Boss Picks
Those Nigerians Expect in Buhari’s New Cabinet
Published
5 years agoon
By
EricBy Eric Elezuo and Promise Oshewa
There are permutations from every corner regarding who President Muhammadu Buhari will nominate to form part of his next level cabinet even as expectations are rife that the President may likely take long to make his desire known. This is a fallout of the fact that more than one month after the inauguration of his second term administration, there are no signs in the horizon that ministers will take up tasks soon. However, there are indications that the list would be ready soon going by pronouncement of the President’s SSA on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on behalf of the government that appointment of ministers ‘will not take longer than necessary’.
While Mr President is still dilly-dallying over the issue, and while a cross section of Nigerians believe that he may not hit the ground running as soon as expected, Nigerians are beginning to make suggestions for the President because they desire highly rated technocrats and result-oriented professionals to make the ministerial list. It is of even more interest that Buhari has appointed his own personal staff, leaving unattended to, ministers’ list, which was once rumoured to have been submitted to the Senate.
It must not be taken for granted that if the list is not ready before the National Assembly goes on recess in July, Nigerians may have to wait till the end of September to know Buhari’s ministers.
The Assembly members returned to their various chambers on July 2, 2019, after a short break, and will go for another two months recess on July 26, 2019. It is therefore, imperative that the ministers are named, screened, approved and assigned portfolios before the date.
It is not contestable that the power to appoint ministers is constitutionally vested in Mr. President with the approval of the National Assembly but Nigerians believe both the executive and the legislature must make the right choice to achieve the next level agenda of the All Progressives Congress-led administration.
Consequently, as a follow up of our story earlier on Ministers That Shouldn’t Make Buhari’s Cabinet, TheBoss brings you trusted and tested technocrats who Nigerians wish could be selected to form the next cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari; men and women who will be rightly guided by responsibilities as clearly stipulated in Section 148 of the 1999 Constitution.
Below are personalities and their proposed suitable cabinet positions
JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL – OLISA AGBAKOBA
Agbakoba is distinguished Maritime Lawyer who has devoted his life in the study of Advocacy and Law. He is a key leader in the country’s pro-democratic movement, and is known to have assisted in the furthering of human rights cause.
He was born on May 29, 1953 to Chief Justice Godfrey Ubaka and Mrs Phina Agbakoba in Jos. He later moved to Onitsha in 1965, two years before the Nigerian civil war. He attended Government Primary School, Jos from 1959 to 1960, Hillcrest School, Jos; 1961, Government Primary School Jos, 1962 1963; Zixton Public School Ozubulu in 1964 and Christ the King College, Onitsha between 1966 and 1967.
Agbakoba also attended College of Immaculate Conception in Enugu from 1970 to 1972, Government College in Ughelli in 1973, University of Nigeria, Nsukka from 1973 to 1977, Nigerian Law School in Lagos in 1978 and London School of Economics & Political Science from 1979 to 1980.
He holds an LLB (Hons) of the University of Nigeria, BL of the Nigerian Law School and LLM (1980) of the University of London.
Olisa Agbokoba has served as former president of the Nigerian Bar Association from 2006 to 2008. The erudite lawyer is famous for his human and civil rights activities, and is believed could correct all the anomalies of the Abubakar Malami in the last dispensation.
He is married to Lilian Agbakoba, who is also a lawyer by profession, has three daughters and six grandchildren and lives in Lagos.
THE FCT – NUHU RIBADU
Ribadu, known by all means as a Nigerian super cop, made serious impact in the Nigerian polity as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The police officer turned politician was also a former chairman of The Petroleum Revenue Task Force, and looks good for a space among the next set of ministers. He is known for his strict anti-corruption stand which is President Buhari’s preoccupation.
It is on record tha Ribadu has turned down bribes to pervert justice in the course of duty. A notable case is his rejection of a $15 million and a house abroad to swerve justice. He confirmed that he used the money as evidence against the culprit. Two assassination attempts have been made on his life because of his uncompromising stance.
A former presidential candidate under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Ribadu’s impact on the fight against corruption in the country is well spoken of and he is sure to bring that energy to bear as a minister in Buhari’s government.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – JELANI ALIYU
The field of science and technology in the country needs total overhaul, and one among many professionals who has what it takes to turn it around is the Chevrolet Volt car designer, Jelani Aliyu.
A creative thinker, who had pursued his dreams of car designing from a very young age. His quest for creativity even led to his dropping out from the Ahmadu Bello University just to achieve his dreams. He later joined Birnin Kebbi Polytechnic where he graduated as the overall best graduating student with a degree in architecture in 1988. Earlier, Aliyu had emerged as the best student in Technical Drawing when he attended Federal Government College, Sokoto.
Ultimately, Jelani Aliyu was admitted into the College for Creative Studies, Detroit in 1990, thanks to a Scholarship from Sokoto State after a stint with the Ministry of Works. During the course of his studies, the gifted designer exposed his outstanding ability and won two prestigious awards from Ford Motor Company and Michelin, US.
However, only when Jelani Aliyu successfully worked on the design of the Chevrolet Volt, did he become a superstar in his company. This compact automobile by Jelani was exhibited for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in the city of General Motors Renaissance in 2007.
The man, who was born 51 years ago in Kaduna is the ideal model that Nigerian can take pride in, and is suitable to head the Science and Technology ministry.
BUDGET AND PLANNING – BEN AKABUEZE
A top rated Economist, and the current Director General of the Budget office for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Akabueze is suitable earn a seat among President Buhari’s ministers. He has proven his worth in different positions in government; he has served as the CEO of NAL Bank Plc (now Sterling Bank Plc) and was two terms Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget with the Lagos State Government, and during his time, Akabueze made various improvements.
Akabueze obtained a B.Sc in Accounting from the University of Lagos and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration and Management from the Lagos Business School
He is not only sound in financial matters, he is also spiritually gifted. He was the Pastor-in-charge of Lagos Province 39 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God till his appointment with the Federal Government and is married to Ngozi, the CEO of Foundation for Sapphire (A non profit organisation).
Akabueze was elected the Chief Executive Officer of NAL Bank Plc in 2000 a post he retained till its merger in 2005 to become Sterling Bank Plc. He was thereafter in 2007 appointed as the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget by the Lagos State Government till 2015. In February 2016 he was appointed as Special Adviser to the President on National Planning and was made the Director General for Budget office in June
He is no doubt fit for the position of the Minister of Budget in President Buhari administration based on his impact over time.
FINANCE – BISMARCK REWANE
The finance ministry is highly sensitive, and as a result needs a personality with a resounding financial background and acumen. Therefore, among high rated financial gurus in the country, Bismarck Rewane stands tall. The man behind the national Minimum wages for Nigerian workers, who is also the CEO and Director of Financial Derivatives has shown character in the discharge of his duties.
Rewane is also an associate of the Institute of Bankers, England and Wales, and has served on the board of several organisations, including Navgas (a Vitol Group subsidiary), NLNG Prize Award Foundation, UNIC Insurance Plc, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, UBA Custodian Limited, Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc and Top Feeds Nigeria Limited.
ENVIRONMENT – NNIMMO BASSEY
Architect, environmental activist, author and poet, Bassey who chaired Friends of the Earth International from 2008 through 2012 and was Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action for two decades, and during this period, his achievements cannot be overlooked. He served wholeheartedly and have won many awards to his name.
Bassey has been active on human rights agitation since the 80’s when he served on the Board of Directors of Nigeria’s Civil liberties Organization. Since 1996, Bassey and Environmental Rights Action led Oilwatch Africa and, beginning in 2006, also led the Global South network, Oilwatch International, striving to educate and mobilize communities in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Congo (Brazzaville), Ghana, Uganda, South America and in Southeast Asia to “resist destructive oil and gas extraction activities.
He is versed in environmental matters, and deserve a chance to prove his worth in the Environmental Ministry.
INFORMATION, ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM – DONALD DUKE
“What got the military out of power was not democracy but the dreadful state of the economy. If we, the democratic government, cannot deliver food for the mass of people we can forget about democracy.”
The above is a testimony of how two terms Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, is passionate about good life for the Nigerian people. He has received praises for his contributions to the fields of agriculture, urban development, government, environment, information and communication, investment drive, and tourism and making Calabar the cleanest city in Nigeria.
During his stewardship in Cross River, he initiated the Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race which attracted contestants and visitors from other countries. He totally revamped the tourism potential of Cross River State. In 2005, he created a special reserve fund for the state meant to ‘‘hedge against economic downturn, and the inevitable rainy day’’. This was meant to cushion the effect of unforeseeable economic challenges that may occasion uncertainty in the state’s Internally generated revenue, as well as monthly allocation from the federal government.
He also initiated the Calabar Carnival which started in 2004 and is popularly referred to as “Africa’s biggest street party.”
Donald Duke initiated the Tinapa Resort project as a way to boost business and tourism in the state. Over $350 million was spent on initial development before phase 1 opening in April 2007. BBC reported in September 2006 that Governor Duke was the only governor specifically mentioned as not being under investigation by the federal Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Four other governors were also reported as not under investigation but their names were not released.)
If President Buhari is desirous of changing the information, tourism and arts narratives of Nigeria, Duke is the right man for the job.
DEFENCE – CAPTAIN UMAR ALIYU BABANGIDA
Captain Umar Aliyu Babangida is a Security Resource and Solutions Consultant and ex-Military Intelligence Officer.
He holds Degrees in Defence Studies, Political Science; Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution; a Project Management Professional Accreditation, and affiliation to various security interest groups in Nigeria.
Capt. Babangida has had a multi-disciplinary professional trajectory from Defence, Security, Intelligence, to Private Business-Security Consulting in Nigeria.
At GoldWater & RiverSand, a Defence and National Security Solutions Consults Firm, Aliyu oversees business consults with an array of clients in areas ranging from, but not limited to Enterprise-Environment- Security consults, to Regional, Ethno-Cultural and Religion Security Consults, as they trend, tend, and affect an array of clientele needs, not less so inter and intra Political Party security and intelligence resource and options, for interested clientele across board.
Post military service years, Umar has worked in and held security job role Designations (operational and managerial) within a number of reputable corporate Entities across country, some of which are: The Dangote Industries Limited; Victoria Garden City Company Limited; British American Tobacco Nigeria, amongst others.
EDUCATION – TONYE COLE
Born on January 11, 1967, Tonye Cole, a seasoned academia and industrialist is a motivational speaker, writer, teacher and mentor.
He attended Corona School, Victoria Island and later King’s College, Lagos before proceeding to King’s School, Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. He is also an alumnus of University of Lagos where he bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Engineering, then a Portuguese Certificate from Universidade de Brasilia, Brazil. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program in 2014. The Brazilian architectural firm Grupo Quartro SA in Goiania Brazil was where he started his career as an Architect from 1990-1992. He was also involved in the design and implementation of the urban planning and city development of Palmas, the capital city to the state of Tocantins in miles away south America. He was also the architect responsible for the design of The Ministry of Justice Building, Palmas, Tocantins and the various residential houses in Goiania, Palmas and Brasilia among others. Tonye returned to Nigeria in 1993 and was quickly employed as the Director of Operations with the Nigerian office of Empressa Sul Americana de Montagens S.A. (EMSA) a Brazilian Civil Engineering Company from 1993 – 1996, which is allegedly the 7th largest engineering firm in Brazil that was awarded a World Bank – financed water project valued at about S5.8m for the Lagos Water Corporation. Mr. Cole is an ordained minister of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and leader of Team Nehemiah. A body within the church that is responsible for the delivering the vision of the church in transforming the Redemption Camp in Nigeria to a modern city.
He is the author of “Morning Reflections” a daily devotional published in 2013. He is the son of former managing director of the Daily Times Newspaper and former Ambassador of Nigeria to Brazil Patrick Dele Cole.
He is married to Dr. Sylvia Cole and blessed with three adult children.
WORKS AND HOUSING – BABATUNDE FASHOLA
Fashola, a former two terms Governor of Lagos State, and immediate past Minister of Works, Housing and Power, was born in Lagos on June 28, 1963. He attended Birch Freeman High school Lagos and Igbobi College Lagos. He studied Law at the University of Benin from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, LL.B.(Hon), degree in 1987.
Known as the Super Minister for managing three diverse and technical ministries at the same time, Fashola, according to bookmakers, managed to perform reasonably. However, Nigerians believe that for him to perform optimally, some loads have to be shed from him. As a result, it is decided that he should be left with the ministries of Works and Housing while Power should be taken away from him.
He is married to Mrs. Abimbola Emmanuela Fashola and they have two children.
TRANSPORTATION – AKINWUNMI AMBODE
The immediate past Governor of Lagos State is known for have given a sterling performance during his four years tenure as the chief executive. Born on June 14, 1963, Ambode had been in the civil service for a record 27 years as well as a financial consultant before venturing into politics in 2015 when he won the governorship seat at first attempt.
Ambode attended St. Jude’s Primary School, Ebutte Meta, Lagos, from 1969-1974, where he sat for the National Common Entrance Examinations.
From 1974-81, he attended Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State. From 1981-1984, he attended University of Lagos where he studied Accounting, graduating at the age of 21.
He also has a Masters Degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Among his honours, Ambode was awarded the Fulbright Programme scholarship for the Hubert Humphries Fellowship Programme in Boston, Massachusetts. He also attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania for Advanced Management Programme. Other institutions he attended for courses and programmes include Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield, England, the Institute of Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland, INSEAD, Singapore. Moreover, he attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Cambridge, USA.
His down to earth activities in Lagos State, especially in the field of transportation merits him a mention in Buhari’s next cabinet.
HEALTH – OSAJIE ENAJIRE
Dr. Enajire is a outstanding and prolific surgeon, who by all intends and purposes has proved his mettle in the field of medicine and general healthcare.
The septuagenarian, who was born in 1946, attended Government College Ibadan in Oyo state for his West African School Certificate and he excelled at his Higher School Certificate examination there. He later studied Medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany qualifying as a physician.
He went on to the Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg and Essen and to the BG Accident Hospital in Duisburg, Germany for his post graduate education. In 1976, he attended the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland where he obtained postgraduate Diploma in Anaesthetics. He got his Board Certification in both General Surgery and Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery at the Medical Board of North Rhine Westphalia in Duesseldorf, Germany. In 1984, he became a Fellow of West African College of Surgeons.
Dr Osagie Ehanire worked to a great extent in Germany as Resident Anesthesiologist, Resident Vascular Surgeon and Resident General Surgeon in Thoracic Surgery at various hospitals. He also served as Clinical Instructor, Fracture Internal Fixation Course at BG Accident Hospital in Duisburg, Germany. On his return to Nigeria in 1982, he worked at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital as Senior Registrar in the Department of Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery), a position he held until 1984. Between 1985 and 1990, he joined the Shell Petroleum Development Company Hospital as a Divisional Consultant Surgeon. He also served at various times on the medical review board of Edo State Hospital Management Board and remains as a Trustee of TY Danjuma Foundation.
NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS – UMANA OKON UMANA
Presently the Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr. Umana Umana is administrator who has over the years showed his passion for the Niger Delta region, and is believe to posses both the qualities and passion to run an all inclusive administration.
Related
You may like
Boss Picks
Threat to Life, Property: Aderinokun’s Wife Cries Out to Sanwo-Olu
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 6, 2024By
EricBy Eric Elezuo
Mrs. Olufunlola Aderinokun, widow of late former Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Bank, Tayo Aderinokun, has raised alarm over illegal, dangerous construction and encroachment into her property, Rehoboth Place, situated along Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Shell Staff Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited, alerting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu through an S.O.S letter to intervene, call the offenders to order, and save her building, its occupants and the general public from more present and unforeseen harm.
Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Mrs. Aderinokun lamented the recalcitrant stance of the Shell Staff Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited, whose building shares a common perimeter fence with Rehoboth Place, and how they have continued their illegal construction, which has consistently defaced Rehoboth Place, in spite of cautions and deterring efforts employed by the government and the residents of Rehoboth Place.
“You need to visit the site to see how these people have defaced an already sitting building, causing structural damages as well as keeping residents of Rehoboth Place on their toes for fear of more structure collapse and/or imminent danger to lives,” she said.
Recalling that Rehoboth Place was built since 2016 according to all laid down construction rules and specifications, she further stated that on many occasions, the scaffolds and other heavy duty equipment including spanners and huge iron bars, used by the Shell Staff Coop builders, have collapsed and dropped into Rehoboth Place building, causing untold structural defacing and fear of possible fatal bodily harm to the residents. This, according to her, is because the Shell Staff Coop building is less than two metres away from the common fence, while the recommended spacing is from six meters.
Recounting to The Boss the genesis of her ordeal with the building developers and the Lagos State government with the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom she believes is showing unbelievable favour to Shell Staff Coop at the expense of injuries to lives and properties at Rehoboth Place, Mrs Aderinokun, a 67 years old retired widow, who claims that she can neither sleep well in her own bedroom nor park her car in her own compound because of the noise, danger, debris and mutilation from the Shell Staff Coop construction, narrated that the whole illegality, as she termed it, is dated back to 2020, when the Shell Staff Coop building construction started the piling work.
“As at then, I was not in the country, and because of the COVID-19 issue, many things were played down. However, when I returned to the country in August 2021, after one and half years away from Nigeria, I discovered that they had damaged my property, Rehoboth Place, extensively. My own letting agent didn’t tell me, but was rather negotiating with the offenders on how to repair the damages. Naturally, I was furious and demanded both a halt on the project and thorough compensation for the extensive damage. Note that by then, at Rehoboth Place, a bungalow, the bore hole, the perimeter fence, and other structures were already completely compromised beyond repair.
“However, in 2023, I mobilised structural engineers and the company that built Rehoboth Place originally, Cappa and D’Alberto Ltd, to begin repairs of all the damages that Shell Staff Coop caused. The Engineers wrote off the compromised bungalow and common fence, and insisted that they must be brought down completely before repairs could commence.
“However, while they were carrying out repair and reconstruction works, materials from the Shell Staff Coop construction continued to drop inside the compound from very high levels, making it impossible for safe and healthy work to continue at Rehoboth Place. Debris of cement, water, polystyrene particles and bars, tools and other dangerous materials were constantly dropping into Rehoboth Place from high levels, and so the workmen had to abandon the job, and ran for dear life. It wasn’t safe. It was not healthy. Cappa & D’Alberto Ltd wrote to demobilise from the site of Rehoboth Place in July 2023, and cannot return to the site till date because of the danger from Shell Staff Coop construction, while Lagos State looks away!
“As at today, I can’t park my car in my own compound. The huge terrace at Rehoboth Place, next to the building of Shell Staff Coop and the swimming pool at Rehoboth Place, have not been usable since May 2023, till date. While I was getting ready to sue Shell Staff Coop for the damages caused to the building, the scaffolding of Shell Staff Coop fell on the 5th floor of Rehoboth Place on 19th July 2023. This could amount to a criminal offence under the laws of Lagos State as it constitutes danger to human life and public safety,” she said.
Mrs Aderinokun’s complaints to the Lagos State Building Control Agency, under Mr Gbolahan Oki, led to an inspection and subsequent sealing of the site to stop further construction in July 2023.
“Mr Oki stated to me over the phone on 1st November 2023 that the Shell Staff Coop will pay for the damages, and that, ‘even if it’s the governor that is the one building there, they (Lagos State) will do the right thing’. I’m surprised that Mr. Oki is the one who’s no longer responding to the matter today. And on January 15, 2024, the Lagos State government allowed Shell Staff Coop to return to site, and resume construction, alarmingly without addressing any of the reasons for sealing up the Shell Staff Coop building for almost 6 months! The knocks from the close construction of Shell Staff Coop woke me up from my bed on 15th January 2024 and have continued until now, 7 days a week,” she noted.
As a follow up, Aderinokun recalled that on January 20, 2024, writing in her capacity as the Director of her company, Quadro Investment Limited, owner of the property, Rehoboth Place, she again appealed to the Lagos State Building Control Agency via the General Manager, and re-detailed the hazards that the construction of the Shell Staff Coop portend, and continues to unleash, and appealed that the government should put a stop to the building or at most curtail the dangers inherent. She wondered why the construction was allowed to resume six months after sealing up, with nothing to show that due diligence has been done.
The letter, which was titled “Re: Construction of Multiple Storey Building Against Building Regulations Along Banana Island Road, Etisalat LGA, Ikoyi, Lagos, Which Shares a Common Perimeter Fence with Our Property, Rehoboth Place”, reminded the Agency that the ongoing construction of the Shell Staff Coop, was sealed up by Lagos State officials on July 25 2023, when they visited and they discovered certain unpalatable infractions including absence of airspace and protection against damage to the adjoining premises of Rehoboth Place and others, among many other inanities.
In their capacity as a regulatory agency, the LSBCA had, in July 2023, assessed the scene and discovered as follows:
1. That the safety nets were not properly installed,
2. Blockade of public drainage facilities as a result of the construction work,
3. Damage of adjoining property due to effects of construction,
4. Inadequate airspace of right side of the structure.
Therefore, the Agency came up with certain recommendations, which were pasted on the fence of the construction site of Shell Building Cooperative. The recommendation was a point-blank order to stop the construction of the building as a result of the following reasons: 1. The development was unauthorized 2. The development did not conform to the planning permit issued by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority. 3. There’s no authorization to commence construction by LSBCA as required by law, and 4. The structure erected is contrary to Building Control Standards.
The Agency concluded its recommendation with sealing up authorization that the building should stop henceforth with the service of the Order.
“That was on 25 July 2023, but the construction resumed on 15 January 2024 with no evidence of the noted hazards controlled, and events at the site have continued to put Rehoboth Place and its occupants in harm’s way, The 10 inches spanner fell onto the ground floor of Rehoboth Place on 29th January 2024, from a height of about 7 or more floors of the building of the Shell Staff Coop! If the spanner had fallen on the head of anyone at Rehoboth Place, the fatality that could have happened can only be imagined” Aderinokun lamented.
The letter is presented in details below:
22 January 2024.
The General Manager,
Lagos State Building Control Agency,
Muiz Banire Street,
Off Oba Akinjobi Way,
GRA, Ikeja.
Dear Sir,
RE: CONSTRUCTION OF MULTIPLE STOREY BUILDING AGAINST BUILDING REGULATIONS ALONG BANANA ISLAND ROAD, ETI-OSA L.G.A. IKOYI, LAGOS; WHICH SHARES A COMMON PERIMETER FENCE WITH OUR PROPERTY REHOBOTH PLACE.
The above-described development, which is an ongoing construction and adjacent to our property, Rehoboth Place (at Plots 16-17, along Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos) was sealed up by your agency on 25th July 2023 for a number of infractions, amongst which were the absence of protection and airspace against damage to the adjoining premises of Rehoboth Place and others. Please find attached here, copies of the contravention notice and stop work order pasted by your Agency on the construction site.
On 16th January 2024, work recommenced at the construction and it appears that the property has been unsealed. This is despite the continued absence of protection on the construction works and airspace to Rehoboth Place. As a result, both our property (Rehoboth Place) and its occupants have been placed back at risk of suffering substantial damage, serious injury and/or death due to debris and other things falling into Rehoboth Place from the construction site. Please find attached here, photos of some of the items that have fallen into Rehoboth Place from the adjoining construction site before the sealing up of the site by your Agency.
Further, the building remains less than the stipulated distance from its boundary with Rehoboth Place, which is a clear, and continuing breach of building regulations.
In the circumstances, we are left to speculate as to the reasons why the construction site has been permitted to continue, even as the specific contraventions, for which it was ordered to stop work, continue un-remediated, almost 6 months later. It would appear that the attitude that has resulted in a number of building tragedies in Lagos State continues to prevail within your Agency.
We hereby notify you that we will not fold our arms and do nothing, while our property is exposed to further trespass and the possibility of serious injury and/or loss of life to its occupants. Should any injury and/or death be suffered by anyone at all, please be in no doubt that a report will be made to law enforcement agencies and the contents of this letter and those of our other appeals to Lagos State on this matter, will be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
In the circumstances, we are constrained to issue this notice demanding that you enforce the building regulations on the above-stated construction works, failing which we shall have no option, other than to institute legal proceedings to compel you to fulfil your statutory obligations.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Olufunlola K. Aderinokun.
Director.
With no commensurate response from the LSBCA, and the sensing the criminal intent, Aderinokun petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Fayoade, and copied the AIG zone 2, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the Commissioner for Environment, to use his good office to stop the construction before injuries or even death are recorded.
The letter is produced below:
20 February 2024.
The Commissioner of Police,
Lagos State Police Headquarters,
Muiz Banire Street,
GRA, Ikeja,
Lagos State.
Dear Sir,
RE: PETITION ON THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION THAT IS AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY, CONTRARY TO SECTION 123 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW OF LAGOS STATE, 2015, CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE AT THE PROPERTY THAT ADJOINS REHOBOTH PLACE (A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT) SITUATE ALONG BANANA ISLAND ROAD, IKOYL, LAGOS.
We are the owner of Rehoboth Place, situate at Plots 16-17, Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The construction works adjoining Rehoboth Place belongs to, The Shell Staff Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited, whose office address is at Freeman House, 21/22 Marina, Lagos State.
Please refer to the above subject matter and the self-explanatory letter, which is attached here, dated 22 January 2024, written by us to the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA).
In addition to the contents and attachments to our said letter written to the LSBCA, please find attached here, photos of 3 (three) more injurious items, which fell into Rehoboth Place from the adjoining compound at various times.
The big blue piece of iron (contained in the attachment to the letter to the LSBCA), which weighs about 8 kilograms, fell from the adjoining compound into Rehoboth Place, sometime in July 2023, while the 10 inches spanner, fell from the adjoining compound into Rehoboth Place at about 10.45am on 29th January 2024. The iron rod that is about 60 inches long, weighs two & a half kilograms.
All the items fell onto the ground floor of Rehoboth Place from heights of 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the adjoining construction works, which are obviously being constructed, too close to Rehoboth Place and other neighbouring properties, in contravention of the building laws, regulations and permits of Lagos State.
We hereby, humbly appeal to your office, to take all necessary action to investigate the ongoing danger to human life and public safety, that is being posed by the owners and occupiers of the property adjoining Rehoboth Place.
Furthermore, we appeal to you, to use your good offices to ensure that the said dangerous construction works, which are being carried out in the adjoining compound to Rehoboth Place are stopped immediately before any further crime in committed, particularly before the occurrence of any loss of life or serious injury to anyone,
We trust in your kind and urgent attention to this matter.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
DIRECTOR.
Cc:
1. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice,
Lagos State Ministry of Justice,
The secretariat, Block 2,
Alausa, Ikeja.
2 The Assistant Inspector-General of Police,
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2,
Command Headquarters,
King George V Road, Onikan,
Lagos State.
3. The Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources,
Ministry of Environment and Water Resources,
The Lagos State secretariat,
Alausa, Ikeja.
With no response from the General Manager, Mr Gbolahan Oki, the Rehoboth Place owner, having established a criminal intent with the Police, resorted to writing the governor one more time, whom she had been privileged to discuss the matter with via phone and in person on several occasions. It is on record that Aderinokun had earlier on August 8, 2023 and November 28, 2023 written to the governor on the same issue. But like the manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, neither the governor nor his office responded.
“They practically called my bluff, without a care of what their silence and inaction on these matters is causing to me personally, to other members of the public and/or may cause in the future,” Aderinokun said.
Below is the full letter addressed to the governor:
29th February 2023.
Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu,
Executive Governor,
Lagos State of Nigeria,
Governor’s Office,
Alausa,
Lagos State.
Dear Mr. Governor,
PLEASE, SAVE OUR SOULS.
RE: IN RESPECT OF THE ONGOING CONSTRUCTION OF MULTIPLE STOREY BUILDING AGAINST BUILDING REGULATIONS ALONG BANANA ISLAND ROAD, ETI-OSA L.G.A. IKOYI, LAGOS; POSING A DANGER TO THE ADJOINING PROPERTY-REHOBOTH PLACE AND HAS CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGES & COLLAPSE OF STRUCTURES AT REHOBOTH PLACE.
I am the managing director of Quadro Investment Limited, the registered owner of Rehoboth Place, which is situated at Plots 16-17, along Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, built and completed in the year 2016.
The owner of the ongoing construction which shares a common fence with Rehoboth Place, is Shell Staff Co-operative Investment & Thrift Society Limited (hereinafter called, “Shell Staff Cooperative”) with office address at Freeman House, 21/22 Marina, Lagos.
I am hereby writing an S.O.S., Save Our Souls to Mr. Governor for the reasons set out below.
1. People are continuously exposed to danger of serious injury and/or death at Rehoboth Place because the Lagos State authorities have allowed the construction work by Shell Staff Cooperative to continue, despite the danger it poses to the neighbourhood, its continuous pollution to the environment and the fact that it does not meet the building laws and regulations of Lagos State.
2. In respect of this subject matter, Quadro Investment Limited has written to:
2.1 you, Mr. Governor, by its letters dated 08 August 2023 and 28th November 2023;
2.2 the Lagos State Building Control Agency by its letter dated 22 January 2024;
2.3 the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, by its letter dated 20 February 2024. This letter was copied to, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State.
Copies of the letters stated in 2.2 and 2.3 above are attached here.
3. In addition to the above, I have made several personal appeals to you, imploring you to grant me an audience to meet with you, to explain the situation to you after my letters and for you to look into this matter and direct Lagos State authorities to ensure that its own Building Regulations and Laws are adhered to in the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative. Unfortunately, all my efforts appear to have been ignored.
4. The on-going construction by Shell Staff Cooperative, which is on its 9th floor and still going up, stands less than 2 meters to its common fence with Rehoboth Place and has caused extensive damage, including collapse of structures at Rehoboth Place. It is posing a danger to life and health in the neighbourhood and at Rehoboth Place. While Lagos State has allowed the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative to continue, the owners of Rehoboth Place cannot use their own property, for fear of danger to life!!
5. Injurious and life-threatening items like big iron bars, weighing 8kg, other iron rods weighing 3kg and 1kg, a 10 inches long spanner, huge polypyrene bars have fallen from heights of 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the ongoing construction by Shell Staff Cooperative into the ground floor of Rehoboth Place at various times in 2023, and on 29th January 2024. Also, rains of construction water, cement, dust and particles of polypyrene and nylon continuously shower and fly into the airspace, terraces, swimming pool, onto motor vehicles, other valuable properties and indoor living areas at Rehoboth Place. Please find attached hereto, photos to back this up.
6. The scaffolding being used for the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative fell onto the 5th floor of Rehoboth Place on 19th July 2023, which led to a Contravention Notice and a Stop Work Order being pasted on the construction site of Shell Staff Cooperative on 25 July 2023. Please find photos attached here. From then on, the site remained closed for work, for about 6 months, until 15th January 2024, when work suddenly resumed at the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative, without addressing a single one of the reasons for the sealing up of the premises as stated in the Contravention Notice, including the non-application of safety net on the construction site. Please find attached here, shown in the videos recorded in the flash drive and photos of the dangling scaffolding on Rehoboth Place.
7. Since 15th January 2024, construction by Shell Staff Cooperative have continued, 7 days a week, including outside regulated working hours in a residential area, during night time hours, without any regard for neighbours. They start as early as 7am, waking me up from my sleep with consistent provocative sounds of hammer/iron knocking on iron, 7 days a week, week after week, without any break. Also, on 26th of January 2024, I was woken up from my sleep at 12.00 midnight because of the noise of the truck, working past midnight at the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative. Please find the proof of this shown in the videos recorded in the flash drive attached here.
8. The non-stop early morning knocking noise (7 days a week) from construction by Shell Staff Cooperative have had untold impact on my brain, psychology and well-being. Part of the reasons that certain distances are prescribed and legislated between buildings, is to avoid noise from one building into another. Since 15th January 2024 to date, it has been like living on a construction site at Rehoboth Place, every day, non-stop, and not a single day of break. Sir, please permit me to add here, that by God’s grace, I am a 67 (sixty-seven) years old widow, resident and indigene of Lagos State.
9. I cannot walk around my compound, I cannot park my car in my own home at Rehoboth Place and we are not able to use our terraces, because of the showers of cement, dirt, dust and polystyrene particles raining from the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative, onto our cars, other valuables and terraces at Rehoboth Place. Also, we have not been able to use the swimming pool at Rehoboth Place since April 2023 up to the date of this appeal. Please find attached here, the photo of the unhealthy materials from the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative inside the pool and on our terraces at Rehoboth Place, even inside our flower pots on the 5th floor!!!
10. Yet, Lagos State is looking away from this blatant disregard of its building regulations and laws, pollution of the environment, to favour the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative at the expense of the users of Rehoboth Place.
11. Meanwhile, Lagos State recently banned the use of styrofoams and single use plastics in the State. Sir, it is my humble opinion that Lagos State needs to go further and ban the use of polystyrene in construction sites. The construction workers of Shell Staff Cooperative have been seen cutting into smaller bars, at high levels of 6th, 7th, 8th floors, huge polystyrene bars, without any protection, thereby spraying unhealthy particles of polystyrene, with high health hazards to the neighbourhood and onto Rehoboth Place.
12. Also shown in the videos recorded in the flash drive attached to this letter, is the video of Mr. Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency when he visited Rehoboth Place on 2nd November 2023. Unfortunately, Mr. Oki has not matched his words with actions and instead, has allowed the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative to continue, despite the potential of the occurrence of a catastrophe.
13. Sir, my life and the lives of others are being put to danger by the construction of Shell Staff Cooperative, particularly because of its closeness to Rehoboth Place.
14. Sir, I’m not willing to wait until people are seriously injured and/or someone dies, before I cry out to the public. There is a potential of criminal offence being committed by the closeness of the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative to Rehoboth Place. The photos and videos that I have attached here and the sealing up of the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative for about 6 months by Lagos State, speak volumes and I am sincerely not exaggerating.
15. Again, I hereby personally implore Mr. Governor, to use your good office to ensure that another unfortunate catastrophe related to building collapse, serious human injury and/or death does not happen in Lagos State, in this matter.
Sir, I am trusting in your speedy good judgement in this matter. Thank you, Sir.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Olufunlola K. Aderinokun (née Agusto).
It will be noted that building collapse has remained a recurring decimal in Lagos State. One can recall that a massive Ikoyi building, located not too far from Rehoboth Place, collapsed in 2022, and claimed lives of prominent Nigerians with many other budding professionals.
“All we are doing is to prevent a disaster lurking in the corner, and for me to have a safe and peaceful possession of my property,” Aderinokun concluded.
Related
Boss Picks
Nigerians Celebrate President Tinubu at 72
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 31, 2024By
EricBy Eric Elezuo
On Friday, March 29, 2024, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, clocked 72 years. But the president chose to skip this year’s celebration in recognition of the hardship in the land. However, loyalists of the president thought otherwise, and went to town with elaborate publicity of the president’s birthday with some buying up front pages of most national dailies.
Consequently, Nigerians of various creed have trooped out to offer congratulatory messages to honour Mr President as he celebrates 72 years of existence.
For a start, the Council of 108 former Senators from his All Progressives Congress (APC) paid him glowing tribute, reiterating his indomitable “warrior” spirit in confronting Nigeria’s challenges head-on.
In a statement signed by the Convener and Protem Chairman of the APC Non-Serving Senators Council, Senator Basheer Lado, the former lawmakers hailed Tinubu as the “Jagaban warrior” who has fearlessly led the nation’s economic fight.
The statement read: “As the Jagaban warrior, you have fearlessly led our country on the economic war, chatting a path towards prosperity and growth.
“As fellow members of the APC Non-Serving Senators Council, we stand united in our commitment to support you in your endeavors. Together we will continue to work tirelessly to advance the interests of our party and the Nigerian people.”
The Cross Rivers State Governor, Bassey Otu, also took time out to celebrate Tinubu, describing him as a brave leader who is on a mission to change the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria.
Otu, in a press release signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, felicitated with Tinubu on his 72nd birthday, saying he is a rare gift to the nation.
“I want to wish you, Mr. President, a special birthday as you clock 72 years today. You’re one of the most extraordinary and inspirational leaders of our time. Indeed, you are a rare gift to our country, Nigeria…
“In less than a month as president, you demonstrated uncommon bravery, exemplary and fearless leadership, remarkable vision and Solomonic wisdom, even as you continue to lead with elegance and grace…
“Despite the huge responsibility on your shoulders, daunting horizon to conquer, huge expectations to fulfil, and milestones to achieve for the country, you have kept your eyes on the ball, while staying focused and steadfast in steering the ship of the country with such nimble mind.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Cross River State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you, your Excellency on your birthday.”
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, was not left out in the avalanche of congratulatory messages to congratulate Tinubu on his 72nd birthday. He described him as a transformational leader.
Mr Akpabio, in a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, further described Tinubu as a developmental democrat and bridge builder.
“As a transformational leader, His Excellency President Bola Tinubu leads from the front.
“This is exemplified in his developmental strides as governor of Lagos State and since coming on stream as the commander-in-chief and president of Nigeria.
“As a developmental democrat, he has over the decades demonstrated uncommon commitment in nurturing and instituting a firm foundation for democracy in Nigeria.
“As a bridge builder, he has remained the greatest mobiliser of men and women in contemporary Nigeria and the politician with the most robust political machinery.
“Mr President, as you mark 72 years today, I, on behalf of my family, the good people of my Senatorial district, Akwa Ibom, and, of course, the National Assembly, wish you good health and many more prosperous years ahead.
“Your Excellency, may God give you the strength and wisdom to re-engineer and reposition Nigeria for today and posterity.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) also described President Tinubu as a true patriot, statesman and visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the enthronement of democracy and nation-building
Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said this in a statement in Abuja.
“On this day, we celebrate a true patriot, statesman, veteran democrat and visionary leader.
“We proudly salute a pre-eminent party man, an exemplary progressive, a tireless builder and founding architect of our great party.
“The APC family stands united with President Tinubu as he continues his illustrious service to our dear country,” the statement revealed.
The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has also felicitated President Tinubu on his 72nd birthday, describing him as a timeless doyen.
“Today, I celebrate a timeless doyen of democracy and an astute mentor of many leaders, President Bola Tinubu.
“By global standards, Asiwaju is truly a man of the people and the visionary of our times, who devoted his life to pursuing the greatest goods for the greatest number of people.
“Born on March 29, 1952, Asiwaju’s foray into politics in 1991 was never a mistake, though it came with a huge sacrifice that cost dearly.
“As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I celebrate how Asiwaju firmly stood with the people rather than dining with the military oligarchy that annulled the outcome of the June 12, 1993, presidential election ostensibly won by Chief M.K.O Abiola (now of blessed memory).
“At 72, as the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju has brought rare conviction and passion to the business of public governance, courageously daring the forces of regression and tirelessly pursuing the interests of over 227 million regardless of their faith, ideology and race.
“The task is truly daunting, but the victory is undoubted. Only within ten months of Asiwaju’s ascendancy to the presidency, we have started witnessing the dawning of economic restoration and the ray of political renaissance under his watch.
“As I nostalgically reflect on the journey so far, I remember his labour and toiling for our fatherland, even when most misunderstood. I remember his undying passion to lead the path to a greater nation, even when the future looks so bleak and always unsure.
“That is the reality in our fatherland today. Asiwaju is at the forefront of that reality. And we are all witnesses to this history, even from its making to its maturation,” he said.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, also celebrated President Tinubu as he marks his 72nd birthday.
Abiodun described Tinubu as a democrat and visionary leader passionately committed to the emergence of Nigeria as an economic powerhouse.
He noted that since he assumed office, Tinubu has demonstrated astuteness, resilience, and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people.
Abiodun said, “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 72nd birthday. This milestone is not only a celebration of a remarkable life well-lived but also an opportunity to acknowledge the president’s exceptional contributions to the growth and development of our great nation, Nigeria.
“President Tinubu has undeniably proven himself as a formidable politician, a visionary leader, and a champion of democracy. His unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and good governance has left an indelible mark on our nation’s political landscape.”
The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, in a message posted on X, said, “Today, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, on this remarkable occasion of his 72nd birthday. Your political journey from the Senate to the Governorship of Lagos State, and now to the Presidency, represents your unwavering commitment to our nation.
“The resilience and commitment you have demonstrated through your political leadership offer invaluable lessons for us all. I have confidence that with your leadership, we will surmount the socio-political and economic challenges we face. Now more than ever, it is imperative to unite and support your vision for a prosperous Nigeria.
“I call upon every Nigerian to join hands in solidarity and offer the cooperation and support necessary for the implementation of policies that will lead us to a brighter future.
“Rest assured, Mr. President, you have the full support of the Abia State Government. Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure the economic hurdles before us are overcome.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the esteemed people of Abia State, I extend to you our warmest wishes for a splendid birthday celebration filled with joy and happiness and many more years of invaluable service to our beloved country”, he wrote.
Other notable figures that felicitated with the president on his 72nd birthday included the governors of Ondo, Lucky Aiyetidawa; Kogi Usman Ododo; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti, Oyebanji and Osun, Ademola Adeleke.
Others are members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Lagos APC and political leaders, former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, APC Edo governorship candidate, Okpebholo, Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon Abbass and Deputy, Barau, former Ekiti governor, Kayode among g a host of others.
Related
Boss Picks
Tony Elumelu Dazzles at 61, Unleashes More Wealth Creators
Published
4 weeks agoon
March 23, 2024By
EricTo date, the Foundation has disbursed US$100,000,000 directly into the hands of young African entrepreneurs, who have, in turn, created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing significantly to Africa’s economic growth and development. The Foundation has also provided capacity building support, advisory services, and market linkages to over 1.5 million Africans through its digital entrepreneurship-support platform, TEFConnect.
“…the Kingdom of Belgium conferred on me with the honorary distinction of Officer in the Order of Leopold, the country’s oldest and most important National Honour.
“I am humbled by this recognition of the work @TonyElumeluFDN in catalysing entrepreneurs across Africa and will continue to drive the economic empowerment of our brilliant young #Africanentrepreneurs to propel development in Africa,” the distinguished entrepreneur had reported.
In commemoration of of his diamond jubilee event, a symposium was held in his honour at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House.
The symposium tagged ’60 for 60’ was attended by 60 young beneficiaries of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, friends and colleagues. He has never left the young people behind in his scheme of things.
Related
Breaking: Wike Plans to Attend Thursday’s PDP NEC Meeting
Cubana Chief Priest Arraigned, Granted N10m Bail
PSG Bundle Barcelona Out of Champions League
EFCC Charges Cubana Chief Priest to Court over Naira Abuse
Gunmen Invade Ekiti Secretariat, Days after Oyo Assembly Invasion
Kaduna Assembly Sets Committee to Probe Former Gov El-Rufai
Dupe and Her Clueless, Asinine Independence Declaration
Nigerian Engineer Wins $500m Contract to Build Monorail Network in Iraq
WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Will Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Join Presidential Race?
World Exclusive: How Cabal, Corruption Stalled Mambilla Hydropower Project …The Abba Kyari, Fashola and Malami Connection Plus FG May Lose $2bn
Rehabilitation Comment: Sanwo-Olu’s Support Group Replies Ambode (Video)
Pendulum: Can Atiku Abubakar Defeat Muhammadu Buhari in 2019?
Fashanu, Dolapo Awosika and Prophet Controversy: The Complete Story
Pendulum: An Evening with Two Presidential Aspirants in Abuja
Who are the early favorites to win the NFL rushing title?
Boxing continues to knock itself out with bewildering, incorrect decisions
Steph Curry finally got the contract he deserves from the Warriors
Phillies’ Aaron Altherr makes mind-boggling barehanded play
The tremendous importance of owning a perfect piece of clothing
Trending
-
News6 years ago
Nigerian Engineer Wins $500m Contract to Build Monorail Network in Iraq
-
Featured6 years ago
WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Will Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Join Presidential Race?
-
Boss Picks6 years ago
World Exclusive: How Cabal, Corruption Stalled Mambilla Hydropower Project …The Abba Kyari, Fashola and Malami Connection Plus FG May Lose $2bn
-
Headline6 years ago
Rehabilitation Comment: Sanwo-Olu’s Support Group Replies Ambode (Video)
-
Headline6 years ago
Pendulum: Can Atiku Abubakar Defeat Muhammadu Buhari in 2019?
-
Headline5 years ago
Fashanu, Dolapo Awosika and Prophet Controversy: The Complete Story
-
Headline6 years ago
Pendulum: An Evening with Two Presidential Aspirants in Abuja
-
Headline6 years ago
2019: Parties’ Presidential Candidates Emerge (View Full List)