committees are also expected to lodge a formal diplomatic demarche to the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and interested U.S. legislators to propose a Nigeria-U.S. Joint Fact-Finding and Dialogue Mechanism on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), with participation from Faith Leaders and independent experts, and to invite USCIRF to a hearing/briefing of this House to examine sources, methodology and remedies.

The House further mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure execution of these resolutions and to report back to the House within 28 days.

The lawmakers also ordered that this resolution be transmitted to the Presidency, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Heads of Security Agencies; as well as the United States Congress leadership (Senate Foreign Relations; House Foreign Affairs), the U.S. Department of State, and USCIRF, The African Union and ECOWAS Commissions.

THE massive crowds that welcomed him to the Town Hall Meetings/Citizens’ Engagement in preparation for the 2026 Budget and the attendant excitement told the story and they were both visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. These are tell-tale indications that the people of Ekiti State are truly in love with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and they are ready to reward him with a new term in office if his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), fields him as its candidate for the June 20, 2026 governorship election. From 24th to 25th of September, 2025, across the three senatorial districts- Ekiti South, Ekiti North and Ekiti Central- the Governor once again reached out to the people in the grassroots to ask for their requests in terms of projects and other forms of empowerment to be incorporated into the 2026 Budget as it is his usual practice every year. Apart from asking for the requests of the communities, Oyebanji used the opportunity of the forum to give account on how his administration had spent their resources that accrued to the state on projects and also shed more light on the policy thrust of his administration. At Ise Ekiti, where Oyebanji met communities from the six local government areas of Ekiti South Senatorial District; Otun Ekiti where he interfaced with communities from the five local government areas of Ekiti North and Ijero Ekiti where he interacted with communities from Ekiti Central, the consensus was that the Governor has done well and he deserves a re-election.

In all the three locations, it was a carnival of approval and more endorsement for a Governor who had worked hard in the last three years to scale up the development of Ekiti in virtually all key sectors and the hard work to ensure an Ekiti the founding fathers envisaged is still on the full throttle. Through the town hall meetings, Oyebanji has involved the citizenry in running the affairs of the state; he has positively engaged them in contributing to the making of decisions that affect them; through the interactive forum, the views and the opinions of the people have counted. Rather than being ensconced in his cosy office in Ado Ekiti and ram policies and projects down the throats of the citizens, Oyebanji has taken governance to the people in their natural habitats, in their places of residence and the people feel wanted, feel loved and feel appreciated. Why won’t they root for him to continue? These appreciative people include traditional rulers, their chiefs, community leaders, religious leaders, labour leaders, youth organizations, student bodies, civil servants, market women, artisans, people living with disabilities, retirees, transporters and the ordinary men and women on the streets.

During the tour, they were given voice to speak and to interact with their Governor who directly felt their pulse. He raptly listened to them, fixed his gaze on them, conscientiously took down notes by himself as they spoke, made a sense of what they were saying and accurately and sincerely provided the answers they needed. The interface served as a festival of appreciation of what the previous budgets (2022, 2023 and 2024) had achieved and a means of charting a direction and seeking the opinion of the people on the projects that are of priority to them. The Ekiti publics really showed gratitude to Oyebanji and pointed to projects they had advocated in the previous projects which had been executed, completed and inaugurated for public use and for the benefit of this present and coming generations.

Such projects include neighbourhood, community, rural, township and state roads, general hospitals and community health centers, primary and secondary schools, electricity, potable water, civic centres, town halls and palaces, security posts and installations, farm settlements and clusters for commercial agriculture etc. It offered an opportunity to review ongoing projects and policies, suggestions on collaboration between local governments, local council development areas and the state government on governance, security and boosting of the grassroots economy. The forum also gave the locals the opportunity of celebrating the highest budget transparency rating received by Ekiti under the watch of Oyebanji from BudgIT, which rated the state as number one in Nigeria for Quarter 2, an award it has scooped for six times in a row. This is an indication that Ekiti is in safe hands and that is why the communities also demanded continuity of the Oyebanji administration from 2026 to 2030. There was a consensus that the governor has so far used the mandate he received in 2022 to better their lots.

Ahead of the APC governorship primary slated for October 27, 2025 and the governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026, the communities have spoken loud and clear in support of an Oyebanji candidacy. The citizens’ engagement/town hall meetings was a referendum for Oyebanji’s continuity for sustained development of Ekiti State and they are ready to speak with their votes to make it a reality.

Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General and daughter of President Bola Tinubu, along with Niger State Governor, Umar Bago; Minister of Youth and Sports, Ayodele Olawande; and Chairman of the Nigerian Community in Greater Manchester, Alhaji Abiola Kumoye, are expected to attend the Nigeria @65 National Day celebration in Manchester this Saturday.

Several entertainment figures, including Zack Orji, Saidi Balogun, Nino B, Seyi Law, Konga, and Danfo Driver, are also billed to perform at the event.

Speaking with Tribune Online on Tuesday evening, Kumoye said the celebration aims to honour Nigeria’s heritage, culture, and national identity beyond its borders.

He explained that the annual event serves as a reminder of the country’s journey and promotes unity among Nigerians living abroad.

‘The Nigerian community in Greater Manchester, like many Nigerian diaspora communities worldwide, celebrates Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary as a way to honor our heritage, culture, and national identity, even while living abroad.

‘Celebrating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary in Manchester, United Kingdom, allows us to reflect on our nation’s journey, share our cultural values, and foster a sense of unity among Nigerians in the diaspora.

‘Such events also provide an opportunity to educate others about Nigerian history, showcase the richness of Nigerian culture through food, music, and dance, and promote positive contributions that Nigerians make in the UK.

‘It helps to strengthen ties within the Nigerian community and maintain a connection to home, while also acknowledging the shared history and experiences that bind them to Nigeria, regardless of location,’ Kumoye said.

The Presiding Bishop of Dominion Chapel International Church, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, has declared that Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable, stressing that the nation must remain one irrespective of its challenges.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on the sidelines of a thanksgiving service held to celebrate his election as President of the West Africa Association of Evangelicals of Africa, Archbishop Daniel commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as inclusive governance.

He said the President’s appointments had made every part of the country feel represented.

‘I want to thank God for President Bola Tinubu for his inclusivity in appointments and for making everyone, every part of this country, feel a sense of belonging,’ he said.

The cleric added that no section of the country had been neglected in the current administration, urging the President to sustain his inclusive approach.

‘I want him to do more and let everyone feel they belong to this country. Nigeria does not belong exclusively to any section of the nation,’ he stated.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Archbishop Daniel said Nigerians should celebrate the country’s progress and remain hopeful for a brighter future.

‘Nigeria is on the verge of rising from the ashes of destruction, killings and bloodletting. We are beginning to see light coming to our freedom. Kidnapping, banditry and all forms of killing will come to an end,’ he declared.

He expressed optimism that corruption in Nigeria would drastically reduce if the government and citizens played their roles effectively.

‘We must have zero tolerance for corruption. ICPC and EFCC must sit up and bring every corrupt person to book. Only then will Nigeria become the great nation we have been praying for,’ he said.

Archbishop Daniel urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for national development rather than leaving everything to the government.

‘As citizens, we owe a duty to play our part. The government must do its bit, but we too must work hard, pray, and contribute to the greatness of this country,’ he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, congratulated Archbishop Daniel on his new position and described him as a true servant-leader who rose from humble beginnings.

‘Archbishop John Praise is one of those leaders who started from scratch without a structure and became what we see today,’ Hayab said.

He urged young Nigerians to be patient and prepare for leadership rather than prematurely seeking power.

‘Leadership in Nigeria is often given to people who have not tasted the pains of building. Archbishop John Praise’s journey should inspire young people to wait for God’s time,’ he added.

Since the return to democracy in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed several high-profile ministerial resignations, often driven by integrity challenges or political ambition.

The recent resignation of Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, following the established precedent set by Kemi Adeosun in 2018, underscores the intense public and media scrutiny now focused on the credentials of public officials. Ministers who resigned from office due to such scrutiny demonstrate the evolving landscape of accountability.

These exits generally fall into two categories: those involving allegations of misconduct or scandal (like certificate forgery) and those motivated by the pursuit of higher political office (as seen in the run-up to the 2023 elections). The pattern of ministers who resigned from office exhibits a critical juncture in career and ethics.

In this article, TRIBUNE ONLINE chronicles key resignations by ministers, highlighting their ministries, years, and primary reasons for leaving.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen the education sector through massive investment in infrastructure, improved welfare for students, and renewed emphasis on technical and vocational training.

Addressing student leaders from tertiary institutions across the state during a meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Akure, Aiyedatiwa commended the students for maintaining peace and order, noting that their cooperation had brought unprecedented stability to the state’s education sector.

The governor commended the conduct of the students in the state as a reflection of maturity and understanding, saying, ‘Since I became governor, there has been no student unrest as it were. You have engaged clearly without any form of violent agitation,

He acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting citizens due to national economic reforms, but assured them that the hardship was temporary.

According to him, the policies of the Federal Government were already beginning to yield results that would ultimately strengthen the economy.

‘It’s a temporary hardship that is easing up. The reforms are yielding results and benefits, and they are making the economy better. If these reforms had not been implemented, Nigeria would have been worse off today,’ he explained.

He emphasised that his administration had placed education at the heart of its development agenda, with ongoing projects designed to improve learning environments and ensure safety, citing the reconstruction of the Akungba-Ikare road, a major route linking two university towns, as an example of a project inspired by student and community safety concerns.

‘We had to reconstruct that road because of the high rate of accidents near Akungba University. It’s a technical road, but we’ve started it and we will complete it,’ he assured.

Beyond infrastructure, Aiyedatiwa said the government was exploring partnerships to tackle student accommodation challenges, noting that public funds alone could not address all educational needs.

‘Government cannot provide everything. Resources are limited. That’s why we are calling on investors to build hostels for students on or near campuses. It’s a viable venture that will also enhance student security.’

He also pledged quick intervention in the electricity crisis at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), promising that his government would engage relevant agencies to restore power supply and improve academic productivity.

To further ease students’ mobility and encourage learning, the governor announced the approval of five new buses for student bodies across tertiary institutions, with plans to increase the number in the coming months.

The governor reiterated his administration’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education, describing it as a cornerstone of Ondo State’s industrial future.

He explained that as new industries emerge, there will be greater demand for skilled manpower, and the government was positioning young people to fill those roles.

‘We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour. We want our students to be ready to take advantage of these opportunities,’ he said.

Aiyedatiwa, however, pledged to continue prioritising the welfare of students and investing in youth development and said his government sees young people as partners in progress, not subjects of control, adding that sustainable development begins with well-educated and empowered youth.

‘Education remains the bedrock of development. We will keep investing in our schools and in our students, because the future of Ondo State depends on them,’ he affirmed.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi, commended the governor’s youth-friendly policies and described Aiyedatiwa as a ‘listening leader’ who engages young people not just for politics but for genuine development.

He lauded the governor for doubling bursary and scholarship payments for the first time in the state’s history and initiating the state’s under-17 football competition as part of broader youth empowerment.

Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Solomon Olaolu (KSO), commended the governor for what he called ‘calm but effective leadership,’ which has promoted peace among the student community.

‘In the history of student unionism in this state, we have maintained peace and order because of your leadership style. You have been a father to us, and we appreciate your efforts in increasing bus allocations and extending support to private institutions,’ he noted.

The student leaders also seized the occasion to outline key challenges confronting tertiary institutions, including transportation, accommodation, security, and electricity.

President of the Niger Delta Students’ Union, Comrade Martins Ayemoluwa, called on the government to view the Niger Delta region as a hub for innovation rather than just oil exploration, urging investment in solar energy and the establishment of a marine science project.

The Chairperson of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NAFSAN), Ondo chapter, Comrade Precious Ikuenomore, appealed to the governor to prioritise female safety, especially for students residing far from campus.

‘Many of our hostels are located far from the University of Medical Sciences campus. We need government intervention to ensure our safety,’ she said.

The NANS JCC Chairman, Comrade Mayomi Adekanye, praised the governor’s developmental strides but urged consistency in addressing student concerns, while NAOSS President, Comrade Temitope Alade, called for the establishment of campus security outposts and the revival of NDDC scholarship programmes.

NAUS Chairman, Comrade Adegoriola Abejoye, applauded the governor for fulfilling about 80 per cent of previous promises, urging the timely delivery of buses, more road repairs, and employment opportunities for student stakeholders.

Dignitaries present included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN; and several senior aides.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday quashed the conspiracy and forgery charges filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against an 89-year-old Anambra-based businessman, Christian Eze.

The businessman who was helped into the courtroom with a walking stick was set free by Justice James Omotosho, along with a 75-year-old woman, Josephine Obineme, who jointly stood trial in the five-count criminal charges brought against them by the police.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday on the charges, Justice Omotosho held that the evidence presented against the two defendants by the police was vague, watery, and full of doubts for the court to establish any case against them.

The Judge said there was no link between the defendants and the charges preferred against them, as the police investigation was shady and had no legs to stand upon.

The IGP had filed five-count criminal charges, bordering on conspiracy, forgery, unlawful conversion of properties, and fraudulent claims of ownership of properties against the defendants.

The alleged offence, which ran contrary to sections 1, 2, and 6 of the Miscellaneous Act, carries 21 years upon conviction.

The defendants were specifically accused of falsifying Company Registration Documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Abuja in 2005, to claim ownership of two companies, Jefrics Nigeria Limited and Zecon Nigeria Limited, belonging to their late senior brother.

In one of the counts, the 89-year-old Anambra businessman was said to have, in 2005, allegedly falsified Jefrics Company, allotted higher shares to himself and appointed himself as the Managing Director of the Company, while the second defendant was made Executive Director.

He was also accused of forging letters of consent to alter the share allotment in the two companies to back up his appointment as the Managing Director.

Besides, the defendant was said to have sold a Petroleum Station located at Lafia in Nasarawa State and belonging to one of the two companies at N25 million and converted the proceeds of the sale to his personal use.

About 20 exhibits were tendered during the trial and admitted by the court.

However, in his defence, the 89-year-old defendant claimed he had never been to the Corporate Affairs Commission in his life and did not know how to allot company shares and alter the Memorandum of Understanding.

He said in his statement and oral evidence that two lawyers, Otti and Kamaldeen Raji, were appointed to handle the affairs of the two companies on behalf of his late elder brother and that they should be held accountable for any issue involving the companies.

The second defendant, Josephine Obineme, claimed to be a former staff member of the companies and that she knew nothing about the allegations against her.

In his findings, Justice Omotosho said he believed the evidence of the two defendants they were consistent, confident, and unshaken during their oral testimony and under the fire of cross-examination.

He said it was wrong of the police to have refused, neglected, and failed to investigate both lawyers, Oti and Kamaldeen Raji, whose names featured prominently in the forgery, adding that the failure of the police to investigate the two legal practitioners was fatal to the prosecution.

‘I believe the evidence of the two defendants as witnesses of truth. I have no reason to doubt them. The failure of the police to investigate the two lawyers named in the shady forgery deal wreaks havoc on the charges.

‘The claim of Police that they cannot locate the two lawyers for investigation is doubtful, and doubt must be resolved in favour of the defendants. I have no cause to believe that they forged any document,’ Justice Omotosho said.

He held that the police were not diligent in the investigation into the forgery, while the evidence of the three witnesses called and testified was vague, watery, full of doubts, and of no help to the charges brought against the two defendants.

He therefore discharged and acquitted them of the entire five-count criminal charges.

The new Gateway International Airport project as being described as a transformational initiative that would further boost the economic growth of Ogun State.

The Convener of the Omoluwabi Political Movement, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, said this in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abeokuta, on Wednesday,that the project would accelerate not only the growth of Remoland, but also catalyze unprecedented development across the entire state.

Akintunde lauded the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his visionary leadership, describing him as a true son of the soil who has revived the glory of Remoland and Ogun State through purposeful governance and strategic developmental projects like the Gateway International Airport.

Akintunde further noted that the new airport would ease travelling for residents and investors alike, ending the long-standing dependence on Lagos for air travel.

‘It’s now time for the people of Ogun State to enjoy convenient air transport without having to go through Lagos to reach Abuja or any other destination,’ he said.

Commending the governor’s commitment to his administration’s ‘Igbega Ipinle Ogun’ mantra, Akintunde stated that the numerous infrastructural strides recorded under Abiodun’s leadership are clear evidence of a government driven by vision and impact.

‘When this administration came on board in 2019, I was confident that we would witness great transformation. What we are seeing today especially this functional international airport is a testament to Governor Abiodun’s unwavering mission to elevate Ogun State far beyond the level he met it,’ Akintunde declared.

Reflecting on his group’s political journey, Akintunde recalled their firm support for Governor Abiodun’s re-election through their former platform, DACA, which has now evolved into the Omoluwabi Political Movement.

‘Governor Abiodun embodies the true Omoluwabi spirit; integrity, diligence, and service. These are the principles that define our movement and continue to guide our political engagements,’ he affirmed.

Akintunde also commended ValueJet, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the good people of Ogun State for their collective roles in supporting the governor to achieve this historic milestone.

Speaking further on the strength and growth of the ‘Omoluwabi’ Political Movement, he emphasized that politics evolves through stages and movements.

‘Omoluwabi Political Movement is stronger than ever. Our membership base has grown massively, our structure is solid, and our ideas are fresh and dynamic. We remain a forward-thinking movement committed to the continuous progress of Ogun State,’ he added.