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DSS slams N5.5b suit against SERAP over alleged false claims

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has instituted a N5.5billion defamation suit against a group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for allegedly making false claims that officials of the agency invaded its (SERAP’s) Abuja office.

In the suit, filed in the names of two of its officials – Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele – the DSS stated among others, that the alleged false claim by SERAP has negatively impacted on its reputation and that of the two officials involved.

The suit, filed on October 17 by DSS’ team of lawyers, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marked: CV/4547/2024, has SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare listed as defendants.

The claimants stated, in their statement of claim, that, in line with its practice of engaging with officials of non -governmental organisations operating in the FCT to establish a relationship with their new leadership, it directed the two officials – John and Ogunleye – to visit SERAP’s office and invite its new leadership for a familiarisation meeting.

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They added that in carrying out the directive, John and Ogunleye paid a friendly visit to SERAP’s office at 18 Bamako Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja on September 9 and met with one Ruth, who upon being informed about the purpose of the visit, claimed that none of SERAP’s management staff was in the country and advised that a formal letter of invitation be written by the DSS.

The claimants, who claimed that their interactions with Ruth were recorded, said before they immediately exited SERAP’s office, Ruth promised to inform her organisation’s management about the visit and volunteered a phone number – 08160537202.

They said it was surprising that shortly after their visit, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle: @SERAPNigeria, claiming that officers of the DSS are presently unlawfully occupying its office.

The claimant added that “on the same day, the defendants also published a statement on SERAP’s  website, which was widely reported by several media outfits, falsely alleging that some officers from the DSS, “described as ‘a tall, large, dark-skinned woman’ and ‘a slim, dark skinned man,’ invaded their Abuja office and interrogated the staff of the first defendant.

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“In their statement, the defendants also urged the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immediately direct the DSS to end its intimidation, harassment and attack against the first defendant and the threat of arrest against its directors.

“Due to the false statements published by the defendants, the DSS has been ridiculed and criticised by international agencies such as the Amnesty International and prominent members of the Nigerian society, such as Femi Falana (SAN).

“Due to the false statements published by the defendants, members of the public and the international community formed the opinion that the Federal Government is using the DSS to harass the defendants.”

They added that the defendants’ statements caused harm to the claimants’ reputation because the staff and management of the DSS have formed the opinion that the claimants did not follow orders and carried out an unsanctioned operation and are therefore, incompetent and unprofessional.

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The claimants also stated that the defendants’ statements caused harm to the claimants’ reputation because staff of the DSS have formed the opinion that the ridicule and criticisms received by the DSS are a result of the claimants actions.

They added that as a result of the defendants’ false statements, the claimants are the subject of an ongoing investigation by the DSS; they have been made to make statements, subjected to interrogations, faced a disciplinary panel and now suspended from the DSS pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

The claimants are therefore praying the court for the following reliefs:

*An order directing the defendants to tender an apology to the claimants via the first defendant’s (SERAP’s) website, X (twitter) handle, two national daily newspapers (Punch and Vanguard) and two national news television stations (Arise Television and Channels Television) for falsely accusing the claimants of unlawfully invading the first defendant’s office and interrogating the first defendant’s staff.

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*An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N5billion as damages for the libelous statements published about the claimants.

*Interest on the sum of N5b at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is realised or liquidated.

*AN order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N50million as costs of this action.

The case now assigned to Justice Yusuf Halilu of Court 13 of the High Court of the FCT, is yet to be scheduled for hearing.

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“Be dedicated to Nigerians as God is watching you”-Onaiyekan cautions Tinubu

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The Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, says though more Nigerians voted against President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, he has a duty to serve all Nigerians.

According to him, Tinubu, the then-candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), should switch from campaign mode to governance mode and serve every part of the country equally.

The respected cleric was a guest on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme on Channels Television.

Cardinal Onaiyekan warned Tinubu against running a polarised government where his political cronies are rewarded with appointments and the parts of the country where he got hefty votes are also rewarded with projects.

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He said, “There are Nigerians who did not vote for APC. Granted that APC got the highest number of votes and that is why they have the right to rule us. But they also forget that there are millions of Nigerians who did not (vote for the APC).

“Whatever the rules say, the reality is that more people vote against Mr President than those who voted for him.

“Even if you are a minority government, which is what I call what we have now, you still have a duty to serve the people and to do all you can to give everybody what is their right, and to rule well.”

‘God Is Watching’
Cardinal Onaiyekan urged the President to do his best to move the nation forward as he would give account of his stewardship to God.

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“Mr President, it’s about time you switched from campaign mode to governance mode. Elections are over. Campaigns are over. You now have to govern and govern the whole of Nigeria and every Nigerian.

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“And therefore, the whole system whereby high political offices are given as a reward for those who were political activists, I don’t believe that that is the best way to move the nation forward.

“I would say, now that you (Tinubu) have been declared the President of Nigeria, sit down comfortably on that chair. As a religious leader, I would say God has allowed you on that chair. If God puts you there, you must then know that he is watching you and that He will be asking you what you did on that chair,” he said

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Wema Bank Appoints New Deputy Managing Director and Executive Director

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s innovative leader in banking and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Deputy Managing Director and an Executive Director. These strategic appointments, approved by the Board, come as part of the bank’s commitment to ensuring strong leadership succession. The new roles will take effect on December 1, 2024, following the retirement of Mr. Oluwole Akinleye, the current Deputy Managing Director.

Mr. Akinleye, whose retirement will be effective November 30, 2024, has been a vital pillar of Wema Bank’s growth and transformation. Over the past decade, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership across various capacities, including overseeing the Southwest Business, Corporate Banking Division, Customer Experience Management, and Corporate Sustainability. His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the bank’s strategic objectives and market positioning.

In expressing gratitude for his service, the Board of Directors and management of the Bank disclosed that Mr. Akinleye’s dedication and strategic foresight have been instrumental to Wema Bank’s transformation journey. He is deeply appreciated for his invaluable contributions and they wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

As part of its robust succession planning, Wema Bank has appointed Mr. Oluwole Ajimisinmi as Deputy Managing Director. Mr. Ajimisinmi, who joined Wema Bank in 2009 as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, was appointed as an Executive Director in 2020. With years of experience in corporate governance, strategic leadership, and banking, he is well-positioned to steer the bank towards its next phase of growth and innovation.

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The bank has also named Mr. Olukayode Bakare as Executive Director, effective the same date. A seasoned finance and treasury expert with years of industry experience, Mr. Bakare has been a key driver of Wema Bank’s Treasury, Wholesale Funding, and Global Trade Business. His extensive expertise and leadership will further bolster the bank’s commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions.

Commenting on these appointments, the Board of Directors and management of the Bank said these appointments underscore Wema Bank’s commitment to building a future-ready leadership team. According to the Bank, Mr. Ajimisinmi and Mr. Bakare bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and a clear vision to their new roles. The Bank is confident that their leadership will propel Wema Bank to new heights, ensuring sustained innovation and value creation for its stakeholders.

Wema Bank remains committed to its mission of delivering cutting-edge banking solutions through technology and innovation. With these leadership changes, the Bank is poised to maintain its position as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial services sector.

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“How I almost died – Mike Tyson narrates a near-death experience before Jake Paul fight

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Former World Heavyweight Champion, Mike Tyson, has opened up about how he nearly lost his life prior to his bout with Jake Paul on November 15, 2024.

In his narration, he stated that his condition was critical to the extent that he had to be given eight blood transfusions after losing half of his blood while receiving treatment at the hospital.

The legendary boxer indicated that he does not regret fighting Jake Paul, who is in his youthful age, and losing the bout in the eighth round is a feat to be proud of.

Tyson expressed his appreciation to his family and loved ones who supported him during the bout and even sent him words of encouragement after the defeat.

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“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in the ring one last time. I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.

“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for,” Tyson wrote on X after losing to Jake Paul.

Social media influencer-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision in their highly anticipated professional bout in Arlington, Texas.

Fighting in front of 72,300 fans at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Paul controlled most of the fight against Tyson, winning via unanimous decision to become the sixth fighter to defeat the former heavyweight champion in his career.

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With the victory, Paul improves to 11-1 in his professional career, including seven knockouts, further cementing himself as a valid competitor in the sport.

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