News
RMAFC Chairman Holds Interactive Session with Commissioners, Management and Staff
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR has held an interactive session with Commissioners, Management, and Staff of the Commission to foster collaboration and enhance operational efficiency.
Speaking at the gathering held on Wednesday, 12th February 2025, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman said,
“The purpose of this gathering is to ensure that you meet with the new commissioners and I want each and every staff member to cooperate with the commissioners—both returning and newly appointed ones—so that the work of the Commission can continue seamlessly. You have been cooperating with previous commissioners, I expect that this same level of collaboration and understanding will be extended to the new ones.”
Dr. Shehu expressed his appreciation for the dedication and resilience of the staff over the years, acknowledging their contributions to the Commission’s success. He emphasized the importance of dedication to duty and teamwork as the newly inaugurated commissioners settle down to work.
“All your prayers, messages of goodwill, and the way you have been carrying on over the years despite the challenges have kept the Commission going. We are grateful, and we pray that you continue to be dedicated to your duties so as to achieve our mandate and contribute meaningfully to the actualization of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.
The Chairman called for the continued support of the management and staff and urged them to extend the same level of cooperation and support to the new Commissioners, stressing that their roles are essential to the smooth running of the Commission.
“The purpose of this gathering is to ensure that you meet with the new Commissioners,I want each and every staff member to cooperate with them, both returning and newly appointed ones—so that the work of the Commission can continue seamlessly.”
“You have been cooperating with previous Commissioners.I expect that this same level of collaboration and understanding will be extended to the new ones,” he added.
Dr. Shehu further encouraged staff to work diligently as it will impact positively in their future.
“Any member of staff has a chance and an opportunity to someday become a Commissioner, a Secretary, or even the Chairman of this Commission. Believe me, it’s possible. That is why we are here—to build a future where hard work is recognized and rewarded,” he stated.
The Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaeze,who was represented by the Director, Inland Revenue Department, Mrs Udodirim Okwongu, commended the Chairman and Commissioners for their leadership qualities which has provided the encouragement for the staff of the Commission to continue to put in their best in the service of the nation.
Some Federal Commissioners who spoke at the event emphasized the need for cooperation, team spirit, and a strong sense of collaboration among staff, noting that collective effort is essential for the Commission to fulfill its mandate.
Similarly, Directors of various departments reiterated their commitment to supporting the Chairman and the Federal Commissioners while pledging their continued dedication to the Commission’s goals.
The interactive session ended on a note of optimism, with staff members expressing their appreciation for the leadership style of Dr. M.B. Shehu OFR and reaffirming their readiness to contribute to the Commission’s success.
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.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News11 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
