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My Counsel To The Nation *by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida

 

Distinguished Members of the Fourth estate of the realm.

It has been drawned to my attention a press  on the State of the nation, particularly 2019 general elections and beyond.

Let me categorically state that as former President and Statesman, I have unfettered channel of communication with the highest authorities without sensational public correspondence, therefore those views  expressed over there are personal views of the writer.

However, with due respect to individual opinion and constitutional rights,  it is worrisome that Political events and civil unrest in many part of the country, has raised many questions on the governance and unity.

Indeed 2018 is inundated with seasons of literatures on the corporate existence of this country. Many of such literatures have shown concerns of the corporate existence of Nigeria beyond 2019 general elections.
It will be recalled, that in my message to this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, I specifically expressed the dire need for proactive measures to stop farmers/herders clashes in the middle belt, Cattle rustling, armed robbery, Kidnapping, gangsterism and Cultism. Our security agencies have to step up surveillance with more efforts on intelligence gathering for maximum success.

Recent happenings and utterances by political gladiators is alarming and not in the interest of common man that is already overstretched and apparently living from hand to mouth due to precarious economic conditions. Despite all these challenges, I am optimistic that the political actors will play within the ambits of political norms and decorum to ameliorate the problems facing our society now.

I am a realist that believes in all issues in a democratic atmosphere are sincerely discussed and resolved in the spirit of give and take. Since after  my military years that metamorphosed to the only Military President in the history of Nigeria and my civilian life, I always have one clear objective that freedom can only be achieved through democracy. Some people find this freedom as an avenue for eroding democracy by antics of hate speeches under the guise of religion, tribal or self imposed mentorship. This trend of pitching political class and the people is unhealthy and skewed.

The clamour for re-alignment of governance in the country as we are approaching 2019 election year is a welcome development only if the agitations are genuinely channeled through legislation and total supremacy of the constitution . Any attempt outside this circle of democratic tenants is deceptive and divisive idea capable of plunging our political journey into disarray.

Our present political parties and their structures need parameter pillars that will make them more strong with unique ideologies. However, our present political parties need surgical operation that will fusion them in to a reasonable numbers. I have been an advocate of two party systems but in our present reality in Nigeria, our political parties can fusion into strong political association/party that can form a formidable opposition to a ruling party.

As students of history, we are aware that many advanced democracies have two distinct ideological political parties, with a handful of smaller political parties that serve as buffer whenever any of the known political parties derailed or became unpopular. I still believe in two party systems as the best option for Nigeria.

It is high time that, we dialogue more on any issue in order to have a political solution on any problem affecting us. It is sad that, Nigeria had its fare share of conflicts, and we cannot continue to fall back to those dark years of bloodshed.

As a people, now is the time to come together to address all Communal conflicts and criminality under any guise to further unite the country in line with the vision of our founding fathers so that as a nation, we can forge ahead in the task of building a more prosperous nation.

SIGNED:
GENERAL IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA GCFR, FORMER MILITARY PRESIDENT & COMMANDER IN-CHIEF OF NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES.
1 UPHILL DRIVE, MINNA.
SUNDAY, 04TH FEBRUARY, 2018.

BIG STORY

FG Rescues Daughter Of Actress Jumoke George, Arrives From Mali Today

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Adeola, the daughter of the well-known actress Jumoke George, is expected to arrive in Nigeria from Mali on Monday (today). This marks the end of a long period of separation.

The Federal Government’s rescue of Adeola George from Mali was initiated after actress Biola Adebayo brought her situation to light through her podcast. Adebayo’s platform played a crucial role in uncovering Adeola’s plight.

During an episode of her podcast, titled “Talk to B,” Adebayo featured Jumoke George, who shared her difficult circumstances. The podcast served as a platform for the actress to voice her concerns.

The prominent Nollywood actress revealed that she had been residing in a church for over six years and had been ill since January 2025. Additionally, her daughter Adeola had been “missing for over four years,” leaving her to care for her two other children alone.

In a further development, Adebayo, who is also a Nollywood actress, made contact with Adeola. Adeola disclosed that she had been in Mali for the past four years. This contact provided crucial information about Adeola’s whereabouts.

Adeola expressed her desire to return home but explained that she was unable to because she no longer possessed valid travel documents. This lack of proper documentation was a significant barrier to her return.

In a subsequent action, Adebayo reached out to the Nigerian Embassy in Mali and the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, which is headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer. This intervention involved official channels to facilitate Adeola’s return.

As of Friday, all necessary arrangements had been finalized for Adeola to return to Nigeria. This indicates that the efforts to bring her back were successful.

She was initially expected to arrive on Sunday (yesterday). However, due to the fact that the journey from Mali to Nigeria is being undertaken by road, her arrival in Nigeria is now expected later. The mode of transportation affected the initial arrival timeline.

According sources within NiDCOM informed The Eagle Online that Adeola would be received at the Lagos Office of NiDCOM by Dabiri-Erewa. This highlights the official reception planned for her arrival.

Recall that NiDCOM has previously facilitated the return of numerous stranded Nigerians from various parts of the world. This underscores the commission’s ongoing efforts to assist Nigerians abroad.

The most recent instance was the return of 13 women from Ghana and Mali last week Thursday. This recent repatriation effort highlights NiDCOM’s continued work in this area.

Adebayo has received praise and commendation for her role and intervention in the case of Adeola, who had been away in Mali for four years. Her actions were instrumental in bringing about Adeola’s return.

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BREAKING: Lagos Government Shuts Down Cubana Chief Priest’s Restaurant Over Environmental Violations

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The Lagos State Government has closed DONALD Restaurant, which is owned by the well-known celebrity barman Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest. The shutdown is due to significant “environmental infractions.”

The restaurant, situated in the affluent Lekki area, was closed after two employees were caught improperly disposing of waste along the roadside. This incident happened on Durosimi-Etti Street in Lekki Phase 1 and was reported early on Saturday, May 18, 2025, by the Chairman of the Lekki Estate Residents Association.

Following the report, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) quickly sent its Monitoring and Compliance team to the location. The team apprehended the individuals responsible and “sealed off the restaurant” for violating the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

Confirming the event via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, LAWMA Managing Director/CEO, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated that “the culprits will be prosecuted accordingly.” This indicates that legal action will be taken against those involved.

“This action underscores our zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations. No one is above the law,” Gbadegesin noted. This quote emphasizes the strict approach the state is taking regarding environmental offenses.

The shutdown serves as a clear warning as the state increases its efforts to take action against “environmental offenders” to maintain cleanliness and order in Lagos. This highlights the broader implications of the government’s action.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: FG Drags Roosevelt Ogbonna’s Access Bank To Court Over Alleged Fraudulent Diversion Of N825 Million State Funds

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Access Bank Plc and one of its employees are facing legal action. A four-count charge has been filed against them at the Federal High Court. The charges relate to the alleged diversion of N825.9 million in state funds into what is described as a “fraudulent account.”

The charges were brought by the federal government. They are the result of an investigation conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This information is based on “court documents seen by this newspaper.”

The charges, filed at the Sokoto Judicial Division, name Abdulmalik Abubakar, a relationship manager at Access Bank’s Sokoto branch, and the bank itself as defendants. They are accused of conspiracy, money laundering, and “concealment of stolen funds.”

The state counsel in the first count alleges that the defendants created a fake “Internal Revenue Service Account” with the account number 1873016763. It is claimed that they received N825.9 million through this account between May 2024 and January 2025. This is alleged to be in violation of Nigeria’s Money Laundering Act of 2022 and the Corrupt Practices Act of 2000.

The second count accuses them of allegedly concealing the same funds. This concealment is said to have occurred through the same “fraudulent account,” which was reportedly created at Access Bank’s Sokoto branch.

According to the court, the bank and Mr. Abubakar allegedly committed an offense that is contrary to section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under sections 18(3), 18 (4), 22(1), and 22(2) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. This specifies the legal statutes that were purportedly violated.

In Count Three, prosecutors assert that the money was fraudulently received through the fake account. This action, they say, constitutes “an offence contrary to section 13 and punishable under section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.” This outlines another specific legal violation.

Count Four alleges that Mr. Abubakar and the bank directly concealed the laundered funds. This is claimed to be “an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.” This presents the final count in the charges against the defendants.

The state contends that the money was diverted without authorization and concealed in violation of anti-corruption and money laundering laws. This summarizes the federal government’s case against Access Bank and its employee.

According to a “hearing notice signed on 2 May,” the case has been moved from the General Cause List to a hearing scheduled for 19 May. The hearing will proceed on that date if the court’s schedule permits; otherwise, it will be postponed without further notification. The hearing is estimated to last up to two days.

The notice specifies that any party wishing to postpone the hearing must apply to the court promptly and provide proof if the reason involves factual matters. This sets out the procedure for seeking a postponement.

The notice also states that both parties must present all evidence at the hearing, including witnesses and documents. Evidence must be submitted during the hearing, and failure to do so may result in exclusion or the imposition of costs. This emphasizes the importance of presenting all relevant information at the scheduled time.

It further indicates that parties wanting witnesses to attend should immediately request the court to issue summons, allowing sufficient time for notification. If witnesses are required to bring documents, these must be clearly specified. This outlines the process for ensuring witness attendance and document production.

The notice clarifies that the party requesting witnesses must pay reasonable fees to cover their expenses and loss of time, as determined by the court. Attendance may be denied if these fees are not deposited. This addresses the financial responsibilities associated with witness testimony.

The notice also states that if either party intends to use documents held by the other, they must provide written notification ahead of the hearing. Failure to do so will prevent them from presenting secondary evidence related to those documents. This establishes rules regarding the presentation of documentary evidence.

The notice was officially issued by order of the court. This confirms the legal authority behind the instructions provided in the hearing notice.

When contacted for a response, the Access Bank spokesperson, Kunle Aderinokun, stated that the bank would issue an official statement regarding the matter. This indicates that the bank is aware of the charges and intends to address them publicly.

The information in this report is attributed to “Source Premium Times,” indicating the original source of this news.

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