News
Dele Farotimi : Afe Babalola breaks silence, tells own story
The Proprietor of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti.(ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola(SAN), has explained what led to the arrest and detention of human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Babalola made the clarifications on Friday at a press conference, held at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, situated within the Ekiti State Judiciary, in Ado- Ekiti. capital of the state.
Recall that the Police in Ekiti state on Tuesday arrested Farotimi in Lagos State, following a petition written by Babalola. And was on Wednesday arraigned before the court in Ado-Ekiti, on allegations of defamatory remarks against Babalola.
According to Babalola the defamatory remarks, made against him by Farotimi, in his book, titled , “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”, are too huge and destructive, such that they can not be remedied by any award of damages.
The press conference was addressed on behalf of Babalola by the trio of Mr Owoseni Ajayi, his lead counsel, who was former Justice Commissioner in Ekiti, and former chairman of NBA; Mr Olasunkanmi Falade, also former NBA Chairman in the state, and Mr Lawrence Fasanmi, another former NBA Chairman in the state.
He said, “Our attention has been drawn to the various misleading publications, particularly in the social media, about the on-going matter between the Nigerian Police, and one Mr. Dele Farotimi over his recent publication, titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”
” Ordinarily, we would have kept quite, since the matter is still in court. However, to prevent undiscerning members of the public, from being misled by the obvious misrepresentations, it has become apposite for us to respond to same.
” There is a dictum in law to wit: “Audi Altarem Partem” which means the need to hear the other side. The Yorubas believe so much in this dictum, that they have a proverb that says “A gbo ejo enikan da, agba osika ni” literarily translating to mean that anyone who judges by the report of just one party, is the most wicked. I have found this proverb to be true”.
He continued, ” Not long ago, many people on different social media platforms hailed Afe Babalola for speaking truth to power, like he always does in the interest of our beloved nation.
” However, today, the same Afe Babalola and his family, have been ferociously attacked on the internet, because of the one- sided report, by Mr. Dele Farotimi”.
Babalola, while explaining Farotimi’s actions, said it started with a case, in SUIT NO: SC/146/2005: MAJOR MURITALA GBADAMOSI ELETU & ORS V. H.R.H OBA TIJANI AKINLOYE & ORS (2013) 15 NWLR PART 1378
” In the circumstance, ” The Ojomu family sold 254 hectares of land at Osapa Eti-Osa Local Government Lagos to the late Gbadamosi Bamidele Eletu in 1977. The said parcel of land was subsequently acquired by Lagos State Government in 1989″, he said.
Speaking further, he said, ” The Ojomu family contested the acquisition, against Lagos State Government, in Suit No: ID/1883/89 wherein the court, set aside the acquisition by the Lagos State Government.
” The Ojomu family then instituted the suit at the High Court of Lagos State claiming that title to the land had reverted to the Ojomu family despite the earlier sale of the land to late Gbadamosi Bamidele Eletu.
” The Gbadamosi Eletu family lost the case at the High Court and the Court of Appeal before briefing Aare Afe’s Chambers to represent them at the Supreme Court. Judgement was delivered by the Supreme Court on 13/7/2013 in favour of the Eletu family wherein the Supreme Court held that:
“Where a party has fully divested himself of all interest in land, no right vests in him to deal with the same property by way of further alienation anymore. He is caught by the maxim, nemo dat quod non habet; that is, he cannot give that which he no longer has”.
He added, saying, ” In the instant case, it was unfortunate that the respondents, claimed title to the whole of their family land compulsorily acquired by the Lagos State Government, including the portion earlier sold to the father of the appellants, and in which they were in effective possession.
” The claim, so made without disclosing the truth and excluding the said portion so sold was clearly made in bad faith and smacked of insincerity.It was very unconscionable and consequently against the principles of equity and good conscience”.
” The Supreme Court also held that a court of law should not allow itself to be used as an engine for the perpetration of fraud, in whatever guise”.
” The Judgment of the court is in public domain.By this judgement, the Supreme Court, recognised the sale of land to the Gbadamosi Eletu family”.
He went further to say, ” You will recall that 254 hectares were sold to the Gbadamosi Eletu family. However, instead of the 254 hectares, Honourable Justice Kumai Bayang AKA’ AHS JSC, who wrote the lead judgement, recorded 10 hectares in error.
” Upon the delivery of the Judgement, the Gbadamosi Eletu family surreptitiously employed the services of SB Joseph & Co, to enforce the judgement, before Afe Babalola Chambers, applied for variation of the judgement.
” This was presumed to be because the Gbadamosi Eletu family wanted avoid paying Aare Afe Babalola’s chambers its professional fees.
” However, in 2014, the Gbadamosi Eletu family came back to Aare Afe Babalola’s Chambers. Immediately, Lawyers from Aare Afe Babalola’s chambers, filed a motion for variation of the judgement of the Supreme Court pursuant to Order 8 Rule 16 of the Rules of the Supreme Court, which allows application to be brought to correct clerical errors.
” The said motion was heard and ruling delivered on 18/3/2014 granting statutory right of occupancy to the Gbadamosi Eletu family in respect to the entire 254 hectares sold to late Gbadamosi Bamidele Eletu by the Ojomu family”.
According to him, “several residential estates were affected by the judgement of the Supreme Court, among which were Pinnock Estate, Beach Resort, NICON Estate, Friends’ Colony Estate and Victory Park Estate etc. Mr. Dele Farotimi was a lawyer to one of these Estates.
” The affected estates and individuals, immediately filed fresh suits against the Eletu family, with the purpose of frustrating the judgement of the Supreme Court.
” The Eletu family was lured by the affected estates, to settle some of the suits behind Afe Babalola’s chambers, despite being counsel on record. They filed terms of settlement with court, without the knowing of Afe Babalola’s chambers.
” The Lagos State Government, later issued a publication, indicating their awareness of the Supreme Court judgement, and the need for the State to intervene, in order to maintain public peace and order.
“The Lagos State Government invited the Eletu Family and a compromise was reached so as to avoid a massive dislocation of persons and communities, directly affected by the
Judgement”.
While recalling the offensive publications under reference, as contained in Farotimi’s book, Babalola quoted him as fragrantly saying, “That Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court, to procure a fraudulent judgement in the service of his client.
“That Lawal Pedro,(SAN), at the material time, the Solicitor-General of Lagos State, also corrupted himself, abandoned the interest of the State, its citizens and any pretense to decency, and became the undisclosed attorney to the Eletu family, thus betraying the public trust.
“That Afe Babalola, Olu Daramola, Olu Faro, and the law offices of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), compromised the Supreme Court, and the remaining semblance of integrity it might have had, when they went back to the Supreme Court, and got the Court to swim in the sewer of corruption and shameful self-Abnegation.
” That i have seen enough by the end of September 2013 to be convinced that there was a high-level conspiracy involving elements in the Supreme Court, the Lagos Judiciary, Afe Babalola and his crew and with the Eletus as co-beneficiaries.
“That the Supreme Court, in a most shameless manner, sat a second time on the same matter, and established the facts of the incompetence or corruption of each and every member of those who were involved with the Gbadamosi Eletu case, and this was the point where i realised that the Nigerian judiciary was hopelessly lost, from top to bottom.
” We quickly realized that the law office of Afe Babalola & Co, Emmanuel Chambers had outsourced the judgement execution to another law office, the firm of S.B Joseph & Co, the firm had fraudulently and deliberately concealed the judgement of AKA ‘ AHS and had underlined the words of Justice Rhodes Vivour to deceive and perhaps mislead Atilade or as is more likely, Atilade was always a part of the original fraud
” But apparently, we had underestimated the extent of the putrefaction of the Supreme Court and the extent of Chief Afe Babalola’s corrupt reaches into the innards of the Supreme Court.”
Babalola emphasised that, ” Clearly, all these assertions by Dele Farotimi, in his said book, runs foul of Section 59 of the CRIMINAL CODE ACT, which talks about “Publication of false news, with intent to cause fear and alarm in the public”.
” Subsection (1) states that: Äny person, who publishes or reproduces any statement, rumour or report which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb the public peace, knowing or having reason to believe that statement, rumour or report to be false, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for three”.
Also section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, states penalities on publication of defamatory matter, that, ” Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, any person, who publishes any defamatory matter is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for one year. And any person who publishes any defamatory matter, knowing it to be false, is liable to imprisonment for two years”.
He said, after reading Dele Farotimi’s book, his deductions from it was that he deliberately wrote the book, not because the Supreme Court is corrupt, as he suggested , but because he could not get judgement for his client in court.
In the light of the events that transpired, it is against every good conscience and moral ethics, to say this much about people without verifiable facts and proofs.
His reputation was not built on mere existence, but on many years of hard work and diligent toil. He came from poverty, had no inheritance to set him up in life. He fought tirelessly to be where he is today.
He therefore said what Farotimi wrote about him in the said book, could destroy what he had spent his entire life, building.
He said following the above, that he wrote a petition to the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti and requested that he used his good office to intervene.
” He wrote, to request that Farotimi must show proof of the truthfulness of his publication, failing of which he should be prosecuted for criminal defamation, in accordance with the requirement of the extant laws of Nigeria, and confiscate all defamatory publications, until the investigations are completed.
” The petition, also requested that Mr. Dele Farotimi, by himself, and/or his agents, be stopped, from further publishing any defamatory contents to attack my hard-earned reputation, the reputation of my law firm, and that of my lawyers. and of the Nigerian Judiciary.”
” Or, is it wrong for Afe Babalola to seek justice for these false utterances against him? Should justice only be available to Mr. Dele Farotimi, because Afe Babalola is a global Icon?
‘ Once Mr. Dele Farotimi can show proof that his assertions in the book are true, then, he will be free. Until then, the law allows free speech, but not one that is calculated to injure the good reputation of another.
“All facts are verifiable. I urge Nigerians to verify and find out what the truth is first before picking a side.
” I would like to observe that the position of the NBA President on this matter is outrightly misleading. The case of Aviomoh v C.O.P. (2022) NWLR (pt. 1819) 69 is in fact an authority that defamation, is both tort and a crime.
” These statements suggest a deliberate attempt by Dele Farotimi to malign the reputation of Afe Babalola, and the esteemed law firm of Afe Babalola & Co.
” The accusations made, are baseless, offensive, and not only lacking in truth, but also designed to cause irreparable harm to the standing and legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds.
“These defamatory remarks made in the book cannot be remedied by the award of damages.’
Source: Daily Sun
News
Electricity: Nigeria set to add 150 megawatts by year-end – Adelabu
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that the country is on track to add an additional 150 megawatts of electricity to its national grid before the end of the year, following the successful completion of the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).
He made the disclosure to State House Correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Giving insights into what transpired at the meeting, Adelabu, explained that the initiative, which is being implemented in collaboration with Siemens, aims to enhance Nigeria’s electricity supply through a series of strategic projects.
“We believe that before the end of the year, an additional 150 megawatts will be added upon completion of the entire pilot phase.”
Minister of Power outlined significant advancements in the country’s energy sector, emphasizing the crucial role of international collaboration, particularly with Germany.
“We have a bilateral relationship with the Republic of Germany that focuses on energy and electricity support,” the minister stated. “The name of the game now is about cooperation, collaboration, and partnership.” He highlighted the Siemens project as a flagship component of this relationship, aimed at implementing both Brownfield and Greenfield transmission substations under the PPI.
He noted that since signing the agreement in December 2023 during COP 28 in Dubai, Nigeria has made substantial progress. “We have completed the pilot phase of this project up to 80%,” he noted. This phase includes the importation and installation of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations, with eight already commissioned.
“The positive impact of this is that it has added nothing less than 750 megawatts to our transmission grid capacity,” he explained, attributing the current stability in electricity supply to this achievement.
He said the next phase will involve rehabilitating 14 existing substations and establishing 23 new ones across Nigeria.
“The entire grid is quite fragile and dilapidated,” he lamented. “We need to revamp it to ensure stability going forward.” He reiterated that these efforts are essential for transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In addition to addressing immediate power needs, Adelabu emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy as part of its long-term strategy. “We have an energy transition plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060,” he said.
He pointed out that Germany’s expertise in renewable technologies aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s abundant natural resources. “Germany has technology; we have the sun and wind,” he added, highlighting that over 30 states in Nigeria enjoy a minimum of 10 hours of sunshine daily.
The minister also discussed plans for off-grid solutions, advocating for a distributed power model where each state would have its own generating plants. “This model will shield states from problems on the national grid and ensure rural electrification,” he explained.
Germany’s involvement extends beyond traditional energy sources; it includes significant investments in green energy projects.
The Minister of Power reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that enhance energy access and sustainability across the nation. “Together with our partners, we can build a robust energy infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves quality of life for all Nigerians,” he declared.
The German Consul General in Lagos, Weert Borner, recently announced that Germany has added 670 megawatts to Nigeria’s grid capacity in 2024 alone through their ongoing partnership. “This partnership is vital for improving electricity access for final consumers,” Borner remarked during an interview.
Additionally, Nigeria is set to benefit from Germany’s ambitious €4 billion investment in green energy projects across Africa by 2030.
DailySun
News
Sanwo-Olu reaffirms commitment to empowerment, poverty alleviation
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that foster inclusivity, economic empowerment, and poverty reduction.
He made this pledge during the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) for vulnerable and indigent residents, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Wednesday.
At the event, approximately 1,500 residents were provided with various empowerment tools, including sewing and stoning machines, pepper grinders, hairdryers, barbing kits, cake mixers, welding machines, tiles-cutting machines, and more.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this initiative exemplifies his administration’s dedication to creating a Greater Lagos, where every resident has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to collective progress.
The governor explained that the MESI programme extends beyond offering financial aid to residents. He stressed that it focuses on building a foundation for self-reliance, driving economic growth, and unlocking the potential of women.
“It ensures that every woman, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the tools and resources needed to transform her life, community, and Lagos State,” he stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further highlighted the importance of skill acquisition, capacity building, and financial empowerment, stating that the government is working towards a future where poverty is eradicated, and prosperity becomes a reality. He encouraged the programme’s beneficiaries to use the tools and resources wisely to grow their businesses, enhance their livelihoods, and inspire others in their communities.
“Remember, this programme is just the beginning. Your success will contribute to the larger success of Lagos State,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji-Dada, described the initiative as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs in Lagos. She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support of Lagos communities and for making the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative possible.
Bolaji-Dada detailed the variety of tools distributed, which were selected to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. These included stoning machines, pepper grinders, sewing machines, hairdryers, barbing kits (including clippers, sterilizers, and generators), standing facial steamers, aluminum cutting machines, two-phase burners (with 30-inch cooking pots and 12.5kg cylinders), cake mixers, welding machines, agricultural items (fertilizers, knapsacks, and seeds), and cash grants.
“These tools are not just instruments of trade, but instruments of transformation, designed to help you grow your businesses and uplift your communities,” the commissioner said.
She urged beneficiaries to fully embrace the opportunities before them and work diligently toward realizing their entrepreneurial goals.
DailySun
Business
FG to benefit from World Bank’s $500m loan
Federal Government is to benefit from a $500 million loan facility from the World Bank for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) project in the country.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this known during a courtesy visit on him by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Nigeria, Mr. Axel Schimmelpfennig
The loan facility, according to the minister, will increase the availability and effectiveness for financing for basic education and primary health care in the various states of the federation.
The fund, he said, will enhance transparency and accountability for basic education and primary health care in addition to improving recruitments, deployments and better performance management of teachers.
While appreciating the support of the World Bank, Bagudu elucidated that the Nigerian Constitution is the legal framework that provides the rules and procedures that guides the budget process in addition to empowering the federal and state governments to make expenditures in the preceding year for the purpose of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the government.
“This expenditure can continue for a period not exceeding six months or until the coming into operation of the law as can be seen on Chapter 5, Part 2 Section 122 of the Nigerian Constitution” he said
Bagudu explained further that the reforms embarked on by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration were aimed at developing and implementing economic and tax reforms that will guarantee more functional Public Financial Management (PFM) systems in the country.
“The economic reforms are necessary decisions to put the Nigerian economy on the right track”he explained
He assured the IMF Team that though Nigeria is experiencing a number of challenges such as hardship of citizens as a result of removal of fuel subsidy, floating of foreign exchange, electricity reforms that distributed citizens into bands, Nigeria is on course to economic recovery.
In a statement, the minister appreciated the willingness of the IMF to support Nigeria but however called for more support in the area of resource mobilisation from multinational partners in order for government to provide developments in all sectors of the economy.
Earlier, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Nigeria, Mr. Axel Schimmelpfennig said he was in the country to have interactions with the minister on the workings of the Nigerian budgeting process with particular emphasis on the simultaneous implementation of the 2023/2024 budgets and supplementary budgets in the same year in preparation for the publication of the 2025 annual report of the World Bank.
Schimmelpfennig welcomed the tax reforms of the federal government as increased revenue generation will ensure more developments for Nigerian citizens and thus promised the country of more IMF support for Nigeria’s developmental needs.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Vitalis Emeka Obi, briefed the team on the ministry’s role in co-ordinating Nigeria’s development planning and budgeting processes. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that 2025 promises to be a year of more rapid investments.
DailySun
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