News
Danjuma sues popular pastor N1bn for libel
A former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), has slammed N1bn suit against renowned cleric, Pastor Paul Rika, of the Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide for allegedly defaming him in a book he authored.
Danjuma, through his counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), gave the preacher seven days to withdraw the defamatory statements contained in his book titled “God’s Message To Kuteb Tribe And Indigenes Of Taraba State.”
In a Memorandum Setting Out Claim And Option For Settlement In Respect Of Libelous Statements Contained in the book dated September 27, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Jos, Plateau State capital, on Friday, the retired general said that his attention was drawn to the book by some of his mentees, who had purchased the book and read it.
Danjuma complained about some pages of the book which he said impugned his character and ridiculed him among his friends and also jeopardised his business nationally and internationally.
The letter read, “Our client’s attention was drawn to a Book titled: “God’s Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State” (the Book), written by Pastor Paul Rika and published by HOREMOW Printing Press, which was availed to him through some of his mentees who had purchased the book and read it.
“Upon receiving a copy of the book, to his utter dismay, he discovered several heinous allegations made against him. The contents of the book particularly at pages: 9, 13, 14, I5, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 4 I, 42, 56, 58, 59, 6I, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 76, 83, 84, 85, 86, 90, 9I and 94, impugn our client’s good reputation, demonize him, and portray him as a wicked, mischievous, evil, and anti-democratic person.”
Danjuma said that the statements contained in the book were reckless, ill-advised, and highly defamatory of him without any respect for his hard-earned reputation in Taraba and Nigeria at large.
“The defamatory statements which you published of, and concerning our client have caused him great discomfort, embarrassment, and annoyance, and lowered him in the estimation of right-thinking members of the public who have read the book. Since the publication, he has been inundated with calls and other contacts from several people and leaders within and outside Nigeria, who read the book and are disturbed and disappointed.
“Our client, being a revered octogenarian who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity is greatly distressed by your defamatory publication because of his reputation built by a labour of many decades has been assaulted and jolted by your insensitive, malicious, and contemptuous false publication.
“Accordingly, our client has instructed us to commence legal proceedings against you and the Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide [as defendants]to seek appropriate judicial remedies,” the letter added.
The lawyers said remedies being sought include the defendant to within 90 days print, publish, and distribute a second edition of the book and apologise to Danjuma for all the “false statements published of and concerning him in the first edition.”
Also general damages in the sum of NI,000,000,000.00 for the defamatory statements published of and concerning the claimant on those pages and as an option for settlement within seven days.
The retired general also wants the respondent to submit to this office a written undertaking that within 90 days of the date of the undertaking, he “will print, publish, and distribute a second edition of the book retracting all those libelous statements.”
News
Bread and butter activists: Wike not available for such adult delinquents-Olayinka slams Adeyanju
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that the Minister will not give attention to “professional scammers and hustlers” who are masquerading as activists.
In a statement on Saturday, the Spokesperson to the FCT Minister said most of those jumping from one social media platform to another to speak against the FCT Minister were doing so because he ignored them and is making the “Yahoo Yahoo” antics through which they have sustained themselves to fail.
He said; “While growing up as a child in the hilly town of Okemesi Ekiti, one of the lessons I learned from my grandfather was never to wrestle with pigs. He was constantly telling us that the danger of wrestling with a pig will be that at the end of the fight, sane minds won’t be able to differentiate between you and the pig you fought with.
Therefore, as a matter of principle, we won’t dignify some people with any response.
“This is more so that we know how a certain emergency activist diverted election money to purchase a petrol station. We know how some so-called activists have fought themselves over protest money, including the one in 2019.
News
AFCON 2025Q: Eguavoen excuses bereaved Nwabali from Amavubi clash
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has excused Stanley Nwabali from the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda
The Chippa United lost his father on Friday morning.
The former surveyor died at the age of 67.
“He (Nwabali) has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his team mates on,” team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, told thenff.com.
Eguavoen now has two goalkeepers, Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie available for the game.
The Super Eagles will host the Rwandans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Monday.
News
Gov Okpebholo Makes Six Fresh Appointments In Edo
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of six more persons to serve in various capacities in his government.
Those appointed include Dr. Emmanuel Paddy lyamu as the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi as the Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board; and CP Friday Ibadin, Rtd, State Corps Commander, Edo State Security Corps Governance.
Others are Stainless M.I. Ijeghede as the Managing Director, Edo State Traffic Management Agency, (EDSTMA); Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, as Managing Director, Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency; and Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor, as Hon. Commissioner of Finance-designate.
In a statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, made available to newsmen in Benin City, he said the six appointments take effect from November 15, 2024.
Dr. Iyamu holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Benin. He is also a holder of Doctor of Science in Petroleum Resources from the European American University.
Iyamu is a strategic leader and renowned expert in security, business administration, human resources. An alumnus of Oxford University (Said Business School), he holds a Professional Doctorate in Leadership and Management from City University of Paris.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Iyamu has excelled across the banking, oil, and gas sectors, significantly improving corporate security and crisis management operations.
Until his appointment, Dr. Iyamu was the Chief Executive Oficer of Gabbem Integrated Services Lid, a leading company specialized in marine equipment and services.
Similarly, the second appointee Enehita-Inegbenehi obtained his B.Sc. (Human Resource d M.Sc. in Strategic Leadership and Governance from the University of Cape Coast respectively.
He is a dynamic and result-oriented professional, with an extensive experience in leadership and human resource management. He has proven abilities to analyze complex issues, develop effective strategies and guide teams towards success while fostering professional growth.
Inegbenehi was the Chief Executive Officer of JEI Visions Iron Metals, JEI Visions Service Apartments as well as JEI Visions Cleaning Services.
The third appointee CP Ibadan worked and retiredY from the Nigeria Police after a meritorious 35 years of service. He was one of the 11 officers seconded to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and was a regional officer in the Headquarters.
He has attended various security courses in Egypt, France, USA among others. CP Friday Obadin holds the Bachelor Degrees in Philosophy and Law, respectively and was later called to the Nigerian Bar in the year 2007.
He is a member of Afican centre from crime prevention research studies, Cairo, Egypt. He is happily married with children.
The fourth appointee ljeghede holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He had a successful career in the Petroleum Industry, having worked and held sensitive positions, particularly in the Well Engineering and Safety Department in Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Ltd.
He retired from the Service of Shell after a meritorious service.
The fifth appointee Eseigbe obtained his LL.B and LL.M at the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma respectively. Until this appointment, Lucky Eseigbe Esq, was a Legislative Aide/Legal Adviser/Consultant to notable Honourable Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from year 2007 to November 2024.
The sixth appointee Okoebor was born on October 21, 1972. He had his first degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Benin, Benin City respectively.
Engr. Okoebor, MBA has over 25 years of experience in the Banking Sector, including roles at the Standard Trust and United Bank of Africa (UBA).
He rose through the ranks in the Banking Industry to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM) and is currently Regional Manager, United Bank of Africa (UBA) overseeing 15 Business Offices.
Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor MBA is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a registered member of COREN.
-
News22 hours ago
BREAKING: NJC finally nails Rivers, Anambra High Court Judges
-
News23 hours ago
Exposed! CBN board never granted approval for Naira design, Emefiele acted on his own -Witness
-
News24 hours ago
Kebbi, Sokoto States: Lakurawa Members Flee As Troops Smoke Them Out
-
News6 hours ago
Another Popular Actor Passes Away + Photo
-
News6 hours ago
Police reject N174m bribe, arrest suspected internet fraudster
-
News13 hours ago
Appeal Court voids MC Oluomo’s election as NURTW president
-
News23 hours ago
Late COAS Lagbaja To Be Laid To Rest In National Military Cemetery Today
-
News6 hours ago
CBN Directs Banks to Prioritize ATM Cash Distribution Amid Rising Demand