Featured

ADC’s Statement Reckless, Baseless and Full of Falsehood, Akwa Ibom Govt Debunks Allegations

Published

1 year ago

February 3, 2025

Eric

The government of Akwa Ibom State, has dismissed a press statement released by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an exercise in indiscretion and a falsehood taken too far.

The government made the remarks in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ekarete Udoh, and made available to The Boss.

The statement noted that while it was unnecessary to dignify a lie, it was still imperative to set the records straight for the benefit of the unsuspecting public.

The statement noted among other rebuttals that the process of contract award in the state is devoid of the governor’s unilateral attention contrary to the claims of the ADC, whose actions he described as products of crass ignorance.

Mr Udoh therefore, advised the ADC to “desist from spreading misinformation and smear campaign, but instead engage in constructive politics based on facts, not fabrications.”

Below is the full statement:

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE

PRESS RELEASE

ADC’S INDISCRETION AND FALSEHOOD TAKEN TOO FAR

The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to yet another baseless and reckless press release by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Manfred Ekpe.

This latest attempt by the ADC to draw attention to itself and mislead the public is not only a falsehood taken too far but also exposes the indiscretion of political jobbers desperately seeking relevance.

Ordinarily, Government would not in any form or manner dignify these merchants of falsehood and political propaganda with a response, but for the sake of the unsuspecting public, it is necessary and expedient to set the records straight:

1. CONTRACT AWARD PROCESS

The ADC’s claim that Governor Umo Eno personally handles contracts is laughable and displays their crass ignorance of the processes of government and the mechanics of execution.

All contracts in Akwa Ibom State are awarded through the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC), which serves as the procurement warehouse of all state projects after which the projects/contracts are approved by the State Executive Council in line with budgetary provisions.The Governor, does not and cannot unilaterally award contracts even if such contract is within the limit of the approvals which the law allows the Governor.

2. UYO VILLAGE ROAD PROJECT

The claim that the Uyo Village Road project was awarded to Nsik Motors is an outright falsehood and again shows how vacuous their ill- motivated expedition represents.

For the avoidance of doubt, the contract was awarded to AMITEC Construction Limited, a highly reputable firm with a track record of quality infrastructure delivery in the State. The ADC should have taken the time to verify their facts instead of spreading deliberate misinformation.

It bears repeating that all contracts awarded are put through rigorous scrutiny within the parameters sanctioned by law. To ensure that projects are executed with adherence to transparency and due process, His Excellency, the Governor, has set up a Project Evaluation and Monitoring Team, staffed by highly trained professionals and they have been carying out responsibilities diligently.

3. ARISE COMPASSIONATE HOMES: A TRANSPARENT DIRECT LABOUR INITIATIVE

The Arise Compassionate Homes are executed through Direct Labour, with all work handled by Resource Persons drawn from areas where the homes are located. Not a single home has been constructed through a company.

Furthermore, the Procurement Law does not mandate the publication of names of labour or resource persons for projects executed through Direct Labour. The ADC’s claim regarding non-disclosure of contractors is, therefore, misleading and baseless.

For clarity, each Arise Compassionate Home consists of:
– Two bedrooms, a sitting room, and a dining area;
– Solar-powered borehole for clean steady and constant water supply
– Full solar power for sustainable energy
– ⁠Complete furnishing, including a full sitting room set, beds and foams for both rooms and a dining set.

Each of these homes is constructed at a gross cost of ₦25 million, which includes VAT at 7.5% and WHT at 3.5%. Beneficiaries are further give N500. 000 as seed funds to start petty trading in their communities.
For a fully equipped home of this standard, this is an unprecedented display of frugality and prudent financial management and we challenge Mr. Manfred Ekpe to go and build similar homes with same features for N25, 000.000.

The Government remains transparent in its financial dealings and urges the ADC to cross-check its facts before going public with falsehoods.

4. BASELESS KICKBACK ALLEGATION

The reckless attempt to link Governor Umo Eno’s name to any form of kickback is not only false and libelous but an insult to the integrity of the Office and the person of the Governor. His Excellency, the Governor will be instituting a legal action against the writer of the false press release, Mr. Manfred Ekpe and the party- African Democratic Congress( ADC.)

This smear campaign is the height of political desperation and irresponsibility. The ADC, having suffered serial defeats at the polls and in the courts, is now resorting to cheap blackmail in a futile bid to remain relevant.

The Akwa Ibom State Government remains committed to transparency, accountability and the development of the State with impactful projects spread throughout the entire State.

We advise the ADC to desist from spreading misinformation and smear campaign, but instead engage in constructive politics based on facts, not fabrications.

His Excellency, the Governor, has gone to great extent to work across party lines for the advancement of our State and our people and we advise the ADC and its enablers to join him in this Pan- Akwaibom movement, rather than pushing vile and insidious blackmail.

Featured

Court Reserves Ruling in Times Multimedia Suit Against Afreximbank Over CAX IP Dispute

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2026

Eric

By Andrew Orolua

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has reserved ruling in the intellectual property suit between Times Multimedia Ltd. and the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, and others, following arguments on a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The matter came up on Thursday, July 2, 2026, before Honourable Justice Osiagor.

Times Multimedia Ltd., a Nigerian media and events company, is the originator and registered proprietor of “CAX” – the Creative Africa Exchange.

Court documents state that Times Multimedia conceived CAX in 2017/2018 as a continental trade and investment platform designed to finance, market, and monetize Africa’s creative and cultural industries. In 2018, the company formally presented the CAX concept, framework, and business model to Afreximbank for partnership and institutional backing.

Following engagements with Times Multimedia on the CAX proposal, Afreximbank in 2020 launched its own initiative known as the Creative Africa Nexus, CANEX. Times Multimedia alleges that CANEX substantially adopted the core concept, objectives, and structure of CAX without license, attribution, or contractual agreement, leading to the present suit for intellectual property infringement.

Afreximbank and other defendants filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, contending that the bank enjoys immunity from judicial proceedings in Nigeria under the _Afreximbank Establishment Agreement, 1993_, Section 9 of the _Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act_, Cap D1, LFN 2004, and the _African Export-Import Bank (Privileges and Immunities) Order, 2014_.

Afreximbank was established in October 1993 by African governments and investors to promote intra-African trade. Nigeria is a founding signatory. Article 50 of the Establishment Agreement provides that the Bank enjoys immunity from legal process except to the extent that it expressly waives such immunity.

Counsel to Times Multimedia Ltd. opposed the objection. Counsel argued that the immunity claimed by Afreximbank is not absolute, and that the same Establishment Agreement contains provisions contemplating circumstances where the bank may be sued or subjected to judicial proceedings, particularly in respect of commercial transactions.

The claimant’s legal team further urged the court to interpret the relevant instruments holistically and to avoid any construction that would unjustifiably deny an aggrieved Nigerian entity access to court in the absence of a clear and express exclusion of the court’s jurisdiction, as guaranteed under Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.

Counsel for both sides argued extensively for over one hour. At the end of proceedings, Justice Osiagor reserved the matter for ruling and adjourned the case to Monday, 29 September 2026.

The ruling will determine whether the suit can proceed against Afreximbank before the Federal High Court.

Featured

Fake Agency Scandal: NDC Demands Gbajabiamila’s Sack

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to an alleged multi-billion-naira corruption scandal involving a purported non-existent government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party described the allegations as grave and said Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office could compromise any credible investigation into the matter.

The NDC’s demand follows allegations made by Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, an agency the Presidency has publicly denied exists.

According to the party, the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability and integrity within the Tinubu administration.

The NDC alleged that despite the Presidency’s denial of the agency’s existence, the PFIPC purportedly secured budgetary allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act and opened a domiciliary account, a Pound Sterling account and a Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The party questioned how an agency described as non-existent could allegedly establish multiple high-level government financial accounts without official approval or the required documentation.

It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to explain whether forged documents were used in processing the accounts.

The statement further alleged that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved 314 staff positions for the purported agency, describing the development as another issue requiring urgent explanation.

According to the NDC, the allegations also include claims that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant, reportedly valued at N27.39 billion, a request Adeyemi allegedly rejected.

The party also cited Adeyemi’s claim that he secured his appointment through the Chief of Staff after allegedly paying N600 million, of which N400 million was allegedly paid through proxies, while N200 million remained outstanding.

It said the alleged unpaid balance reportedly contributed to the Presidency’s subsequent denial of the agency’s existence.

The NDC further alleged that the claims point to a wider pattern of institutional corruption, including the alleged sale of public appointments.

The party also linked the controversy to the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom it described as an intermediary between Adeyemi and the Chief of Staff.

According to the statement, Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at a hotel in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, a day after the police reportedly received a petition from the Chief of Staff.

The NDC also referenced Adeyemi’s claims that he survived multiple assassination attempts, including an attack along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on September 7, 2025, and alleged that certain individuals within government are plotting to eliminate him.

Against the backdrop of the allegations, the party demanded the immediate removal of Gbajabiamila to allow what it described as a full and impartial investigation.

It also called on President Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the alleged operations of the PFIPC, including its budgetary allocations, financial transactions, account openings and staff recruitment.

The NDC further urged investigators to probe the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death and the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi, while recommending that Adeyemi be granted witness protection.

The party also demanded that the Chief of Staff produce all official documents signed since assuming office for forensic examination.

In addition, it called for the questioning of officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation over their alleged roles in the matter.

The opposition party also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to commence what it described as a thorough investigation without fear or favour.

“The NDC will not accept the usual tactic of issuing a mere defensive press release from the Presidency as a deflective ploy. Nigerians deserve to know the truth through a transparent process that promotes fairness and justice,” the statement said.

The Presidency has previously maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had responded to the fresh allegations contained in the NDC statement.

Featured

Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Former CNN Anchor, Isha Sesay

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

Accomplished journalist and former Cable News Network (CNN) International anchor, Isha Sesay, will this week return to the studios of the global news network, not as an interviewer, but as the subject of its celebrated 30-minute magazine programme, African Voices, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

The episode will shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of the distinguished broadcaster whose career has traversed some of the most influential corridors of international journalism.

The 50-year-old British-Sierra Leonean media personality, born on January 6, 1976, rose to prominence through an illustrious career at CNN, which she joined as a news anchor in 2005 after distinguished stints with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sky News. Over the years, Sesay became one of the most recognisable and respected faces in global television news, bringing clarity and composure to some of the world’s most consequential stories.

An alumna of Trinity College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sesay steadily carved a distinctive niche for herself in broadcast journalism. In 2009, she became the host of the inaugural edition of International Desk, CNN’s weekly news programme, further cementing her reputation as a journalist of substance and international standing.

Her career afforded her the opportunity to engage with numerous eminent personalities, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his successor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, among other notable global figures.

Sesay also contributed to Anderson Cooper 360° as presenter of the 360 Bulletin, a role she assumed on January 17, 2011. Subsequently, she was reassigned as anchor of another flagship news programme, CNN NewsCenter, continuing a professional trajectory that reflected both versatility and excellence.

Beyond the newsroom, Sesay has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact. In 2014, she launched her educational and humanitarian non-profit advocacy initiative for the African girl-child. The organisation, aptly named Women Everywhere Can Lead, has since provided educational support and empowerment opportunities aimed at nurturing a new generation of female leaders across the continent.

More recently, Sesay captured public attention with her personal journey into motherhood, welcoming her first child through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a single mother. Her experience has resonated with many women around the world, adding another compelling chapter to a life story already rich in courage, resilience and inspiration.

On this edition of African Voices, Sesay will share insights into her distinguished career, her enduring advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment, as well as her new and deeply personal adventure into motherhood. The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30am.

Repeat broadcasts will follow at 11.00am on the same day, while additional screenings are scheduled for Sunday at 3.30am and 6.00pm. Further rebroadcasts will air on Monday at 3.00am and 5.45pm, and on Tuesday at 5.45 pm, with the same time belt continuing into the following week until Monday at 3.00am