Dokpesi apologises to Tinubu over libellous documentary

National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has agreed to accept an unreserved apology from Chairman of DAAR Communication PLc, Chief Raymond Dokepsi as settlement for the libellous documentary “Lion of Bourdillon” aired on Africa Independent Television, AIT.

Lawyer to Tinubu, Wole Olanipekun(SAN) and Dokpesi’s counsel Chief Mike Ozekhome(SAN) Friday presented the terms of settlement reached on 29 January, 2016 before the trial court Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe.

The terms of agreement include among other things, a retraction of the broadcast by AIT, an apology by AIT, which should be aired daily for a quarter.

The trial court subsequently adopted the terms of settlement.

Here is the letter of retraction:
Retraction and Apology by DAAR Communications Plc to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Further to the terms of settlement in Suit No: ID/196GCMW/2015 between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Daar Communications Plc filed as a result of the broadcast of a documentary titled ‘Lion of Bourdilon’ and which terms were adopted at the High Court of Lagos State on 5th February, 2016 as the judgment of the court, the defendant, Daar. Communication Plc, hereby retract and apologies to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as follows;

1. Daar Communications Plc, acknowledges that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is an outstanding. Political leader of unblemished character and integrity, as well as a leading public figure and opinion moulder who has made and continues to make immense, colossal and gargantuan contributions to the progress and development of the nation in general. And Lagos State in particular.

2. Daar Communication Plc admits that in airing the said documentary, it had no intention whatsoever to embarrass or diminish the high reputation of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu which it respects and attests to.

3. Daar Communications Plc hereby makes a public and unequivocal retraction of the said documentary titled ‘Lion of Bourdillon’, which was broadcast on its television station, AIT.

4. Daar Communications Plc hereby tenders unreserved apology to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the broadcast of the documentary on its television station, AIT.

5. Daar Communications Plc prays that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will live long to make more enormous contributions to the advancement of our nation, Nigeria, Lagos State and the world at large.

Source: PM News

PRESIDENT BUHARI BEGINS SHORT VACATION, AS PROF. OSINBAJO ACTS

President Muhammadu Buhari has begun a short vacation from today, February 5 to February 10, 2016.

While President Buhari is on vacation, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will perform the functions of the President.

In compliance with Section 145 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, President Buhari has dispatched a formal notice of his vacation to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 5, 2016

Senate President Bukola Saraki Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling Expresses Disappointment

After listening to the ruling of the Supreme Court in the appeal he filed to challenge the process of arraigning him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki hereby states as follows :

1. He expresses disappointment over the Judgment of the apex court in the country on the six grounds of his appeal

2. He however will like to put it on record that the facts of the substantial matter are not before the Supreme Court since the apex court was only invited to rule on some preliminary issues in the process of commencing the trial.

3. The Senate President believes he will have his day in the court to prove his innocence of the charges preferred against him during the trial proper.

4. Dr. Saraki will like to thank everyone who has expressed support for him from the beginning of the case. He assures everyone that at the end of the day truth will prevail and justice will be served.

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu

Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President


Also Read: http://dejiabiri.blogspot.com.ng/2016/02/senate-president-saraki-must-face.html

Senate President Saraki Must Face Corruption Trial At The Code Of Conduct Tribunal - Supreme Court Rules

Senate President, Bukola Saraki will face trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) according to a 7-man panel at the Supreme Court which rejected his appeal challenging the decision of the Appeal Court which upheld his trial at the tribunal.    

                       

 A three-judge panel of the Supreme Court led by a retiring Justice John Fabiyi had on December 4, 2015, ordered a stay of proceeding by the Tribunal pending the determination of Mr. Saraki's appeal. The court also asked counsel on both sides to submit their briefs of argument within 14 days. The court then fixed February 5, 2016, to deliver its judgement.                                         

Mr. Saraki's appeal before the country's apex court contends that the CCT lacks jurisdiction to try him. His lawyers argue that the tribunal was not duly constituted as it comprised two instead of three members provided for by the Constitution. Also, the embattled Senate President's lawyers claim that the charges against Mr. Saraki were not competent.                                       

A panel of Nigeria's Court of Appeal had earlier, in a split decision, affirmed the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try Mr. Saraki.  

Source: Sahara Reporters