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SILEC Congratulates Marwa on Election As Vice Chairman, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa

Published

3 years ago

November 16, 2022

Eric

One of Nigeria’s most active non-governmental organization in the fight against drug abuse, SILEC Initiatives, has congratulated the chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) on his election as Vice Chairman, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa.

SILEC conveyed its congratulations through its Founder and President, Amb. Sunny Irakpo, during a television interview, commending the NDLEA boss for his outstanding performance in office so far.

The pragmatic organization, SILEC Initiatives, has made tremendous impacts in the country over the years in the anti-drug war of NDLEA. The founder and president, Silec Initiatives Amb. Sunny Irakpo who recently returned from US-Nigeria Leadership EXCHANGE Program designed to build the leadership capacity of Nigerians, particularly the youths to get involved in governance at all levels based on the 5-year partnership with World Chicago, encourages all to build capacity for the enormous task ahead of the nation.

Irakpo said, “I want to sincerely thank the Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for defending the Nigerian Project, part of which is saving the destinies of young people from total destruction and for his commitment, pragmatic leadership and deep sense of patriotism in this turbulence period confronting the nation that’s on the verge of collapse due to the proliferation of hard drugs from the recent seizures.

“I want to on behalf of our noble endeavor, Silec Initiatives and many of the youths and millions of Nigerians that you inspire, congratulate you on your meritorious position as the Vice Chairman, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa. As an anti-drug NGO, we are celebrating you for this noble feat, which you have clearly demonstrated from your position in Nigeria. For it is true that Charity they say, begins at home.

“As a leader, you have shown capacity, provided leadership and excellence since you took over the mantle of leadership of the NDLEA.

“Having followed you over the years, your act of performance at the public space is worthy of emulation. In the space of two (2) years under your administration, the NDLEA has recorded giant stride in it’s perpetual efforts to nab drug kingpins and users of drugs all over the country. It is on record that over 28 drug barons have been arrested, drugs worth over 420 billion naira cash recovered , over 5.4 million kg of drugs seized, over 21,302 drug traffickers arrested, over, 3,111 drug traffickers convicted and serving jail terms, over 12,326 counselled and rehabilitated, and over 714 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed. These to me and all Nigerians are signs and indication of good and performing leadership resulting to your new assignment in Africa in the war against narcotics.

“Knowing that Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb due to the high rate of drug abuse and addiction, the agency has also shown tactical approach in it’s fight. While our organization remain very strong and committed to sensitization and education of Nigerians on the danger of hard drugs and abuse of substances, we have redoubled efforts in our campaign to help reduce the rate of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking and consumption amongst Nigerians. The fact remains that we cannot sit down and watch the destinies of young people being sacrificed at the altar of drug abuse and addiction in our time.

“Sir, with your pedigree as a seasoned administrator, you have kept the light shining brightly and brought life to the NDLEA as an agency.

“Since your days as the military administrator of Lagos state, you have done incredibly well in every national assignments given to you.

“We join million of Nigerians, Africans and the entire globe to extend our hearty congratulations on your well deserved position. We are fully confident that this new office will herald greatness in our continuous efforts to rid our country and the entire Africa off drugs and other harmful substances.

“We wish you all the best in this new task and be rest assured that we are solidly behind you as usual in the area of public sensitization and nationwide campaign to enlighten our youths on the dangers of drug abuse.

“We pride you as our new Sheriff in Town.”

Featured

Supreme Court Verdict: ADC Chieftain Advises Tinubu to Kiss Aso Rock Goodbye

Published

18 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Eric

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has declared that it is over for the President Bola Tinubu administration following the Supreme Court ruling that restored the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition party.

Eze, in a statement on Friday, criticized the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, asserting that they should be ashamed for acting as obstacles to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “The government led by President Bola Tinubu has tarnished the judiciary. Certain judges and courts are reportedly being systematically employed to undermine the leadership of political parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

“Even when all seemed lost, given the recent court rulings in political cases, particularly those involving opposition parties, Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment was a divine intervention.

“We express our gratitude to God Almighty for prompting the Supreme Court to overturn that disgraceful, distorted, and anti-democratic ruling issued by the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the misguided interpretation and decision of INEC regarding our party, the ADC.”

He stressed that the time has come for Tinubu and his alleged undemocratic associates in Aso Rock to return to Lagos.

“With Thursday’s ruling saving the ADC from destruction, it is time for Tinubu to begin drafting his handover notes and prepare for his return to Lagos State,” Eze stated.

Eze advised the ADC to concentrate on its primary function as a prominent opposition party in the upcoming 2027 general elections, as that the leadership dispute has been resolved.

He emphasized that stability at the upper levels of the party will result in improved organization, clearer communication, and enhanced participation in Nigeria’s political arena.

Notably, he asserted that the ruling will add to Nigeria’s expanding collection of case laws regarding political party governance, and urged the ADC to stay focused on its objective of reclaiming power from the APC due to poor governance.

“It highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting party constitutions and ensuring adherence, which may affect how future conflicts are resolved,” Eze stated.

He praised the panel for upholding justice, remarking that any opposing decision regarding the ADC’s alleged leadership issue would have further entangled the Judiciary in the murky waters of arbitral corruption.

“Clearly, this ruling has set the stage for cohesion, unity, stability, and effective leadership within the ADC.

“With this issue now definitively settled, even though it should not have been justiciable ab initio, as it pertains to an internal matter of a political party, we urge all our members, stakeholders, and supporters to unite behind the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC to collectively reposition the party for greater national significance, viability, and visibility,” Eze said.

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2027: We’re on Track, ADC Hails S’Court Ruling

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it would never be intimidated, distracted, or silenced in its push to realize a better Nigeria.

Spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the party.

Abdullahi said the judgment has affirmed that the Mark and Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the party is legitimate.

Abdullahi said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

“Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.

“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.

“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant.”

Featured

Tinubu Appoints Bianca Ojukwu As Foreign Affairs Minister

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

The appointment followed the resignation of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s elevation marks a return to a more senior role within Nigeria’s foreign service architecture, having previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her new appointment places her at the helm of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, where she is expected to oversee the country’s foreign policy direction, strengthen international partnerships, and advance economic diplomacy objectives.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The Presidency noted that the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for greater efficiency and stronger global engagement. It added that the new minister is expected to deepen diplomatic relations, promote Nigeria’s national interest, and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a priority.

In the same announcement, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign affairs system and has held key postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

The Presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and improve the country’s global diplomatic engagement.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a lawyer, diplomat, and former beauty queen who has had a long career in public service and international diplomacy.

She was born on 5 August 1967 in Anambra State and studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.

Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio in Spain, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Human Rights and International Relations from the Berg Institute, Madrid, and in Dynamics of Conflict and Cooperation from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Diaspora Matters and later became Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain from 2012 to 2015, where she also represented the country at the UN World Tourism Organization. She earlier served as Ambassador to Ghana.

She was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, where she supported Nigeria’s external affairs portfolio, including diplomacy, consular engagement, and international relations strategy. She has now been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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