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THE REBOUND OF TUNDE IRUKERA
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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
News
After Years of Delays, Tinubu Delivers Wasa Relocation Promise to Apo Mechanics, Traders(Photos)
The long-awaited relocation of mechanics, artisans and traders from the Apo Mechanic Village to the Wasa District in Abuja has finally become a reality, ending years of unfulfilled promises by successive administrations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, commissioned the access roads, power and water infrastructure for the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District, paving the way for the relocation of thousands of traders and mechanics to the new site.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the project fulfilled a commitment that had remained unrealised for more than a decade despite repeated assurances by previous governments.
“The relocation to Wasa District was a promise long delayed by previous administrations. Today, under this administration, that promise has been fulfilled,” Tinubu said at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the project is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ensuring that infrastructure development benefits ordinary Nigerians and supports economic growth.
For years, mechanics, artisans and traders operating along the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) corridor had complained about inadequate facilities and uncertainty over relocation plans tied to the Abuja Master Plan.
Tinubu noted that beyond the construction of roads, electricity and water supply, the project represents an investment in the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians who depend on the informal sector.
“What we are commissioning today goes far beyond the provision of access roads, erecting electricity poles or laying water pipes. This is an investment in human dignity and economic freedom.
“The informal sector is the true engine of our economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods. By providing premium infrastructure here in Wasa, we are transforming this district into a modern, vibrant commercial hub that will boost Abuja’s Internally Generated Revenue and lower the cost of doing business,” he said.
The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to inclusive development and ensuring that no group is left behind.
“When we took the oath of office and presented the Renewed Hope Agenda to the Nigerian people, we made a solemn pledge that no segment of our society would be left behind and that infrastructure would not be built for only the elite, but as a ladder for the economic empowerment of the everyday Nigerian,” he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians, describing the ongoing reforms as painful but necessary steps toward building a more resilient economy.
“I am deeply aware of the current economic realities across our nation. As your President, I feel your pain, I hear your concerns and I carry the weight of your daily struggles.
“The economic reforms we have initiated are undoubtedly painful, and their immediate impact has been heavy on households and businesses alike. However, these decisions were not made lightly; they are difficult but necessary surgeries required to save the patient,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to implement social intervention programmes, invest in agriculture and expand infrastructure development to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said the completion of the project demonstrated President Tinubu’s resolve to fulfil promises made to residents.
Wike recalled that shortly after assuming office in August 2023, the FCT Administration held consultations with stakeholders, including the Apo Mechanic Traders Association, on the need to relocate them to the designated informal sector layout in Wasa.
He noted that while previous administrations had repeatedly promised the relocation, Tinubu’s government moved beyond promises by providing the required infrastructure.
“Every government that came promised that Apo traders and mechanics would be moved here because staying along the road was not conducive. Those promises were never fulfilled.
“But when Bola Ahmed Tinubu became President, he made the promise and approved the project. The contract was awarded in November last year, and today we are commissioning it. It is not even up to one year,” Wike said.
The minister urged members of the association to resolve internal disagreements and prepare for a smooth relocation to the new site.
“Now that the government has fulfilled its own agreement, I hope you will fulfil yours. Put your house in order so that you can comfortably move here and enjoy the environment,” he said.
Wike also commended CGC Nigeria Limited for delivering the project and thanked host communities, the National Assembly and Area Council chairmen for supporting the execution of infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic empowerment.
She said ongoing rehabilitation and completion of critical projects across Abuja were restoring confidence in governance and repositioning the Federal Capital Territory as a modern capital city in line with global standards.
The newly commissioned Access Roads to the Informal Sector Layout, Wasa District, Abuja where Apo Mechanic Village Traders will be relocated.
#ProjectsFCT2026
#FCT31DaysCommissioning
…Over N480 billion super clandestine lab, methamphetamine found in Ogun forest
A 63-year-old drug baron, Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians have been arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on an 11-count criminal charge bordering on the setting up of a super clandestine laboratory and the production of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine worth over Four Hundred and Eighty Billion Naira (N480,000,000,000.00) in the international market at Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The defendants: Anochili Innocent, 63; Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40, all Mexican nationals except Anochili; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59, were docked on Friday 10th July 2026 following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos state between 16th and 18th May 2026. on their 2026.
Suspects arrested in the super lab hidden deep inside Mowe forest, Ijebu East LGA of Ogun State, on 16th May are: Nwankwo Sunday Christian; Igwe Abuchi Remijus; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua; and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor; as well as the three Mexican meth experts: Martinez Felix Nemecto; Jesus López Valles; and Torrero Juan Carlos; while the cartel’s mastermind, Anochili Innocent, was simultaneously arrested at his luxury residence located at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki area of Lagos state.
In follow-up operations on Monday 18th May 2026, NDLEA operatives stormed another property owned by the baron at House 70, Close 3, Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos where another key member of the syndicate, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, was arrested after which investigators stormed the residence of another syndicate member, Emeka Nwobum, whose property served as the cartel’s strategic stash house same day.
The 11-count charge, filed by the NDLEA prosecution team accuses the defendants of conspiring, between February and 16th May 2026, to establish a clandestine laboratory for the preparation, processing and production of methamphetamine, in violation of Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act.
Other counts include managing, organising and financing a drug trafficking organisation contrary to Section 20(1)(g); unlawfully transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane (P2P), phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the Mowe laboratory using a Toyota Tacoma, a Mercedes Benz marked APP 942 YL and a Toyota Highlander marked GWA 662DJ, contrary to Section 20(1)(f); and the unlawful production and possession of the 2,419.48kg haul of methamphetamine, contrary to Sections 11(a) and 19 of the Act respectively.
The charge sheet further details the separate possession of large quantities of precursor chemicals recovered at the laboratory, including 358kg of toluene, 1,834kg of hydrochloric acid and 22.5kg of acetone, alongside quantities of P2P and phenyl acetic acid, all contrary to Section 20(1)(e) of the NDLEA Act.
In a count peculiar to only the kingpin, Anochili Innocent, described by the Agency as the owner of the fenced expanse of land on which the super lab was sited, he was charged separately under Section 12 of the NDLEA Act for unlawfully allowing his property to be used for the production of the illicit drug.
All ten defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before Justice Kakaki. The prosecution thereafter called seven witnesses to commence trial having served the defence the proof of evidence since 3rd of July 2026 but the defence objected asking for more time. The court consequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Correctional Centre Lagos with the case adjourned to the 16th and 22nd of July for trial and hearing of the application for bail.
Speaking on the arraignment, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.
“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed”, Marwa stated.
He reiterated NDLEA’s commitment to ridding Nigeria of drug cartels and their local collaborators, and called on members of the public to continue providing useful information to support the Agency’s operations nationwide.
After Years of Delays, Tinubu Delivers Wasa Relocation Promise to Apo Mechanics, Traders(Photos)
PHOTOS: SEE newly commissioned access road to where App mechanic village is being relicatedy
NDLEA arraigns drug baron Anochili, 3 Mexicans, 6 others, remanded in prison(Photos)
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