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63rd Independence Anniversary: Fulfilling founding fathers dreams through 24 years uninterrupted Democracy, – says Akobundu
…Urge other African countries to emulate the good example
Joel Ajayi
As Nigerians celebrates her 63rd Independence anniversary on 1st October 2023, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, fsi has described the 24 years of uninterrupted Democracy of Nigeria as a fulfillment of the dreams of Nigerian founding fathers, urges other African countries to emulate the good gesture.
Akobundu stated this in her Independence Day message to Staff and Stakeholders of the Agency in marking the day.
She said Nigerians have every reason to celebrate despite the few challenges facing the Nation which the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has shown strong commitment to tackling since the assumption of office.
According to Akobundu, Nigerians, particularly the youths should not give up on the nation, noting countless opportunities that abound in the country
which can be explored to make a good living for all.
“Youths of any nation is her strength and therefore Nigeria is blessed to have nearly 65 percent of her population as youths.
“President Tinubu has shown his great disposition to working with youth through his appointment of youths into key and sensitive positions in recent times.
“I also call for concerted effort from all Nigerians in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda which encapsulates the 8-point Agenda of Mr President aimed at building the Nigeria of our dream,” she said.
“No nation can develop without the full cooperation and contributions of her citizens,” Akobundu added.
The Agency boss said AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, in line with its mandate, would continue to attract partnerships, investment opportunities, resource mobilization, and other goodwill from well-meaning organizations, countries, and partners, desirous of contributing to the growth of the Nation.
Akobundu recalled that at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly, the Agency was able to secure a partnership deal between Nigeria, Princeton University, and the African School of Economics leading to the signing of an MOU by the Minister of Education on the sidelines of the UNGA
Again it held a high-level investment summit with investors and partners in collaboration with the AUDA-NEPAD Continental secretariat with a view to attracting investments in land restoration programmes of the government.
She said with the huge interest shown by investors, partners, and other participants at the event, Nigeria would soon start reaping the benefits.
Akobundu hinted that the Smallholder farmers project initiated by the Agency had been attracting a lot of interest from local and foreign investors, adding that the agency would continue to implement with vigor, all its flagship programs.
It will be recalled that the Agency successfully conducted Nigeria’s APRM Second Peer Review and it’s recommendations and findings report was adopted as a guide to other African nations with similar challenges at the 2022 African Union Summit.
The Review preferred solutions on five thematic areas namely: Economic Governance and Management; Democracy and Political Governance; Socio-economic Development; Corporate Governance; and Cross-cutting Issues.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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