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Why I divorced Atiku Abubakar – Jennifer

Published

3 years ago

February 1, 2022

Jennifer Douglas, the Igbo wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has explained why she is divorcing her husband and the controversy characterising the process.

She said the divorce has nothing to do with Atiku taking up another wife, rather it was a decision taken in view of a disagreement between the her and Atiku over her choice of residence.

The full statement:

For some time now, especially in the last few weeks, there has been a whole lot of rumours and in circulation about the state of my marriage to his Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri Adamawa, GCON. The stories got more vicious as they continued to circulate. I deem it necessary to defend myself against the calculated propaganda to malign my character and position me in a bad light and damage my name. Without resorting to nonsensical talk, I would address the two key issues at hand:

(1) That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again.

(2) That I sold his Excellency’s house in Dubai.

That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again

On June. 26, 2021, I asked His Excellency to grant me a divorce in light of the breakdown of our marriage. And, during that period, I told his Excellency that I remain at his Excellency’s service to continue to assist him in his activities even If I am no longer married to him. Suffice it to say that several friends of his Excellency tried to mediate in this matter. I thank them most graciously and remain grateful for their efforts, Peter Okocha, Senator Ben Obi, Tunde Ayeni, Captain Yahaya and Senator Ben Bruce.

The core reason for the divorce was disagreement over my continued stay in the United Kingdom, to look after my children and several other long-standing issues. I needed to play the role of a mother at this time to the children who have gone through the absence of both father and mother growing up; especially, with the passage of my elder sister who used to look after them. Furthermore, in light of COVID times, choosing to stay with the children was nonnegotiable. And, in line with Northern culture, the new wife takes up the baton so I can also focus on giving the kids more care.
Despite not informing us officially according to northern/Islamic culture, I knew about his Excellency’s new wife from the time Excellency was dating her and when his Excellency eventually married her. I have graciously invited our new wife to my son’s wedding in Dubai in 2018 without any ill feelings and congratulated his Excellency when our new wife put to bed.

I was already aware that His Excellency had gotten married to our new wife but that did not deter me from supporting His Excellency and indeed, we went through a most rigorous electioneering campaign and garnered massive support for his election in 2019.

That His Excellency married a new wife was never the cause of our problem as many have said. His Excellency is a Moslem and I have never questioned him about his wives or intended.

I hope this brings this issue to rest as I did not leave the house because of his new marriage.

Moving out of the matrimonial home in Asokoro and Yola

The matrimonial home in Asokoro which we reside was gifted to me by him even before we moved into that home from a previous residence. Indeed, His Excellency caused his Private Secretary to process the DEED of assignment documents for the house, which he did and handed. me the documents. I then commenced processing the title to the property.

During the initial mediation discussion, Excellency denied that he gifted the house even after I showed him

the document with the signatures of his aide, his Excellency asked me to give him the deed of gift. “When I asked him, where will me and the kids stay when we come to Nigeria?”, he told me that since I am the one that asked for a divorce, I should find a place to stay and subsequently, I moved out.

His Excellency further gave orders to have my nephews living with me in the house ejected within an hour of his order and gave orders that I and my family members are not allowed to enter the house. Hence, during my last visit to Nigeria in December, 2021, I stayed at a hotel. I have long released these assets to him and hereby reiterate that thee titles are at his disposal to pick up whenever he deems fit.

Dubai Home

There has been a lot of speculation on the Dubai home. For a while now, I had purposely stayed away the Dubai until I took custody of that property September 2021 after his Excellency reneged on his word to give the current value of the said property in exchange. When I came to Nigeria, in early September, 2021. I asked to have a private conversation with His Excellency. During that conversation, I informed his Excellency that once I get back to the United Kingdom, I will go to Dubai and take over the house. He subsequently departed for his medical trip to Germany refusing to address any of the issues I privately wanted to conclude with him outside of third parties.

I subsequently travelled to Dubai, and took custody of the said property. Once I did that, on 18 September 2021, His Excellency sent me a text and I quote: “I hear you have moved to Dubai to takeover the house. I am still in Germany for my medicals. Make sure all my properties including (redacted) are intact so I can collect all my properties. I wish you well’.

I responded to him: “ Excellency, I am left with no other option as we need to get on with our lives amicably. I hope your medicals are coming up good. I wish you well too’.

On 19th September, 2021 in response to his text that I am not being amicable and I quote ”Good morning, with due respect, Excellency, I told you on Saturday before you left for Germany, that I was going back to UK, take [our son] back for his test, then come to Dubai. I reiterated that day the need for an amicable resolution. I maintain that stance and remain at your service Your Excellency’.

Further on Tuesday, 21 September, 2021, I asked His Excellency in another text whether he wanted me to pack up his clothes and give to Rahim (his driver) since the driver on his instructions was moving his cars. I also asked Excellency in that text whether he wanted me to have Rahim pack up his office. Then his Excellency sent me a text back and asked: ‘So its true you have sold the villa?’

Subsequently, His Excellency sent the driver to take possession of all the cars.

The truth subsists with regard to the Dubai house. I will make no further comments on it because it is the subject of litigation filed by his Excellency against me.

I need to also put on record that if I wanted to take His Excellency assets, I would not have returned to him his property documents in Abuja and Jos and document, allowed the driver to collect his cars, gave up the house in Asokoro and Yola.

The last time I was in Nigeria I called to have the Asokoro and Yola documents delivered to him. It was never picked up and I still state that Excellency is free to send someone to have the documents picked up anytime he deems fit.

Threats/Intimidation

Since this incident, I fear for my safety and that of my kids. His Excellency’s security operatives especially Ibro and others have making threats and calling my relatives, friends and staff and searching for my assets to seize and monitoring my phone calls and those of friends and relatiives. For that reason, I have exited my law firm and sold all my assets and moved abroad until peace reigns.
I have done nothing wrong except to ask for a divorce and it pains me that I have to use this medium to address thorny issues but fear that at this point, I would have to put my side of the story on record. It is obvious that a campaign of calumny to total discredit and put me in bad light has begun.

Despite all that has happened, I reiterate that I asked for a quiet divorce which had if it had been granted, we would not be where we are today. Divorce is never an easy process for both parties. I reiterate that I hope we can settle our issues privately and I would remain at His Excellency’s service should he need my help, anytime.

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Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

Published

8 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Trends Admin

Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas

Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

A senior judicial officer in Rivers State, Chief Magistrate K.E. George, has tendered his resignation in protest against the ongoing emergency administration imposed on the state.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, George announced his voluntary retirement, citing the appointment of a “quasi-military administration” as the primary reason for his decision.

“This type of governance system is not only alien but also runs against the hallowed principles of the legal profession,” he wrote.

George, who served the judiciary for 16 years, said continuing in his role under the current political arrangement would imply tacit approval of the emergency governance structure.

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President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in governance and political instability. The move led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator for six months to oversee the state’s affairs.

Since assuming office, Ibas has suspended several state officials and initiated new appointments across various institutions—a development that has stirred legal controversy.

Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

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Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

Published

9 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Trends Admin

Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

The Abuja-Kaduna expressway, whose construction was long abandoned, has been re-awarded at the cost of N777 billion.

Flagging off the road at the weekend, the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), is vital to the socio-economic life of northern Nigeria.

He noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives, hardship and stunted economic growth.

Sani described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched, helplessly, as its condition worsened over the years.

According to him, the road is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.

“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the region,” he further explained.

The governor recalled that he had pushed for the road’s completion by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising several town hall meetings, and engaging directly with the then-president, Muhammadu Buhari.

“In response to the cries of our citizens and travellers enduring hardship on this failed portion of the road, I visited our dear leader and president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to brief him. Mr President not only gave me a listening ear, but he also gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without any delay,” he said.

According to him, one of the reasons that the former contractor gave for not completing the project, apart from funding, was the insecurity that was prevailing along the corridor at that time.

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Uba Sani noted that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruit, as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day or night without the fear of being attacked, kidnapped or killed.

He commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilising the security situation along the route through the effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.

The governor also disclosed that the president has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna town.

In a statement, the Minister of Works, Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre expressway would be completed within 14 months with continuous reinforced concrete-pavement (CRCP).

He stated that the road’s standard will be like that of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the president has added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the end of the Zaria-Kano Section, extending to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The governor revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC, the project had been re-awarded to a new firm with a proven track record that has been “tested and proven to be competent to do the job. I have no regrets about awarding them this job.”

Umahi also disclosed that the president has directed that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and close-circuit TV surveillance throughout its stretch.

The minister further stated that President Tinubu has awarded the completion of the remaining portions of Sections I and III, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252 billion, adding that “30 percent of the amount has been paid to the contracting firm.

“Today, we are also flagging Section II, which is 82 kilometres by two, that is 164 kilometres at a total cost of N525 billion.

“In the past, we have been building roads, but today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is constructing roads that will last between 50 and 100 years,” he emphasised.

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He commended Uba Sani for his relentless efforts towards ensuring that the project took off, describing him as “a smart governor who has united the people of Kaduna behind the president and the APC.”

Also, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, appreciated Tinubu for his people-orientated leadership and infrastructural interventions across the length and breadth of the country.

“We see your numerous achievements, especially infrastructure from Illela-Sokoto to Lagos-Badagry. You have redefined road construction in Nigeria through the adoption of reinforced concrete pavement, a bold shift from the old asphaltic model,” he said.

Also, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Olufunsho Adebiyi, the Director, Highways, Construction, and Rehabilitation, Engineer Clement Ogbuagu, drummed up the importance of collective support from all the stakeholders, including those on the corridors of the road, to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts on the infrastructural interventions.

“Your experience, passion, and collaboration will be instrumental in driving this project forward as the government determines the well-being of its citizens. He urged the company handling the project to remain focused on the mandate and make it a resounding success,” he added.

In his remarks, the former Senator of Kaduna South, Danjuma La’al, commended the Federal Government’s efforts at infrastructural development in the state.

Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

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Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

Published

9 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Trends Admin

Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala

Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

Daniel Bwala, the special adviser on policy communications to President Bola Tinubu, has said some social media users commenting on national issues in Nigeria may have some form of mental health challenges.

Mr Bwala stated during an interview on Channels TV while responding to social media speculations that Mr Tinubu’s recent visit to France was for medical reasons.

He, however, said that contrary to the speculations, Mr Tinubu is not in France for medical treatment but for a working visit.

“Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting; you don’t even know who the person is; it can be somebody who has mental health somewhere. You just see that information is coming out.

“The president did not go to see a doctor; he’s on a working visit and we have been publishing his activities,” he added.

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The presidential aide also took a swipe at the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, for his constant criticism of the Tinubu administration.

He said Mr Ndume has no tangible achievement to show for his over two decades at the National Assembly.

Mr Bwala also urged the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress to be wary of the lawmaker, alleging that his soul and spirits are already with the opposition.

“Let me tell you today, and I want everybody to hear, especially the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje. Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it is his body that is in APC. He is already going.

“It is better the way [Nasir] El-Rufai did: just say I am leaving. You’d give more honour and credit to El-Rufai that he didn’t feel he could stay and be a snitch,” he added.