News
Ighodalo to file N20bn suit against Oshiomhole over defamatory ponzi scheme claim
Asue Ighodalo, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, has asked his lawyers to institute a suit against Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, over defamatory allegations.
Ighodalo said Oshiomole had accused him of involvement in “Planwell,” a ponzi scheme that surfaced in Edo state in the early 1990s.
“People of my age and even younger have not forgotten how Asue Ighodalo and all his associates were involved in what they call Planwell,” Oshiomole said during a campaign rally on Saturday.
“Planwell was set up as an institution where you deposit 10,000 in the morning by tomorrow it becomes 15,000, and after six months, people were defrauded, and the institution disappeared. And they became rich, and Edo people became pauperised.”
In a response to the allegations through his counsel, Ayo Asala, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ighodalo described Oshiomole’s comment as “false, defamatory, and malicious”.
“It is sad to note that despite your status as an elder and holder of a public office, you appear to have developed a pattern of spewing false statements in the public domain purely for the achievement of your political ends,” a letter by Ighodalo’s lawyer and addressed to Oshiomhole reads.
“This baseless, unfounded, false, and malicious allegation has become another in a long line of such defamatory fabrications and statements made by you in respect of our client in the recent past.
“Our client is an accomplished Nigerian legal practitioner and a corporate leader whose impressive resume from birth up till the current day is entirely in the public domain, and our client has absolutely no connection with and could never have been involved in any manner whatsoever with the purported ‘Planwell’ scheme with which you have seriously defamed our client’s reputation.
“It is clear that the fabrication of the unfounded and false story regarding the purported involvement of our client in the said ‘Planwell’ scheme or any other financial scheme whatsoever is a figment of your imagination and a story fabricated purely for the purpose of denigrating the good character and reputation of our client for the achievement of the political purpose of advancing the sinking fortunes of your political party and candidate in the forthcoming Edo state gubernatorial elections.
“Our client has been inundated with calls and other contacts from concerned members of the public who heard your said allegations on electronic and social media, as a result of which our client has suffered enormous unwarranted reputational damage arising from the lies and baseless fabrications of which you have become the purveyor.”
Ighodalo is demanding “an immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for your false, defamatory, and malicious statements, which should be published in at least two national television networks and three nationally circulating newspapers”.
“Pay to our client damages in the sum of 20 billion Naira for your false, defamatory, and malicious statements referred to herein,” the letter further stated.
“Take notice that it is our client’s instructions that we immediately institute appropriate proceedings against you for damages in the sum of twenty (20) billion Naira (N20,000,000,000.00) for your said false, malicious, irresponsible, and damaging statements made against our client without any foundation whatsoever in fact.
“Further take notice that such action will be instituted without further notice or correspondence to you in that regard whatsoever.”
President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to “enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery”.
In a statement on Monday night, Bayo Onanuga said Sunday Dare, the special adviser on public communication and national orientation, is now the special adviser on media and public communications.
Onanuga added that Daniel Bwala, announced last week as a special adviser on media and public communication, will now function as the special adviser on policy communication.
“These appointments, along with the existing role of special adviser, information and strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the presidency,” the statement reads.
“Instead, all three special advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.
“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”
There had been some confusion as Onanuga, designated as special adviser on communication and strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ngelale Ajuri, who was special adviser on media and publicity.
However, on Monday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesperson.
“Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House). I am happy to have joined a meeting of the robust and fantastic communication team of Mr. President. I love the existing unity among the team and hope we can leverage on that even for more synergy,” he wrote on his X handle.
President Bola Tinubu has sacked Chioma Ejikeme, the executive secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
The development comes almost a week after retirees under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) staged a protest at the federal ministry of finance, Abuja, over unpaid benefits since March 2023.
In a statement on Monday, Olugbenga Ajayi, head of the corporate communications unit at PTAD, announced that Tolulope Odunaiya has been appointed as the new executive secretary of the organisation.
According to the statement, Odunaiya officially assumed office at the PTAD headquarters on November 18, succeeding Ejikeme, who served from August 2019 to November 2024.
Ejikeme was removed from office 13 months after she was reappointed for a second term by Tinubu in October 2023.
“We are delighted to inform our Publics especially PTAD pensioners and other stakeholders of the appointment of Miss Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the substantive Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD),” the statement reads.
“Miss Odunaiya assumed office today, 18th November, 2024 at the PTAD Headquarters where Management and Staff of the Directorate welcomed her warmly. She is taking over from Dr. Chioma Nnenna Ejikeme who was the Executive Secretary from August 2019 to November 2024.”
In her address to the staff members, according to the statement, Odunaiya pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors.
She assured the team of a new chapter — one focused on collaboration, unity, and a common purpose — aimed at achieving significant results and lasting progress.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose that I address you as the new Executive Secretary of this Directorate. I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable work of my predecessors and the dedication of every individual who has contributed to bringing us to this point,” Odunaiya said.
“My vision is for a Directorate where every individual feels recognized, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful contributions.
“I urge all of us to transcend personal interests and come together around our shared purpose: improving the lives of our pensioners, who have selflessly served this nation, often in challenging circumstances.”
‘PENSIONERS ARE BACKBONE OF NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT’
Odunaiya said pensioners are the backbone of the nation’s history and development, having dedicated their time, expertise, and efforts to shaping the Nigeria inherited today.
“It is both our responsibility and our honor to ensure they receive the care, respect, and timely entitlements they deserve. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten, and through our collective efforts, we can reaffirm their value to the nation and make their retirement years fulfilling,” she added.
The executive secretary pledged to align with PTAD’s mission and vision in support of Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda for a prosperous Nigeria.
She said by prioritising efficiency, accountability, and compassion, the organisation will help create a nation where all citizens, particularly those who devoted their lives to public service, feel valued and supported.
According to the statement, Odinaiya toured the various departments and units within the directorate to get firsthand information on its administration and processes.
President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to “enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery”.
In a statement on Monday night, Bayo Onanuga said Sunday Dare, the special adviser on public communication and national orientation, is now the special adviser on media and public communications.
Onanuga added that Daniel Bwala, announced last week as a special adviser on media and public communication, will now function as the special adviser on policy communication.
“These appointments, along with the existing role of special adviser, information and strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the presidency,” the statement reads.
“Instead, all three special advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.
“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”
There had been some confusion as Onanuga, designated as special adviser on communication and strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ngelale Ajuri, who was special adviser on media and publicity.
However, on Monday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesperson.
“Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House). I am happy to have joined a meeting of the robust and fantastic communication team of Mr. President. I love the existing unity among the team and hope we can leverage on that even for more synergy,” he wrote on his X handle.
Rapper NBA YoungBoy pleads guilty in drug fraud case
Nancy Umeh welcomes third child via surrogacy after secondary infertility battle
Enugu LGA chairman appoints aides on garden egg, pepper, yam
Canada now permits international students to work 24 hours
CBN debunks involvement in fake contract award, warns of fraudulent schemes
Tinubu now has three spokespersons, says Onanuga
Wike approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for FCTA Staff
‘It hurts’ — Don Jazzy laments not having partner
Dayo Amusa welcomes first child in US
Despite feud, Peter Okoye celebrates Paul on 43rd birthday
Phillips, ex-NOGASA chairman, gets 21-year jail term over N43.5m fraud
Ademola Lookman among finalists for CAF best player award
Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.
She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others
-
Politics6 days agoOkpebholo fires permanent secretaries, dissolves boards
-
Business1 week agoNo November salary for workers without valid residents registration number, says Kwara state government
-
Politics4 days agoDSS operatives arrest man with bags of cash during Ondo guber
-
News4 days agoAlice Loksha, abducted UNICEF nurse, escapes captivity after 6 years
-
News3 days agoNnamdi Emeh: Suspect Facing Charges In Court, Process Independent Of Police Influence
-
Celebrities4 days agoDaddy Freeze, Akah Nnani clash over Emmanuel Iren
-
World1 week agoTrump speaks to Putin, warns against escalating war in Ukraine
-
World7 days agoFrench newspapers sue X for using content without paying