Connect with us

News

Haj Mairo Drums Support For Hon Yusuf Gagdi in Race for speaker, House of Reps

Published

on


As the battle for the speakership of the 10th National Assembly heats up, Hajiya Mairo Mohammed, a civil society activist under the aegis of Women Progressive Movement and President of the Group from the North East, has leant her weight behind Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, serving Member and Member-elect for the 10th National Assembly in the Green Chambers for the coveted position.


Speaking to newsmen in Abuja over the weekend, Hajiya Mohammed said Rt. Hon Gagdi has acquired the status of a Ranking Member of the House of Representatives having been elected to the House for two consecutive times representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency from Plateau State as well as being the Chairman, House Committee on Navy. 

Hajiya Mairo pleads for support of his fellow members-elect to rally round Gagdi and give him their votes for purposeful leadership of the House of Representatives that will give proper legislative direction and harmonious working relationships with other arms of government (Executive and Judiciary) for the peaceful coexistence, economic prosperity and social cohesion of Nigeria, noting that Gagdi’s simplicity, compassion, philanthropism, modesty and love for humanity has endeared him to his people whom he has served creditably as their representatives for over a decade in his political career.

She said the kind of political leadership that Nigeria requires in the Green Chambers is one with resilience in leadership coordination and prowess devoid of sectional, regional, religious and ethnic bias and that which allows public participation and inclusiveness in nature, qualities she asserts Hon Gagdi possesses and which places him over and above his fellow contenders. 


It will be recalled that Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi had indicated interest to join the race for the Chief Lawmaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly having had quality experience in the Nigerian political space, first as Legislative Aide to the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, before joining the National Assembly as an elected member in 2019 wherein he became the Chairman, House Committee on Navy and now member elect for two consecutive times.  


Hajiya Mairo who maintains that public agitation by progressive women groups is gaining ground across the world in the efforts to entrench popular democracy that has the capacity to bring the desired societal change for the generality of the people, has equally come to stay in Nigeria and that it is on this premise that she is canvassing for Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to occupy the position of the speakership of the House of Representatives come June 2023 when members elect of the 10th National Assembly will be sworn in and subsequently elect leadership of both the red and green chambers.

Continue Reading

News

Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

on

 
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.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)