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Tinubu, First Lady, Davido Join Sanwo-Olu’s 60th Celebration
As Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu clocks 60 today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu have led tributes to the leader described as a pillar in the state’s continued transformation.
President Tinubu, in a message released through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, praised Sanwo-Olu for his “steadfast commitment” to the progress of Lagos, describing him as a key driver of the state’s infrastructural renaissance.
He noted that Sanwo-Olu has continued many important projects that began during his (Tinubu’s) time as governor.
The President mentioned key projects like the Blue and Red rail lines and encouraged the governor to keep pushing forward on others such as the Fourth Mainland Bridge and the Freedom Way-VGC road.
“Your execution of this vision is exemplified by landmark achievements, including completing the Blue and Red Rail lines and the ongoing preparations for the Purple Line, which will serve the vital Lekki corridor,” Tinubu said.
“I urge you to sustain this trajectory by prioritising impactful projects for Lagosians, notably the long-awaited Fourth Mainland Bridge and the Freedom Way to Victoria Garden City (VGC) Road,” President Tinubu said.
The President concluded, “I also wish you continued good health, longevity, and many more years of invaluable service to Lagos State and Nigeria.”
Also sending birthday wishes was the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his service and leadership.
“I join your family, associates, and well-wishers to celebrate you on your attainment of 60 years of a glorious life. Your dedication to service has set you apart as an exemplary leader,” the First Lady wrote.
“As you mark this special day, may you be blessed with more wisdom, strength, and divine health to fulfill your God-ordained purpose, and I wish you many more years of success on earth.”
The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Surah O. Animashaun, also wished him a happy birthday in an Instagram post where she praised his leadership and the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ programme, which she claimed has helped improve many parts of Lagos, such as traffic, health, education, entertainment, and security.
“Your Excellency, your courage in decision-making, compassion for the people, and unwavering dedication to progress are hallmarks of true statesmanship. Under your leadership, Lagos has remained a beacon of growth, innovation, and resilience, and we are proud to be part of the journey you are leading with such clarity and conviction,” she wrote.
Governor Sanwo-Olu shared his thoughts on reaching 60, tweeting, “Today, I turn 60. Sixty years of experiences, lessons, and blessings. I woke up this morning feeling grateful, not just for the years, but for the journey itself.
“Today is a moment to pause and reflect. I’ve learned that public service is one of the highest callings. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Every day, I wake up knowing there’s more to do, more to give, more to build.
“Public service teaches you a great deal. It teaches patience. It teaches you how to listen, and how to keep going even when the path is difficult. I’m still learning. I’m always learning.
“So today, I’m thankful, for life, for the trust of Lagosians, the people I serve, and for the opportunity to keep working toward something greater than myself.”
Also, popular singer Davido sent a video shout-out to Governor Sanwo-Olu. In the message, Davido greeted Lagosians and praised the governor for his work, saying, “Hello my people, what’s up? It is your boy Davido. I want to say a big happy 60th birthday to our governor, Governor Sanwo-Olu. We appreciate you. Everything you do for Lagos, we see it all the time. You know I love you, man. Have fun, enjoy your day, and live your life.”
Sanwo-Olu’s deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, also celebrated his principal on X, where he wrote, “Happy birthday to an exceptional leader, visionary, my brother and partner in duty, Governor @jidesanwoolu. Your drive for good governance and inclusive growth sets the bar high. I wish you continued wisdom and strength in service to our state. Happy birthday MG.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu started his political career in 2003 as a special adviser to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State. He later became Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget.
In 2007, he was appointed Commissioner for Commerce and Industry by Governor Bola Tinubu. After that, he served as Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions under Governor Babatunde Fashola.
In 2016, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode made him Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation.
He also helped start important projects like the Lagos Security Trust Fund, LAGBUS transportation system, and the Lagos Command and Control Centre in Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu was elected governor in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Naija News reports that Justice had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven counts levelled against him by the Federal Government.
The judge sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for count 1, 2, 4,5, and 6.
He also sentenced Kanu to 20 years forcount 3 without option of fine.
The Judge sentenced Kanu to five years in prison on count seven without option of fine.
Justice Omotosho ruled that he should not be kept in Kuje prison. He forfeited Nnamdi Kanu’s radio transmitter and barred him from access to social media.
More are still coming
The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death sentence on the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on all seven terrorism counts.
The request was made on Thursday by the FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), shortly after Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty of all charges preferred against him.
Awomolo, addressing the court after the verdict, argued that the severity of Kanu’s actions merited the maximum penalty under the law.
The senior lawyer insisted that Kanu committed “many illegalities” and should not be treated with leniency.
Awomolo further reminded the court that four of the seven counts on which Kanu was convicted carry the death sentence under Nigeria’s terrorism laws.
He urged Justice Omotosho to take this into account in determining the appropriate punishment.
“It will not be considered justice that he is isolated and punished lightly in a country where we have Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, et cetera,” he argued.
According to the prosecution, Kanu’s actions were as destabilising as those of other violent groups and should be treated with equal seriousness.
Awomolo also urged the judge to ensure that Kanu is kept in a secure correctional facility pending the court’s final pronouncement on sentencing.
He stressed the need to prevent any disruptions or security breaches involving the IPOB leader while the sentencing process is underway.
Kanu was earlier found guilty of inciting violence, ordering attacks on security personnel, calling for killings, and issuing threats capable of terrorising the public, all captured in broadcasts tendered as evidence by the prosecution.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has delivered his ruling in the case between the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and the Federal Government.
Naija News reports that the judgement was given in Nnamdi Kanu’s absence after the judge had ordered security operatives to kick him out of the court over his unruly behaviour.
Nnamdi Kanu had earlier stated that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja does not have the jurisdiction to try him.
The separatist, who has been in custody since 2021, faced seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security.
The IPOB leader contended that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he is being prosecuted, has been repealed.
He urged the court to strike out the charges, describing them as “disclosing no offence known to law” and therefore invalid.
Kanu also requested that the court nullify the “purported plea of not guilty” entered on his behalf, claiming it was obtained through deception and contrary to a Supreme Court ruling.
He further asked the court to set aside all subsequent proceedings and order his immediate release.
“My contention is very simple: this court lacks jurisdiction to try me,” he said.
Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court has the authority to preside over the Nnamdi Kanu case.
The judge also stated that the matter of extradition has been settled by the Supreme Court, and he ruled against Kanu in this regard.
On the issue of fairness in the hearing for Nnmadi Kanu, Omotosho ruled against the IPOB leader, stating that the court ensured he received a fair hearing.
On the defendant not entering his defence, Justice Omotosho said: “I begged the defendant passionately to enter his defence, but he remained obsolete. That shows that he chose to rest his case on the prosecution. Which is a gamble and a risky action.”
The court found Nnamdi Kanu guilty and convicted him of count 1 in the charges filed against him by the federal government.
The Judge said: “The court will rely on the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution. This court, therefore, finds that the prosecution has discharged Count 1 beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant (Kanu) is hereby convicted in respect of Count 1.”
More judgement is being read and this report will be updated as it comes in…….
BREAKING: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment
Just In: FG Urges Court To Impose Death Sentence On Nnamdi Kanu
Court Finally Delivers Judgement In Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Case
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