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  • Apapa, Abure disagree in court over plan to withdraw suit against Athan Achonu

    Apapa, Abure disagree in court over plan to withdraw suit against Athan Achonu

     

     

    Abuja:  The two Labour Party(LP) factions led by Mr  Julius Abure and Alhaji Lamidi Apapa disagreed at the Federal High Court, Abuja over plan to withdraw a suit filed against Mr Athan Achonu, the LP candidate in the last governorship election in Imo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Apapa-led faction of the party had filed the case to stop Achonu as the party’s standardbearer for the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship poll in Imo before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

    The plaintiffs in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1357/2023 include LP; Alhaji Apapa (Acting National Chairman); Alhaji Lawal Saleh (Acting National Secretary) and Comrade Abayomi Arabambi (National Publicity Secretary).

    Others are Comrade Anslem Eragbe (National Youth Leader); Akingbade Oyelekan (National Legal Adviser) and Chief Joseph Ikechukwu Ukaegbu (Gubernatorial candidate, Imo State) as 1st to 7th plaintiffs respectively.
    The plaintiffs, in their motion ex-parte sued INEC as sole defendant.

    They had sought an order of interim injunction restraining INEC from “recognising any other person or persons laying claim to the LP gubernatorial ticket in Imo governorship election slated for 11th November, 2023 other than the 7th plaintiff (Ukaegbu) who emerged from the primary conducted by the Apapa-led National Working Committee (NWC) of LP on April 16.

    They also sought an order of mandatory injunction directing or compelling INEC to recognise, upload and publish Ukaegbu’s name as LP governorship candidate in Imo, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously with this ex-parte application.
    They equally sought an order of mandatory injunction directing INEC to upload Apapa and Saleh’s names as the acting national chairman and acting national secretary including other Apapa-led NWC members, pending the pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously with this ex-parte application.
    But Justice Ekwo declined to grant the motion, directing them to put INEC on notice to respond why the court should not grant the application.
    In its response, INEC prayed the court to dismissed Apapa’s motion, seeking to replace the party’s governorship candidate in Imo.
    INEC, in its affidavit to show cause pursuant to the court order, told Justice Ekwo that the plaintiffs’ suit was statue barred.
    When the matter came up on Nov. 23, 2023, Kehinde Edun, the Abure-led National Legal Adviser, appeared in court and announced appearance for LP (1st plaintiff).
    Edun told the court that he was in court to file a discontinuance notice in the matter.
    He argued that LP was joined as 1st plaintiff without authorisation, insisting that they had no case against INEC.
    Taken aback by Edun’s submission, Anderson Asemota, who had been appearing for all the plaintiffs, including the 1st plaintiff (LP), said the matter was slated for hearing.
    He said he was served with a notice of joinder by Imo governorship candidate, Achonu, through his lawyer, Okwudili Anozie, who had earlier announced appearance as party seeking to be joined.
    Asemota told the court that Edun was not the party’s national legal adviser.
    The judge, who ordered Edun to served Asemota with the notice of discontinuance, adjourned the matter until today for hearing.
    Upon resumed hearing, Asemota told the court that an affidavit of facts in opposition to the notice of discontinuance had been filed by his clients.
    Responding, Edun told the court that he was just served with the affidavit of facts earlier in the morning and would need more time to respond.
    Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until March 6 for the adoption of processes in the notice of discontinuance.
    Meanwhile, in the application sighted by NAN, Mr Akingbade Oyelekan, who averred that he was the authentic national legal adviser of LP, said the notice of discontinuance was tailored to mislead the court.
    “I have clinically scanned through and perused the rubrics of the notice of discontinuance dated and filed 22nd November, 2023 and state that the same was contrived, concocted and tailored to mislead this honourable court as it did not emanate from the party,” he said.
    Oyelekan argued that the party’s leadership did not at any time direct or instruct the lawyers handling the matter or any other lawyer to withdraw or discontinue the suit.
    He said they were desirous of prosecuting the matter to its logical conclusion.
    He said he was duly elected as the national legal adviser of the LP in the national convention of the party held on June 10, 2019.
    In the exhibit marked “A,” Oyelekan referred to the list of members of the NWC of the party forwarded to INEC which, he said, was duly received and acknowledged by the commission on June 24, 2019.
    He averred that upon expiration of the tenure of the NWC members, the NEC of the party, in session, extended the tenure of the NWC members, including the national legal adviser for another 6 months.
    He alleged that Edun, who is parading himself as national legal adviser, was unknown to the party.

    Oyelekan urged the court to strike out the notice of discontinuance in the interest of justice.

    NAN reports that Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo was reelected in the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship election.(NAN)(WWE.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • Colombia 2024: Falconets intensify training ahead clash with Burundi on Sunday

    Colombia 2024: Falconets intensify training ahead clash with Burundi on Sunday

     

    Flowerbudnews

    Nigeria’s U20 girls have intensified their general preparations for Sunday’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against the U20 girls of Burundi, with another training session in Dar es Salaam on Friday afternoon.

    Sunday’s match at the Azam Stadium Complex in the Tanzanian capital will kick off at 4pm Tanzania time (2pm Nigeria time), with the winner over two legs qualifying as one of Africa’s four flag-bearers at this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia. The final tournament has been scheduled for 30th August – 22nd September.

    The Falconets, ever-present at the finals since the competition was launched in Canada in 2002, reached the quarter-finalists at the last edition in Costa Rica, and are much-fancied to brush aside the Burundian challenge and pick another World Cup ticket.

    Nigeria’s delegation arrived in Dar es Salaam – which is hosting the match as Burundi does not have an approved stadium for international games – on Wednesday and players immediately shook off the jet lag with a light training session. They also trained on Thursday.

    The team is looking forward to Saturday’s official training at the match venue – the same venue where they drew 1-1 with Tanzania’s U20 girls in their last round of the qualifiers, before sealing qualification to this stage with a 2-1 defeat of the Tanzanian girls in Abuja in the return leg.

     

    Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma and his crew travelled with 19 players, led by Captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem, and also including goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Jumoke Alani and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi and Chima Olise, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Opeyemi Ajakaye and Janet Akekoromowei.

     

    FALCONETS IN BURUNDI

     

    Goalkeepers: Anderline Mgbechi; Shukura Bakare; Faith Omilana

     

    Defenders: Oluchi Ohaegbulem; Jumoke Alani; Rebecca Adegbemile; Shukurat Oladipo; Oluwabunmi Oladeji

     

    Midfielders: Adoo Yina; Taiwo Afolabi; Olushola Shobowale; Aminat Folorunsho; Chioma Olise

     

    Forwards: Opeyemi Ajakaye; Chiamaka Okwuchukwu; Chisom Chima; Janet Akekoromowei; Chiamaka Osuigwe; Oluwayemisi Samuel

     

    Dominican Republic 2024: Olowookere invites 35 to Flamingos’ camp for CAR

     

    Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has called 35 players to the camp of the Nigeria U17 girls, Flamingos, ahead of their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against their counterparts from the Central African Republic.

     

    The list is composed of five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and 14 forwards.

     

    Olowookere, who along with his assistants from the FIFA World Cup bronze medal-winning feat from India 2022 was restored to his position by the NFF Executive Committee earlier in the week, will lead his new birds to the first leg of the qualifiers scheduled for the weekend of 2nd – 4th February in Bangui, with the return leg to take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 10th February.

     

    The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup was launched in New Zealand in 2008. Nigeria has featured in every edition of the competition bar one – the 2018 finals held in Uruguay. This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in the Dominican Republic, 16th October – 3rd November.

     

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

     

    Goalkeepers: Ayomiposi Anifowose (Dream Stars Ladies); Elizabeth Boniface (Kwara Ladies); Chiamaka Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Favour Edward (Naija Ratels); Jacqueline Opara (Imo Strikers)

     

    Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Ayoade Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Kausara Akanji (Dream Stars Ladies); Omolola Ibidun (Naija Ratels); Rokibat Azeez (Royal Queens); Patricia Habilah (Fosla Academy); Pelumi Olaleke (Royaltom Queens); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies)

     

    Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens); Aishat Sanni (Dream Stars Ladies); Olanike Olanipekun (Jagunmolu Queens); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Busayo Akinfolaju (Kaduna State)

     

    Forwards: Edidiong Etim (Bayelsa Queens); Yetunde Ayantosho (Osun Babes); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Suliat Ajibade (Sunshine Queens); Precious Oscar (Imo Strikers); Tessy Ojiyovwi (Nasarawa Amazons); Dorathy Eshiet (Remo Stars Ladies); Chisom Chima (Ekiti Queens); Wuraola Olayinka (Ogun State); Tobiloba Sarafa (Ekiti Queens); Ijeoma Joseph (First Mahi Babes); Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels); Amarachi Ohiaeri (Green Foot); Ramota Kareem (Honey Badgers) Flowerbudnews)

  • CCT shifts ruling in Kano anti-corruption boss’ motion against CCB until Jan. 24

    CCT shifts ruling in Kano anti-corruption boss’ motion against CCB until Jan. 24

     

    Abuja:  The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) sitting in Abuja has adjourned ruling on a motion filed by Muhuyi Magaji, Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), challenging the competence of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to prosecute.

    The ruling, which was earlier fixed for today by the three-member panel, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, was suspended by the tribunal.
    When the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) got to the CCT office, a security guard at the entrance gate informed that the matter would no longer hold.

    Meanwhile, NAN reliably gathered that new hearing notices had been issued to parties in the matter.

    The tribunal had, on Wednesday, fixed today after Magaji’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, and lawyer to the CCB, Musa Usman, presented their arguments and adopted their applications.
    Adedipe informed the panel of his motion on notice dated against the charge number: CCT/KN/01/2023.

    While moving the motion, Adeola called the attention of the tribunal to their two prayers, which were predicated on six grounds.

    He argued that a High Court of Kano State presided over by Justice Farouk Adamu had, on Aug. 28, 2023, restrained the CCB from interfering in the affairs or taking any step in connection with the functions, duties and affairs of his client until the matter is dispensed with.

    He restated that in the Kano matter, CCB was the 2nd defendant and that the court directed parties to maintain status.

    The senior lawyer said the prosecution undermined the order by preferring the instant charge against Magaji.

    He argued that filing the charge against Magaji in the face of Exhibit B presented before the tribunal was a recourse to self help.

    He prayed the panel to strike out all the processes filed by the CCB, including the oral submission, for non-compliance with the mandatory provision of Paragraph 13(2) of the CCT Practice Direction 2017 which gave three days for a party to respond to any process served on them.

    Adedipe stated that the prosecution was served with their motion for more than 30 days before they responded.

    He urged the tribunal to stop the CCB from proceeding with the charge.
    Usman, while disagreeing with Adedipe, urged the tribunal to discountenance the defence argument..

    He said the order of Kano State relied on by the defendant did not mention the word “prosecution,” hence, it did not stop the complainant from instituting the instant case.
    He said the order was clearly preventing the CCB from meddling into the affairs of the defendant, and not on investigation matter.
    “The Kano State High Court was aware of the decision of Court of Appeal in a case of Ewuno Bassey Vs EFCC and others where the court states that it is no longer in doubt that agencies given powers to investigate cannot be prevented or arms twisted from performing their duties,” he said.
    Usman said on this basis, the submission and the application of the defendant lacked merit and must be treated as such.

    Justice Umar, who adjourned the matter for ruling, said the decision would determine whether the trial would proceed or not.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • NANS applauds Tinubu for approving N683b intervention funds for public tertiary education institutions

    NANS applauds Tinubu for approving N683b intervention funds for public tertiary education institutions

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for the approval of N683,429,268 billion as the 2024 Intervention Funds for public tertiary education institutions in the country.

    This was announced on Friday by the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr Sonny Echono, during the Fund’s strategic planning meeting with heads of beneficiary-institutions in Abuja.

    The President of NANS, Comrade Pedro Obi, told newsmen in Enugu on Friday that this monumental decision marks a significant milestone in the development of the educational system in the country.

    Obi said that the association recognizes the immense dedication and commitment of President Tinubu towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria.

    According to him, the approval of these monumental Intervention Funds demonstrates the government’s unwavering support for public tertiary institutions.

    This, he said, remained a clear indication of President Tinubu’s recognition of the pivotal role that education plays in shaping the future of our nation.

    “We believe that the allocation of these funds will go a long way in addressing the various challenges faced by public tertiary institutions across the country.

    “NANS urges the management of these institutions to utilise the subvention in a proper and transparent manner.

    “It is imperative that these funds are directed towards initiatives that will directly benefit the students and enhance the quality of education offered in these institutions,” he said.

    The NANS boss also implored the school management to ensure that this intervention helped to reduce the increment and hike in school fees experienced by students in tertiary institutions.

    “It is our firm belief that education should be affordable and accessible to all, and the prudent utilization of these funds will contribute to achieving this goal.

     

    “NANS remains committed to collaborating with the government and all relevant stakeholders to address the challenges facing the Nigerian educational system.

     

    “We are confident that with continued support and investment in the sector, we can create an enabling environment for students to thrive academically and become productive members of society.

     

    “Once again, we express our deepest appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the advancement of education in Nigeria,” he said.

    He, however, called on all students to remain focused, dedicated, and utilize the opportunities provided by this intervention fund for their educational and personal growth and development. Flowerbudnews

  • Oyo-Ita failed to disclose property, accounts in asset declaration form–EFCC witness

    Oyo-Ita failed to disclose property, accounts in asset declaration form–EFCC witness

     

    Abuja: Mr Mubarak Isa, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, has told a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja that Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, immediate-past Head of Service (HoS), did not disclose some property she owned in her asset declaration form.

    Isa, an Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, told Justice James Omotosho on Friday while testifying as the 7th prosecution witness (PW7) in the on-going fraud allegation preferred against Oyo-Ita and others.

    The PW7 told the court that he made the discovery when he joined a team of other EFCC investigators, comprising of Hamma Bello and Rukkayat Ibrahim, to investigate the ex-HoS.

    According to the witness, sometime in 2019, Oyo-Ita filled a declaration of assets form which was witnessed by Mr Tahir Mamman at the EFCC office.

    ”In the course of investigation, we found that personal accounts in First City Monument Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, ECOBANK; Frontline Ace Global Ltd and Asanaya Projects Ltd accounts in Zenith and Fidelity Banks, all linked to Oyo-Ita were not disclosed in the form.

    “Analysis into these accounts showed payment from Asanaya Projects to Multipurpose Infrastructural Development Company.

    “This necessitated an interview with the Managing Director, Mr Emmanuel Obiri, and he disclosed that he met with Oyo-Ita, who showed interest in owning property in Lagos as a fallback after her retirement.

    “A total payment of N65 million was paid by other companies for two numbers of four bedroom terrace and two numbers of shops all in Lagos for the sum of N94 million.

    “These properties were also not disclosed in the asset declaration form,’’ the witness told the court.

    When asked under cross examination if he was aware Oyo-Ita was neither a director nor a shareholder in the two companies he mentioned, the witness told the court that he did not know.

    EFCC’s counsel, Halidu Mohammed, sought to tender the declaration form as evidence in the case which was not opposed by the defence lawyers and Justice Omotosho admitted it as an exhibit.

    Earlier, Mr Marvis Enabulele, a staff of Fidelity Bank and the 6th prosecution witness (PW6), told the court that the bank never reported any illegal activity on the account Oyo-Ita operated with them.

    Enabulele, who tendered the statement of account of Oyo-Ita as well as that of Prince Mega Logistics Ltd in evidence, said that the proper procedure was followed in opening the accounts.

    The witness further told the court that he generated the documents by downloading the account statement from the bank’s system and then prepared a certificate of identification.

    The judge admitted all the documents tendered in evidence and adjourned the matter until Jan. 23 and 26 for continuation of hearing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants were, on Jan. 18, 2023, arraigned by the anti-graft agency on an 18-count charge of N3 billion graft.

    She was arraigned alongside her Special Assistant, Ubong Effiok; Frontline Ace Global Services Limited; Asanaya Projects Ltd; Garba Umar and his companies, Slopes International Ltd and Gooddeal Investments Ltd.
    Other defendants include U & U Global Services Ltd, belonging to Mr Effiok, and Prince Mega Logistics Ltd.

    They were all arraigned for alleged fraud in relation to duty tour allowance (DTA), estacodes, conference fees and receiving kickbacks on contracts.

    The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    NAN reports that Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants were earlier being tried before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of a sister court before he retired in July 2022.

    They were arranged before Justice Taiwo on March 23, 2020 on same count charge. / Flowerbudnews

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court Upholds Victory Of Lawal As Zamfara Gov

    BREAKING: Supreme Court Upholds Victory Of Lawal As Zamfara Gov

    The Supreme Court on Friday, has affirmed election of Dauda Lawal as Zamfara State Governor.

     

     

     

    The Apex court set aside the decision of the court of appeal Abuja, which had declared the governorship election as inconclusive and ordered a re-run in the three local government areas of the state.

  • NAFDAC Reveals Four Ways to Detect Counterfeit Drugs, Products

    NAFDAC Reveals Four Ways to Detect Counterfeit Drugs, Products

     

     

    Abuja: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on its mission to eradicate the menace of counterfeit drugs and unwholesome products from the Nigerian market, has revealed four simple ways consumers can identify fake drugs and other products.

     

    The Director General, Professor Moji Adeyeye made the disclosure on Tuesday on the heels of widespread social media outrage against the activities of fake drug manufacturers and sellers of substandard food and beverages.

     

    The World Health Organisation (WHO), describes fake and substandard medicines as spurious, falsified, falsely labelled, and counterfeit (SSFFC) drugs, with grievous consequences on human health.

     

    The apex health agency asserts that they often will fail to properly treat the disease or condition for which they were intended, and can lead to serious health consequences including death.

     

    Available statistics also shows that the sub-Saharan African region records an annual mortality rate of about 280,000 children as a result of counterfeit medications for malaria and pneumonia.

     

    Nigeria, in 2023, according to data from NAFDAC destroyed 135 truckloads of fake, counterfeit, spurious, and damaged or expired products worth over N16 billion.

     

    To avert unnecessary mortality and morbidity among the populace, Prof. Adeyeye, in a statement highlighted what she termed 4 Ps for members of the public to easily detect fake and adulterated drugs and products.

     

    Place of medicine purchase was the first P, as she emphasised the need for consumers to patronise only NAFDAC-registered reputable licensed pharmacies and stores for their drug and food products.

     

    The second P, according to the NAFDAC DG was price, which is a very significant factor in the purchase process, saying people should be cautious of products below normal prices or without proper taxes, as they might be fake.

     

    Packaging, the third P, provides tell-tales signs about any product, she said, urging them to always Inspect for poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes, and unusual bottle shapes. “Check for the manufacturer’s contact information and address-, she charged.

     

    Prof. Adeyeye listed Product, as the last P, with serious warning for people to beware of unpleasant smells, as products smelling like paint stripper or nail polish remover may be unsafe.

     

    While assuring citizens of the unwavering commitment of the agency in ridding the nation of counterfeit products and merchants of deaths, she appealed for the support of the 10th National Assembly in expediting the review of penalties against counterfeiting. She argued that stiff penalties, without an option of a fine, would discourage perpetrators from engaging in such illicit trades.

     

    Despite numerous life-threatening encounters and attacks on NAFDAC officers, Prof. Adeyeye assured that the agency remains undeterred in its mission to safeguard the health of Nigerians. She urged citizens to assist by providing useful information on the activities of counterfeiters

  • FULL LIST: 45 visa-free countries Nigerian passport can travel in 2024

    FULL LIST: 45 visa-free countries Nigerian passport can travel in 2024

    The Henley Passport Index, on Thursday, released the most powerful passports in the world.

     

    HPI, known for its comprehensive and authoritative ranking, evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without needing a prior visa

     

    Nigeria sits behind Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Morroco, Benin Republic and Namibia which are at number 76th, 83rd, 67th, 65th, 71st, 79th and 65th respectively.

     

    The index also said Nigerians now have about 45 visa-free countries enabled with their passports.

     

    See the full list below:

     

    1. Barbados

    2. Benin

    3. Burkina Faso

    4. Burundi

    5. Cambodia

    6. Cameroon

    7. Cape Verde Islands

    8. Chad

    9. Comoro Islands

    10. Cook Islands

    11. Cote d’Ivoire

    12. Djibouti

    13. Dominican Republic

    14. Fiji

    15. Ghana

    16. Guinea

    17. Guinea-Bissau

    18. Haiti

    19. Iran

    20. Kenya

    21. Kiribati

    22. Lebanon

    23. Liberia

    24. Madagascar

    25. Maldives

    26. Mali

    27. Mauritiana

    28. Mauritius

    29. Micronesia

    30. Montserrat

    31. Mozambique

    32. Niger

    33. Niue

    34. Palau Islands

    35. Rwanda

    36. Samoa

    37. Senegal

    38. Sierra Leone

    39. Somalia

    40. St. Kitts and Nevis

    41. The Gambia

    42. Timor-Leste

    43. Togo

    44. Tuvalu

    45. Vanuatu

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court affirms Sanwo-Olu’s election

    BREAKING: Supreme Court affirms Sanwo-Olu’s election

    The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

     

    Sanwo-Olu’s victory was upheld by the tribunal and Appeal Court in the state.

     

    The kernel of the case of the Labour Party candidate in the election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, is on Sanwo-Olu’s running mate qualification.

     

    He claimed that the deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, had renounced his citizenship as a Nigerian.

     

    The court held that Sanwo-Olu’s deputy is a Nigerian by birth

     

    The court added renouncation of citizenship of a citizens by birth must be registered by the Nigerian president, adding that the appellant did not provide an evidence to that effect.

     

    The court, however, dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party Candidate for lacking in merit

     

    Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, of the PDP on his part, contended that the name Sanwo-Olu submitted to INEC was different from that contained in his WAEC certificate.

     

    The apex court while dismissing appeal described its as “academic”.

     

    The dismissal of the appeal and that of the Labour Party means that Sanwo-Olu is the duly elected governor of Lagos state.

     

    Details later…