₦airaland Forum

JUST IN: First Lady, Remi Tinubu dragged to Court over N20 Billion Library Fund Raising

Soure: https://politicsnigeria.com/author/politicsngr/

The Convener of the Ife Book and Arts Festival, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has instituted legal action against President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and senior government officials over funds raised during Mrs Tinubu’s 65th birthday celebration for the completion of the National Library headquarters in Abuja.

Ademiluyi, who is also the curator of the Booksfeast Collective, filed the suit on behalf of himself and the organisation at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The case, marked FHC/L/CS/1900/25, lists multiple respondents including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Federal Ministry of Education, National Librarian Chinwe Veronica, the Board of the National Library, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Zenith Bank Plc, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Controversy erupted in July when the First Lady, through a video message released by her spokesperson Bukola Kukoyi, urged Nigerians to contribute to an “Education Fund” for the abandoned library project instead of sending traditional birthday gifts. She described the initiative as the “best birthday present” she could receive.

The appeal, amplified across her official social media pages, drew sharp criticism from sections of the public who accused the Tinubu administration of transferring its statutory responsibility to citizens. Commentators argued that the request highlighted the federal government’s long-running failure to deliver the multi-billion-naira library project despite decades of assurances.
Reliefs Sought

In the suit, Ademiluyi is asking the court for an order of mandamus compelling the EFCC to probe the Zenith Bank account reportedly set up by the Ministry of Education for the fundraiser. He is also demanding that Mrs Tinubu and Zenith Bank disclose the total donations received and provide a breakdown of how the funds have been managed.

The activist further urged the court to compel President Tinubu to dedicate at least 26 percent of the 2026 federal budget to education, in line with UNESCO recommendations. He specifically requested that a significant share be channelled to the National Book Development Centre under NERDC to strengthen Nigeria’s literary ecosystem and support book fairs, publishing, and creative education.
Over N20 Billion Announced

It will be recalled that Mrs Tinubu announced last week that donations exceeding ₦20 billion had already been made to support the library’s completion.

Library wey dey go change to Tinubu library.

Na jealousy of IBB ooh

Tinubu felt very little at that gathering

I don't understand this again o, She wanted to help, so why dragging Her? instead of going to hold the federal government and compel FG to complete the project?

With this experience some philanthropist may not want to help o.

UncleJJ:
Library wey dey go change to Tinubu library.

Na jealousy of IBB ooh

Tinubu felt very little at that gathering

With all due respect, uncle JJ u sound confused, no joking.

AYODELE ADEMILUYI and not PETERU OBI,thanks..

There is more to this than meet the eyes. Tinubu's dynasty have started gathering funds directly or indirectly for 2027 election campaign. Nothing will come out of this litigation.

Futile efforts.. Hahaha, we have so many enemies of progress in Nigeria , walahi

Hehehe! Thank goodness nah her fellow brother who understands the dirtiness of this corrupt regime who sued her. How can a national library project become a president's wife responsibility? Not when is not constitutionally acknowledged to be holding an office.

Justiceleague1:
AYODELE ADEMILUYI and not [b]PETERU OBI,[/b]thanks..

please take the advice in this comment una agbero union member banned me for this good advice

buckeyemedia:
With all due respect, uncle JJ u sound confused, no joking.

Explained for the simpletons:

When the funding period is complete; regardless of (i) the amount required to complete and stock the library is realized, (ii) the library is completed and stocked.

The name of the library will be changed or an attempt to change the name of the library to Tinubu will be made.

This attempt to name a national library after Tinubu is a result of Tinubu's realization; that after so many years IBB, and the original IBB/ABACHA/PDM club is still strong and breathing because of IBB's many benevolent acts done with asking for anything in return.Its like believing the roman catholic church is holy, benevolent, and pure, while the roman catholic church is simply the roman army. Like the German army which adopted several religious emblems, and symbols; Tinubu will attempt to adopted emblems and symbols that obfuscate his true objective.

The court is going to slam a fine of 1 billion naira on this clown.

This one is just one attention seeker.

They should tell you exactly how much was received as donations, as per who you be?

Tinubu should set aside a percentage of budget for education, why not go and meet your constituency's senator and house of rep members to initiate a bill to that effect?

You see, this is one of the disadvantages of democracy. Too many distractions that'll never amount to anything but will only slow down work.