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RMAFC Chairman Comiserates With Kastina State Governor
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR led a high-powered delegation to pay pay a condolence visit to the Katsina State Governor His Excellency, mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Barebari.
The visit underscored the Commission’s solidarity with the government and people of Katsina State in their moment of grief.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Shehu extended the heartfelt condolences of the entire Commission to the Governor, describing the late Hajiya Safara’u as “a devoted servant of Allah, a nurturing mother, and a pillar of strength whose values shaped the exceptional leadership style of the governor.
The Chairman, who was on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia at the time of her passing, remarked, “Though separated by distance, our thoughts and prayers have remained steadfastly with you, your family, and the people of Katsina State. We stand before you today with solemn hearts to express our deepest sympathies.”
Dr. Shehu also offered prayers for the repose of the late matriarch’s soul, saying, “We pray that Almighty Allah grants her Aljannah Firdaus and envelops your family and the people of Katsina State with the strength and comfort to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
In his response, Governor Radda expressed gratitude to the Chairman and his delegation for the visit, noting that the gesture was deeply appreciated.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission today. Your presence here speaks volumes, not just as colleagues, but as a testament to the compassion that binds us as a nation,” the governor stated.
He continued, “Since the passing of my dear mother, many of you have reached out through calls, messages, and gestures of solidarity. Yet, for an institution like yours to formally visit, led by your Chairman and including respected figures like Commissioner Kabir Mashi from my own state—holds profound significance. It reflects the strength of unity and the dignity of shared humanity.”
Governor Radda also used the opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed and returning members of the Commission, charging them to uphold the core values of integrity and service.
“I urge you to continue this noble service with integrity and dedication. Be rest assured, the people of Katsina State and Nigeria at large appreciate your contributions,” the governor added.
Members of the Chairman’s delegation were: Hon. Kabir Mashi representing Katsina State, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka representing Kwara, State, Hajiya Salamatu Muhammed Bala representing Adamawa State, Hon Ntufam Eyo-Nsa representing C/ River State, Hon. Hakeem Akintayo Amosun representing Ogun State, Hon. Ekene Enefe representing Anambra State, the Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Nweze Okechukwu and the Director of Protocol, Mr. Collins Woffa
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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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