News
Presidential jets seizure: Amosun clears air, says Chinese firm an impostor
Former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has described the Chinese firm that seized Nigeria’s presidential jets, Zhongfu International Investment FXE, as an impostor who merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and covert the state-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China.
Amosun stated this in a statement obtained on Saturday.
The former governor disclosed that upon assumption of office in 2011, he discovered that the two Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE, are laying claim to management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, OGFTZ.
The business dispute according to him became fierce, grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety within the Zone and neighboring communities.
Amosun disclosed that the dispute was settled with the intervention of the Chinese Government via Diplomatic Note 1601, in 2016 wherein it was clarified that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor.
Amosun’s statement reads: “Our administration assumed office on 29 May, 2011. Very shortly after we took office, two different sets of Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE laid claims to Management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ).
“The business dispute and rivalry between the Chinese concerns soon became fierce, grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety within the Zone and neighboring communities.
“ Zhongfu International Investment FXE, pretending to be a concerned and genuine tenant and Zone stakeholder volunteered very damaging and destructive information about the official representatives of Guangdong Province, the Joint Venturer and lawful Zone Managers, China Africa Investment FXE and subsequently requested to be appointed as Interim Zone Managers.
“ Based on the information at the disposal of Goverment at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE was on 15/03/2012 appointed as Interim Zone Manager pending further evaluation. The whole idea was to ensure that someone was in charge and thereby prevent unwholesome and untoward development in the Zone pending the completion of our fact finding exercise.
“ It was later discovered that the information and claims volunteered by Zhongfu International Investment FXE against China Africa Investment FXE were tissues of lies.
“Unknown to Ogun Goverment at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and to surreptitiously covert the State-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China together with the Zone ownership and management rights of their business rival.
“The Government of the Peoples Republic of China, via its Diplomatic Note 1601 dated 11th March, 2016 clarified to Ogun State Government, that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor. After due consultation with the relevant organs of Government, we gave effect to the request of the Chinese Government.
“We do recall, that Zhongfu International Investment FXE approached Nigerian courts in different jurisdictions to ventilate its legal and business rights. They lost all their four cases in court.
“We also consulted with and took advice from the State Security Services and the supervising Agency, NEPZA, on the best way to proceed. Accordingly, we served Zhongfu International Investment FXE with formal Termination Notice dated 27 May, 2016.
“For completeness of records, we must mention that Zhongfu International Investment FXE proceeded to Court.
“Among others, the proceedings in Suit No HCT/417/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs OGFTZ and, FCT/ABJ/CS/601/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs NEPZA & Ors will help to throw light on this business dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa.
“The final judgement in one other case, Suit No AB/04/2017: Zenith Global Merchant International Investment Ltd Vs Zhongfu International Investment FXE delivered on 29/3/2017 specifically restrained a reference to arbitration in the special circumstances of the matter being a trade dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa, with little or no connection with either Ogun State or the Federal Government.
“Not satisfied with the decisions of the various courts, Zhongfu International Investment FXE took its case, and wrote petitions at various times, to higher authorities in Abuja; the Presidency, Hon Minister of Trade & Investment; Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Inspector General of Police, EFCC and the National Assembly (both the House of Representatives and the Senate) among others.
“We successfully defended our actions at all levels before these organs of government, and they all agreed with our position. Shortly after, our administration left office in May, 2019.
He clarified that his administration did not dispatch security personnel to beat or threaten anyone, saying that any report of such must have come from one of the contending rivals in an attempt to outdo the other.
Amosun, however, expressed readiness to work with the agencies of government to ensure that Nigeria is not scammed by Zhongfu International Investment FXE, or any other entity.
Politics
Damagun denies resignation rumors, calls it fake news

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagun, has dismissed reports of his resignation, labeling them as false and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
In a statement on Saturday, his Personal Assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos, clarified that Damagun remains in office, and the party’s constitution guarantees the National Chairman a four-year term.
The PDP also denied claims that Arise News was the source of the false resignation report, urging the public to ignore the misinformation.
The party warned those spreading the rumors to desist or face legal action, calling on members and stakeholders to remain united as the PDP strengthens its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Politics
Probing IBB over my father’s death unnecessary— Abiola’s son

Jamiu Abiola, the son of the late winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, has stated that probing former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, over the death of his father is unnecessary.
In an interview with Punch, Jamiu explained that the time for such investigations had passed away, stating that many key figures involved in the June 12 tragedy are no longer alive.
“There is no need for prosecution or probe. So many years have passed and most of the good and bad actors in the June 12 tragedy have passed away,” Jamiu said.
He added that the ideal time for a probe would have been during the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when Nigeria’s democracy was more stable and many individuals involved were still alive and could provide accurate accounts of events.
Jamiu further stated that for those interested in knowing more, his book, ‘The President Who Never Ruled,’ offers insights into the annulment and the surrounding events.
“It (the book) will let you know exactly what happened during the annulment and why it happened,” he said.
However, he cautioned readers to approach it with the goal of understanding the truth, not seeking revenge.
Jamiu said the best way to compensate the Abiola family would be for Nigerians to embrace the values of unity and national cohesion that were exemplified on June 12, 1993.
“The best way to compensate our family is for the Abiola family to see all Nigerians adopting the attitude they adopted on the day of June 12, 1993, which in a nutshell is to reject tribalism and religious differences when electing leaders and to see themselves as members of the same family regardless of their states of origin,” he explained.
He further noted that Nigerians should focus on transforming the country from a divided nation to a unified one.
“By so doing they will be heeding the call of President Bola Tinubu to shun ethnicity and transforming Nigeria from a country to a nation.
“I will not ask for more than that because to do so would bring down the high standing of Moshood and Kudirat Abiola following their unique sacrifice. They gave up their lives and will be rewarded with more than 500 million years in a place better than any castle in this world,” he added.
While acknowledging that any worldly honours bestowed upon his late parents would be appreciated, Jamiu firmly believes that such recognition pales in comparison to the eternal reward his parents are enjoying.
“Any worldly honour given to them is definitely welcome, but believe it or not, it will be only a drop in the ocean compared to what they are enjoying right now and will continue enjoying while every single one of those who cheated and killed them burn in hell forever and ever by the special grace of God,” he stated.
News
Shettima assures of FG ‘s commitment to Plateau’s stability, economic development

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring lasting peace, stability and economic development in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the VP gave the assurance while in Jos Plateau on Saturday during his condolence visit to the National Chairman, Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir.
He stressed the administration’s determination to foster national unity and progress.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu specifically directed me to convey his heartfelt condolences and to assure the people of Plateau that this administration places high premium on the peace and economic prosperity of this strategic state. We recognise the critical role Plateau plays in our national cohesion and development agenda,” he said.
The Vice President, who was in Jos to commiserate with Sheikh Jingir over the death of his close associate, Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, commended Plateau State government’s peace-building efforts.
“We must acknowledge and applaud the tireless efforts of the state government in maintaining the peace we now enjoy in Plateau. This administration will continue to support these initiatives because without peace, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.
While offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, who served as the Deputy National Chairman of the Ulama Council of JIBWIS, the Vice President also prayed for peace, stability, cohesion and progress across the nation.
“I want to assure all Nigerians that better days lie ahead. The economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are designed with the long-term prosperity of our nation in mind. We are already seeing early positive indicators, and we ask for your continued patience and support,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their show of compassion during this difficult period.
“This visit demonstrates the human side of governance that often goes unnoticed. We are deeply touched by this gesture,” Jingir said.
“We are grateful to Allah for the good work President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are doing for Nigeria. True leadership requires commitment and patience with the people at all times, and this administration has shown both.”
The religious leader specifically praised the government’s responsiveness to infrastructure needs. “When we requested that the Jos-Saminaka-Kaduna road be fixed, you not only listened but acted swiftly. The Federal Executive Council’s approval of N33 billion for the reconstruction of that critical road is evidence of a government that cares for its citizens,” he noted.
On the administration’s economic policies, Sheikh Jingir was unequivocal in his assessment: “The economic and agricultural initiatives of this government have begun yielding tangible results. We are witnessing a gradual but steady reduction in the prices of essential commodities, particularly foodstuff. This offers hope to ordinary Nigerians and validates the direction of your policies.”
The cleric also spoke on the security situation in Plateau State, saying, “I am pleased to inform you that peace has come to stay in our beloved state. The followers of Islam, Christianity and other faiths have collectively resolved to embrace peaceful coexistence as the only path forward.”
“This unity of purpose was clearly demonstrated during the funeral of our departed brother, Sheikh Saidu Hassan Jingir, when people from diverse religious backgrounds and all sections of the state gathered in unprecedented numbers to pay their respects. This is the Plateau we want to see and build upon.
“While we mourn our loss, we submit to the will of Allah. Death is inevitable for all mortals, and we find solace in the exemplary life our brother lived,” he said.
The Vice President was received at the Yakubu Gowon Airport by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Josephine Piyo.
His delegation included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Wase; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Aliyu Modibbo Umar.
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