Life Style

Atiku’s Wife, Jennifer Confirms Her Divorce With Ex PDP Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar

Published

1 year ago

February 1, 2022

The Fidelinfo News

Jennifer, one of the wives of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has confirmed her divorce to the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In a statement obtained on Tuesday, the ex-VP’s wife explained that she didn’t request divorce because Atiku married a new wife.

“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,” she said.

According to her, some of Atiku’s friends tried to mediate and stop the divorce but their efforts failed.

Jennifer explained that “the core reason for the divorce was disagreement over my continued stay in the United Kingdom” among other “long-standing issues”.

She also claimed that Atiku has requested to collect an asset previously given to her, adding that the property in Dubai is a subject of litigation.

The estranged wife added, “During the initial mediation discussion, Excellency denied that he gifted the house (matrimonial home in Asokoro) 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 I 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.”

Atiku has yet to make any public statement on the issue as of the time of filing this report. Also, efforts to get his aides to react to the claims made by Jennifer failed.

However the full statement read; 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-19 times, choosing to stay with the children was non-negotiable. 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 gave birth.

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 where 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 I 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 take over 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 them 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 it’s 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.

PUNCH.

General

Henry Dele Alake: The Scintillating Profile of President Tinubu’s Chief Press Secretary

Published

7 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Olayiwola Quadril

Henry Dele Alake, a prominent figure in Nigerian journalism and politics, has been appointed as the Chief Press Secretary to President Tinubu. Born on October 6, 1956, in Ekiti State, Alake is currently 66 years old. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to democratic values, activism, and public service.

Alake’s journey in activism began under the mentorship of the late Chief MKO Abiola. He played a pivotal role in the controversial 1993 election, which was unfortunately annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, the then military president. Despite facing oppression and terrorization, Alake fearlessly advocated for justice and the preservation of democratic principles.

Between 1999 and 2007, Alake served as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of Lagos State. During this period, he contributed significantly to the development and growth of the state, effectively communicating the government’s policies and initiatives to the public.

Currently, Alake holds the position of Director of Media and Communication of The Tinubu Campaign Council, supporting the presidential aspirations of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2023 election.

Education played a crucial role in Alake’s path to success. He attended Surulere Baptist Primary School in Lagos for his elementary education, followed by Christ’s School Ado Ekiti for his West African School Certificate. He furthered his studies at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, where he obtained his Higher School Certificate in 1975. In the same year, he enrolled at the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and later pursued a master’s degree in Mass Communications.

Alake embarked on his professional career as a journalist after completing his education. He began as a Senior Sub-Editor at the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation (LSBC) after a year of national service with the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC). Over the years, he held various positions in journalism, including Current Affairs Officer, Senior Current Affairs Officer, and Principal Current Affairs Officer. Alake played a vital role in the establishment of Lagos Television (LTV 8).

In 1985, Alake transitioned to print journalism, joining the Concord Press as an editor and writer for the National Concord and Sunday Concord newspapers. He became the editor of Sunday Concord in 1989 and continued in that position until 1995. During this period, he also served as a columnist for the National Concord.

Alake’s career took a significant turn when he became Chief MKO Abiola’s Adviser on Information, contributing to his election campaign for the 1993 general election. His dedication to Abiola’s cause led to confrontations and oppression from the dictatorial regime of General Sani Abacha. Faced with immense pressure, Alake went into exile, actively engaging with other prominent figures in the National Democratic Coalition of Nigeria (NADECO), such as Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Senator Bola Tinubu, Chief John Oyegun, and Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd.).

Returning to Nigeria’s political landscape, Alake’s talents and expertise were recognized by Governor Bola Tinubu, who appointed him as his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. He later served as the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.

In 2010, Alake declared his intention to contest for the senatorial seat of Ekiti Central in Ekiti State. However, due to intra-party crises within his political party at that time, he decided to withdraw from the aspiration.

In preparation for the 2015 general election, Alake was appointed as the Director of Media and Communication for the Buhari Campaign Organization, supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential ambition.

Continuing his involvement in political campaigns, Alake currently holds the position of Director of Media and Communication for The Tinubu Campaign Council, supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential aspirations in the upcoming 2023 general election.

While information about his marital life remains private, it is worth noting that one of his children, Olatunbosun Alake, serves as the Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu.

Alake’s contributions to journalism and politics have earned him several notable achievements. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, where he once served as Vice President. He is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the West African Union of Journalists. In 2000, he received the prestigious Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) International Gold Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to society.

Henry Dele Alake’s multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to democracy and public service have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media landscape and political sphere. His dedication to his craft and his tireless advocacy for justice and transparency serve as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and politicians across the nation.

Entertainment

“I have been acting for decades yet I jump on buses everyday” – Iya Gbonkan laments

Published

15 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Olayiwola Quadril

Veteran Nollywood actress, Iya Gbonkan laments over not owning a car despite acting for decades as she seeks help from fans.

The 64-year-old made the cry for help in a video which has surfaced on social media.

Iya Gbonkan laments over not owning a car. Photo Credit: Iya Gbonkan. Source: Google.

According to her, she’s been in the movie making business for decades and yet, she still jumps on buses at her age and do not own a car of her own.

She said that people should celebrate her now she’s still among the living, not killing a cow when she has passed on.

Iya Gbonkan said:

“I have been acting for decades yet I don’t have a car. I jump on buses every day. If I die now, you will kill a cow. Celebrate me now that I am alive. I need a car from my fans”

Entertainment

Funke Akindele Reacts As Juliana Olayode Publicly Begs For Forgiveness

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2023

Olayiwola Quadril

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele has reacted to the public apology of her colleague, Juliana Olayode following their disagreement while working together on the popular sitcom Jenifa’s Diary.

This comes after Juliana, 27, in a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday said that she hurt Funke, whom she said was a miracle God used to bring her to the limelight, due to her little knowledge of how the movie industry works.

She wrote, “As a teenager, my career in the mainstream entertainment industry started where many people who have put in years of hard work could only dream of, how could a neophyte even start from the mainstream, if not for a miracle?

“In my own case, the mercy of God and unmerited favour was evident, I broke into the industry by playing a friend and co-lead with a screen goddess who had put in decades of hard work and unprecedented creativity even as at that time.

“God used Aunty Funke Akindele @funkejenifaakindele to put me into the limelight. It was a shocker for me, especially at that tender age, when I had barely left secondary school, the kind of fame I earned from playing Toyosi in Jenifa’s Diary was too enormous for my understanding.

“However, the lack of industry nitty gritty started manifesting in me, coupled with the fact that I had a guardian (manager) who didn’t understand how the entertainment industry works, and I believed anything he feels and says.

“My guardian sent an email to Scene One TV, the producers of the Sitcom, which entire content I wasn’t aware of until recently.

“The story of my goofs at the take-off of my career cannot be exhausted in a million words, I want to use this opportunity to apologize to Aunty Funke Akindele, ọmọdé ò lè mọ ẹ̀kọ́ jẹ, kó má ra lọ́wọ́, I am incredibly sorry for how I hurt you and how the email that was sent hurt you.”

Reacting to the post, Funke wrote in the comment section: “My Juliana. I miss you. I will bite you. omo mi. I love you. See you soon.”