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Why I Divorced Atiku Abubakar – Ex-Wife Finally Opens Up

The wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Jennifer Abubakar, has disclosed that she divorced him because he got married again.
Speaking in an interview with The Trent, Jennifer Abubakar, addressed all inquiries circulating social media accusing her of disposing of the couple’s Dubai real estate illegally, among other allegations, mentioned that she requested for the divorce from her husband.

The full statement, delivered to The Trent by Dr Abubakar is reproduced below:

For some time now, especially in the last few weeks, there has been a whole lot of rumours and in circulation about the state of my marriage to his Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri Adamawa, GCON. The stories got more vicious as they continued to circulate. I deem it necessary to defend myself against the calculated propaganda to malign my character and position me in a bad light and damage my name. Without resorting to nonsensical talk, I would address the two key issues at hand:

(1) That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again.
(2) That I sold his Excellency’s house in Dubai.
That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again

• On June. 26, 2021, I asked His Excellency to grant me a divorce in light of the breakdown of our marriage. And, during that period, I told his Excellency that I remain at his Excellency’s service to continue to assist him in his activities even If I am no longer married to him. Suffice it to say that several friends of his Excellency tried to mediate in this matter. I thank them most graciously and remain grateful for their efforts, Peter Okocha, Senator Ben Obi, Tunde Ayeni, Captain Yahaya and Senator Ben Bruce.

• The core reason for the divorce was disagreement over my continued stay in the United Kingdom, to look after my children and several other long-standing issues. I needed to play the role of a mother at this time to the children who have gone through the absence of both father and mother growing up; especially, with the passage of my elder sister who used to look after them. Furthermore, in light of COVID times, choosing to stay with the children was nonnegotiable. And, in line with Northern culture, the new wife takes up the baton so I can also focus on giving the kids more care.

• Despite not informing us officially according to northern/Islamic culture, I knew about his Excellency’s new wife from the time Excellency was dating her and when his Excellency eventually married her. I have graciously invited our new wife to my son’s wedding in Dubai in 2018 without any ill feelings and congratulated his Excellency when our new wife put to bed.

• I was already aware that His Excellency had gotten married to our new wife but that did not deter me from supporting His Excellency and indeed, we went through a most rigorous electioneering campaign and garnered massive support for his election in 2019.

• That His Excellency married a new wife was never the cause of our problem as many have said. His Excellency is a Moslem and I have never questioned him about his wives or intended.
I hope this brings this issue to rest as I did not leave the house because of his new marriage.
Moving out of the matrimonial Home in Asokoro and Yola

• The Matrimonial home in Asokoro which we reside was gifted to me by him even before we moved into that home from a previous residence. Indeed, His Excellency caused his Private Secretary to process the DEED of assignment documents for the house, which he did and handed. me the documents. I then commenced processing the title to the property.

• During the initial mediation discussion, Excellency denied that he gifted the house even after I showed him
the document with the signatures of his aide, his Excellency asked me to give him the deed of gift. “When I asked him, where will me and the kids stay when we come to Nigeria?”, he told me that since I am the one that asked for a divorce, I should find a place to stay and subsequently, I moved out.

• His Excellency further gave orders to have my nephews living with me in the house ejected within an hour of his order and gave orders that I and my family members are not allowed to enter the house. Hence, during my last visit to Nigeria in December, 2021, I stayed at a hotel. I have long released these assets to him and hereby reiterate that thee titles are at his disposal to pick up whenever he deems fit.

• There has been a lot of speculation on the Dubai home. For a while now, I had purposely stayed away the Dubai until I took custody of that property September 2021 after his Excellency reneged on his word to give the current value of the said property in exchange. When I came to Nigeria, in early September, 2021. I asked to have a private conversation with His Excellency. During that conversation, I informed his Excellency that once I get back to the United Kingdom, I will go to Dubai and take over the house. He subsequently departed for his medical trip to Germany refusing to address any of the issues I privately wanted to conclude with him outside of third parties.

• I subsequently travelled to Dubai, and took custody of the said property. Once I did that, on 18 September 2021, His Excellency sent me a text and I quote: “I hear you have moved to Dubai to takeover the house. I am still in Germany for my medicals. Make sure all my properties including (redacted) are intact so I can collect all my properties. I wish you well’.

• I responded to him: “ Excellency, I am left with no other option as we need to get on with our lives amicably. I hope your medicals are coming up good. I wish you well too’.

• On 19th September, 2021 in response to his text that I am not being amicable and I quote ”Good morning, with due respect, Excellency, I told you on Saturday before you left for Germany, that I was going back to UK, take [our son] back for his test, then come to Dubai. I reiterated that day the need for an amicable resolution. I maintain that stance and remain at your service Your Excellency’.

• Further on Tuesday, 21 September, 2021, I asked His Excellency in another text whether he wanted me to pack up his clothes and give to Rahim (his driver) since the driver on his instructions was moving his cars. I also asked Excellency in that text whether he wanted me to have Rahim pack up his office. Then his Excellency sent me a text back and asked: ‘So its true you have sold the villa?’

• Subsequently, His Excellency sent the driver to take possession of all the cars.
The truth subsists with regard to the Dubai house. I will make no further comments on it because it is the subject of litigation filed by his Excellency against me.

I need to also put on record that if I wanted to take His Excellency assets, I would not have returned to him his property documents in Abuja and Jos and document, allowed the driver to collect his cars, gave up the house in Asokoro and Yola.

The last time I was in Nigeria I called to have the Asokoro and Yola documents delivered to him. It was never picked up and I still state that Excellency is free to send someone to have the documents picked up anytime he deems fit.
Threats/Intimidation

• Since this incident, I fear for my safety and that of my kids. His Excellency’s security operatives especially Ibro and others have making threats and calling my relatives, friends and staff and searching for my assets to seize and monitoring my phone calls and those of friends and relatiives. For that reason, I have exited my law firm and sold all my assets and moved abroad until peace reigns.

• I have done nothing wrong except to ask for a divorce and it pains me that I have to use this medium to address thorny issues but fear that at this point, I would have to put my side of the story on record. It is obvious that a campaign of calumny to total discredit and put me in bad light has begun.

Despite all that has happened, I reiterate that I asked for a quiet divorce which had if it had been granted, we would not be where we are today. Divorce is never an easy process for both parties. I reiterate that I hope we can settle our issues privately and I would remain at His Excellency’s service should he need my help, anytime.

2023: President Buhari Reveals Three Things He Would Hand Over To His Successor

The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he intends to finish strong as his tenure gradually approaches the end.
The President was quoted to have said that the few months left of his administration would be used to consolidate on the gains of democracy already achieved by his government.

The President while envisaging 24 years of unbroken democratic dispensation in Nigeria, vowed to hand over a strong repositioned agriculture-led, diversified home-grown economy, stable democracy and revamped armed and security forces to his successor.

The President was quoted in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina to have made the vow in Abuja during a dinner in honour of the 2022 Committee of Business, Political, Media and Civil Society Leaders.

He urged the leaders to look beyond the challenges facing the country and collaborate with his government to achieve meaningful results.

The President said: “I am gradually entering my final year in office. It is a period I intend to spend not only on consolidating on the achievements of the past seven years but also to leave a legacy for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.

”I take this initiative to mean that you all intend to collaborate with this administration in that direction.

”For those among you who are politicians, you must look beyond gaining power to how you can leverage public positions in the process of societal change. To the businessmen and women among you, there is great glory in public service.

”The question that should be uppermost always is: How do we leverage our business endowment for the greater good of our country?

”I am delighted that members of the Nigerian elite have woken up to the fact that the task of changing this society is a task for all of us, whether we are in the private or public sector. Knowing that, we have enormous challenges as a nation, but they are not beyond our capacity to overcome if we embrace a new approach.

”We cannot retreat to our ethnic cocoons, nor can we continue to seek solace in our past. We must champion the idea of a Nigeria where every citizen would be proud to call their own. That is the charge before you.”

GAC Speaks On Replacing Sanwo-Olu With Muri-Okunola As Lagos State Governor

Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has debunked rumours that it has concluded plans to replace Babajide Sanwo-Olu with Hakeem Muri-Okunola as the Lagos State Governor in 2023.

GAC in a statement over the weekend signed by its secretary, Alhaji Mutiu Are said it has not discussed the issue of a second term for Governor Sanwo-Olu neither does the group possess the powers to determine who the next Lagos State Governor will be.

GAC is the highest decision-making organ of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos, and Muri-Okunola is the incumbent Head of Service in Lagos State.

Following some reports that the body has chosen another person to become the next Lagos State Governor in 2023, the group has urged members of the public to deny such reports, stating that some unscrupulous politicians are the ones spreading such rumours.

It added that Governor Sanwo-Olu is performing creditably well and should be allowed to focus on governance as he still has some time left of his first tenure.

Below is the press statement from GAC:

“The attention of the Governance Advisory Council has been drawn to a vexatious post circulating on WhatsApp purporting that the GAC, party leaders and stakeholders have settled for a replacement for Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.

“Ordinarily, we would not have dignified such an anonymous post with any response.

“However, because of the possibility that some unwary persons may believe the words contained therein and interpret them as factual, the GAC would like to state as follows:

“That the GAC has not settled for any person to replace Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu as governor. Therefore, it is absolutely false and preposterous for anyone to suggest so.

“That the process of picking a Governor is clearly stated in the constitution. And contrary to the false impression the merchant of hate, confusion, discord and disharmony wanted to create with the post, there is no discussion of second term ticket by the GAC.

“It should also be pointed out that it is not within the realm of GAC to engage in picking replacements for a governor.

“Importantly, the Independent National Electoral Commission has not signaled the commencement of the process for governorship election in Lagos State.

“Governor Sanwo-olu was elected for a 4-year tenure which is still ongoing. The matter of replacement of the governor does not arise and is patently subjudice.

“Governor Sanwo-olu is doing a wonderful job delivering infrastructure projects for Lagos and working daily on making the state better for all its residents.

“Finally, we urge those behind this dangerous, dysfunctional and misguided post to desist forthwith.”

Atiku Not Fit, Too Old To Become President – Bauchi Gov

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has said he told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to contest the 2023 presidential race.
Mohammed made the submission on Friday when a Contact and Consultation Committee he set up for his presidential ambition submitted its report to him.

The Bauchi governor said Atiku is too old and tired to lead the country, asking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain to support his ambition to become President in 2023.

The governor, however, promised to support the former vice president if he emerges the party’s flagbearer and Nigerians prefer him to other aspirants.

Mohammed said he will not give the governorship seat to hold forth, saying that he will manage the presidential campaign with the running of the state.

He, therefore, opined that all the presidential aspirants from all the sections of the country are eminently qualified, so they should be left to discuss with each other.

The governor noted that his presidential ambition has caused division in the state, stressing that Bauchi can be better if he becomes the President in 2023.

He said: “I am aware that even in Bauchi, people are divided, my elder brother, Bala Hadith, had the courage to tell me that people of Bauchi don’t want me to go to the center and I appreciate him. This is because this is the opinion of Bauchi which is the appreciation of what we are doing together. Bauchi can be better if I’m at the center.

“But certainly, we have to manage the two together (Bauchi and the Presidential campaign). I told my younger brother and my colleague (deputy governor) that he should not be happy to send me forth so that he will take over the governorship, I will do the two together.

“One of my brothers, a formidable and astute politician, Matawalle Sokoto (Aminu Tambuwal) did it before, so we are going to also test it. And I will not give (the governorship seat) to hold forth, such a big man, he will not give me back when I come back, but if he will give me, I will give it to him.

“There is no need for us to be greedy; of course, my presidency will not cause division. You can see that at the heat of the time that my elder brother, Malam Adamu was going round, we invited our elder statesman, the one that we respect so much, the Waziri Adamawa (Atiku Abubakar), we named a road after him.

“We invited him to Bauchi and we interacted and I told him that in this game, I know he’s the most senior, he’s very qualified but because of his age and fatigue that he has suffered so much for Nigeria, he should allow his younger brother to be his spare tyre not to take over just like that. But if Nigerians prefer him, I will support him. I am not too desperate but he should know that Nigerians like me too. And whatever he wants, I will do it for him, so this is our agreement, he has the highest respect from me.”

Breaking: Former SSG, Biodun Oyebanji Wins Ekiti APC Primary Election With Over 100,000 Votes

Mr Biodun Oyebanji has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Ekiti state.
APC conducted its primary elections in the state today to produce a flag bearer ahead of the June governorship election in the state.

Oyebanji polled 101,703 votes, while his closest challengers; Ojo Kayode had 767, Opeyemi Bamidele had 760 and Dayo Adeyeye polled 691 votes.

The results of the primary election from all the 16 LGAs in Ekiti state were announced by Governor Mohammed Badaru, chairman of the election committee, who declared Biodun Oyebanji as the winner.

Having defeated other challengers to emerge winner of the primary election, the former secretary to the state government (SSG), will be the APC’s flag bearer in the June 18 governorship election to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Naija News understands that Oyebanji has served in at least three governments since Ekiti was created in 1996 by the late Sani Abacha.

Oyebanji served as the special adviser on parliamentary affairs in the administration of Niyi Adebayo, a former governor of Ekiti.

He was chief of staff to Kayode Fayemi, the incumbent governor, in his first term.

Ekiti: Seven Governorship Aspirants Withdraw From APC Primary Election

Seven governorship aspirants under the All Progressives Congress have called on the party to cancel the primary election of the party scheduled for today in Ekiti State.
The aspirants, Kayode Mojo, Demola Popoola, Femi Bamisile, Bamidele Faparusi, Dayo Adeyeye, Opeyemi Bamidele and Afolabi Oluwasola on Thursday alleged that the primary election committee is made up of loyalists of the state Governor, Kayode Fayemi.

The Governorship aspirants of the ruling party claimed that Fayemi has plans to impose Biodun Oyebanji as the governorship candidate of the party in the forthcoming election.

The aspirants in a statement released on Thursday said there is no way the primary election will be fair with the calibre of people sitting on the primary election committees.

The statement reads, “The seven aspirants herein received with rude shock and dismay the purported list of the local government election committee and ward election committee made up solely by party members and political appointees that had before now openly endorsed the candidacy of Biodun Oyebanji the immediate past secretary to the state government.

“It is on record that the government of Governor Kayode Fayemi has given its unwavering support to the candidacy of Biodun Oyebanji, it is common knowledge that the Governor and most appointees of the governor are openly rooting for and supporting Biodun Oyebanji’s aspiration to become the flag bearer of our great party.

“What is more disturbing is the fact that a simple glance at the names of the persons appointed as members of both committees would reveal that it is made up of appointees of government who are all supporters of a candidate in the primary election they are appointed to superintend on.

“The seven candidates herein are loyal, faithful and committed party members who are sincerely concerned about the chances of the party in the forthcoming 2022 governorship election where imposition is allowed to override a Democratic primary election for determining its flag bearer.

“We request that both the local government election committee and ward election committee that was constituted on the list already in circulation be disbanded and replaced with names that would reinforce internal democracy and uphold the aims and objectives of the party.”

This is coming after the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central senatorial district, Opeyemi Bamidele, called on the APC to cancel the primary election of the party scheduled for today.

Bamidele in a statement released on Thursday alleged that the people on the primary election committee are aides of the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, who are working to ensure that Biodun Oyebanji, a governorship aspirant, gets the party’s ticket.

Ekiti APC Primary Election: Bamidele, Adeyeye, Others Battle To Suceed Fayemi

The battle to succeed Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State will take place today (Thursday) as the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to conduct its governorship primary election in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Naija News reports that seven aspirants have declared their interest in contesting the gubernatorial ticket of the APC and retaining power for the ruling party in the state on June 18.

Some of the contenders include a serving Senator, a former Minister, a member of the House of Representatives, a former Commissioner and a former Chief of Staff to the state governor.

Below are the seven governorship hopefuls aspiring to take over from Fayemi after completing two terms in office.

Opeyemi Bamidele

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele is a lawyer and lawmaker representing Ekiti Central in the National Assembly. Bamidele was shot by hoodlums in Lagos two years ago during an event.

Bamidele was a former member of the House of Representatives and a top contender to succeed Governor Fayemi. He was the Director-General of the Fayemi Campaign Organisation in 2018.

The lawmaker served as an aide to the former Governor of Lagos State and the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He was also the former Commissioner of Information in Lagos.

Speaking at the APC headquarters in Abuja in December, Bamidele said he has what it takes to lead the state to the next level and he is the most competent, experienced and qualified to succeed Fayemi.

Dayo Adeyeye

Senator Dayo Adeyeye is former Minister of State for Works under the Goodluck Jonathan administration and ex-Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

The member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was sacked by the court and replaced with Senator Biodun Olujimi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Adeyeye was the former spokesman of the PDP and the Nigerian Senate. He was also the National Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere.

The former senator is the National Chairman, Southwest Agenda for Tinubu 2023 presidential ambition (SWAGA) and a former member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

Biodun Oyebanji

Biodun Oyebanji is a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and former Chief of Staff to Governor Fayemi in his first term.

He served as the Special Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs in the Niyi Adebayo administration. The former SSG has worked as a university lecturer and a banker.

Oyebanji is a seasoned administrator who has served in at least three governments since Ekiti was created in 1996 by the late Sani Abacha.

The politician worked as liaison officer between Ekiti state and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission. Oyebanji is rumoured to have the backing of Fayemi for the ticket.

Bamidele Faparusi

Hon. Bamidele Faparusi is the immediate past Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities in the state. He is a top contender for the APC ticket.

Faparusi was a member of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015.

Under his stewardship as commissioner for public utilities, the state is said to have recorded a good water supply across the councils.

While the former commissioner may not have the popularity of the other contenders at the national level, he is known to be a grassroots politician.

Faparusi is said to understand the workings of the state, and if he eventually becomes governor, the knowledge will prove useful in meeting the aspirations of the people.

Kayode Ojo

Kayode Ojo is an engineer who is well known in the Ekiti political scene. He aspired to be governor in 2018 but came third in the APC primary poll.

Aside from politics, Ojo is a successful businessman who is active in the oil and gas industry. Ojo is from Ekiti Central Senatorial District.

The aspirant had recently said if elected governor, he will work towards increasing the revenue of the state without burdening the people.

His entrepreneurial skill is believed to give him an edge over other aspirants.

Femi Bamisile

Femi Bamisile is a current member of the house of representatives and a grassroots politician.

The aspirant was first elected into the Ekiti house of assembly on the platform of the PDP in 2007 and later became the speaker.

His tenure was short-lived after falling out with some members of the assembly. He later stepped down from the speakership position.

Bamisile also served as PDP deputy chairman in the state but he defected to the APC after a row with Ayo Fayose, a former governor of the state.

The aspirant is from Kota in Ekiti south senatorial district.

Ademola Popoola

Ademola Popoola is a chieftain of the ruling party and relatively new to Ekiti politics. He is from Ekiti North Senatorial District.

The APC member is largely known for a football tournament he sponsors in the state.

Popoola believes that football could be an avenue talented youths in the state could make a livelihood from, hence the tournaments he organises.

The aspirant is gunning to make Ekiti an “industrial state” and he has boasted of having “international connections”.

How Late Alao-Akala use to give Me Pocket Money – Osinbajo reveals

The Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday disclosed that he used to collect pocket money from the former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Osinbajo during his condolence visit to the family of Alao Akala who died on January 12 described him as a generous, kindhearted and decent man.

He said, “Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, the current commissioner for justice in Oyo state, was our link to him. If we needed little pocket money, we found a way of getting to our dear uncle. This was even long before he became governor of Oyo state.

“We have profound memories of him, a man who was exceedingly generous. He was a titan in politics. He was a very generous, kindhearted and decent man,” he added. “Long before I became a professor of Law, I had known our dear uncle Adebayo Alao- Akala. Any time I think about him, I smile because he was a very special being.”

Osinbajo further stated that he consulted the former Governor when he was nominated as the APC vice presidential candidate in 2015.

He added, “It was Prof. Oyewo, my friend, who arranged a meeting between us in Ikoyi, and he gave me advice. He said, ‘Professor, the vice-president’s seat is not a child’s play’, Mr Osinbajo recounted. “He was so generous. He gave me a lot of advice and much support.

“No one can know the extent of your pain and sadness. Only God can comfort you and keep you.”

The Vice President also prayed that Mr Alao-Akala’s children would be greater than he was.

2023: PDP National Chairman, Others Meet With Obasanjo

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorchia Ayu, on Saturday led four former governors and members of the party’s National Working Committee to meet with ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
It was gathered that members of the main opposition party arrived at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, at about 12:25 pm.

Those in attendance include former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, former Governors, Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Donald Duke (Cross River).

The Deputy National Chairman of PDP (South), Taofeek Arapaja, and other party officials are in attendance.

Obasanjo was not at his residence, as of the time of the PDP member’s arrival, as he is attending the interdenominational service for the burial of the late Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu.

The former President later joined his guests and they went into a closed-door session.

Electoral Bill: Nigerian Governors’ Forum Tasks Reps To Include Consensus Option

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum on Thursday commended the Nigerian Senate for re-amending the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and providing room for direct, indirect, and consensus options for nominating candidates for the various political parties in the country.

In a communique issued after the meeting and signed by the Chairman of the forum, Mr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, they commended the Senate for amending clause 84 regarding the mode of candidate selection in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and urged the House of Representatives to do the same by adding the consensus clause.

According to the communique, the governors also discussed issues regarding the nation’s security challenges, health, food security, among others.

Concerning fuel subsidy removal, the Forum “concluded to engage the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress on how best to address this issue without causing any disaffection or with the view to savaging the Nigerian economy for the Nigerian people at the end of the day.

“So, we shall be engaging the Nigerian Labour Congress as sub-national leaders with the view to ensuring that the outcome of our engagement will also be fed into the national discuss,” the statement said.

The governors “Also discussed the health update particularly in relation to COVID-19 infections and expressed happiness that the current Omicron variant has been declining progressively. However, we also noted that there is the need for States led by us to ramp up the COVID-19 vaccination exercise.

“On Nutrition which remains a priority of the Government, Governors concluded that there is need to increase our support in terms of budgetary provisions for nutrition.”

Governors at the meeting include the NGF Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje; Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule; Anambra Governor Willie Obiano; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Osun State Governor Gboyeba Oyetola.

Also at the meeting are Deputy Governors of Gombe; Yobe; Enugu; Bauchi; Lagos; Ondo; Benue; Katsina; Rivers; and Kogi.

It is the first meeting of the forum in the year 2022.