₦airaland Forum

It is the false abuse allegation that caused kasala now. She wants him to be alone with the boy so she can accuse him

This is a welcome development.

We need more of these roads.


We also pray the roads are safe

Olisa Metuh has hit the nail on its head. Sometimes I wonder why people lie. Reno seem to have more evidence sha

Interesting. or is it because of the podcast? I can't wait

This is SERIOUS? Who are those trying to silence this man?

Dear followers, at about 3pm on Monday, June 23rd 2025, My X handle was hacked. I got an email from X stating that my email has been changed.

My X (Formerly Twitter) Handle @renoomokri Has Been Hacked By Persons Connected To a Failed Presidential Candidate And a Serial False Accuser In Order To Frustrate My Honest Bunch Podcast Interview - Reno Omokri pic.twitter.com/7Uu1IVMSMP

— Dr. Favour Desimhi (@favourdesimhi) June 23, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLrLjDMLVrY

On a fair note, this is MASSIVE!

I saw it on Twitter today, this man did well and now I am convinced.

My question to Mr Obi is this: If President Tinubu has destroyed the economy, how come a bank in which you have substantial shares (about 10%) and were its former Chairman of the Board?


Omo this is thought provoking

I remember this story that time. This man is meticulous in record keeping.

A group of stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Oyo Progressive Stakeholders, have called on Senator Abdul-Fatai Buhari, the self-acclaimed “best performing Senator in Oyo North Senatorial District”, to leave out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the mess of his political frustrations.

In a statement released in Ibadan on Monday, the group expressed concern that Senator Buhari and his supporters have turned President Tinubu into their launching pad whom they accuse of a plot to “impose” a gubernatorial candidate on the APC in the state for the 2027 elections.

The group noted that this accusation became recurrent immediately stakeholders of the party in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State took a firm decision that Senator Buhari would not be allowed to have a fourth time in the Senate at the expense of the area that has 10 of the 13 local government councils in the Senatorial District, moreso when Senator Buhari never won election in the Ogbomosho Federal Constituency where he hails from in the three elections that took him to the Senate.

“We also wondered how they came about the self-acclaimed nomenclature of “best performing Senator in Oyo North Senatorial District”. How can someone who have spent 10 years in the Senate claim to be “best performing” against all predecessors who spent four (4) years each? Is someone who spent four years expected to outperform someone who is beginning his 11th year in the Senate?

Alhaji Taofeek Aribidesi, who signed the press statement on behalf of the Oyo Progressive Stakeholders noted that Senator Buhari and his supporters have vent their anger on President Tinubu even when it is apparent that the President was not the cause of their present frustrations.

He noted that “President Tinubu as the Leader of APC is a tested democrat that will allow free and fair primaries in Oyo State, and across the country”.

“Rather than daily attacking the President, Senator Buhari and his supporters should go and prepare for the primaries. Or is it that they are afraid of their impending failure because we wonder how someone who never won his local government in three consecutive elections could aspire to the governorship of a state like Oyo State. If the people of Oke Ogun have woken up, how is that the problem of President Tinubu?” he queried.

“We warn Senator Buhari to call his boys to order or else, we would be left with no option but to formally report him to the APC leadership for anti-party activities. We may hasten his porting to the coalition party where his co-travellers are already domiciled”, the statement concluded.

By Sulaiman Adigun

The stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Oyo North Senatorial Zone rose from a meeting in Iseyin and made a case for them to produce the next governor of the state. The salesman for the campaign is Senator Abdul-Fatai Buhari.

The case is logical and convincing. After 18 years of democracy(by 2027), with Ibadan serving as governor for 24 years, including an unbroken 16 years(2011 -2027), it is fair that other parts of the state are allowed to govern the state.

However, a product is as good as its marketers. The choice of Senator Abdul-Fatai Buhari as the salesman of the campaign will do more damage than good to the campaign.

What is wrong with Ibadan continuing to produce the governor even after 24 years? It is because it symbolises the domination of other parts of the state by Ibadan. What does Fatai Buhari symbolise in the politics of Oyo North? It is the domination of Oke Ogun by just one man. Senator Buhari by 2027 would have been Senator for 12 unbroken years. He was a special adviser and commissioner under Ajimobi from 2011 to 2015.

He was in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007. By 2027, he would have spent 24 years in public office out of 28 years of the present democracy. How many politicians in Ibadan who are accused of political domination of Oyo State would have lived on public funds for 24 out of 28 years by 2027? With three local governments in Ogbomosho, he would have dominated the 10 local governments of Oke Ogun for 12 unbroken years as senator (2015- 2027). Buhari has done worse to Oke Ogun than what he is accusing Ibadan of doing to other parts of Oyo State. If there is a need for power rotation, it should start from the office ofthe Oyo North Senatorial post and not elsewhere. 🏬

What is amusing is how the politicians in Oke Ogun are parroting Buhari's new song. In the last two elections in 2019 and 2023, Buhari started out by claiming to be interested in the governorship ticket of APC, only to turn around in the 11th hour to claim the senatorial ticket through the backdoor. The strategy is simple: goad unsuspecting Oke Ogun politicians to clamour for the governorship ticket while he secretly works for the senatorial ticket in the background. If Oke Ogun falls for this for a third term,it will be a classic case in political deceit.

As for the clamour against Ibadan, nobody in Ibadan is against other parts of the state producing the governor. But it is ironic that people who have 10 local governments and allow the domination of three local governments(nay one man) are complaining about the domination of 11 local governments over 10 local governments. Me think the first thing to do is to emancipate themselves from the minority domination of three local governments before challenging the majority domination of 11 local governments.

Sulaiman Adigun writes from Odinjo,Ibadan

Wow, it'll look really nice on the beach

Why will anyone call on the president to be impreached?

It is possible that people like Dr. Reuben Abati are either unaware of that law, perhaps think it is unconstitutional, or even have a different interpretation of the law


This line

Very true, nobody played politics with that of Davido. Interesting times ahead

But where is the lie here? This are truly better... We hope it gets even better.

I read that she and Natasha are right pals and they planned the failed 2021 allegation together. She wants to accuse him again that is why she is setting this trap.

Every year for the last ten years, food prices have consistently increased in Nigeria at the start of Ramadan. 2025 is the first time since records have been kept that food prices have actually reduced during Ramadan. And the amazing thing is that this year, both Ramadan and the Christian fasting season of Lent are occurring simultaneously. This should ordinarily have put more pressure on food prices. But we are seeing the opposite happening. Why?

I will be honest this time. To an extent, YES Reno is right

This man has my respect anytime. I wonder why she would make such an allegation

That woman can can accuse falsely sha

Only Reno Omokri fits this man who damaged Kaduna to pieces

Where is the lie?

The newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi has said that the council will promote equity, fairness and justice in all its activities.

He spoke on Wednesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital when he addressed the Senate of the university during his maiden visit and familiarisation tour of the university.

His words: "We shall continually engage with the different stakeholders in the spirit of collective bargaining and in the overall interest of members of staff and students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University as well as the host communities.

"But in doing this, we will not sacrifice fairness, equity, justice, merit, competence, and above all, the Rule of Law, on the altar of some primordial considerations or sentiments.

"This is the way to go because these were the principles that the "Great Zik of Africa", the man after whom this great university is named, was known for. And these are the principles that the Visitor to this great university, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, holds dear."


FULL SPEECH  BY THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, BARRISTER  OLUGBENGA KUKOYI DURING HIS MAIDEN MEETING WITH THE SENATE OF THE UNIVERSITY IN AWKA ON THE 26TH OF FEBRUARY, 2025

Protocols

It is with a great sense of honour and privilege that I address the Senate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 11th Governing Council of this great university. No doubt, this is an assemblage of distinguished academics and erudite scholars.

2. Whilst it is true that the Council is made up of seasoned professionals and technocrats drawn from different fields of human endeavour, we would not pretend to know your terrain more or better than you do.

Some of you went to school here, live and work here. Others came with rich and varied experience from other places and have been around for awhile. Thus, you have firsthand experience and insider information that we may not have. 

3. The Governing Council under my leadership will continue to work with the representatives of the Senate and other stakeholders with a view to getting the input of every critical segment of the university community in all we do.

4. We shall continually engage with the different stakeholders in the spirit of collective bargaining and in the overall interest of members of staff and students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University as well as the host communities.

5. But in doing this, we will not sacrifice fairness, equity, justice, merit, competence, and above all, the Rule of Law, on the altar of some primordial considerations or sentiments.

This is the way to go because these were the principles that the "Great Zik of Africa", the man after whom this great university is named, was known for. And these are the principles that the Visitor to this great university, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, holds dear. 

6. It is worthy to note that this great university was founded to inculcate and disseminate knowledge without let or hindrance to all Nigerians based on the principles of "discipline, self-reliance and excellence". 

7. However, in recent times, the university has been in the news for not so ennobling reasons. Working with the entire university community, the Governing Council will endeavour to make a clean break with the past, instil discipline and change the narrative.

8. Knowing the strategic importance of collaboration and partnership, we shall seek to foster a strong partnership between the university and private sector as well as relevant public institutions towards addressing the infrastructural challenges in the University while promoting a culture of maintenance and continuous improvement of the existing facilities. Towards this end, all existing and pending partnerships will be reviewed and/or pursued to ensure their realisation while we seek new ones.

9. In our efforts to promote excellence, we must work together to advance the University's research output, non-academic reputation and impact of notable alumni in order to improve our rankings in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

We can do this by rejigging our courses and programmes, and tailoring them to the needs of the labour market and the realities of our world where there have tremendous progress in various fields, from technology and medicine, to space exploration, among others. 

10. We shall do our very best within available resources to ensure that members of staff and indeed the entire university community, from Awka to Nnewi, Ifite-Ogwari to Agulu and Oko-Afia know the period of this Governing Council for good - in the overall best interest of the university and our nation.

11. As a first step towards promoting a strong feedback mechanism, the Governing Council shall have a suggestion box in all the campuses and premises where members of the university community can easily offer suggestions and air their views on any issue without fear of molestation or harassment from any quarters.

The Acting Registrar and Secretary of the Council shall also make available the telephone numbers and email addresses of all Council members through the various channels of information dissemination in the university. We assure you of utmost confidentiality in the treatment of such feedback.

12. Distinguished members of the Senate, in the discharge of our responsibility for the good management, growth and development of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, we shall strive to do things differently and try as much as possible to carry along all the critical stakeholders in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and service. We shall run an open door policy; and be receptive to new ideas, suggestions and constructive criticisms.

13. In the light of the foregoing, we crave the support and solidarity of all as we go along as partners in the journey for a better Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Let us at once decide to come together and change the narrative. Let us bid farewell to the days when the university was in the news for the wrong reasons. And let us embrace the present and future with Renewed Hope for academic excellence, research breakthroughs and other ennobling attainments worthy of a university of this stature and standing.

14. There is still enough space at the top where Nnamdi Azikiwe University rightly belongs. But, to get and remain there, we need the cooperation of each and everyone of you because it is the sum total of our individual and collective efforts in our various units, departments, directorates, faculties or unions that will make a complete whole.

15. Let us resolve to be the agents of the good and positive change or transformation that we desire. Let us brighten that corner where we are. We can do it. And we must do it. If not for our sake, then for the sake of those coming after us. Let it be said that when we were here, we did our very best for the advancement of knowledge, research and development of this great university that is rightly named after the "Great Zik of Africa" - the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka!

Thank you for granting me audience. God bless you all.

The newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi has said that the council will promote equity, fairness and justice in all its activities.

He spoke on Wednesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital when he addressed the Senate of the university during his maiden visit and familiarisation tour of the university.

His words: "We shall continually engage with the different stakeholders in the spirit of collective bargaining and in the overall interest of members of staff and students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University as well as the host communities.

"But in doing this, we will not sacrifice fairness, equity, justice, merit, competence, and above all, the Rule of Law, on the altar of some primordial considerations or sentiments.

"This is the way to go because these were the principles that the "Great Zik of Africa", the man after whom this great university is named, was known for. And these are the principles that the Visitor to this great university, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, holds dear."


FULL SPEECH  BY THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, BARRISTER  OLUGBENGA KUKOYI DURING HIS MAIDEN MEETING WITH THE SENATE OF THE UNIVERSITY IN AWKA ON THE 26TH OF FEBRUARY, 2025

Protocols

It is with a great sense of honour and privilege that I address the Senate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 11th Governing Council of this great university. No doubt, this is an assemblage of distinguished academics and erudite scholars.

2. Whilst it is true that the Council is made up of seasoned professionals and technocrats drawn from different fields of human endeavour, we would not pretend to know your terrain more or better than you do.

Some of you went to school here, live and work here. Others came with rich and varied experience from other places and have been around for awhile. Thus, you have firsthand experience and insider information that we may not have. 

3. The Governing Council under my leadership will continue to work with the representatives of the Senate and other stakeholders with a view to getting the input of every critical segment of the university community in all we do.

4. We shall continually engage with the different stakeholders in the spirit of collective bargaining and in the overall interest of members of staff and students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University as well as the host communities.

5. But in doing this, we will not sacrifice fairness, equity, justice, merit, competence, and above all, the Rule of Law, on the altar of some primordial considerations or sentiments.

This is the way to go because these were the principles that the "Great Zik of Africa", the man after whom this great university is named, was known for. And these are the principles that the Visitor to this great university, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, holds dear. 

6. It is worthy to note that this great university was founded to inculcate and disseminate knowledge without let or hindrance to all Nigerians based on the principles of "discipline, self-reliance and excellence". 

7. However, in recent times, the university has been in the news for not so ennobling reasons. Working with the entire university community, the Governing Council will endeavour to make a clean break with the past, instil discipline and change the narrative.

8. Knowing the strategic importance of collaboration and partnership, we shall seek to foster a strong partnership between the university and private sector as well as relevant public institutions towards addressing the infrastructural challenges in the University while promoting a culture of maintenance and continuous improvement of the existing facilities. Towards this end, all existing and pending partnerships will be reviewed and/or pursued to ensure their realisation while we seek new ones.

9. In our efforts to promote excellence, we must work together to advance the University's research output, non-academic reputation and impact of notable alumni in order to improve our rankings in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

We can do this by rejigging our courses and programmes, and tailoring them to the needs of the labour market and the realities of our world where there have tremendous progress in various fields, from technology and medicine, to space exploration, among others. 

10. We shall do our very best within available resources to ensure that members of staff and indeed the entire university community, from Awka to Nnewi, Ifite-Ogwari to Agulu and Oko-Afia know the period of this Governing Council for good - in the overall best interest of the university and our nation.

11. As a first step towards promoting a strong feedback mechanism, the Governing Council shall have a suggestion box in all the campuses and premises where members of the university community can easily offer suggestions and air their views on any issue without fear of molestation or harassment from any quarters.

The Acting Registrar and Secretary of the Council shall also make available the telephone numbers and email addresses of all Council members through the various channels of information dissemination in the university. We assure you of utmost confidentiality in the treatment of such feedback.

12. Distinguished members of the Senate, in the discharge of our responsibility for the good management, growth and development of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, we shall strive to do things differently and try as much as possible to carry along all the critical stakeholders in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and service. We shall run an open door policy; and be receptive to new ideas, suggestions and constructive criticisms.

13. In the light of the foregoing, we crave the support and solidarity of all as we go along as partners in the journey for a better Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Let us at once decide to come together and change the narrative. Let us bid farewell to the days when the university was in the news for the wrong reasons. And let us embrace the present and future with Renewed Hope for academic excellence, research breakthroughs and other ennobling attainments worthy of a university of this stature and standing.

14. There is still enough space at the top where Nnamdi Azikiwe University rightly belongs. But, to get and remain there, we need the cooperation of each and everyone of you because it is the sum total of our individual and collective efforts in our various units, departments, directorates, faculties or unions that will make a complete whole.

15. Let us resolve to be the agents of the good and positive change or transformation that we desire. Let us brighten that corner where we are. We can do it. And we must do it. If not for our sake, then for the sake of those coming after us. Let it be said that when we were here, we did our very best for the advancement of knowledge, research and development of this great university that is rightly named after the "Great Zik of Africa" - the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka!

Thank you for granting me audience. God bless you all.

Shame on El-Rufai

Lawmaker in the House of Representatives Representing Enugu North and South Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu Defies Court Order, Leads Illegal Demolitions at New Jerusalem Layout, Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu

In a blatant disregard for the rule of law, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chima Atu, has been accused of violating a court order by unlawfully entering the New Jerusalem Layout, Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu, and leading an illegal demolition exercise that targeted existing beacons and fences at the layout in dispute.

This brazen contempt of court action comes despite a High Court injunction issued on May 2, 2024, which explicitly restrains all parties, their agents, and workers from entering the disputed land or tampering with structures on it. The referenced court order issued under Suit No. E/246/2024, remains in effect (and has not been vacated) pending the court’s determination of the substantive suit.

Background of the Land Dispute:

The dispute over New Jerusalem Layout has been ongoing between the plaintiffs (all the bona fide landowners/Assignees of the layout created by Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community around 2012), who claim ownership of plots within the delineated property area, and the defendants (both named in the suit as well as the entire Ugwuaji AwkunanawCommunity), including Hon. Chima Atu and other local leaders. The plaintiffs had sought legal intervention to prevent any unauthorized encroachment or demolition while the case was being heard in court.

Recognizing the urgency of the matter and also to forestall a looming breach of the public peace, the Enugu High Court granted an interim injunction, barring both parties from entering the land, uprooting beacons, planting new ones, or demolishing existing fences and buildings. This restrictive order was issued in response to concerns that one side might attempt to forcibly take possession before the court declared its verdict on the subsisting case.

Hon. Chima Atu’s Alleged Wilful Violation of Court Order:

Despite this clear legal restriction, reports indicate that Hon. Chima Atu mobilized a group of men and stormed the New Jerusalem Layout, illegally pulling down fences, uprooting beacons, re-parcelating the disputed layout, and causing malicious damage to properties of existing landowners within the area. Residents and property owners were reportedly shocked to witness the lawmaker’s blatant disregard for judicial authority and the rule of law.

Eyewitnesses claim that the demolition was carried out without any counter-court order, nor superior official authorization, raising serious questions about the flagrant abuse of power, justice, and the rule of law. Several property owners affected by this illegal action have expressed outrage, calling for swift legal action against the lawmaker.

Legal Implications and Reactions:

Legal experts argue that Hon. Chima Atu’s actions constitute contempt of court, wilful and illegal destruction of properties, malicious trespass on people's land(s), mischievous act of land grabbing, a breach of the public peace, vicious violation of the property rights of the land owners, and outright abuse of his exalted office, as an incumbent member of the Federal House of Representatives of Nigeria. These are serious offences that could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment if proven. A court order is legally binding, and violating it undermines the judicial process.

Residents and property owners affected by the demolition have called on law enforcement agencies to take urgent action to hold the lawmaker accountable for this impunity.

One of the lead plaintiffs, who opted for anonymity to avoid the legal infraction of subjudice, stated:

“We sought protection from the court, and it granted us an order stopping any interference with our land. Yet, Hon. Chima Atu ignored this and went ahead with illegal demolitions. We demand justice.”


Similarly, local human rights groups have condemned the incident, calling it a dangerous precedent that could encourage lawlessness and disregard for the judiciary.

Call for Accountability:

With the court case still ongoing, stakeholders insist that justice must prevail. Legal analysts and pundits suggest that the plaintiffs should file a formal contempt of court charge against Hon. Chima Atu, ensuring that his alleged abuse of power does not go unpunished.

Meanwhile, affected property owners are considering legal actions to recover damages for their losses.

Conclusion:

This incident highlights the critical need for the enforcement of court orders in Nigeria. No individual, regardless of their position, should be above the law. If found guilty of violating the court order, Hon. Chima Atu must face the consequences to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and the rights of lawful property owners.

As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the judiciary to see whether the rule of law will be upheld or whether political influence will override justice.

The attention of the former members of the Kaduna State Executive Council (2015 to 2023) has been drawn to a biased and obviously twisted news report about the attempt by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to get a court order seeking the forfeiture of N1.3b said to have been allegedly paid into the account of an unregistered company in respect of the Kaduna Light Rail Project. We are obliged to set the records straight, if only for the sake of prosperity by providing the following facts and clarifications:


First, we wish to state that the Kaduna Light Rail Project came about as part of the infrastructural revolution of the Mallam Nasir El-Rufai administration to turn Kaduna into a modern and developed state. The project was conceived as a landmark legacy project by the State Executive Council in October 2015, to be funded with part of the just secured World Bank Performance for Results loan of about $350 million.
Given the magnitude of the project, which was estimated to cost between US$600-700 million, we needed foreign collaboration and funding. We therefore started with adverts in reputable local and international publications including The Economist Magazine. A copy of the advertisement for Expression of Interest dated November 2015 in the national dailies is attached as Annex 1.
In the end, an Indian company known as Skipper secured the award of the project following the competitive tender process. They were to be responsible for securing a loan of about 85% of the project cost from the Indian Export Import Bank, whilst Kaduna State Government was to pay 15% as equity. The contract term was consequently changed from an EPC to a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer so that Skipper will be responsible for ensuring the efficient operations of the light rail system and the repayment of the loan. A copy of the Public Private Partnership agreement is attached as Annex 2.
In order to secure the loan from Indian Eximbank, we were required to submit a Detailed Project Report/Feasibility Study, for which a well known French group with requisite expertise – Systra, was engaged along with GTA Engineering Limited. After working for about six months with a team of experts from France, UAE and India, they submitted a 291-page feasibility report – the cost of which was $2.8m (then about N890million). A copy of the Feasibility Study is attached as Annex 3.
A memo was then submitted to the Kaduna State Executive Council (Exco) in November, 2017 to seek its approval/ratification of the report and payment which was duly granted. Then came a time that we wanted to do the ground-breaking, a request was duly sent to the Governor for the ground-breaking and the release of the first tranche of N1.2b deposit to the Joint Venture company’s account – Indo Kaduna Mass Rail System.
An account was opened for the joint venture company with Sterling Bank. The Kaduna State Government was required to fund the account as part of its 15% equity contribution and a gesture of good faith. The approved payment of N1.2 billion was transferred to the new account whilst Skipper was handling the incorporation of the joint venture company with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Based on the Detailed Project Report and the Feasibility Study prepared by Systra and GTA Engineering, we secured an in-principle approval from the Indian EXIM Bank in January 2017; a copy of which is attached as Annex 4. One of the conditions precedent to the final approval of the loan from the Indian EXIM Bank is the provision of a Sovereign Guarantee by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which we initially understood would be made available to Kaduna State. However, the then Minister of Finance pushed back, saying the nation’s foreign debt burden was becoming too high and that she would be accused of being partial towards Kaduna State if they gave the Sovereign Guarantee. So, because of this, we could not continue with the project. Meanwhile, during the intervening period, we had increased our down payment to N12 billion as part of Kaduna State’s 15% equity contribution.
When it became obvious that the Sovereign Guarantee would not be we granted, we recalled the money from Sterling Bank. The bank refunded all the funds except for the cost of the feasibility study (N890million as stated in Paragraph 4 above) that had been paid which remains the property of the Kaduna State Government. Anytime, anyone wants to embark on the project, he will just pick up the report and start the project. There were other costs that had been incurred by Skipper and GTA, which had to do with geo-mapping of corridors, land acquisition, domestic and international travels and other relevant expenses; for which an understanding was reached for a setoff against interest received on the deposit.
As a responsible and transparent administration, we engaged the services of a forensic audit firm to ensure that the refunds due to Kaduna State Government were received as per attached copy, marked Annex 5.
It would be recalled that when some senior officials of the immediate past Kaduna State Executive Council were arrested by the ICPC, the allegation was that the N13 billion for the light rail project was missing. But, when evidence of the refund that was made to the Kaduna State Government and the report of the forensic audit that was conducted by the El-Rufai administration were made available to the ICPC, the narrative changed! Surprisingly, ICPC became hostile and decided to go after Sterling Bank and forced the bank to deposit N1.3billion into an Escrow Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), pending litigation to determine if any fraud or crime had been committed. Please note that the N1.3 billion which Sterling Bank was forced to pay into the Escrow Account is the addition of the N890 million cost of the Feasibility Study and about N400 million interest that accrued on the deposit in the joint venture account.
Now, instead of waiting for the litigation process to run through its course and see if anyone is guilty of any crime, ICPC, goaded on by the Kaduna State Government, is seeking for the money in the Escrow Account with the CBN to be forfeited. The question is: What is the basis for the forfeiture and why is ICPC circumventing the process?
Of course, it is not our money and we would gladly support any legitimate process that will raise funds for our beloved State. But, we, as members of the former Kaduna State Executive Council (2015 to 2023), want to make it clear to the whole world that there was no iota of any wrongdoing. What we did in respect of the Kaduna Light Rail Project was as transparent as it was legitimate and lawful. All that is playing out is that the Kaduna State Government is using ICPC to harass Sterling Bank to make it look as if what we did should not have been done in trying to build a modern and developed state for Kaduna. The money they are asking to be forfeited was not anywhere. The ICPC forced Sterling Bank to produce and deposit the money with the CBN. Now, Sterling Bank is in turn trying to force Skipper to pay them the money even when the company had rendered services to the Kaduna State Government! The project and payments were duly approved by the Kaduna State Executive Council and the Governor. The feasibility study and other documents relating to the Kaduna Light Rail Project are now the properties of the Kaduna State Government.
On the issue of paying money into the account of a yet to be registered company, there were divergent opinions as to whether we should use a limited liability company that is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission or use a company established by the State House of Assembly. It took sometime to go with Skippers’ preference for a limited liability company. In any case, opening an account in the name of a company pre-incorporation is not a crime under our laws. It only means that the signatories to the account are personally liable for pre-incorporation activities. Meanwhile, the same joint venture company, Indo Kaduna MRTS-JV Nigeria Limited had been registered in India. That was why the Indian NEXIM Bank agreed to transact with the Kaduna State Government. But for the Sovereign Guarantee that could not be secured from the Federal Government, the Kaduna Light Rail Project would have been completed or be nearing completion.


In conclusion, these are the facts. There is no basis for any forfeiture proceedings or Court Order. It is sheer oppression and abuse of power to confiscate private assets and discourage foreign direct investments. We challenge the purveyors of lies and falsehood to come forward with genuine documents to contradict any of the foregoing facts and we will respond accordingly!

*Signed*
*Members of the Kaduna State Executive Council, 2015 to 2023.*
*18th February, 2025*

Omokri giving them wotowoto

So many atrocities under this man. Southern Kaduna people suffer. Let him step on US soil first. I want to check something.