The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has demanded retraction of the false and malicious allegation levelled against him by the Edo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi, that he was plotting to rig the upcoming governorship election in the state.

The party chairman had, in a statement widely circulated on Saturday, accused the federal government of scheming to rig the election. He also alleged that the NSA released $2 million to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of the plot.

But in a letter addressed to the party chieftain dated September 15, 2024, the NSA demanded retraction of what the “totally false” allegation.

His lawyer, Marian Aigbedion of Charles Musa & Co, said the “malicious and libelous statement has brought our client into public disdain and odium.

“Your portrayal of our client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo State is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.

“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption. It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.”

Ribadu, therefore, asked Mr Aziegbemi to publicly apologise to him and retract the publication in its entirety.

He also demanded that the retraction statement should be published as “a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers, ten reputable and well-read online news sites, seven national and international television stations and ten radio channels with national and international reach”.

The NSA also demanded the payment of N10 billion “as damages for reputational and other injuries.”

The lawyers informed the party chairman that failure to comply with the demands within seven days might compel them to take further steps, which could include legal action to enforce Ribadu’s rights.

A member of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum, Yobe State, Hon. Nasiru Bala Aminu Ja’o’ji, has launched an extensive empowerment program for youth and women, in a significant gesture aimed at alleviating the impact of global economic challenges.

The event held at the Afficent Hall on Sunday, was attended by distinguished guests, beneficiaries.

The program provided financial support and tools to 484 carefully selected beneficiaries.

Four individuals received a cash grant of ₦1,000,000 each, 200 individuals received ₦100,000 each, while 100 people were empowered with ₦50,000 each and another 100 people received ₦20,000 each.

Part of the empowerment materials

In addition, 50 women were gifted sewing machines, and 30 others went home with motorbikes.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Ja’oji said the empowerment is not only a token of appreciation, but also a direct response to President Tinubu’s recent call for political appointees to devise strategies to cushion the effects of the global economic downturn.

“Today’s event is a continuation of our appreciation to the people, designed to cushion the effect of the global economic realities, of which Nigeria is a part.”

Hon. Ja’oji highlighted that this initiative is part of his personal effort as a political appointee in President Tinubu’s administration, in line with the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto.

Some of the beneficiaries making a display

“I assure you that President Tinubu’s administration is putting in place necessary measures to lift Nigerians out of poverty and other related setbacks, and this empowerment program is just the beginning.”

He expressed his deep appreciation to the people who have been supporting him in his political journey, especially during the struggle to establish the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grants and equipment they received, stating that the program would continue to ensure that more Nigerians benefit from similar opportunities in the future.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has arrived Minna, the Niger State capital on Sunday evening, and headed straight to the hilltop residence of former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).

Sources hinted that Obasanjo arrived Minna at about 4.15pm aboard a chartered aircraft from Benin City where he had gone to facilitate with the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, on his 90th birthday.

It was further learnt that, at the residence of General Babangida (rtd), another former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Aliyu Gusau (rtd), were also waiting for Former President Obasanjo.

Leadership