Boat tragedy: Govt Summons Operators, Vows Clampdown

Information culled from the website of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State states that "Following the unfortunate boat incident that occurred on Saturday, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has summoned an emergency meeting with all commercial boat operators."

  The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2016, according to the  Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mrs. Abisola Kamson, will focus on the compliance of safety standards of vessels operating on the state waterways.

“Despite efforts by the State Government to enforce the safety standards on the waterways, some boat operators still flout the rules and regulations thereby putting the lives of innocent citizens at risk.

 “The Lagos State Government will not tolerate the operation of substandard vessels on the waterways. Any individual or corporate entity found to be operating vessels not deemed water worthy will be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law,” she said.

Kamson who confirmed the boat mishap at Ibeshe, Ikorodu said the incident occurred at approximately 10:20am on a boat, Amen Limited, of Aki Marine Company belonging to one Mr. Akeem Balogun, which was travelling from Ijede to Badore East.

She said although all passengers on the boat were wearing their life jackets, the covered design of the boat made rescue efforts challenging.

Kamson said that survivors rescued were immediately taken to the Ijede General Hospital for treatment, while investigations are ongoing in collaboration with the Marine Police.

The LASWA boss who was at the scene of the incident reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ensuring all operators plying the Lagos waterways comply with safety standards to prevent future loss of life and property.

Search recues continue as boat capsizes in Lagos this morning

A 20-seater boat, carrying 17 passengers and two-crew members, from Ijede area of Ikorodu heading to Badore in Lekki area of Lagos, has capsized “killing seven passengers this morning.”

 

The tragedy, which reportedly happened at about 10.20 a.m today, Saturday however recorded four persons rescued and  eight others are still missing.

Reports says rescue operation was carried out by the combined effort of Lagos State Water Ways Authority, Marine Police, National Inland Water Ways Authority,  Emergency Response Team of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA; Lagos State Fire Service and local divers.

  According to Channels TV, a Spokesman of the  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),  Southwest, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, 13 of the occupants of the boat were rescued while one reportedly died in a hospital in Ajah.
The remaining 12 are said to be receiving treatment in the hospital.
As at the time of the phone call, Mr Farinloye explains how the incident happened.
“We received a distress call at about 10:25am about a boat mishap with 17 passengers on board, immediately we mobilized the Marine Police, National Island Waterways and Lagos State Waterways Agency to search and rescue the victims.”
He explained that the cause of the accident was a pile up of sand along their route which the boat did not see and ran into it.
He added that two more people are yet to be found although there are conflicting reports from the different rescue agencies but he added that “some people are dead while 11 people have been rescued”.

Are Nigerian Christian Journalists polarising war against looters?

National Publicity Secretary of People's Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh in handcuffs before he was released on bail.

A statement credited to a group known as Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) over a Muslim group's comment on President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war calls for caution on the part of the journalsits to avoid polarising the ongoing war against looters along religious line.

NACJ has been quoted by Punch as responding to a statement recent issued by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). The Secretary General of NACJ, Charles Okhai, said, “Our attention is drawn to the statement issued by the Muslim Rights Concern on January 25, 2016 in Premium Times, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to shun calls for the release of former public officials who are currently undergoing various corruption charges and put a limitation to the rule, while prosecuting looters of public funds. This is barbaric and insulting to our national integrity."

 

New Eko wonders and asks NACJ: “what is  barbaric and insulting to our national integrity”?, as regards statement by MURIC.

It would also be interesting to know the content of a statement issued by NACJ (if any) in response to the the DasukiGate since the scandal blew up.
More: http://www.punchng.com/buhari-shouldnt-ignore-oppositions-opinions-nacj/

Obasanjo writes Saraki, Dogara over huge National Assembly allowances, emoluments

Olusegun Obasanjo

January 13, 2016

Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki,
President of the Senate,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Senate Chambers,
Abuja.

Honourable Yakubu Dogara,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
National Assembly Complex,
Abuja.

It is appropriate to begin this letter, which I am sending to all members of the Senate and the House of Representatives through both of you at this auspicious and critical time, with wishes of Happy New Year to you all.

 On a few occasions in the past, both in and out of office as the President of Nigeria, I have agonised on certain issues within the arms of government at the national level and among the tiers of government as well. Not least, I have reflected and expressed, outspokenly at times, my views on the practice in the National Assembly which detracts from distinguishness and honourability because it is shrouded in opaqueness and absolute lack of transparency and could not be regarded as normal, good and decent practice in a democracy that is supposed to be exemplary. I am, of course, referring to the issue of budgets and finances of the National Assembly.

   The present economic situation that the country has found itself in is the climax of the steady erosion of good financial and economic management which grew from bad to worse in the last six years or so. The executive and the legislative arms of government must accept and share responsibility in this regard. And if there will be a redress of the situation as early as possible, the two arms must also bear the responsibility proportionally. The two arms ran the affairs of the country unmindful of the rainy day. The rainy day is now here. It would not work that the two arms should stand side by side with one arm pulling and without the support of the other one for good and efficient management of the economy.
   The purpose of election into the Legislative Assembly particularly at the national level is to give service to the nation and not for the personal service and interest of members at the expense of the nation which seemed to have been the mentality, psychology, mindset and practice within the National Assembly since the beginning of this present democratic dispensation. Where is patriotism? Where is commitment? Where is service?
The beginning of good governance which is the responsibility of all arms and all the tiers of government is openness and transparency. It does not matter what else we try to do, as long as one arm of government shrouds its financial administration and management in opaqueness and practices rife with corruption, only very little, if anything at all, can be achieved in putting Nigeria on the path of sustainable and enduring democratic system, development and progress. Governance without transparency will be a mockery of democracy.
   Let us be more direct and specific so that action can be taken where it is urgently necessary. A situation where our national budget was predicated on $38 per barrel of oil with estimated 2 million barrels per day and before the budget was presented, the price of oil had gone down to $34 per barrel and now hovering around $30 and we have no assurance of producing 2 million barrels and if we can, we have no assurance of finding market for it, definitely calls for caution. If production and price projected in the budget stand, we would have to borrow almost one third of the 6 trillion naira budget. Now beginning with the reality of the budget, there is need for sober reflection and sacrifice with innovation at the level of executive and legislative arms of government. The soberness, the sacrifice and seriousness must be patient and apparent.
It must not be seen and said that those who, as leaders, call for sacrifice from the citizenry are living in obscene opulence. It will not only be insensitive but callously so. It would seem that it is becoming a culture that election into the legislative arm of government at the national level in particular is a licence for financial misconduct and that should not be. 
   The National Assembly now has a unique opportunity of presenting a new image of itself. It will help to strengthen, deepen, widen and sustain our democracy.
By our Constitution, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission is charged with the responsibility of fixing emoluments of the three arms of government: executive, legislature and judiciary. The Commission did its job but by different disingenuous ways and devices, the legislature had overturned the recommendation of the Commission and hiked up for themselves that which they are unwilling to spell out in detail, though they would want to defend it by force of arm if necessary. What is that?
Mr. President of the Senate and Hon. Speaker of the House, you know that your emolument which the Commission had recommended for you takes care of all your legitimate requirements: basic salary, car, housing, staff, constituency allowance. Although the constituency allowance is paid to all members of the National Assembly, many of them have no constituency offices which the allowance is partly meant to cater for. And yet other allowances and payments have been added by the National Assembly for the National Assembly members’ emoluments. Surely, strictly speaking, it is unconstitutional. There is no valid argument for this except to see it for what it is – law-breaking and impunity by lawmakers. The lawmakers can return to the path of honour, distinguishness, sensitivity and responsibility. The National Assembly should have the courage to publish its recurrent budgets for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. That is what transparency demands. With the number of legislators not changing, comparison can be made. Comparisons in emoluments can also be made with countries like Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and even Malaysia and Indonesia who are richer and more developed than we are.
  The budget is a proposal and only an estimate of income and expenditure. Where income is inadequate, expenditure will not be made. While in government, I was threatened with impeachment by the members of the National Assembly for not releasing some money they had appropriated for themselves which were odious and for which there were no incomes to support. The recent issue of cars for legislators would fall into the same category. Whatever name it is disguised as, it is unnecessary and insensitive. A pool of a few cars for each Chamber will suffice for any Committee Chairman or members for any specific duty. The waste that has gone into cars, furniture, housing renovation in the past was mind-boggling and these were veritable sources of waste and corruption. That was why they were abolished. Bringing them back is inimical to the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.
  The way of proposing budget should be for the executive to discuss every detail of the budget, in preparation, with different Committees and sub-Committees of the National Assembly and the National Assembly to discuss its budget with the Ministry of Finance. Then, the budget should be brought together as consolidated budget and formally presented to the National Assembly, to be deliberated and debated upon and passed into law. It would then be implemented as revenues are available. Where budget proposals are extremely ambitious like the current budget and revenue sources are so uncertain, more borrowing may have to be embarked upon, almost up to 50% of the budget or the budget may be grossly unimplementable and unimplemented. Neither is a choice as both are bad.     
   Management of the economy is one of the key responsibilities of the President as prescribed in the Constitution. He cannot do so if he does not have his hands on the budget. Management of the economy is shared responsibility where the Presidency has the lion share of the responsibility. But if the National Assembly becomes a cog in the wheel, the executive efforts will not yield much reward or progress. The two have to work synchronisingly together to provide the impetus and the conducive environment for the private sector to play its active vanguard role. Management of the budget is the first step to manage the economy. It will be interesting if the National Assembly will be honourable enough and begin the process of transparency, responsibility and realism by publishing its recurrent budgets for 2016 as it should normally be done.
   Hopefully, the National Assembly will take a step back and do what is right not only in making its own budget transparent but in all matters of financial administration and management including audit of its accounts by external outside auditor from 1999 to date. This, if it is done, will bring a new dawn to democracy in Nigeria and a new and better image for the National Assembly and it will surely avoid the Presidency and the National Assembly going into face-off all the time on budgets and financial matters.

While I thank you for your patience and understanding, please accept, Dear Senate President and Honourable Speaker of the House, the assurances of my highest consideration.
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

'Why We Are Lighting Up Lagos'.

WEMPCO Road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration.

 College road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration.

Ambode: “In the past few months, we have fixed street lights from Berger in Ojodu to Lekki, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island and Ikoyi. We are taking this project to every part of the State. If we are not yet in your neighbourhood, give us a little time; we will soon be there. As we light up the State, we expect crime to reduce as criminals will have nowhere to hide and operate.
“I call on individuals and corporate bodies to join our “Light Up Lagos” project by adopting a street and lighting it up either by connecting it to your meter or your generator. In return, these individuals and institutions will receive special concessions on Land Use Charge and commendation from the State and Local Governments

“We also commissioned the 33kva Electrical Sub-Station in Gberigbe Community, Ikorodu. This is expected to improve the electricity situation in that axis.”

Know Your Council Of Obas And Chiefs in Lagos: names and phone contacts

Lagos State  Council of Obas and Chiefs is one body, which has the capacity to contribute phenomenonally to good governance in the State by constantly availing government of its wisdom and sound advice: using its tremendous influence to mobilize popular support for public policy as well as being an important source of communication and feedback between the government and the grassroots. The Institution of the Council of Obas and Chiefs is a critical building block that every government must engage seriously if development and orderly  societal growth is at the core of its vision.

 As an Institution, the Council of Obas and Chiefs is as old as Lagos state itself. It was established following the creation of Lagos State through the Council of Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State, Edict 1969 which came into force in April, 1969. The erstwhile Council of Obas and Chiefs, which was constituted in December 1995 with Thirty-One members, was dissolved by the State executive Council at its 11th meeting held on Monday 28th May, 2007.

The new Council has a total of Fifty-one members drawn from  the five divisions of the State. The Oba of Lagos is the permanent Chairman of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs with four Vice-Chairmen drawn from the four divisions of the State namely: Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Alara of Ilara, Olu of Ikeja and the Akran of Badagry.

  MEMBERS OF THE LAGOS STATE COUNCIL OF OBAS & CHIEFS

NO.	NAME	POST		PHONE NUMBER
A	CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMEN
1.	Oba of Lagos Oba Riliwanu Babatunde Akiolu I	Permanent Chairman		01-7617766
2.	Olu of Ikeja Oba Raufu Adeniyi Matemi Amore	Vice Chairman		08023393021
3.	Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi (Adegborishen V)	Vice Chairman
4.	Oba A. O. Adesanya Alara of Ilara	Vice Chairman		08038380790
5.	De Aholu Menu-Toyi I Akran of Badagry Kingdom	Vice Chairman		08033442083
B	FIRST CLASS OBAS Lagos Division
1.	Oba Saheed A. Elegushi (Kusenla III) Elegushi of Ikateland
2.	Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye Ojomu of Ajiranland			7758788 08022245767
3.	Oba Abiodun Idowu Oniru Oniru of Iruland			08033069922 2615612
4.	Oba Yinusa Ayeni Onisiwo of Abagbo & Tomaro			08033105840 8121068,
5.	Oba Ganiyu Okeyide Odesanya Oloto of Otto and Mainland			2666437
6.	Oba Patrick Ibikunle Fafunwa-Onikoyi Onikoyi of Lagos			08033002766
7.	Chief T. I. Jinadu-Eko Olorogun-Adodo of Lagos			08032114324
8.	Chief Fatai Olumegbon Olumegbon of Lagos			08023260893
9.	Aromire Onile of Lagos
10.	Chief Tajudeen Gbadesere Eletu Eletu-Odibo of Lagos.			08033574388
C	IKEJA Division
1.	Oba Lateef Atanda Adams Olu Agege of Agege			08055101456 08033000937
2.	Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi Onigando of Igando			08023156264 08075134045
3.	Oba Moroof Adekunle Ojoola Ojon of Ejigbo			08023295442
4.	Oba Fatai Ayinla Aileru Olu of Mushin			08056269252 014719413
5.	Oba H.O.A. Kassim-Bashua Oba of Somolu			08023114944
6.	Oba Samson Alade Balogun Oba of Egbeda			08051946268
7.	Oba Wahab A. Balogun Oba of Isheri-Olofin			08033029848 08029684303
8.	Oba Bashiru Oloruntoyin Saliu Oba of Oworonshoki			08023054966
9.	Oba Fatai Irawo-Ogunsi Oba of Odi-Olowo			08033020349
D	Epe Division
1.	Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun Oloja of Epe			08055232586 0805045555
2.	Oba J.O.S. Ogunsanya Aladegunshebi of Odoragunshen			08055963365
3.	Oba R. I.  Balogun Elejinrin of Ejinrin			08033000337 08058197854
4.	Oba Adegboyega Adefowora Adegboyega Alaketu of Ketu			08033512059 08028266003
5.	Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami Onibeju of Ibeju			08054426322 07031545197
6.	Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja Aladeshonyin of Naforija			08054715131 08023014732 070315197
7.	Oba G. A. Adegbesan Onise of Ise			08032245712 08054733206
8.	Oba Michael A. Onakoya Orijeru of Igbooye			08024548306
9.	Oba S. O. A. Bamgbopa (Eshinlokun 1) Olu of Epe
E	Badagry Division
1.	Oba Babatunde Lawal Onigbanko of Igbankoland			08023192247 08023656577
2.	Aholu Gbedite Ayaton Aholu of Ajido			08076264938
3.	Olojo of Ojo [Vacant]
4.	Oba N. A. Akinyemi Alabirun of Ikaare			08056502250 08023192245
5.	Oba Mobadenle O. Oyekan Onilado of Ilado and Inagbe Island			08023431873
6.	Oba M. A. Ashafa Onijanikin of Ijanikin			08033228342
7.	Ofori of Ibeshe [Vacant]
8.	Oba Israel Adewale Okoya Oba of Ibereko			08077545886
9.	Oba Abideen Adekanbi Durosinmi Osolu of Irewe			08054460780
F	Ikorodu Division
1.	Oba J. O. Fatola Adeboruwa of Igbogbo			07034915920
2.	Oba F. A. Oresanya Alajede of Ijede			08033048232
3.	Oba M. A. Bakare-Agoro Ranodu of Imota			08037130108
4.	Oba of Ipakodo [Vacant]
5.	Oba A.O.A. Oyebo (Oyebo II) Oba of Egbin
6.	Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya Olubeshe of Ibeshe			08076867400
7.	Oba of Isiu [Vacant]
8.	Chief K.H.A. Oshisanya Aro of Ikorodu			08026950716
9.	Chief Williams Adebisi Adejo Olisa of Imota

Politics of cultural identity, economy behind Odu’a, Lagos State merger

Over the decades, Odu’a Investment Company (OIC), set up in 1976, has excluded Lagos State, given the fact that the company originated from the old Western Region. Lagos was a Federal Capital then until 1990 when the status was formally and physically moved to Abuja.

WEMABOD House, Broad Street, Lagos.

Forty years after, the changing cultural landscape of Lagos State appeared to have alerted the urgent need to send the signal to whoever cares that Lagos is not ‘a no man’s land.’ Sources disclosed that in the last two decades, the fast pace at which Lagos was losing its Yoruba identity has been a source worry for leaders across cultural, economic and political sheres of the region. And the recent political volatility during the 2015 general elections, which had some sections of non-Yoruba in Lagos claiming that ‘Lagos is a no-man’s land’ portends dangerous future for losing the state’s natural and cultural identity as a Yorubaland.

  Scholars in cultural values, particularly of Yoruba origin, have also feared that whatever becomes of Yoruba nation in the future, Lagos ‘should be held responsible.’ To therefore leave a state as crucial as Lagos out of the regional integration plan of South-West, observers insisted, could spell cultural, political and economic doom for the Yoruba race.

  On Tuesday, January 12, 2016, five governors of the South-West states that owe the Odu’a Investment Company Limited met at the Cocoa House, Ibadan, Oyo State and decided that Lagos State should be admitted as a member of the group. Although the statement by the governors gave regional integration for the new development, the cultural undertone was real.

   “We have approved a five-year strategic plan to grow the revenue of the company from N4bn to N20bn by 2019. We have agreed in principle also to admit Lagos State into the Odu’a Group. Because of this renewed interest in Odu’a as the engine room of economic growth of this region, we have also resolved that we will now meet the board and management of the company every quarter,” Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko spoke on behalf of the five states.

  With about 11 subsidiaries, which include Cocoa Industries Limited,

  Lagos Airport Hotel, Premier Hotel located and Lafia Hotel Ibadan; Wemabod Estates Limited, oldest property developer in Nigeria; Odu’a Telecoms Limited (ODU’ATEL) is now branded as O’NET, among others and more than 20 holding and associated companies Nigeriate, Portland Cement and Wema Bank, Odu’a should be aractive to a state like Lagos.

   A day after the pronouncement of the five governors, Lagos State Governor,  Akinwunmi Ambode enthused about Eko being the sixth member of the Odu’a Group.

  Through the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Governor Ambode said: “Lagos joining the Odu’a Group is a priority for his administration. With its huge population, vibrant economic base and being the centre of economic and business activities in Nigeria, Lagos is uniquely placed to contribute to the development and growth of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OIC), the investment arm of the group, as well as the integration of South West Nigeria in general.” Ayorinde added that Ambode expresses his gratitude to the group for the decision and looks forward to his government working with those of other States in the group towards the betterment and development of South West of Nigeria and its people.

  Odu’a Investment Company Limited was incorporated in July, 1976 to take over the business interest of the former Western State of Nigeria, now Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The company commenced business on the 1st of October, 1976. Odu’a Investment Company Limited since inception has been operating as a conglomerate with over 70% of her business as investment/joint ventures with reputable multinationals.

  Odu’a is an Investment Company involved in diverse economic activities which includes: Property Development and Management, Hospitality, Telecommunications, Printing and Publication, Agriculture, Training and Personnel Development, Capacity Building among other things.

  Apart from investments in limited liability companies, Odu’a Investment Company Limited also owns substantial properties in choice locations in the Ikeja residential/Industrial Estates and Apapa in Lagos State as well as a number of residential and commercial properties in Ibadan including the Aje House. It also has investments in properties in various parts of the Country.

  The Company is today run as an independent private commercial venture by independent Board of Directors comprising seasoned professionals with vast experience in business and human resources management. The policies formulated by the versatile Board are translated into action by an Executive Management team comprising high-flying and accomplished professionals.

  Odu’a Investment Company Limited has a Training Unit which is committed to providing Human Capital Development at minimal cost with a belief that Human Resources remain an important factor in the advancement of an organization. The unit is vested with the responsibility of manpower development in various fields.

‘Right of Way secured for Agbado-Victoria Island Light Rail-BRT’

As commuters along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway/Agege Motor Road await BRT and Light Rail project, Lagos State Government, two days ago, disclosed that the first step has been taken to towards actualisation. Speaking on the 200 million dollar infrastructure loan from World Bank, recently approved by the Federal Government, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde explained that the fund is meant to enable Lagos State complete the Light Rail and BRT road projects (Blue Line) along Lagos-Badagry Expressway through Marina.

Gov Akinwunmi Ambode

Ayorinde who spoke during a programme, Talk Nigeria on Radio Continental 102.3 fm added that the fund will also enable Lagos State carry out other "infrastructural projects across the state." He explained that the fund has been withheld due to the refusal of former president, Goodluck Jonathan to approve the loan, thereby leading to the delay in completing the Blue Line project along Lagos-Badagry Expressway to Marina.
  Assuring that the project known as Blue Line "will be completed in December this year," Ayorinde also confirmed the exclusive report by New Eko Dun on the proposed Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway /Agege Motor Road Light Rail and BRT known as Red Line. In fact, he disclosed that "the right of way has been secured by Lagos State from Federal Government." Securing the right of way, he stressed, was the first step towards the commencement of construction. The project to be known as Red Line, Ayorinde stated, will run from Agbado to Victoria Island.

  Last week, a Special Adviser to Governor Ambode, PrinceOlanrewaju  Elegushi had stated that the Lagos-Abeokuta/Agege Motor Road will commence in December 2016.
  Recall that New Eko has explained the background to the proposed Red Line project:The Blue Line and Red Line are just two of the nine Lines that Lagos State Government is planning for the entire state.
Under Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), created by a State Act (LAMATA Law) signed into law on January 13, 2002 by the then Governor of the State, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the light rails projects were designed to transform Lagos into megacity.

Lagos and first military coup…Flashback to 50 years

Dateline, Lagos, January 16, 1966… Armed Forces Took Over After Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Found Dead. 

  Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first and last Prime Minister of the First Republic of the Federation of Nigeria, is dead, it was officially announced in Lagos at 12 noon yesterday by the Federal Military Government.

 The announcement did not say when, where and how he died.

  But the announcement came exactly one week after it had been officially stated that “in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, January 15, 1966, a dissident section of the Nigerian Army kidnapped the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance and took them to an unknown destination.”

  At his first news conference after he had been handed the Government of the Federation, Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi, in answer to a question on the whereabouts of Alhaji Abubakar replied, “Every attempt is being made to locate his whereabouts. At the moment, I have no information.”

  But by Friday morning, villagers around reported that a body which looked like that of Alhaji Abubakar had been discovered in a nearby bush.

  The body was in a sitting posture with the back rested on a tree. The body was robed in a big white agbada with a cap lying at its feet.

  Alhaji Abubakar’s body was flown on a chartered plane from Lagos to Bauchi his hometown at midnight on Friday, January 21. Apart from the captain and radio officer, only soldiers were on the aircraft.

  Alhaji Abubakar was buried at the Muslim cemetery in the presence of a large number of sympathizers.

  Segun Osoba, Sunday Times staff reporter, reports that Alhaji Abubakar was found on the road side on Mile 27 on the Lagos-Abeokuta road. 

  “About 220 yards from Mile 27 on the Lagos-Abeokuta road, I saw the dead body of the former Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and what appeared to me to be the body of Chief Festus Okotie Eboh on Friday evening".

  “I got there with a friend Titus Shokanlu about 7p.m. that Friday and saw the two bodies placed in a ditch by the road side".

 “First I saw Chief Okotie-Eboh ‘s body stripped naked with face placed downwards with maggots crowding round it".

  “There was a little strip of stripped pyjamas left on his right leg.

“About four yards away was Alhaji Balewa’s body. He was placed by the side of a kola nut tree in a sitting posture".

  “He had a snow white toga a part of which was wrapped over his head.

  No marks of bullets on both bodies. I saw the head of Chief Okotie-Eboh badly battered. “While the body of Alhaji Balewa was still fresh, that of Chief Okotie Eboh was swollen and in a decomposed state".

  “Not far from the scene is Owode village. Some of the inhabitants of the village ran down to the scene to see the two bodies".

  “Many motorists plying Abeokuta-Lagos road also stopped at the spot".

  “Tears ran down the faces of all the people found there. And there was a general sign of grief in the villages around".

  “Said one of the weeping onlookers: ‘This is pathetic and pitiful that this is the body of Alhaji Balewa is too much for me to bear,”

  Mid-night Flight

By yesterday morning, the corpse had been removed from the spot. Investigations later revealed that a body in a coffin was brought to the Ikeja Airport by soldiers about midnight.

  Most of the tarmac of the airport where the coffin was to be loaded into the plane was condoned off by armed soldiers. Not even the officials of the Nigerian Airways were allowed to come near.

  After the coffin had been taken into the plane, it took off at exactly 30 minutes after midnight. Some of the soldiers at the airport accompanied the plane on its journey.

  A British captain and an Indian first officer, both employees of Airways, were the only civilian crew on the plane.

 

Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, killed in 1966.

January 15, 2016, Lagos State: The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, During the yearly Arme dForces Rememberance Day stated:  
"It is important that beyond remembering them, we should also rededicate our lives in a manner that we will always remember that the cohesion of Nigeria is so significant and it is important to hold Nigeria together. That is the significance of this particular event."