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THE REBOUND OF TUNDE IRUKERA

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11 months ago

August 6, 2025

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By Tunde Olusunle

I returned to the *Daily Times* of yore in October 1993, where I was already a columnist and special section editor before I proceeded on a leave-of-absence, in March 1992. Prince Abubakar Audu of blessed memory who was the first civilian Governor of Kogi State had tapped me as his Director of Information and Public Affairs in March 1992. My employers in Lagos obliged me with the permission to honour that call to service. I exited the system voluntarily, however, because the quantum chicanery, debauchery and shenanigans in the public service were alien to me. I had indeed in one instance been accused of deploying my goodwill in the national media to undermine my Principal, Audu! Here was a man who entrusted a 27 year old with a position of state responsibility at that age.

He got used to my principled style of sharing a sofa with him in his living room and savouring wines and lagers, while more senior officials pretentiously squatted on the floor, their gullets covetous of my ice-cold servings. Audu took me like a son until cracks were dug in the wall by third parties, and lizards invited to party in its crevices. Certain fall-outs of this situation were totally at variance with my very strict upbringing, principles and sense of professionalism. I was a child of many mentors and models who had sky high expectations from me. I had to take a stand to save my name and career.

You needed to see the avalanche of congratulatory messages sent to me by post, in the absence of modern day ICT over three decades ago, including my former teachers, Emeritus Professors Olu Obafemi and Niyi Osundare, both worthy recipients of the Nigerian National Order of Merit, (NNOM). Not forgetting the late Alhaji Abubakar Gimba, a former Executive Director in Union Bank, and the United Bank for Africa, (UBA), who I had engaged with at conferences of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA) and interviewed on literature and national development. I was never privileged to meet the charismatic multimillionaire business mogul and later politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, (MKO), who surprisingly sent me a telegram. I had a long future ahead of me, I cherished the credibility I was cultivating and wouldn’t sacrifice it for a morsel of porridge.

I first reported to our offices at the Times Publications Division, (TPD), Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, where I submitted my letter notifying the Daily Times leadership of my return from leave-of-absence. Among Editors and colleagues, I was very warmly received. A jostle began between the various publications in the Daily Times stable, about which of them wanted me the most. Dapo Aderinola, Editor of the flagship newspaper in the group, the *Daily Times,* badly wanted me. I was a favourite feature writer, who was headhunted, loved and projected by my bosses, notably the inspirational Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, who as Managing Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, hired me. Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, who was my Editor and General Manager of TPD once minuted on a memo seeking his approval for my release for an interstate assignment: *I get a feeling that there is only Tunde Olusunle, and also Imoukhuede Ogunleye, (now departed), in that Department. What are the other fellows doing?* The *Sunday Times,* sister publication to *Daily Times* where I was first deployed upon being employed, was also pitching for me.

Ugochukwu was already Executive Director, Publications that October 1993, and he was to approve my reinstatement and deployment. He summoned me to the corporate headquarters of the Daily Times Group at Kakawa Street in Lagos Island. In his trademark baritone, he welcomed me from my assignment in Kogi and commended me for being a good ambassador of the organisation. He told me he was aware I was being sought after by every title Editor *”which is evidence of what you bring to the job.”* Having considered the requests and options, however, Ugochukwu said he had decided to deploy me to the Editorial Board, the intellectual engine room of the organisation: *”You have come back with broad-based insights which should benefit our wide range of newspapers. The Editorial Board is where you should be, so that your experiences can benefit the newspaper group. The Board of the organisation has also approved your promotion commensurate with your new assignment. Congratulations, Tunde,* Ugochukwu said as he offered me his hand.

I give this background inspired by the recent heartening appointment of Tunde Irukera, a former Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC), as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc. Irukera, an attorney with three and half decades of post-call to bar professional experience, has practiced in Nigeria and the United States of America, in a very rich and eventful career. He was full-time Managing Partner, between 2006 and 2017, of *Simmons Cooper Partners, a Lagos-based law firm, founded by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.* He was previously a solicitor with *Partners, Attorneys and Counsellors LLC,* a law concern in Chicago, Illinois, between 2001 and 2006. Irukera’s relationship with Osinbajo culminated in his appointment as Director-General of the now reformed and renamed Consumer Protection Council, (CPC), in 2017.

Irukera approached his job with the kind of dedication and creativity uncommon in Nigeria’s typically self-serving public service. He desired that Nigerian consumers were genuinely truly shielded from the criminal antics and murderous mischief of shylocks, cheats and laggards masquerading as service providers, across board. He regularly and rigorously engaged with stakeholders across the country and admonished Nigerians to report infractions against their rights. These were promptly taken up by the FCCPC to the highest levels of jurisprudence. He took pride in appearing in the courts, fully robed as an attorney, to fight for the people. Sundays were work days for Irukera. You saw him personally leading law enforcement agencies to seal up erring institutions, not in corporate gear, but tee-shirts, jeans trousers and sneakers. Elsewhere, defaulting service providers were penalised in accordance with the provisions of the law. Applicable penalties were paid to designated government coffers, and not cannibalised between erring organisations and pliable public servants, who collaborated to undermine the people and the state. He rebuilt the erstwhile CPC from a wholly dependent department, to a financially independent parastatal, in the new FCCPC.

In 2023, the FCCPC under Irukera generated a historic N56 Billion. This was much more than the annual internally generated revenue raked up by many states especially in the North of Nigeria. He expanded the operations of the organisation for greater effectiveness and recruited many young graduates through very competitive test processes. He took off dozens of qualified and competent youths from despairing streets. New employees covered the enlarged operations of the reinvigorated FCCPC. After covering its salary bills and overhead expenditures, the FCCPC in 2023, still remitted a handsome N22Billion to the coffers of government. Unsolicited trophies and recognitions poured in for Irukera and FCCPC, especially those acknowledging the new regime of transparency in corporate governance, as well as innovation and creativity in the transformed government’s ombudsman.

It was a flustered populace therefore which woke up to the news of the removal of Irukera and the former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, same day early January 2024. While no reason was adduced for Irukera’s ouster, Edu was pointedly accused of corrupt enrichment. It took the Bola Tinubu administration about seven weeks before the Senate was able to ratify the concoction that Irukera was “inefficient” at his job! Which was the painful part for a man who poured his all into his job. My revulsion at this development informed my piece *Irukera: How not to Reward Altruism* published February 28, 2024. This explains my specific excitement at Tunde Irukera’s appointment on Thursday July 31, 2025, as Chairman of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, a private sector outfit which prioritises merit, competence, experience and vision. Irukera never went lounging in the waiting rooms of political godfathers hustling for recognition and absorption in the new scheme. That was totally beneath him. What are his well-earned gown and wig for?

I’m not in the business of self-adulation when I share my own experience during my first excursion to the corridors of power in Kogi State, like I’ve done here. I see a congruence in my experience and Irukera’s within the context of the fact that the truth and competence will speak for the just. After the ouster of the Ibrahim Babangida Third Republic project by Sani Abacha late 1993, Audu’s successor, Paul Omeruo recalled me and passed me on to his successor Bzigu Afakirya who retained me for well over a year. I have also been privileged to serve in Nigeria’s Presidency, under a President who was more concerned about what value I could offer, than the location of my father’s house in my community. And here is Irukera also rediscovered for the gem he is and promptly hoisted to the chair of the boardroom of one of the nation’s foremost non-life, general insurance companies. Irukera did well in chambers and courtrooms in Lagos, Abuja, Illinois and elsewhere; he acquitted himself in the sleaze-strewn entrails of the public service, he can only be trusted to distinguish himself in the boardroom of his new corporate brief. I congratulate this humble, fine, cultivated gentleman whose *Yagba* remains unaffected through times and tides, I celebrate this unobtrusive exemplar of finesse and commitment.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja

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Falana To Defend Man Accused Of Forging Tinubu’s Appointment Letter

Published

6 minutes ago

July 3, 2026

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), is set to defend Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is facing criminal charges filed by the Federal Government over allegations of conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and the use of forged presidential documents.

Adeyemi recently made headlines after accusing the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of demanding bribes running into hundreds of millions of naira in connection with his alleged appointment to head a government agency.

However, the Presidency has dismissed the allegations, insisting that Adeyemi was never appointed by President Bola Tinubu and that the agency he claimed to head does not exist.

Sources familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Falana would represent Adeyemi in the criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Federal Government has filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi over alleged conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and the use of forged presidential documents.

The charge also listed two other suspects identified simply as Femi and Anu, whose surnames were not disclosed. Both are said to be at large.

According to the charge sheet, Adeyemi, whose address was listed as the second floor of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja, allegedly conspired with the two suspects to forge several official State House documents.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants forged a presidential appointment letter purportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu and signed by Gbajabiamila.

They were also accused of forging official presidential letterheads and several State House documents, including requests for office space, collaboration with government agencies and approvals relating to the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

The government further alleged that between 2024 and 2025, Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

Adeyemi has consistently maintained that he is the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

The Federal Government, however, described the agency as fictitious, insisting that no such government institution exists.

The criminal charges followed Adeyemi’s allegations that Gbajabiamila demanded ₦400m and an additional ₦200m to facilitate his appointment as head of a government agency.

He also alleged that the Chief of Staff demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s proposed ₦27.4bn take-off grant.

Adeyemi challenged the Presidency to constitute an independent panel to investigate the allegations and subject official documents signed by Gbajabiamila to forensic examination.

But in a detailed response on Wednesday, the Presidency defended the Chief of Staff, saying investigations conducted by the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Police Force established that Adeyemi was never appointed by President Tinubu or any government authority.

According to the Presidency, the investigations revealed that Adeyemi allegedly forged official documents and falsely presented himself as the head of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

The police said the case originated from a petition submitted by the Office of the Chief of Staff after forged appointment letters purportedly issued from the office were allegedly discovered.

Investigators alleged that forged documents bearing fake signatures, official seals and reference numbers were used to create the impression that Adeyemi headed a federal government agency.

According to the police, Adeyemi was arrested on October 27, 2025, at an office where he allegedly operated as Director-General of the purported council.

Searches conducted at the office and his residence in APC Quarters, Suleja, Niger State, reportedly led to the recovery of several documents and exhibits linked to the investigation.

Police said Adeyemi told investigators that one Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola procured the alleged appointment letter for him.

However, investigators said they later established that Tanimola had died in a fire incident at a hotel in Abuja, a claim they said was corroborated by his family, hospital officials and church records.

The police further disclosed that financial intelligence obtained from the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) revealed that Adeyemi maintained 34 active bank accounts across various commercial banks.

Investigators also alleged that he opened an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the name of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

The police concluded that their investigation established a prima facie case against Adeyemi, alleging that he deliberately forged presidential documents and falsely presented himself as a Federal Government appointee.

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FG Evacuates 593 Nigerians From South Africa, Dismisses Claims of Payment for Rescue Flights

Published

2 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Following recent xenophobic protests, the Federal Government has evacuated 593 Nigerians from South Africa, with three additional evacuation flights scheduled to bring home hundreds more citizens who have indicated their willingness to return.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Thursday, disclosed this, saying that the evacuation exercise underscores the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad during times of crisis.

According to the Ebienfa, the first batch of 258 evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on 11 June aboard a special Air Peace flight and was received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, on behalf of the Federal Government before being handed over to relevant agencies for documentation and profiling.

He explained that logistical challenges delayed the second evacuation flight, resulting in some Nigerians being temporarily accommodated at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.

The Spokesperson added that a Nigerian philanthropist voluntarily paid for the tickets of 66 stranded citizens, who subsequently returned to Lagos on 24 June aboard South African Airways.

A further 269 Nigerians arrived on a second government-coordinated evacuation flight on 30 June, bringing the total number of returnees to 593.

The ministry said the evacuation exercise was still ongoing.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians that three additional flights will be operated in the next few days to ensure that all Nigerians who voluntarily registered to be evacuated and have been duly screened and cleared are brought back safely to the country. The expected number in that regard is 700 Nigerians”, the statement read.

According to the statement, the next evacuation flight will arrive on Friday, 3 July, carrying 271 returnees, with touchdown expected at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 5.30am.

The ministry also dismissed reports alleging that officials at the Nigerian mission in South Africa demanded money from stranded citizens before registering them for evacuation, and described the allegations as unfounded.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to place on record that all the special evacuation flights are fully paid for by the Federal Government and at no cost to the returnees.

“This clarification is necessitated by insinuations and false allegations that some staff of the Nigerian Mission were requesting money before enlisting our nationals for the evacuation flights. That is totally false, fake news, and should be discarded”, it stated

The ministry commended the collaboration among relevant ministries, departments and agencies involved in the operation, describing the exercise as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians overseas.

“The evacuation process clearly underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“It also reflects the Government’s determination to ensure that Nigerians affected by crises abroad receive the necessary support, dignity, and care. The lives of Nigerians living abroad matters and we are trying our best as a Ministry to give them a sense of belonging”, it added.

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Nigeria-Red Cross Deepen Humanitarian Alliance as Foreign Minister Pledges Stronger Support

Published

3 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and closer collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the federation’s new Head of Delegation, Ghulam Muhammed Awan.

The meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, came as Dr Awan formally presented his Letter of Commission and provided both sides with an opportunity to reaffirm their long-standing partnership in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, community resilience and the protection of vulnerable people.

Welcoming the IFRC official, Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated him on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would strengthen the federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region.

“I am confident that your tenure will further strengthen the Federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support the important humanitarian mandate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,” the minister said.

She praised the work of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the global Red Cross Movement, describing their contributions during disasters, armed conflicts, disease outbreaks and other emergencies as invaluable.

“The Red Cross has, over generations, earned global respect through its commitment to humanity, neutrality, impartiality and voluntary service,” she said.

Reflecting on her personal experiences, the minister recalled the organisation’s long-standing presence in Nigerian communities, saying its humanitarian activities had inspired generations of young people to support the less privileged.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also paid tribute to Red Cross volunteers working in difficult environments across the country, noting that they often risk their lives to provide assistance without discrimination.

“The enduring legacy of the organisation continues to foster compassion, volunteerism and community service across generations.

“The neutrality of the Red Cross remains one of its greatest strengths, enabling it to assist solely based on need, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious considerations. It is also encouraging that humanitarian workers and volunteers in Nigeria continue to enjoy the confidence and cooperation of local communities, thereby facilitating the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance across the country,” she said.

In response, Dr Awan thanked the minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s humanitarian response systems.

He stressed that the IFRC’s operations are guided by internationally recognised humanitarian principles.

“The Federation continues to strengthen community-based approaches to disaster preparedness and emergency response through its extensive network of volunteers operating at national, state and community levels.

“Our effectiveness is built upon the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, which enable our volunteers to assist all persons in need without discrimination,” Awan said.

The IFRC official described Nigeria as a strategic partner within the federation’s West and Central Africa operations and expressed optimism that cooperation with the Federal Government would continue to grow.

“We look forward to expanding collaboration in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, public health, emergency preparedness and humanitarian capacity development,” he added.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in humanitarian action, disaster preparedness, the protection of vulnerable communities and the promotion of sustainable resilience across Nigeria and the wider West African region.