Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu today signed the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024 into law.
The bill is a major step by the State Government to ensure 24 hours electricity supply to every nook and cranny of the State.
This followed the decision of the federal government in 2023 for States to generate and distribute their own electricity.
Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on New Media, has clarified the trending video in which his principal was seen in a heated exchange with a young woman.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Gawat, via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter on Wednesday explained that the incident occurred on January 28, 2019 during a public event organised by Niteshift Coliseum in Opebi, Lagos.
He said the incident occurred when Sanwo-Olu was a governorship aspirant engaging with attendees in a question-and-answer session.
Gawat wrote, “Trending Old Video: This encounter here happened on January 28, 2019, when Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu was aspiring to be Governor of Lagos State. A young woman stood up to ask a question, just like others had done. She started being rude and raising her voice.
“No DSS or police attached to Mr Sanwo-Olu here.
“The event was organised by Niteshift Coliseum, Opebi.
“The event continued peacefully afterwards. #SayNoToFakeNews.”
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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu once he completes his tenure in office.
The case, which had garnered attention earlier this year, was struck out by the court on October 31, following a motion filed by Sanwo-Olu’s legal representative to discontinue the suit.
The presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled to dismiss the case after Gbenga Femi Akande, counsel to Governor Sanwo-Olu, moved the application to discontinue the proceedings. Notably, the case was dismissed several weeks earlier, but it was only on Tuesday that Hadiza Afegbua, the EFCC’s legal representative, discovered that the case had already been struck out. She had arrived at the court expecting to have the matter heard, only to find out about the ruling.
The enrolled order, dated October 31, indicated that only Akande, Sanwo-Olu’s counsel, was present in court during the hearing that led to the suit’s dismissal. This legal action had been filed by Darlington Ozurumba on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is set to complete his second term as governor of Lagos State by May 29, 2027.
The lawsuit arose from concerns that the EFCC had plans to arrest and prosecute Governor Sanwo-Olu after he leaves office. In the legal filing, the applicant argued that any attempt to arrest Sanwo-Olu would be unconstitutional and violate his fundamental rights, particularly his personal liberty and freedom of movement, as guaranteed under Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of Nigeria’s Constitution. The suit sought to obtain an injunction preventing the EFCC from engaging in any actions such as harassment, intimidation, arrest, detention, or prosecution related to the governor’s tenure in office.
The Lagos State Government, however, publicly distanced itself from the legal action. According to Lawal Pedro, the state’s Attorney-General, Governor Sanwo-Olu had not authorized anyone to file the case against the EFCC. Pedro expressed the state’s intention to investigate how the lawsuit was filed without the governor’s knowledge.
He also stated that neither the governor nor any of his aides were under investigation by the EFCC, and there was no indication that the governor faced any threat of arrest by the anti-corruption agency.
In a response to the lawsuit, the EFCC filed a counter-affidavit through Ufuoma Ezire, a litigation secretary in the agency’s legal and prosecution department. In this affidavit, the EFCC clarified that the agency had never initiated an investigation into Governor Sanwo-Olu or his staff, nor had it issued any threats of arrest or detention. The commission further dismissed the suit as speculative and characterized the legal claim as a “mere conjecture,” lacking factual basis.
This ruling has effectively brought an end to the legal challenge, with the court confirming that there was no legal basis for restraining the EFCC from carrying out its statutory duties in relation to Sanwo-Olu after the completion of his tenure. The outcome underscores the legal processes surrounding investigations into public officials and the potential limitations of preemptively seeking judicial intervention in matters involving law enforcement agencies like the EFCC.
The suspended Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Wale Ajetunmobi has reacted to his suspension.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) understands that Ajetunmobi via his verified social media pages had claimed that the arsonists who torched the Television Continental (TVC) head office in Lagos during the #EndSARS protest in 2020 were “hunted and executed.”
He was subsequently suspended by his principal, who accused him of misinterpreting fact.
“The Governor wishes to state categorically that his administration frowns at any form of extra judicial punishment and will not be a part of any such action. That is not who we are. That is not our way,” a statement from Lagos State read.
Reacting following his suspension, Ajetunmobi wrote on X: “My only and final response to this misrepresentation…
“This excerpt was quoted out of context and there were series of comments made under the same post, which better explained what was intended.
“Like I did further explained under the said tweet, no extra-judicial killing was insinuated. The word “executed” was erroneously used and not intended in the context of that casual conversation.
“What was written in the entire conversation reflected personal opinion, and not the position of any authority or the entity in which I work.
“The post and other comments had been taken down, even before this publication.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Mr. Wale Ajetunmobi.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ajetunmobi’s suspension is coming on the heels of posts he made via his official X account recently.
Ajetunmobi had days ago via X claimed arsonists, who torched the Television Continental (TVC) head office in Lagos during the #EndSARS protest in 2020, were “hunted and executed”.
“The Governor wishes to state categorically that his administration frowns at any form of extra judicial punishment and will not be a part of any such action.
“That is not who we are. That is not our way,” a statement announcing the suspension of the media aide reads.
Recall that there were allegations of extrajudicial killings during the during the 2020 #EndSARS protest at Lekki Tollgate.
The Lagos State Judicial Panel on #EndSARS and police brutality indicted Governor Sanwo-Olu in the brutal intervention of the Nigerian Army at the tollgate on October 20.
However, the State government had repeatedly rejected the report of the panel indicting Sanwo-Olu and the Nigerian Army.
The State Government disclosed in the statement suspending the media aide that Ajetunmobi’s posts were misrepresentation of facts.
Ajetunmobi has since deleted the posts; but screenshots were taken and Nigerians asked him to explain.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has presented N3.01 trillion budget to the State House of Assembly for 2025. The budget tagged “The Budget of Sustainability” was presented on Thursday.
“This budget comprises a total revenue of N2,597,034,000,000 and a deficit financing of about N408,002,000,000.
“The total revenue comprises internal revenue at N1,107,897,000,000 and a total tax cut of N660,137,000,000. We have proposed a recurrent expenditure of N1,239,818,000,000.
“The total overhead cost is N722.586 billion, as follows: overhead: N432.580 billion, subventions: N139.728 billion, dedicated funds: N150.278 billion, total personnel cost: N392.000 billion, recurrent debt charges: N125.232 billion,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further gave figures for capital expenditure.
“For capital expenditure, we propose a total figure of N1. 77 trillion, as follows: capital expenditure: N1.45 trillion, Repayments: N313.52 billion,” he said.
The governor highlighted sectoral allocation to include economic affairs – N908.7 billion, environment – N233.176 billion, health – 204.005 billion, education – 208.376 billion, and security, Safety and Public Order – 124.073 billion.
Sanwo-Olu said that N47.077 billion was allocated to social protection.
The governor said that the budget would focus on five pillars – infrastructure sustainability, economic diversification, social inclusion and human capital development, environmental sustainability, and governance and institutional reforms.
“Infrastructure sustainability is the backbone of any development agenda. A greater Lagos ambition will emerge on the back of high-quality infrastructure that keeps pace with growing population.
“Our focus, therefore, is on ensuring the durability, the functionality and the adaptability of our fiscal assets to meet the ever-growing demands of our people.
“In the coming three-year period, we will be prioritising the maintenance, upgrading, and expansion of the existing road network,” he said.
On economic development, he said that Lagos State would reduce reliance on a single sector to be able to secure a resilient economy.
The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, reiterated the assembly’s support for the Sanwo-Olu-led administration.
He said that the assembly would reconvene on Nov. 29 to look into the budget proposal.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly today November 21, 2024, at noon.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to present an ambitious budget above the N2.3 trillion approved for 2024.
According to a terse statement by Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the budget is themed “Budget of Sustainability”.
“The budget, themed Budget of Sustainability” is a blueprint for continuity, resilience and prosperity for Lagosians.
“It is structured around five key pillars, including Infrastructure Sustainability, Economic Diversification, and Institutional Reforms,” the statement reads.
Strange things happen in Nigeria, one of the latest being a suit purportedly filed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating, arresting, detaining or prosecuting him or his aides after his eight-year tenure of office in 2027.
However, the Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), has debunked the widely-publicised suit, saying Sanwo-Olu neither sued nor authorised any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the matter, adding that the EFCC isn’t investigating the governor and hasn’t invited him or threatened to arrest any of his staff, domestic or otherwise.
The odder and curiouser angle to the alleged pre-emptive writ at the Federal High Court in Abuja is that it’s filed in June 2024, almost three years ahead of Sanwo-Olu’s terminal governance of Nigeria’s commercial capital, the richest State in the Federation, and the fifth largest economy in Africa as of 2022 GDP figures, which Sanwo-Olu’s pledged to advance further by 2027.
Thus, the suit is a new one on Nigerians, as the proverbial bridge is way too far off – 36 months to Sanwo-Olu’s end of tenure – to attempt to cross before getting there! Snapets from EFCC’s moves against outgoing governors are telegraphed a few months or weeks before they bow out of office, so giving them the jitters. They either begin to express being squeaky clean, alleging political witch-hunt or daring the EFCC to carry out its threat to make them account for their stewardship.
Since democracy returned in Nigeria in 1999, a few ex-governors have escaped overseas and were forced to return to Nigeria to face prosecution; many have remained in the country to face the EFFC and years of legal ordeal; a couple of them, such as former Ekiti State Governors Ayo Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, have presented themselves to the commission for interrogation and/or prosecution.
Some former governors have engaged in a hide-and-seek, for instance, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, who’d gone underground for months only to unexpectedly show up at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja in October 2024, and yet wasn’t booked, interrogated, or detained having been on the wanted list of the EFCC and the courts; two have been tried, jailed and served their sentences; one was tried and jailed but his sentence overturned on appeal and was released from prison; while one was tried overseas and served his sentence before returning to the country.
Lately, the EFCC threat to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute former governors has become mostly academic, and the norm rather than the exception. It appears some ex-governors now relish being dragged by the EFCC, at least, as a way to keeping themselves in the news after missing the years of free spotlighting.
But even as Sanwo-Olu’s reported counsel, Darlington Ozurumba, sues the EFCC as sole defendant over the said threat to arrest, detain and prosecute the governor after his tenure, the EFCC has denied knowledge, contemplation or plans by the commission or any of its officers to harass, intimidate, arrest or prosecute Sanwo-Olu after May 29, 2027.
As reported by The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), when the matter was called for mention on October 29, Ozurumba informed the court that he’d withdrawn the earlier originating summons, and that the EFCC had been duly served with the latest court documents, which the commission’s counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, said she’s yet to sight, even as the proof of service of the processes wasn’t in the court file, and Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to November 26 for further mention.
In an originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/773/2024, dated and filed on June 6, Sanwo-Olu, reportedly raising seven questions and seeking 11 reliefs, prays for a declaration that, under and by virtue of the provisions of Section 37 of the amended 1999 Constitution, “the plaintiff, as a citizen of Nigeria, is entitled to right to private and family life as a minimum guarantee encapsulated under the Constitution, before, during and after occupation of public office created by the Constitution.”
Besides craving a declaration that, upon community reading of the provisions of Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the Constitution, the threat of his investigation, arrest and detention by the EFCC during his tenure of office as governor is illegal, Sanwo-Olu allegedly prays the court to declare that the incessant harassment, threat of arrest and detention against him upon the EFCC’s instigation by his political adversaries based on false and politically-motivated allegation of corruption, is a misuse of executive powers and abuse of public office.
Hence, he purportedly seeks, among others, an order restraining the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him in connection with his tenure as the governor of Lagos State.
However, the EFCC, describing as speculative and a conjecture the alleged Sanwo-Olu’s claims and reliefs in his fundamental right enforcement suit, has denied it threatened, invited or took any step at all to encroach on the governor’s right to freedom of movement or violated his right to private and family life and personal liberty.
Countering the originating summons Ozurumba purportedly filed on behalf of Sanwo-Olu, the EFCC, in an affidavit filed on October 31 by its lawyer, Hadiza Afegbua, the deponent, Ufuoma Ezire, told Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the plaintiff’s depositions in Paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7 and even 8 are unfounded, untrue and unknown to the defendant, and calculated to mislead the court, and are hereby denied.
Noting that the EFCC isn’t investigating Sanwo-Olu, and has never invited him or threatened to arrest any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise, Ezire states that the EFCC invites members of the public for interview, interrogation or any engagement vide a written invitation, phone calls or text messages by any of its officers, who shall introduce themselves by name, rank, designation, and section to enable the invitee trace the officer easily.
Ezire says the EFCC is unaware of any threat to arrest Sanwo-Olu’s “aides, accusation of maladministration or diversion of Lagos State’s funds nor is it aware of any likelihood of a breach of the applicant’s right to liberty or right to own movable and immovable properties in this case.”
Stressing that there’s no petition or any intel gathered before the EFCC to warrant its officers to invite, or threaten to arrest the plaintiff at the moment, Ezire asserts that the entirety of the alleged Sanwo-Olu’s dispositions isn’t true, as the application is “misconceived and brought in bad faith to mislead this honourable court,” adding that, “it will be in the interest of justice to refuse the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.”
Similarly, Mr Pedro, the Lagos Attorney General, in a statement on October 29 rebutting “the news circulating in a section of the media, titled: ‘Sanwo-Olu sues EFCC over alleged plan to arrest, prosecute him after tenure,’” clarified as follows:
“Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at no time, sued or briefed any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the above subject matter. Moreover, it is implausible for the Governor, who enjoys immunity as conferred by the Constitution, and has almost three years remaining in office, to engage any lawyer on this matter.
“To the best of my knowledge, my inquiry confirmed that the EFCC is not investigating the governor and has never invited him or threatened the arrest of any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise. We are currently investigating how the case came to be without our knowledge.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated exemplary service delivery and prudent, judicious management of public resources. Therefore, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is tirelessly working to improve the living conditions of all Lagosians, has no cause for concern when he eventually leaves office at the end of his tenure in May 2027.
“We, therefore, urge media organisations to be cautious about the reports they publish on their esteemed platforms to avoid misleading the public.”
Needless to ask: Whodunit? Who sponsored it? Without a doubt, the so-called Sanwo-Olu’s suit, filed by an “unauthorised legal practitioner,” against the EFCC is the handiwork of his political adversaries trying to induce, instigate or coerce the anti-graft agency to embark on a fishing expedition it’s no reasonable grounds for, either from a petition(s) or intel that points to a likelihood of (mis)appropriation of funds and resources of Lagos by the governor or his aides.
That said, many will defend Governor Sanwo-Olu for perceptively seen as deploying the resources at his disposal to upgrade and develop existing and new infrastructural and human capital needs to match the Lagos motto of “The State Of Excellence” and its Mega City status that’s attracted unprecedented public and private investments.
These include the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA-) managed ground-breaking Blue and Red Rail Lines, the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system, the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge, the Atlantic City project, the fully-automated Imota Rice Mill, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone that houses the multibillion dollar 650,000bpd-capacity Dangote Petroleum Refinery – the largest single-train refinery in the world at full capacity – which’s Nigeria’s window to self-sufficiency in production and supply of petroleum products.
Other areas in the Lagos socio-economic sphere: Education, ICT, innovation and technology, healthcare, commerce, agribusiness, small-scale industries, entertainment, showbusiness, tourism, and youth and sports development are receiving adequate attention, and have become a source of pride to Lagosians, and emulation by other States in Nigeria.
Lagos, a hub of international engagements all-year-round, has moved up the ladder as one of the most preferred destinations on the continent of Africa, and is up-scaling on the global leisure spots, thanks to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his vastly young, professional, dynamic and dedicated team, who’ve deployed their expertise in various fields to achieve a shared dream of Lagos leading or being among the best in all human endeavours.
Sanwo-Olu isn’t just a workaholic delivering on the promises of his administration, but he’s the epitome of the alias, “Mr Project,” in the true sense of the lingo in our clime. So, why should he be worried about the EFFC when he’s deploying the resources of Lagos to develop the state to an enviable standard! The “amiable” governor should free his mind and continue “to finish strong” with the good works he’s been doing, for which he’s received unblemished praises, accolades and awards within and outside Nigeria.
Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
Nigerian Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun has come under heavy criticisms for attending a dinner party hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in her honour.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Governor Sanwo-Olu on Sunday night via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter posted pictures from the event, saying, “During a dinner honoring Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we celebrated her significant contributions as a proud daughter of Lagos and a pioneering figure in Nigeria’s judiciary.
“As the second woman ever to hold the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kekere-Ekun embodies a source of pride for every Lagosian. Her exemplary leadership serves as a guiding light for women and young girls across Nigeria, demonstrating that excellence transcends gender.
“We take great pride in our city’s ability to nurture some of the most outstanding legal talents, both among practitioners and judges.
“Under the progressive leadership of past governors, Lagos has pioneered significant judicial reforms that have established a benchmark for the entire country.
“We honor Justice Kekere-Ekun, her extraordinary journey, and the promising future she is shaping for both our judiciary and our nation.”
The post have since sparked a broader debate about the independence of the judiciary and the potential for undue influence by politicians.
In many legal systems, judges are expected to maintain a distance from political figures to avoid any appearance of bias or favoritism. Attending a social event hosted by a political figure, such as a governor, can raise questions about the independence of the judiciary.
Below are some of the reactions:
@patreeq50 wrote: “This is where Corruption starts from. A politian celebrating a judge. Bye to objectivity in court room.”
@wilsonakubobi wrote: “Never knew a day would come when judges(who ought to embody ruthless conservatism) attend dinner parties organized by controversial political characters.”
Lord Bàbájídé X wrote: “In the days of yore , Judges are only heard through there impartial & landmark judgements, not to be seen and that’s why one of the reason they’re called “My Lord”. However, today Nigeria Judges party, pepper-souping, isiewulizing & Hennessying with people in power!”
Olando Raba wrote: “In the back pocket my guy. I love the APC Tinubu game. When he’s done with Nigeria una go understand.”
@Namdi95748363 wrote: “Judges should not be bribed . Rule of law is the bedrock of a just and thriving society.”
Odogwu Pato wrote: “Very soon The Judiciary, Executive and Legislathieves will start sewing APC Ashoebi so that we know they are all three-in-one now. Separation of powers in the mud.”
Nigerian Instagram comedian and skit maker Mr Macaroni has taken to social media to call out the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over the deplorable state of roads in the state.
In a series of tweets shared via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter on Monday, November 4th, 2024, the comedian who threw a jab at the Lagos State governor for going to Abuja every now and then to welcome the President Bola Tinubu at the airport, said there are potholes on the roads causing accidents that are capable of destroying lives and properties.
He further asked the governor to do better and fix the bad roads scattered everywhere in the State.
He wrote ‘‘Hello Mr Governor @jidesanwoolu, One of these days when you are not too busy with the very serious task of going to the Airport in Abuja to welcome Mr President from an International trip, kindly take a drive around Lagos roads and let us know why the government continues to risk the lives of Lagosians.There are potholes on the roads causing accidents that are capable of destroying lives and properties.Do better?”