Politics
Paris Club Refund: Court Orders Akwa Ibom Govt to Deposit N20bn in Bank Over Failure to Pay Mauritz Walton Consultancy Fee
A Federal High Court on Friday ordered Akwa Ibom State government to deposit the sum of N20bn in any of the three banks, namely First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank, respectively, in respect of a suit filed by Mauritz Walton Nig. Ltd against the government.
Mauritz had sued the Minister of Finance, Accountant General of the Federation, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Akwa State government, as the 1, 2, 3, and 4 defendants over the refusal of the government of Akwa Ibom to pay it consultancy fee over the Paris Club Refund.
Mauritz challenged the defendants on ground of their refusal to abide by the Court’s interlocutory order freezing Akwa Ibom State Paris Club Refund Account, pending the determination of suit filed against the state over refusal to pay it consultancy fee on the Paris Club Refund.
Mauritz dragged the state before the court seeking the attachment of the said amount as a result of the failure of the state government to pay the applicant 30 per cent of the state’s Paris Club refund by the Federal Government being consultancy charge for the services it rendered to the state government in pursuing the refund on behalf of the government.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole gave the order Friday in the suit marked: NO FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2017.
In a ruling, Justice Kolawole held: “Upon the application of the plaintiff’s counsel, Ahmed Rsji, SAN, informing the court of the irregularities on the Defendants Affidavit to show cause as ordered by the court of 30/11/2017; it is hereby ordered as follows:
“That in the absence of any affidavit to show cause, and the one filed by the first defendant having been held to be irregular field, it is the interest of justice that prayer in the plaintiff motion ex parte dated 31/11/17 be granted as prayed to abide the hearing and determination of the plaintiff motion and notice interlocutory injunction which may be held at future date with fourth defendant notice of preliminary objection dated 12/12/17.
“That the said prayer granted shall enable the first, second and third defendants to pay the said sum in prayer five into an interest yielding account with any of these banks: Zenith Bank, GTB PLC, and or First Bank PLC
“That this should be ruling of this court based on the agenda which I have set for today’s proceeding on 30/11/17 when the plaintiff ex parte motion was held.”
The matter was adjourned till January 30, 2018.
Justice Kolawole had frozen seven accounts linked to Governors’ Forum, which, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, were used by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to launder the sum of N10bn said to be derived from the proceeds of the Paris Club refund.
Justice Kolawole directed that the freezing order would last for 45 days within which the EFCC must either institute charges in respect of the transactions against the relevant suspects or apply to the court for an extension of the order.
The judge also gave seven days to the account owners, if interested in seeking the setting aside of the freezing order, to file an application which must be served on the EFCC.
Entertainment
Excitement, Joy as Lagos Guber Hopeful, Jandor Marries in Qatar
It was a weekend of glamour, joy and excitement as Lagos politician and businessman, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, tied the knot in faraway Qatar.
The destination wedding which took place at the Fairmont Hotel, Doha drew close friends, family and political associates, was nothing short of magical. With the exotic backdrop of Doha’s luxury setting, Jandor and his bride exchanged vows in an intimate but elegant ceremony that had the air of class, style and exclusivity.
Guests, many of whom jetted in from Lagos and Abuja, were treated to a blend of traditional Nigerian warmth and Middle Eastern splendour. From the lavish décor to the exquisite cuisine, it was an affair that reflected both cultures in perfect harmony.
For Jandor, who has continued to attract attention on the Lagos political scene, the wedding to his heartthrob, Bukola
was a refreshing moment of happiness, away from the hustling pulse of politics. His bride, radiant in her flowing attire, was the toast of the evening, with cameras capturing every dazzling smile.
As the couple began their journey together, family and well-wishers showered them with prayers, gifts and best wishes. The event, insiders say, will be remembered for its intimacy, its class, and the joy it radiated across the circles of Lagos high society.
News
What Ibadan Socialite, Fijabi’s Leak Audio Has Done To Minister Adelabu’s Guber Ambition
A recent viral moment has unexpectedly stirred the political waters for Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu’s 2027 gubernatorial bid in Oyo State. Here’s how it unfolded—and the fallout that followed:
An audio featuring Ibadan socialite, Chief Akinade Fijabi and an unidentified young man surfaced online.
In the audio, Fijabi, an Ibadan high Chief and singer, Wasiu Ayinde’s closest ally bared his thoughts on political bearings in Oyo State and centred it round the Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
The audio quickly gained traction, sparking laughter and debate across social media platforms in Oyo and beyond.
The audio briefly overshadowed Adelabu’s image and critics seized the moment to question his ability, business sense and highlight potential vulnerabilities in managing grassroots affairs.
Even before the audio, Adelabu’s return to APC and flirtation with a 2027 run had unsettled internal party dynamics. The audio gave fuel to factions already uneasy about his rapid elevation and perceived attempt at imposition.
APC hardliners and youth groups, who’ve openly criticized the party’s handling of aspirants like Adelabu, echoed that the viral moment underscores deeper frustration about favoritism .
Adelabu’s allies are downplaying the audio, arguing that public interactions reflect openness and a grassroots presence and qualities essential for statewide appeal. They’ve also pointed to his achievements, including boosting national grid capacity, as evidence of credible leadership .
Fijabi in the audio also shed some lights based on what he termed ‘reliable information’ on Governor Makinde’s Presidential ambition, claiming it was a plot to collapse the PDP in Oyo State for President Tinubu with an agreement that the Governor would be granted the request to install a successor.
The clip audio shifted part of the conversation from Adelabu’s technocratic record to his public persona. Analysts say managing optics now matters more than ever for his brand.
News
Ajimobi’s Eldest Child, Bisola Dies In The UK
Late Governor Ajimobi’s first child, Bisola is dead!
News filtered in early Thursday, March 27, 2025 that Bisola,42 died after a brief illness in the United Kingdom.
The late woman before her death was the special adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
Married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, their marriage is blessed with three children.
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