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How Nasarawa court dissolved Diezani’s marriage
Details have emerged on how a high court in Nasarawa State dissolved the marriage between a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison Madueke, and her husband, Admiral Alison Amaechina Maduekwe.
Maduekwe, a former Chief of Naval Staff, had filed a petition at the Lagos State High Court on July 2, 2024 seeking a legal declaration to end his marriage to Diezani and requesting that she stopped using his last name.
He asked the court to order the former petroleum resources minister to revert to her maiden name, Agama, adding that Diezani’s continued use of his name despite their marriage being legally dissolved was damaging his reputation and could lead to unintended liability, given the existing corruption allegations against her.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that the former minister had on November 26, 2021 filed a divorce suit at a high court in Mararaba Gurku, Nasarawa State, pleading the court to dissolve her marriage with Admiral Maduekwe.
The ex-minister, in her petition to the court in 2021, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent in Nasarawa State, said she was seeking a divorce on the grounds that their marriage had broken down irretrievably.
The petition stated: “On the grounds that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and by virtue of the fact that the petitioner and the respondent have lived apart for a continuous period of over three years immediately preceding the presentation of this petition, and that the Respondent has not lived together with the petitioner for a continuous period of over one year preceding the presentation of this petition.
“The petitioner, Diezani Alison Maduekwe, whose is at No 2, Wale Olateju Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos, Lagos State, and who is an Architect by occupation, hereby petitions the court for a decree of dissolution of marriage against the respondent whose address is No 2, Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos, Lagos State, and who is a marine consultant by occupation.
“The petitioner, then a spinster, was lawfully married to the respondent at the federal marriage registry, Lagos State on the 30th June, 1999, according to the provisions of the Marriage Act, and that both were of marriageable age.”
The petition further stated that Diezani Alison Maduekwe, the petitioner, was born in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State in 1960 while the respondent, Admiral Alison Amaechina Maduekwe, was born at Inyi, Enugu State in 1944.
The ex-minister further told the court that she and her husband ceased to cohabit since May 2015, and that the marriage had broken down irretrievably as both parties had lost interest in it completely.
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She added that the marriage produced only one child, a son by name Chimezie Maduekwe, who was 20 years old at the time of the petition.
The facts relied upon by the ex-minister that the marriage has broken down irretrievably are “that the petitioner left Nigeria for London in May 2015 for medical treatment and has been there since then, that the petitioner has lived apart with the respondent for more than two years that she has been undergoing treatment in London and preceding the presentation of this petition.
“The petitioner has not condoned or connived at presenting the grounds specified above and is not guilty of collusion in the presentation of this petition,” the grounds read.
The petitioner was represented by Abdulaziz Ibrahim Esq of K. T. Turakiband Co.
The documents sighted by our correspondent showed all verifying affidavit in support of petition, the certificate relating to reconciliation form 3, the certificate of pre-action counseling as well as acknowledgement of service on Admiral Alison Amaechina Maduekwe, and the petitions witness statement on oath.
Although Admiral Alison Amaechina Maduekwe was dully served, he did not appear or send any representative during the life span of the case at Mararaba High Court, Gurku, Nasarawa State.
However, our correspondent gathered that on Tuesday, 15th March 2023, Justice A. A Ozegya, in a suit No NSD/MG345/2021, entered judgment in favour of the petitioner, dissolving the judgment.
Part of the judgment reads: “After listening to the counsel adopting the testimonies of the petitioner vide an affidavit evidence under section 107 of the Evidence Act, this court would have no further hesitation to make in this matter but to enter final judgment in matter as per paragraph 10 of the petition as the respondent has stated not to contest the petition.
“In view of the above, this court hereby enters final judgment in favour of the petitioner to wit: Dissolving the marriage between the petitioner and the respondent on the grounds that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.”
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FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, FemyWalsh Limited has proudly announced the appointment of Chief Julie Coker, an 85-year-old trailblazer in African journalism, as part of its esteemed team.
This historic milestone cements FemyWalsh Limited’s position as a leader in championing diversity and recognising the value of experience across generations.
Chief Julie Coker, a celebrated icon in the media world, brings decades of experience, insight, and unparalleled expertise to the organisation. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of African journalism, inspiring generations of journalists with her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
“Chief Julie Coker is not just a journalist; she is a living legend,” said Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, Chief Executive Director of FemyWalsh Limited. “Her contributions to journalism and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. By welcoming her to our team, we are reaffirming our belief that greatness knows no age. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and celebrating talent in all its forms.”
This is not the first time FemyWalsh Limited has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the organisation made headlines by employing a 74-year-old veteran journalist, setting a precedent for valuing experience and diversity. Chief Julie Coker’s appointment further elevates this legacy, marking a significant achievement not only for FemyWalsh Limited but also for Africa’s media landscape.
Chief Julie Coker will now join FemyWalsh Media, which operates Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM, based in the ancient city of Kano. The addition of Kasuwa Radio reflects FemyWalsh Limited’s commitment to expanding its reach and promoting quality broadcasting across Nigeria.
Speaking on her appointment, Chief Julie Coker expressed her gratitude and excitement:
“I am deeply honoured to join FemyWalsh Limited, a company that values experience and continues to break barriers. I look forward to contributing my wealth of knowledge and being part of an organisation that is paving the way for inclusivity and innovation in the media industry.”
Chief Julie Coker’s role at FemyWalsh Limited will focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists, enhancing storytelling strategies, and promoting initiatives that celebrate Africa’s rich media heritage.
FemyWalsh Media’s growing portfolio of outlets underscores its dedication to reshaping the media landscape in Africa by combining innovation with inclusivity. This historic appointment serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide, proving that experience and age are invaluable assets in fostering progress and creativity.
About FemyWalsh Limited
FemyWalsh Limited is a leading media organisation committed to driving inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the media industry. With ownership of Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM Kano, the company continues to inspire through its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to diversity.
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The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, called on South West Governors to take the security of their areas more seriously in view of the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.
Afenifere disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,
PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.
The Governor had said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.
“To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own personal experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month.
“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
Howeve, Afenifere stated that a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.
It, therefore, called on all the governors of the South-Western States to “as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.
“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.”
Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.
While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.
It added, “For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet there are people living in Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp. It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”
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