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NEXIM: Okotete fires back at protesters

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Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete
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…. Says they acted out of ignorance

…. As group threatens litigation on her appointment as Executive Director

 

 

Few hours after a group under the aegis of Lawyers for Reform, threatened to drag President Muhammadu Buhari to court if Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete is not removed as Executive Director of Nigerian Export – Import Bank (NEXIM), the embattled bank director fired back.

The group had in a protest tagged “#Remove Stellaokotetenow” , staged in the early hours of Thursday at the main entrance of the National Assembly , said the NEXIM ED ,  is not qualified by every standard to hold the position .

Barrister Oladotun Hassan Esq, who led the protest, alleged that appointment of Stella Okotete as Executive Director of NEXIM by President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2017 was wrong headed going by clearly stipulated requirements in the extant laws governing the Bank.

According to him, Okotete did not have the required 18 years post-graduation working experience before her appointment and even not having relevant academic qualification in financial accounting, banking or any business-related courses.

” What can only be gotten from fraudulently concocted curriculum vitae of Okotete is that she is a former Counsellor and Beauty Salon Hairdresser.

” This is an errant disgrace and monumental embarrassment to Government of President Muhammadu Buhari that prides itself as Anti – Corruption Crusader.

” In the face of the law, specifically going by the Central Bank of Nigeria Act Regulations and Order 41(3) of the Senate Rule and by reason of her lack of capacity not to have served in the banking service for 18 years, Okotete is not fit and merit to continue to hold the Executive Director of NEXIM Bank, we therefore call on President Muhammadu Buhari to act decisively accordingly.

 

 

” We also request that Okotete should upon removal from office, be prosecuted for misleading the entire Nigerians with false misrepresentations used in securing the appointment.

” If nothing meaningful is not urgently done in respect to our demands on or before 7th December, 2022, we shall not hesitate to seek legal sanction against President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government of Nigeria “, he said.

But in a swift reaction by the Bank, the protesters were alleged to have acted out of ignorance.

The Bank in statement dated 1st December, 2022, said provision of section 8(3) of NEXIM Act which provides for a Managing Director, two Executive Directors and two non – executive directors, does not lay out qualification for executive directors, one of which is being occupied by Stella Okotete .

” No provision in NEXIM Act lays out qualifications for appointment of Executive Directors or any Director of the Bank.

” Okotete in collaboration with other Directors of the Bank, has within the last five years, brought growth in profitability and drastic reduction of non – performing loans “, the statement stressed.

It added that President Buhari did not violate any extant laws or in house banking procedures, on the appointments of Okotete and others.

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Biodun Olujimi Joins Ekiti South APC Senatorial Race, Picks Nomination Form

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A fresh political contest is brewing in Ekiti South Senatorial District as former lawmaker Biodun Olujimi has officially picked up the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form, signaling a major shift in the district’s political landscape.

 

 

Olujimi, who represented Ekiti South in the 9th Senate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC in 2025.

 

Her decision to now seek the party’s senatorial ticket sets the stage for a high-stakes intra-party battle ahead of the next general election.

 

The race within the APC is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, as Olujimi will contend with incumbent senator and Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, who is seeking to retain his seat.

 

Also in the contest is former member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Faparusi, who has likewise obtained the party’s nomination form.

 

 

Political observers say Olujimi’s entry into the race could significantly alter the dynamics within the APC in Ekiti South, given her political experience, grassroots network, and previous electoral success in the district.

 

Her defection from the PDP to the ruling APC had earlier generated discussions across the state, and her latest move is expected to intensify permutations within the party.

 

 

The contest is likely to test the internal cohesion of the APC in Ekiti State, as party leaders weigh the strengths of the aspirants ahead of the primaries.

 

Analysts also note that the emergence of a strong candidate could play a crucial role in determining the party’s chances of retaining the senatorial seat in the next election cycle.

 

 

With three prominent political figures now in the race, the APC primary in Ekiti South is expected to be closely watched, as it may redefine alliances and influence the broader political direction of the district.

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FG Declares May 1 Public Holiday for Workers’ Day

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.

 

 

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government, congratulating Nigerian workers on the occasion.

 

 

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, on April 29, 2026, the minister praised workers across the country for their hard work and dedication to national development.

 

 

He noted that the contributions of Nigerian workers remain vital to the nation’s growth and prosperity, urging them to continue to uphold the values of patriotism, productivity, and commitment to duty.

 

 

The statement read, “The Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st May 2026, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

 

 

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government. He congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration. The Minister commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.”

 

 

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and security, as well as creating a conducive environment for economic growth.

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Court Warns Defendants in Ode-Irele Chieftaincy Dispute to Obey Judgment or Face Jail

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A High Court sitting in Okitipupa, Ondo State, has issued a stern warning to parties involved in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Ode-Irele, directing them to comply with its earlier judgment or risk imprisonment.

 

The court specifically ordered Adeniyi Olanrewaju Ayeromora and other defendants to adhere to its ruling delivered on August 2, 2022. The judgment had restrained them from parading themselves as regent or initiating any new selection process for the Olofun of Irele stool.

 

In a notice outlining the consequences of disobedience, the court cautioned that failure to comply could result in contempt proceedings and possible committal to prison.

 

The directive was also extended to key government officials, including the Attorney General of Ondo State and relevant local government authorities. The court warned them against recognizing or supporting any actions that contradict its ruling.

 

Meanwhile, the court has issued a separate Form 49 notice summoning several defendants to appear and show cause why they should not be jailed for allegedly continuing to violate the subsisting court order.

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