TheNewsGuru

Tag: Olusegun Obasanjo

  • Israel-Hamas: Obasanjo, Obama proposed as international mediators

    Israel-Hamas: Obasanjo, Obama proposed as international mediators

    Hassan Kukah, a popular  Nigerian Catholic cleric, has proposed one Nigerian and few other  prominent figures in international politics as mediators for the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

    According to the cleric, ex-Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex president of the United states, Barack Obama should be contacted for the peace talks in the warring countries.

    Others proposed by the cleric are King Abdullah of Jordan, former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and former Ireland President Mary Robinson to serve as international mediators.

    Mr Kukah said international mediators were important in revisiting and reviving the two-state agreement reached in Oslo, Norway, where a decision was reached for both Palestine and Israel to each have a homeland.

    The Oslo Agreement in 1993 was meant to resolve the Israel-Palestine crisis by ensuring a two-state solution. The agreement has failed largely because Israel, concerned about its security, has expanded and continues to expand into Palestinian territories, establishing settlements considered illegal by international law.

     

    Mr Kukah noted that the Oslo agreement “needs to be dusted up, but I do not see Netanyahu contemplating that.”

     

    The cleric’s concern about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu perhaps stems from the latter’s right-wing Israeli government, considered one of the most right-wing in Israel’s history with many members opposed to an independent Palestinian state as agreed in Oslo.
  • Obasanjo reacts over demise of Christopher Ogunbanjo

    Obasanjo reacts over demise of Christopher Ogunbanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the late Christopher Ogunbanjo is an exceptional legal luminary who left behind in the country a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

    Kehinde Akinyemi, the Special Assistant on Media to the former President, in a statement on Monday in Abeokuta, said Obasanjo described the legal icon as an outstanding Nigerian corporate lawyer.

    “On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I commiserate with the entire members of the Ogunbanjo family, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona and the entire people of Ijebu land and by extension of Ogun.

    “Ogunbanjo, who was one of the prominent and great sons of Africa, was a successful captain of industry, philanthropist and exceptionally-excellent legal luminary, who I can safely called an outstanding Nigerian corporate lawyer.

    “Only a few days ago, I remembered him at a discussion and the only thing that was coming to memory was: “the corporate lawyer” “the corporate lawyer”.

    ”Yes, he was distinguished and truly deserving of that appellation,” Obasanjo said.

    He explained that Ogunbanjo in his professional life, as a legal guru in the early 1960s, was “among the group of businessmen who supported local equity participation in foreign firms operating in Nigeria”.

    Obasanjo added that Ogunbanjo was an early advocate of domiciliary accounts in Nigeria which later came to existence through the promulgation of the Foreign Currency Decree 18 of 1985.

    “In all respects, he was a titan and a brilliant attorney. A good man, an inspiring leader and a remarkable statesman and nationalist whose intellect, integrity, hard work and vision impacted significantly on the legal profession.

    “His zeal and resourcefulness was without deference to his noble background.

    “He brought prodigious energy to bear in whatever he did and it was not surprising that he became a well-established lawyer and an astute businessman of note.

    “Chief Ogunbanjo’s name will live forever in the minds and hearts of those who experienced his warmth, generosity and guidance,” he said.

    Obasanjo explained further that Ogunbanjo’s underlying commitment to education and his quiet philanthropic activities which culminated in his establishment of Chris Ogunbanjo Foundation could not be over-emphasised.

    “I pray that the Almighty will grant him sweet repose and his family members the strength to bear the heavy and irreparable loss,” he added.

  • Why God designed multiculturalism for mankind – Obasanjo

    Why God designed multiculturalism for mankind – Obasanjo

    Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has explained why Multiculturalism was designed for mankind by God, as such, it must be cherished, jealously guarded and sustained by us.

    Obasanjo gave this explanation in his keynote address at the 2023 World Culture Festival organised by the Art of Living Foundation at the National mall, Washington DC, USA at the weekend.

    In a release by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President submitted that God has given us life with a world of diversity and multiculturalism.

    He explained that these traits should be sustained “because of human imperfection, greed, selfishness and dishonesty, war, violence, insecurity, poverty, criminality and evil in one form or the other pervade the world.

    “Some would want to blame these on diversity or multiculturalism. And using these to point at the failure of multiculturalism. That, if I may say, is wrong. In spite of human development in science and technology from the stone age to artificial intelligence age, human basic instinct for power, position, popularity, prestige, prosperity at all costs have not changed much if at all.”

    Obasanjo emphasised that to have gathered with about 180 countries “is to acknowledge and celebrate diversity which is of God. God is God of diversity and not of sameness.

    “If God has created sameness in the world, it would have been a world of monotony, staleness, unexcitement, dullness and boredom. God created a world of diversity and wonder for us to enjoy and live happily in.

    “In the process, we sacrifice love, kindness, goodwill, brotherhood and sisterhood, mercy, forgiveness, consideration for others and love and fear with respect for our Creator.

    “Gurudev, my leader, brothers and sisters all over the world, God has given us life with a world of diversity and multiculturalism.”

    Obasanjo stressed that as human beings, “We have an unrelenting task of working to add love, kindness, brotherhood, humanity and humanness to the world of diversity God has given us.”

    He pointed further that it was only when these tasks were achieved, “then, we will have one world of peace, common security, stability, wholesomeness, growth, shared prosperity, inclusive society and God’s kingdom on earth. That is our goal to achieve,” Obasanjo was quoted as having said.

  • How I became a politician by accident – Obasanjo

    How I became a politician by accident – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday in Abeokuta said he never wanted to be a politician but only became one by accident.

    Obasanjo said this while speaking with a group of youths under the aegis of Africa for Africa Youth Initiative (A4A) at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

    The former president stated that the love he has for his people and humanity made him join politics, charging politicians generally to aspire to go into politics to serve their people.

    “Politics is about service. You must give service and nobody is too old or too young or too poor to give service. When we begin to give quality service, then we shall have qualitative governance,” he said.

    Speaking on the recent occurrence of coup d’etat in some African countries, Obasanjo declared that any condition that encouraged such on the continent should be avoided as much as possible.

    ‘The rising case of military coups in Africa shows that the people are tired of some things in their countries and in need of liberators,” he added.

    Obasanjo however noted that he would not support a coup d’etat considering his experience in the hands of a former Nigerian Head of State, the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

    He called on governments of various African countries, including Nigeria, to ensure they did not push the youths to the point of preferring a military take-over in view of their policies.

    “The point is, do we have conditions that encourage the type of things that are happening? If we don’t have the conditions that encourage them, they may not happen.

    “That does not mean it should be encouraged. What it means is that we should make sure that we do everything to prevent military take-overs from happening.

    “When you see things that happen in many countries, and I will not exclude Nigeria, then you wonder. But, don’t forget particularly the youths, they support most of these military take-overs,” the former Nigerian leader said.

    Obasanjo then called on African leaders with a sit-tight mentality to have a change of heart, adding that democracy which works for everyone should be encouraged.

    “One, let me make it clear, I do not support a coup d’etat. Because, personally, I have been a victim of a coup d’etat.

    “Two, the good thing about democracy, if it works and delivers, is that you can sit down and dialogue and debate and discuss.

    “But your democracy must take integrity along with it. Your democracy must take honesty along with it. Your democracy must take character along with it.

    “Your democracy must take those attributes, God-given attributes, inclusive society, no marginalisation, no exclusion and no favouritism.”

    Obasanjo also called on African youths to rise to the occasion to take leadership positions because the tomorrow they are waiting for may never come.

    The Director of A4A, Henry Akasisli, in his remarks, said the group’s visit to Obasanjo had rekindled their passion and drive to take the African continent to the next level.

    “Our visit to former President Obasanjo has been a major eye-opener. We have seen things. It is re-awakening,” he said.

  • Obasanjo denies meeting Tinubu at Alake’s birthday

    Obasanjo denies meeting Tinubu at Alake’s birthday

    Ex- President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has denied the claim that he met with President Bola Tinubu at the 80th birthday reception of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo on Thursday.

    A video clip on a TikTok social media platform with “@asiwajuwoldwidef” as profile name of the account was posted to falsely claimed that Tinubu and Obasanjo met on Thursday.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi on Friday, Obasanjo condemned the fake post, which also lifted a banter conversation that took place between the two, when he played host to the former Lagos State governor last year before the country’s general elections this year.

    Akinyemi stated that the former President, who is now in South Africa for the burial of his friend and brother, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi holding today, said the architect of the fake disjointed and sicken post should rather look elsewhere for the work he/she is looking for and not through him.

    According to Obasanjo, one, I have not seen Bola Tinubu since he visited me in my house in Abeokuta, when he was campaigning.

    ‘Secondly, I was at the church and NOT the reception for Alake’s 80th birthday reception.”

    To put the content of the video in proper perspective, it happened that during Tinubu’s visit to his house last year, he met the former President playing his favorite traditional game (ayo) and he started the banter, jokingly telling the former President that, he was shocked to see him playing the Ayo game at that time of the day.

    Spontaneously, as he was getting up from his chair to welcome him and other accompanying visitors, Obasanjo responded: “when I don’t have job. If you are ready to give me job, I am ready to do it.”

    Shortly after, Tinubu was heard praying for longevity on Obasanjo’s life, as they both walked into the sitting room with others.

    This is however contrary to the meaning the viral video is putting out as Obasanjo says, “I am not looking for work and I am not working with anyone as the fake news puts out. Those who are looking for people to work with Bola Tinubu should look outside Obasanjo,” he declared.

     

  • Poor policies implementation: Nigeria has failed Africa, says Obasanjo

    Poor policies implementation: Nigeria has failed Africa, says Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has lamented that Nigeria failed the  African continent in particular, and the world in general.

    Obasanjo stated this in Abuja while giving the keynote address at the public presentation of the book titled: ‘Reclaiming the Jewel of Africa,’ written by former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, who also served as Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga.

    President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, Olawale Edun, unveiled the book with past and present senior government officials in attendance.

    In his remarks, which were presented virtually, Obasanjo said more Nigerians are being plunged into poverty due to good policies poorly implemented, bad ones and absence of policies.

    Although no name was mentioned, Obasanjo’s comment is coming on the heels of hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal by President Tinubu – a decision described in some quarters as a good move taken without proper consultation.

    “Over the last 63 years, we have not lived up to expectations. We have disappointed ourselves; we have disappointed Africa; we have disappointed the black race; and we have disappointed the world.”

    He, however, added that “what Segun (Aganga) has tried to identify, itemise and recommend in his book is the way forward.

    “But the beginning of charting a new course for ourselves is to admit our failure, because we have not always put the round peg in the round hole.

    “We are carried along by ego and emotion of self, selfishness and self-centredness, ethnic and religious jingoism, with total lack of understanding of the world we live in and gross misunderstanding of what development entails and how to move fast and continuously on the trajectory of development.”

    Obasanjo identified two of the major issues that were interrelated in terms of factors for all-round development. “These are peace and security, which we cannot achieve without justice, equity and inclusive society. And telling ourselves the truth, we have not done well on these scores in the recent past — in the last decade and a half.

    “I will also point at the issue of education, where over 20 million children that should be in school are not in school. We do not need an oracle to tell us the consequences of that for tomorrow. We do not need to look far for the remote causes of banditry, Boko Haram, kidnapping and other organised crimes.

  • Your actions point to insensitivity to plight of Nigerians, Obasanjo blasts lawmakers

    Your actions point to insensitivity to plight of Nigerians, Obasanjo blasts lawmakers

    Former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has knocked Nigerian lawmakers for being insensitive to the plights of the masses, TheNewsGuru.com reports.

    Obasanjo made this remark on Monday during a speech at the 60th anniversary celebration of legal hero Aare Afe Babalola’s call to the Bar in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

    According to the ex-president, the salary allocation for elected officials is the job of the Revenue Mobilisation distribution and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which the lawmakers, he claimed, have abandoned in order to fix their own salaries.

    “By the Nigerian constitution, the revenue mobilisation and fiscal commission is supposed to fix the salaries and emoluments of members of the National Assembly. But they set the constitution aside and decided to fix their salaries. Even if it’s constitutional, it is not moral. But it is neither constitutional nor moral.”

    “The point in Nigeria which I have seen and which I can attest to is most of the people who are supposed to be operationalising or managing and seeing the constitution and democracy move forward, they are actually the ones who undermine the constitution.

    “All elected people, by our constitution, their emolument is supposed to be fixed by the revenue mobilisation commission, but our lawmakers set that aside and they make laws and put any emolument for themselves.

    “Even if that is constitutional, it is not moral and, of course, it is neither constitutional nor moral.”

    He also stated that many other provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, such as the Federal Character, were “completely ignored,” and that the Federal Character Commission scarcely functioned.

    When the constitution is “constantly violated like that,” the former President added that the country’s democracy becomes one in which anything goes.

  • Ex-president, Obasanjo reveals his greatest legacy

    Ex-president, Obasanjo reveals his greatest legacy

    Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed what his greatest legacy is.

    The Egba high chief when asked to comment on his greatest legacy during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo said God has been so merciful to him.

    “That I came here [earth] and God was immeasurably kind to me and showed His grace on me.”

    Asked about Peter Obi, Obasanjo, said that  Peter Obi is still a candidate for a better Nigeria.

    Recall that Peter Obi came third behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and the eventually winner Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive congress.

    The announcement was tailed with legal suits from the opposition parties and their candidates, including LP and Obi, challenging the process that produced Tinubu as winner.

    He said, “For the Nigeria that I believe we need to have at this point in time, Peter Obi is still the best candidate.”

     

  • Osinbajo, Obasanjo, others pay last respect to ex-AGF, Prince Bola Ajibola

    Osinbajo, Obasanjo, others pay last respect to ex-AGF, Prince Bola Ajibola

    Remains of the former Attorney-General of the Federation and ex-Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, were on Sunday interred at the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA), Abiola Way in Abeokuta.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Governor of Ogun, Olusegun Osoba and Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheik Sa’dallah Bamgbola, were among eminent dignitaries who paid last respect to the late former Attorney-General.

    Ajibola, also a former Jurist of International Court at Hague, Netherlands, died in the early hours of Sunday at 89.

    The Janazah prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheik Sa’dallah Bamgbola.

    In a sermon at the internment, the Mudir Morkaz Zulikha, Dr Khidir Mustapha, said that it was important for every human being to live a righteous life and be conscious of eternity.

    Mustapha, however, extolled the virtues of the late former Jurist of International Court at Hague.

    He described the deceased as a peacemaker who contributed immensely to the development of Ogun and the country in general.

    Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Ogun, Noimot Salako- Oyedele; the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Olusina Ogungbade among other top state government functionaries.

    Buhari mourns outstanding Jurist, Bola Ajibola

    President Muhammadu Buhari condoled with the family of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, who passed on at 89.

    In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Sunday in Abuja Buhari commiserated with the legal community in Nigeria and worldwide over the death of the former minister.

    He noted that the outstanding lawyer and eminent Jurist used his God given knowledge, intellect and talent to advocate for justice, fairness and equity in all his undertakings within and outside Nigeria.

    The legendary arbitrator was at different times, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (1984-1985), President, The World Association of Judges, Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and President, World Bank Administrative Tribunal among other notable accomplishments.

    Buhari maintained that the late Ajibola, having risen to the pinnacle of his career, took his brilliance in law practice to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, where he served meritoriously between 1991 and 1994.

    He was also the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, 1999 to 2002.

    “His contributions to the development of our legal system cannot be overstated, serving as the Attorney General and Minister for Justice at a critical period in the nation’s history.

    ”His patriotic inclinations, integrity and passion for service and advancement of humanity will continue to resonate after him,” the President said.

    The president also sympathised with the government and people of Ogun as they continue to mourn this illustrious citizen for the educational and social development he brought to his community and environs.

    He prayed that the Almighty would grant him Aljannah.

    Gov. Abiodun commiserates with Buhari, Obasanjo, NBA over Bola Ajibola’s death

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari and the nation’s judiciary on the death of the former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola.

    Ajibola passed on early Sunday at the age of 89.

    This is contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, in Abeokuta.

    Abiodun described Ajibola’s death as a big loss to the judiciary, saying his legacies in the judiciary, philanthropy and the educational development would never be forgotten.

    The governor also commiserated with the Owu Royal Family of the former minister of justice, his friends, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as members of the Baptist Boys’ High School Old Students Association.

    He described the legal icon’s death as “saddening, devastating and the end of an era.”

    He added that the death of the illustrious son of the state, a celebrated jurist and judicial activist, public intellectual and elder statesman was a severe blow to everyone who knew him.

    “Words can not adequately convey my heartfelt sorrow over Papa’s death, for he was a kind and beautiful soul who spread love to all who encountered him,” he said.

    The governor recalled that Ajibola, after serving as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, also served as the nation’s number one Law officer, attorney-general and minister of justice.

    He noted that Ajibola also answered the call of higher duties at the International Court of Justice, Hague, Netherlands.

    “He was a jewel of the Law Profession and an accomplished judicial officer of prodigious hue. Baba was a go-getter who delivered on any assignment committed to his hands because of his belief that service should always come first.

    “Besides, he was a great religious influencer and philanthropist who established the faith-based Crescent University in his hometown, Abeokuta,” he said.

    The governor, however, urged the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olowu-in-Council, sons and daughters of the Ajibola lineage and the entire Gbadela Royal Dynasty of Owu to be consoled by the fact that the deceased selflessly served God, humanity during his impactful life.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Ogun State, I commiserate with the immediate family of the deceased on this very huge loss.

    “May the Almighty Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Abiodun said.

    Born on March 22, 1934 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ajibola attended Baptist Boys’ High School, Oke Saje, Abeokuta and University of London.

    He was the president of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) between 1984 and 1985.

    Ajibola was the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria from 1985 to 1991 and a Judge of the International Court of Justice, Hague, Netherlands, from 1991 to 1994.

    He was appointed the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2002.

  • Obasanjo writes London court, seeks leniency for Ekweremadu

    Obasanjo writes London court, seeks leniency for Ekweremadu

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has written to the Chief Clerk of the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey in London, United Kingdom (UK) for the court to temper justice with mercy in the organ harvesting case involving former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obasanjo in a letter to the London court also appealed to the UK government for the court to be lenient on Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice and one other, who were found guilty in the organ harvesting case.

    Recall that Ekweremadu and his wife were found guilty alongside their daughter, Sonia, and a medical doctor, Dr Obinna Obeta, facilitating the travel of a young man to the UK with a view to have his kidney harvested for Sonia.

    According to the court, they criminally conspired to bring the 21-year-old Lagos street trader to London to exploit him for his kidney. The judge, Justice Jeremy Johnson is expected to pass a sentence soon.

    In his letter to the court, Obasanjo passionately attested to the good character of the former Deputy Senate President and emphasized that the Ekweremadus must have learnt from the experience in order to continue to be outstanding members of their community and continue to contribute fully to the good of the society in particular and the nation in general.

    In the letter dated April 3, the former number one citizen of Nigeria pleaded with the Court to consider the track record of the Senator and weigh the balances, stressing that he has been a worthy citizen of Nigeria.

    Obasanjo’s letter to the London court reads in full below:

    I send you warmest greetings from Nigeria.

    My dear Chief Clerk, may I seize this opportunity to commend your utmost dedication and resourcefulness which you have demonstrated with rare qualities of commitment and courage, while also upholding the cherished traditions of the Public Service. I am Olusegun Obasanjo, a soldier commissioned into the British Army of the West African Frontier Force in 1958, and rose to the rank of a full General in the Nigerian Army. I received the surrender of the Biafran Army at the end of the Nigerian civil war. I was military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and elected President from 1999 to 2007.

    It is with great pleasure that I write in respect of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who I have known for over two decades. Within this period, I have followed and watched, with keen interest, Ike Ekweremadu’s inspiring career which traversed private legal practice and public administration. I recall, with fond memories, the beginnings of our political and social relationship at the outset of our collective quest for democratic rebirth for our fatherland. During my administration as a democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, Ike Ekweremadu and I had close relationship and interactions as staunch members of our political party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and more so as he got elected into the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2003, of which he has since remained a member till date. Within this period of his service in the Nigerian Parliament, he has served as Deputy Senate President of the Senate and has headed so many Committees in various capacities and brought to bear his broad-based experience in legal practice and public administration. Sometime in 2009, he was appointed as the First Deputy Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and made to lead ad hoc Committee to work for the return of constitutional order in the Niger Republic.

    I clearly remember that in the heady days of the keen contest for the presidential ticket of our Party early 1999, he joined other well-meaning Nigerians from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria to set aside extraneous considerations and ensured that South East unanimously adopted me for the Presidency. This was without regard to the fact that my closest competitor hailed from their part of the country. I truly cherish his God-fearing, dispassionate, moderate and pan-Nigerian approach to national issues and developments, in our multi-ethnic, multi-religious geo-polity. He dedicates himself to the service of God and humanity and he continues to play visible roles in national development. Through the Ikeoha Foundation, a non- governmental organization founded by him and his wife, in 1997, he and his wife have rendered a lot of charitable activities, enhancing poor people’s access to quality education and healthcare and building their capacity to participate in mainstream social, political and economic activities of their communities. Ike Ekweremadu’s conferment with the coveted national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, is further testimony to his selfless service to our our country, Nigeria.

    Mr. Chief Clerk, I am very much aware of the current travails and conviction of Ike Ekweremadu and his wife in the United Kingdom resulting from their being charged with conspiring to arrange the travel of a 21-year old from Nigeria to the UK in order to harvest organs for their daughter. I do realise the implications of their action and I dare say, it is unpleasant and condemnable and can’t be tolerated in any sane or civilized society. However, it is my fervent desire that for the very warm relations between the United Kingdom and Federal Republic of Nigeria; for his position as one of the distinguished Senators in the Nigerian Parliament, and also for the sake of their daughter in question whose current health condition is in danger and requires an urgent medical attention, you will use your good offices to intervene and appeal to the court and the government of the United Kingdom to be magnanimous enough to temper justice with mercy and let punishment that may have to come take their good character and parental instinct and care into consideration. I do hope Mr. and Mrs. Ekweremadu have learnt from this distressing experience of theirs to guide their future actions or inactions so they will continue to be outstanding members of their community and will continue to contribute fully to the good of the society in particular and the nation in general.

    Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.