Appointment
EFCC Chair: Okechukwu urges critics of Olukoyode’s appointment to sheathe their swords
A stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Osita Okechukwu has appealed to critics of the appointment of Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede as the new chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to sheathe their swords.
This is coming against the backdrop of reactions that have continued to trail the appointment by Presiden Bola Tinubu
Okechukwu, who is a foundation member of All Progressives Congress (APC), said Olukoyede’s traducers should calm down, stressing that the appointment of the former EFCC secretary is a game changer for anti-graft-war crusade, going by his antecedents.
In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, in Abuja, the APC chieftain maintained that it is not unusual for controversy to erupt after the appointment to an important and strategic office like the chairman of EFCC, with regard to whether the appointment conforms with extant laws.
However, Okechukwu, who is also the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (DG VON) called for caution, saying, “One has carefully taken a cursory analysis of the raging debate and came to the inevitable conclusion that Ola Olukoyode’s traducers had forgotten the famous and ageless maxim of the foremost physician of all time Albert Einstein – “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
“Corollary,” he said, “the truism is that Olukoyode’s appointment comes as a remedy, because EFCC was formed to provide alternative front for higher performance in waging the Herculean anti-graft war crusade.
“Therefore, his appointment from fraud angle of the noble legal profession is an appropriate alternative strategy for reforms. Doing otherwise is akin to doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
On the legitimacy of his qualification, the DG VON said that he is in league with the preponderant view of senior counsel that Olukoyode’s cognate experience is unassailable having headed the administrative wing of the EFCC and having devoted the last two decades in the tricky fraud profession.
“As the intendment of the law is that emphasis should be laid on cognate experience. The reforms contemplated by Renewed Agenda of President Tinubu can only be achieved under an informed insider with requisite legal tools not a learner. That, to me, is the essential thrust of Olukoyode’s appointment,” he added.
Okechukwu said Nigerians should expect better results from Olukoyode, even as he urged the new EFCC chairman to always stand against the temptation of media trial but conclude diligent investigations before exposing criminal suspects.
He further admonished Olukoyede to ensure that EFCC operatives embark on investigations with fine tooth combs to fish out billions of dollars looted from Nigeria’s commonwealth and stashed abroad in foreign banks.
“Having served as member of the Technical Committee of the Presidential Advisory Council on Corruption, as well as member of the Technical Committee on the Repositioning of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU); Olukoyede should insist that his men uses fine tooth combs to fish out billions of dollars stashed abroad.
“These monies could help to bail Nigerians out of economic quagmire and debt burden. Common-sense dictates that it cannot be only Gen Abacha’s loot that are hidden in foreign banks. I therefore appeal to Olukoyede’s traducers to sheathe their swords and assist him with ideas to make EFCC deliver on its lofty mandates,” Okechukwu demanded.
In a move signaling a commitment to impactful reforms, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, has congratulated Mrs. Ogunlola Oluyemisi Adefoluke on her appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Law Reform Commission.
The announcement, made on Thursday, January 16, 2025, underscores the administration’s confidence in Ogunlola’s ability to lead transformative legal initiatives.
Mrs. Ogunlola, a seasoned legal professional, previously served as a Director (State Counsel) GL 17 in the Ministry of Justice. Her track record of exceptional dedication, diligence, and expertise positioned her as the ideal candidate for the role.
Mr. Agoro described her appointment as a well-deserved recognition of her selfless service and expressed confidence in her capacity to effect meaningful change. “Mrs. Ogunlola’s wealth of experience and expertise will undoubtedly drive impactful reforms within the Commission, further enhancing the legal landscape of Lagos State,” he said.
As Executive Secretary, Mrs. Ogunlola is expected to spearhead initiatives aimed at modernizing and aligning the state’s laws with contemporary challenges.
Her appointment has been met with optimism from stakeholders, who anticipate significant strides in the Commission’s operations under her leadership.
The Head of Service wished her a successful and fulfilling tenure, highlighting the critical role of the Law Reform Commission in shaping a progressive legal framework for Lagos State.
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Celebrated Nigerian poet and visual artist Ayo Ayoola-Amale has won the 2024 Justo Bolekia Boleká International Prize for African Literature.
The prestigious honor, conferred by the Sial Pigmalión Publishing Group, acknowledges her exceptional literary career and her acclaimed poetry collection, The Suns Chased Us.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Folusho Ogar, Country Director of the Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation, Ayoola-Amale was praised for her unique ability to weave African and universal themes into her work.
Her poetry collection, The Suns Chased Us, explores the intersection of nature, culture, and human emotions through evocative and accessible language, presenting a shared vision of humanity.
Since its inception in 2017, the Justo Bolekia Boleká International Prize has celebrated African and Afro-descendant writers who excel in poetry, narratives, essays, and translation. Named after the distinguished Spanish-African scholar Justo Bolekia Boleká, the award aims to amplify African voices in global literature.
Ayoola-Amale’s literary contributions include six poetry collections, such as Where the World Sings, Life Script, and The Weight of the Rat’s Nest. Her works are featured in the Casa de África collection and have been presented at international platforms like the Madrid Book Fair, Berlin Literature Festival, and COP27.
Known for blending art and activism, Ayoola-Amale is the founder of the Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation and co-founder of Poets of the Planet. Her work addresses critical issues such as social justice, racism, and violence, using art as a vehicle for global understanding and transformation.
The international jury for the 2024 prize, chaired by Justo Bolekia Boleká, praised Ayoola-Amale’s lifelong commitment to promoting peace and unity through literature. The jury included experts from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, who recognized her ability to create compelling art that transcends cultural boundaries.
Mrs. Ogar described The Suns Chased Us as a profound work comprising 100 poems in seven parts. “It invites readers to journey through the complexities of human emotions while celebrating the beauty of our shared existence,” she stated.
Ayoola-Amale’s achievement is a significant milestone for African literature, demonstrating its power to shape global narratives. The Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation hailed her accomplishment as a beacon of hope for writers, readers, and advocates of social change.
“We celebrate Ayo Ayoola-Amale’s creative journey, which continues to inspire a more inclusive and just world. This recognition solidifies her place as one of Africa’s most impactful literary voices,” Mrs. Ogar concluded.
In a decisive move to enhance governance and improve service delivery, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed five commissioners from his cabinet and nominated replacements.
The development was announced in a press statement on Tuesday by Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor. According to the statement, the reshuffle reflects the administration’s commitment to injecting fresh ideas and energy into governance to tackle emerging challenges effectively.
The commissioners affected by the shake-up included Commissioner of Education Jamila Dahiru, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdulhameed Bununu, Commissioner of Information and Communication Usman Danturaki, Commissioner of Agriculture, Madugu Yalams and Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Yakubu Ibrahim –
Governor Mohammed expressed gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication and contributions to advancing key policies and initiatives of his administration.
He commended their efforts in promoting growth and development across the state.
In a bid to maintain momentum, the governor has submitted the names of eight nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as commissioners.
The nominees are:
Babayo Tilde – Toro Local Government
Abdullahi Mohammed – Misau Local Government
Bala Lukshi – Dass Local Government
Usman Shehu – Shira Local Government
Iliyasu Gital – Tafawa Balewa Local Government
Titus Ketkukah – Tafawa Balewa Local Government
Babayo Gabarin – Darazo Local Government
Lawal Rimin Zayam – Toro Local Government
Gidado emphasized that the reshuffle aligns with the governor’s vision of strengthening the machinery of government to deliver impactful development and improve the welfare of all citizens.
Governor Mohammed reassured the people of Bauchi State that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and sustaining developmental progress through innovative and people-centered governance.
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