Pastor Bakare Under Fire Over Comment On Tinubu

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May 28, 2023

Former presidential aide to ex President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokiri has praised the outgoing Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari-led administration over the unveiling of Nigeria Air.

Omokiri stated this on Twitter while dismissing the criticisms against the Nigerian government over Nigeria Air.

Recall that Nigerians accused the Federal Government of nefarious activities following the arrival of Nigeria Air aircraft.

This was due to the fact that some reports revealed the aircraft was owned by Ethiopian Airlines.

However, Buhari’s Special Assistant on Digital Communications, Bashir Ahmad, disclosed that Ethiopian Airlines was a major shareholder in Nigeria Air.

Reno Omokiri while reacting, tweeted: “Emirate Airlines, that many Nigerians love to fly with, started off in 1985 with two airlines provided to them by Pakistan International Airlines.

“Today, they are thriving. If there is something to criticise, please sòrò sóké. But do not just criticise because your party is not in government. Ruga was a bad idea. Arresting Nnamdi Kanu was a wrong move. The Northernisation of our National Security Council was a horrible thing to do. And we criticised all of those.

“But Nigeria Air is a good idea. Even starting it with a wet-leased aircraft is an even better idea than starting it with a new one. If the government does badly, let us cane them with koboko. But if they perform well, we should be objective and praise them with the same ferocity.”

Customs Officer Opens Fire On Senior Colleague In Jigawa

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May 28, 2023

A Nigerian Customs Service personnel has reportedly opened fire on a colleague at a checkpoint in Garki Local Government, Jigawa State.

The incident occured on Friday when a vehicle allegedly refused to stop at the customs checkpoint while returning from the Niger Republic.

One of the personnel at the checkpoint became suspicious and opened fire at the moving vehicle.

They later identified a man in the vehicle as a colleague, SC Muhammad Sayyadi, serving at the Lagos State Command.

He is the son of one of the five first-class emirs in Jigawa, the Emir of Ringim, HRH Dr Sayyadi Abubakar Mahmud.

Spokesman of the Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command, SC Nura Saidu, confirmed the incident in a statement.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic event, and we extend our deepest empathy to the family and friends of the victim,” he said.

Saidu said the command is investigating to determine the causes of the incident.

It was also learned that other victims were admitted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, and are responding to treatment.

Ogun Police Hunt Gang Who Robbed Hausa Trader Of $11m

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May 28, 2023

The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a four-man armed robbery gang that fled with $11 million in Abeokuta, the state capital.

According to reports, the armed robbers, who were dressed in black T-shirts and jeans, with black masks covering their faces, robbed a Hausa trader in a Toyota Venza car in Oke Sokori, Abeokuta North Local Government Area.

The robbers were said to have brandished rifles and successfully carried out the three-minute robbery, stealing $11 million, which were stashed in two ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bags. The robbers fled the scene without being challenged by security operatives.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the robbery incident and expressed disappointment that the robbers escaped before the police arrived at the scene.

However, he promised that the police would find the suspects and bring them to justice.

“The command had immediately upon receipt of information about the incident, sent a signal across the state to ensure that the suspects were tracked down. All our technical units have been activated and for sure, we will get them.”

“I, however, want to use this medium to assure the good people of Ogun State not to panic as there is no course for alarm; they should remain calm, and go about their normal and routine businesses because our men will surely track down the suspects.” he said.

Hoodlums Invade Amuludun Radio Station In Ibadan

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May 28, 2023

Hoodlums in the early hours of Sunday reportedly hijacked Amuludun 99.1 FM, a community-based radio station owned by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to reports, the radio station, was hijacked around 6 am with the suspects invading the station with various forms of charms, wanting to take over the running of the programme and causing the station to go off air.

“That is what we witnessed this morning. They hijacked the station around 6 am. But they had been at the station before that time”

“They came with various forms of charms. They woke our staff who were sleeping. Some of our staff have fled.

“We are yet to see some of our staff. But the security (personnel) are on ground now,” a source told Vanguard.

Another source told Sahara Reporters that the individuals identified as Yoruba Nation agitators arrived at the station pretending they wanted to make enquiries.

“They gained access to the station by pretending that they wanted to make some enquiries. When they entered, they told the people there that they wanted to air their views but that was denied.

“That was when they brought out charms and threatened the workers. Then they started making some announcements, saying in Yoruba that the people who sent them to take some actions should come out. They said after asking them to do those things, they abandoned them.

“They were there for about one hour before the police came to disrupt their plan. Normalcy has returned to the area and some of them were arrested.”

However, Stephen Agbaje, the General Manager of the station, while confirming the development stressed that the situation has been brought under control by the security agencies, adding that some arrests have been made.

“Some group of agitators came around in the night and took over the station, but the situation has been brought under control by the security agents.”

“They were able to recover the station, and some arrests have been made,” he said.

The radio station, located at Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area of the State, was established on October 10, 2007, and commenced transmission in pure and undiluted Yoruba language on October 22, the same year.

Container Loaded With Concrete Stone Falls, Crushes Cart Pusher To Death In Lagos

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May 28, 2023

A yet-to-be-identified cart pusher has been crushed to death on Sunday after a container truck fully loaded with concrete stones fell on him in the Dopemu area of Lagos State.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, while confirming the incident, said the cart pusher died instantly.

According to a statement by LASTMA spokesperson, Taofiq Adebayo, the body of the deceased victim was recovered by its operatives.

He said one of its officers in the zone, Badmus Abdul-Akeem, disclosed that a preliminary investigation indicated that the driver of the container lost full concentration while dragging the road at top speed with another trailer before falling off the road, blocking the entire BRT corridor inward Dopemu.

He said Abdul-Akeem confirmed that while the driver of the fallen truck ran away, LASTMA officials retrieved a photocopy of his driver’s licence at the accident scene.

The statement further read, “After noticing a trapped body underneath a fallen container, we called the LASEMA Response Unit and policemen from Gowon Divisional Police Headquarters for immediate rescue operations and investigations.

“While LASEMA Response Unit evacuated the fallen container off the BRT corridor, the recovered dead were handed over to members of the Hausa community around Dopemu area after they mobilised themselves to the scene of the accident with dangerous weapons.”

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, while consoling with the family of the deceased, urged truck drivers and other motoring public members to always adhere strictly to safety standards while driving on highways across the state.

He maintained that speed limit road signs were erected to guide truck drivers and other motoring public on speed limitations across the state.

I Apologise For “Temporary” Hardship Caused By Some Of My “Difficult” Choices – Buhari

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May 28, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has apologized for the hardship caused to Nigerians by some of the decisions taken by his administration over the last eight years.

Buhari who gave the apology in his farewell address to Nigerians on Sunday morning, admitted that, though not intentional some of his administration’s policies caused “temporary pain and suffering” to Nigerians.

He remarked that although the decisions were difficult choices, the measures were taken for the overall good of the country.

“In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results.

“Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the overall good of the country,” he said.

According to him, despite some of the harsh policies of his government, he will be leaving the country better than he met it when he took over from President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Buhari said he feels fulfilled that he has started Nigeria’s re-birth by taking the initial critical steps, and believes the incoming administration will continue with the process to see a Nigeria that fulfills its destiny to be a great nation.

The outgoing leader, thanked millions of Nigerians who prayed and supported him during his illness in the first term of his office, saying he is constantly praying for them and the nation to thrive in peace.

He said: “I also want to use this opportunity to express my to a good number of Nigerians who provided their support and encouragement to help me navigate the exciting journey of moving Nigeria forward.

“I cannot and will not forget the millions who prayed for me during my illness in my first term of office. I am constantly praying for you and for Nigeria to thrive in peace.

“As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfills its destiny to be a great nation.”

‘Fulanis Attempted To Assasinate Me Seven Times’ – Ortom Alleges

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May 28, 2023

Outgoing Governor, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, has alleged that Fulanis tried to kill him seven times but failed.

Ortom who disclosed this during an interview with Vanguard, noted that he has faced a lot of trials during his eight years in power.

According to him, the Fulanis personally informed him that they have tried to murder him seven times but were unsuccessful.

Speaking further, Ortom disclosed that several individuals both at the Federal and State level, tried to impeach him but also failed.

He said, “Throughout my tenure for about eight years, it has not been easy. I have passed through challenges just like the Psalmist said.

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because God is with me, His rod and his staff will comfort me and he will prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies and anoint my head, my cup will run over and surely his mercies and goodness shall follow me all the days of my life, that is what I have seen. I’ve gone through very turbulent times. Many people around here and at the federal level even attempted to even remove me as governor through illegal means but they were unable to do it.

“The terrorist Fulani attempted to assassinate me seven good times but God preserved my life, they were not able to get me. All I have to say is that I’m grateful to Almighty God for helping me.

“It was the Fulanis themselves that came and sat where we are now and told me, look, the one that happened to you on Gboko Road which you know is just one case, we have attempted seven times and they came to know the secret that I have that they’ve not been able to kill me.”

“Your Stay In Office Is Illegal, Unconstitutional” – Court Sacks IGP Usman Alkali Baba

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May 28, 2023

A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, has declared that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, is an illegal occupant of the office he is currently holding.

Justice Fatun Riman, who gave the order, insisted that Baba’s continued stay in office is against the clear provisions of the Police Act, 2020, saying it is “unlawful and unconstitutional”.

The court made the order in its judgment in a suit marked FHC/AKW/CS/58/2023, filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, a taxpayer.

The court, in its judgment, further held that only an officer within the listed rank, with four years in service, can be appointed as IGP, not one with less than four years.

According to Daily Post, although the judgment was delivered on Friday, May 19, 2023, a certified copy of the judgment was cited on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

The plaintiffs in the suit dragged President Muhammadu Buhari, IGP, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and Nigeria Police Council before the court, seeking an order to stop the Baba from further occupying office as his tenure has expired.

In his judgement, after listening to Counsel in the matter, Justice Riman held, “It is important to observe that the Inspector-General of Police is a public servant and by virtue of the fact that he is a member of the staff of the Nigeria Police Force, an authority established from the Federation by Section 214 (1) of the Constitution and in the subject of the Federal Public Rules 299 (PSR) thereof, which provides for the compulsory retirement of all grades of public service officers at the age of 60 or 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

“I also observe that despite the prerogative power of the President, he is limited to the provisions of the Constitution. The Inspector General of Police retirement is a statutory and constitutional issue and no other law of the land can change the ground norm.”

Recall that Baba clocked 60 years on March 1, 2023, which is the compulsory year for retirement. But his tenure was extended by President Buhari in January this year.

Buhari Confers Citizenship On 385 Foreign Nationals

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May 28, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred citizenship on 385 foreign nationals.

President Buhari who was represented at the event which took place at Gen Abdulraman Danbazzau Conference Hall, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Headquarters, Abuja, by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the foreign nationals fulfilled all necessary conditions needed to become a Nigerian citizen.

The President noted that his administration has given citizenship to more foreigners than any administration so far, adding that the gesture was to encourage foreign investment and boost the nation’s economy.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on his own part called for the review of the Nigerian Constitution to allow more foreign nationals apply for citizenship, while also disclosing that those conferred with the citizenship met the stringent conditions attached to it.

He asked why foreigners will have to wait for 15 years before they can apply for Nigeria citizenship, in contrast to what is obtainable in other countries. Aregbesola further revealed that a total of 671 foreigners have been conferred with Nigeria citizenship within the past five years.

Aregbesola said, ”That we have a high number of foreigners willing to become Nigerians is an indication that the on-going efforts of the Federal Government to make Nigeria a destination for investment and peaceful coexistence is beginning to yield good fruits.

“I must state also that it is under our administration that the largest number of foreigners have been naturalised. “Between 2011 and 2013,a total of 266 foreigners became Nigerians. In 2017, 335 people took up Nigerian citizenship. But last year, 286 foreigners and today at this ceremony, 385, making a total of 671 have acquired Nigerian citizenship.

“I am still not pleased with this figure. In Europe and America, thousands of foreigners are inducted into citizenship every year. They do this to attract youths and people in their prime who would like to contribute to the development of their countries.

“The bane of the smooth pathway to Nigerian citizenship however is the constitutional requirement of continuous residency in Nigeria for 15 years.

”This is a huge disincentive, considering that in the United States and most European countries, it is five years. Some of these countries have made a habit of snatching young and resourceful brains – who after four years of schooling and working for just one year – through easy pathways, to obtain quality migration to their countries.

”I will therefore urge the relevant institutions of state to reconsider this in the next effort at amendment to the constitution. We ought to have easier pathways to citizenship for foreigners than currently obtains.”

I’ll Never Address Tinubu As “My President” — Tunde Bakare Vows

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May 28, 2023

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has said that he will never refer Nigeria’s president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his President.

According to the politician a number of electoral frauds occurred during the 2023 elections and that the Independent National Electoral Commission messed up the campaigning process.

After giving a lecture on the Zoom program titled “Building the New Nigeria: The Role of the Diaspora,” the cleric gave the submission while fielding questions, adding that the elections fell short of expectations.

Asked if he would be happy to work for the new government as a Minister of Diaspora Engagements, he laughed and said he would say what he said to President Muhammadu Buhari last week.

He said he told Buhari that sometimes he called him President of Nigeria and other times, he called him “My President.”

Bakare said, “Last Wednesday, I was at the Glass House where he (Buhari) has been restricted now because the main house is being renovated. I said I have done that for you. I want you to know that, because of the circumstances of your flying into power on the wings of integrity and incorruptibility, but you’re now passing onto someone who does not have that value.”

He added that at “any public lecture anywhere, before this mess is cleared off, I will address Asiwaju (Tinubu) as a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but I will never call him my president.”

Information Nigeria reports that, Bakare, who participated in the All Progressives Congress presidential primary in June 2022, where nomination forms were sold for N100 million, polled no single vote.

Relating to this, he said, “I participated in the primary, and there were hundreds (of persons) who participated only by stepping down, so there is no shame in what we have done. We spoke truth to power within seven minutes.”

“I wasn’t there when they voted, I wasn’t there when they scored (me) zero, but we won that badge of zero and badge of honour,” he said, adding that this was because some defeats that were more triumphant than victories.

Answering the question, he said if he was called to be a minister under the incoming government, there would be conditions to it, “but I am not desperate to be a minister, not at all. I was offered before but I turned it down. My life is not just to take photographs with the president and shake hands.

“But we will do if it will benefit even one citizen.”

Tinubu will tomorrow Monday, May 29, be sworn in as the President of the country.

Buhari Gives Farewell Address To Nigerians On Sunday

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May 28, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday addressed Nigerians in his final speech before handing over to President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that in his farewell broadcast, Buhari hailed Tinubu and other opposition presidential candidates over the conduct of the February 25th polls.

Read the full speech below:

FAREWELL SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

My fellow Nigerian brothers, sisters and friends of Nigeria.

“I address you today, in my last assignment as a democratically elected President of our great and well-endowed nation, with a deep sense of gratitude to God, a great deal of appreciation to the Nigerian people and a modest sense of fulfilment”.

“Today we mark and celebrate another peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another in our steady march to improve and sustain Nigeria’s democracy”.

“This year we witnessed the most keenly contested Presidential Elections since the first Republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election.”

“We must as a nation improve and sustain gains we make in the electoral process, on an incremental basis for Nigeria to take its rightful place among Nations.”

“Our democracy provides for, allows and encourages seeking redress for perceived injustices, enabling some candidates and political parties that did not agree with the results to go to court”.

“Irrespective of the outcome of the various cases, I urge all parties involved to accept the decision of our courts and join hands to build a better Nigeria”.

“I salute the doggedness and resilience of all the Presidential Candidates and their political parties for believing in our judicial system by taking their grievances with the election results to court”.

“In the course of the campaigns, we had argued and disagreed on how to make Nigeria better but we never disagreed or had any doubts that Nigeria has to be better.”

“As your President, I call on all of us to bring to bear the strength of our individualism, the power of our unity, the convictions of our beliefs to make Nigeria work better and together with one spirit and one purpose”.

“To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past ten years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu -, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world”.

“You have indeed worked for this day and God has crowned your efforts. I have no doubt that your passion for excellence, reliance on competence, fairness in relationships, commitment to equity, loyalty to the country and desire for Nigeria to be globally relevant would come through for you, under God’s guidance, as you lead our country to levels higher that I am leaving”.

“You are the best candidate among all the contestants and Nigerians have chosen well”.

“The last eight years have been an exciting experience in my desire and commitment to see a Nigeria in which public goods and services are available, and accessible within a united, peaceful and secure nation.”

“Fellow Nigerians, on the strength of your overwhelming support for me and my political party, I started this journey with a great deal of promise and expectation from you. I never intended to be just politically correct but to do the correct things that will make meaningful impact on the lives of the common Nigerian.”

“This high expectation was not misplaced because, like the ordinary Nigerian, I had grown tired of watching the country progressively moving away from the path of correctness.”

“To ensure that our democracy remains resilient and our elected representatives remain accountable to the people, I am leaving behind an electoral process which guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent and the influence of money in politics reduced to the barest minimum. And Nigerians can elect leaders of their choice.”

” We are already seeing the outcome of this process as it provided an even playing field where persons without any political God-Father or access to money defeated other well-resourced candidates.”

“The Nigerian economy has become more resilient due to the various strategies put in place to ensure that our economy remained afloat during cases of global economic downturns.”

“You would all recall the supply chain disruptions and economic downturn that the world witnessed between 2020 and 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deftness of our response to the pandemic still remains a global best practice.”

“Furthermore, we increased the ability of the poor and rural Nigerians to earn a living, provided more food for millions in our villages and gave our women opportunities to earn a living.”

” Young men and women in urban centres were also supported to put their skills into productive use. Our administration also provided an enabling environment for the private sector to engage in businesses for which their return on investments is guaranteed.”

“The private sector proved a strong partner in our drive to build a resilient and sustainable economy as evidenced by the growing number of turn-key projects in various sectors of the economy.”

” In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the over-all good of the country.”

“Mindful of the need to ensure adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth, we completed age-long projects and processes notably amongst which are the Petroleum Industry Act, completion of some power projects, completion of the second Niger bridge and various important roads linking cities and states.”

“Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.”

” To sustain the gains made so far, I call on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that our values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions.”

“Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our Security Agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed.”

“Fellow Nigerians, you know how dear the desire in my heart is, to rid the country of corrupt practices that had consistently diminished our efforts to be a great country.”

” I did pursue this commitment relentlessly, in spite of the expected push back. I am happy that considerable progress had been made in repatriating huge sums of money back to the country and also taken over properties illegally acquired from our common wealth.”

“To improve service delivery, we began the implementation of a number of reforms aimed at producing an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-oriented (EPIC) Federal Civil Service and the results are beginning to show.”

“On the international scene, Nigeria’s influence continues to grow as exemplified by notable Nigerians occupying headship and leadership positions in renowned global bodies.”

“Our democracy is built on and continues to thrive on the principles of separation of powers. The leadership and members of the National Assembly deserve my appreciation for their patriotism which did not detract from their roles as a check to the executive arm.”

” I also want to use this opportunity to express my appreciation to a good number of Nigerians who provided their support and encouragement to help me navigate the exciting journey in moving Nigeria forward.”

“I cannot and will not forget the millions who prayed for me during my illness in my first term of office. I am constantly praying for you and for Nigeria to thrive in peace.”

“As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation.”

“I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.”

“I thank you all. And may God Bless the Federal Republic”

I Fought For Freedom Of Children Kidnapped By Boko Haram, Bandits – Buhari

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May 28, 2023

Outgoing President Muhammed Buhari has said his government fought for the freedom of children held hostage by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in the Northern region of the country.

President Buhari, while speaking on Saturday during the 2023 Children’s Day at the State House in Abuja, said his administration focused on children and their welfare in the last eight years.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, the President said Nigerians must not lose hope in the ability of the government to safeguard the future of their lives and children.

The statement reads: “As a father and grandfather, I share in the joy that children bring into our lives and the fulfilment of seeing them grow. And I also feel the pain of loss, anxiety, and frustration that comes with uncertain times, like the disruptions to families due to insecurity, which we have worked hard to contain in the last eight years.

“We must not lose hope, and our faith should be rekindled in the ability of the government to safeguard the future of our lives and children. In eight years, we have focused on children, negotiating and fighting for the release of many that were taken captive, and painstakingly building intelligence on the whereabouts of others. Some have been released; more will come, by God’s grace, as the next administration continues on the same noble path.

“At the twilight of this administration, we are thankful for all the support we have received from parents, government officials, development partners, professionals, and religious leaders in realizing some of our targets, like the school feeding programme, resuscitation of the primary health care system, and protecting our schools by the security agencies.

“As we are aware, raising healthy and promising children is a collective responsibility. In Nigeria, like in most of Africa, the community has a stake in the upbringing of the child. Truly, it takes a village to raise a child.

“And as the world continues to become smaller with new technology, and the borders on culture and cultural values are steadily getting blurred, we must retain our identity and values.

“Our core values of integrity, honesty, hard work, and love for learning should not be negotiated. Our children should know, and stay with the ancient landmarks of what is true, and right at home, and abroad.”

IPOB: Why Goodluck Jonathan Never Arrested Nnamdi Kanu – Lawyer Ejimakor

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May 28, 2023

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has disclosed why the Biafra agitator was not arrested by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In his opinion, Jonathan did not arrest Kanu because he never saw his self-determination as a crime.

Information Nigeria reports that Kanu was first arrested in 2015 for charges bordering on treason, terrorism, and managing an unlawful society.

Following his arrest, he was dragged to court, but was granted bail in 2017 by Justice Binta Nyako of an Abuja Federal High Court.

The IPOB Leader, subsequently fled Nigeria to Europe, but was rearrested in Kenya in 2021.

He was repatriated to Nigeria and had since been locked up by the Department of State Services while his trial continues.

However, speaking at the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ conference in Washington, Ejimakor said: “The rights to self-determination is a right that is allowed internationally, domestically, and continentally.

“The formation of IPOB did not break any law of the United Kingdom or that of Nigeria.

“Nnamdi Kanu was not arrested between 2012 and 2015 because the government then understood that self-determination was not a crime.

“But the government that came into power in May 2015 decided to treat self-determination as a criminal activity.

“So, he was arrested in Lagos and charged for treason, illegal importation, and insulting the president.”

Funke Akindele Reacts As Juliana Olayode Tenders Apology After Years Of Feud

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May 28, 2023

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

Information Nigeria reports that Juliana, 27, in a lengthy post on Instagram 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.

“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,” she wrote.

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

Islamisation: I Picked An Igbo Catholic As My Chief Security Officer – Shettima

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May 28, 2023

The Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima has denied any plan of an Islamization agenda for Nigeria by the incoming administration.

Shettima made this clarification on Saturday while speaking at the inaugural lecture of the incoming administration in Abuja.

Speaking against the backdrop of the Muslim-Muslim ticket of himself and the President-elect, Tinubu, Shettima made it clear that Nigerians have nothing to worry about.

He pointed out that many of his aides including his Chief Security Officer (CSO) are Christians and the family of Tinubu are also Christians so if the family members were not Islamized, there is no fear about Islamizing the country.

“I was a child of necessity, there is no Islamisation agenda. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Muslim who is married to a Christian, not only a Christian but a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God,” he said.

“Someone who has not Islamised his family, people are alluding that he has the intention to Islamise the nation.

“Politics is about perception. As we begin the formation of a new administration, I deliberately picked an Igbo man, a Catholic, to be my chief security officer.

“For the purpose of inclusivity and togetherness, again I deliberately picked a northern Christian to be my ADC. So the so-called founder of Boko Haram is going to be protected by….”

“We are to serve. We are to listen. We are here to be held accountable. We are not sent on an evangelical mission. Therefore, like every mortal, we may stumble here and there. None of these mistakes could be intentional,” he added.

“We shall never be oblivious of the impermanence of this power and we acknowledge that we shall be judged by man and God.

Cut Down Cost Of Governance – AfDB President Charges Tinubu

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May 28, 2023

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has called upon President-elect, Bola Tinubu to prioritize reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria.

Adesina stated this in his speech at the inauguration lecture held at the International Conference Center, (ICC), Abuja, on Saturday.

He noted that the President-elect now has an opportunity to make history, by building a resurgent, a united and prosperous Nigeria, added that “It is Nigeria’s turn”.

He stated that “Nigeria will be looking to you, as President Tinubu, on your first day in office with hope. Hope that you will assure security, peace, and stability. Hope that you will heal and unite a fractious nation. Hope that you will rise above party lines and forge a compelling force to move the nation forward, with inclusiveness, fairness, equity, and justice. Hope that you will drastically improve the economy. Hope that you will spark a new wave of prosperity. Hope to the present, as hope deferred makes the heart grow weary”

“Unless the economy is revived and fiscal challenges addressed boldly, resources to develop will not be there. No bird can fly if its wings are tied,”

“According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, Nigeria now spends 96% of its revenue servicing debt, with the debt-to-revenue ratio rising from 83.2 percent in 2021 to 96.3 percent by 2022″

“Debt is paid using revenue, and Nigeria’s revenues have been declining. Nigeria earns revenue now to service debt, not to grow. The place to start is to remove the inefficient fuel subsidies,”

“Fuel subsidies are killing the Nigerian economy, costing Nigeria $10 billion alone in 2022. That means Nigeria is borrowing what it does not have to if it simply eliminates the subsidies and uses the resources well for its national development,” he said.

“Rather, support should be given to private sector refineries and modular refineries to allow for efficiency and competitiveness to drive down fuel pump prices. The newly commissioned Dangote Refinery by President Buhari – the largest single train petroleum refinery in the world, as well as its Petrochemical Complex — will revolutionize Nigeria’s economy.”

“Today, Nigeria is ranked among countries with the lowest human development index in the world, with a rank of 167 among 174 countries globally, according to the World Bank 2022 Public Expenditure Review report,” the AfDB boss added.

“To meet Nigeria’s massive infrastructure needs, according to the report, will require $ 3 trillion by 2050. According to the report, at the current rate, it would take Nigeria 300 years to provide its minimum level of infrastructure needed for development.

“All living Nigerians today, and many generations to come, will be long gone by then! We must change this. Nigeria must rely more on the private sector for infrastructure development, to reduce fiscal burdens on the government.”

“This must include improving tax collection, tax administration, moving from tax exemption to tax redemption, ensuring that multinational companies pay appropriate royalties and taxes, and that leakages in tax collection are closed,” he said.

“However, simply raising taxes is not enough, as many question the value of paying taxes, hence the high level of tax avoidance. Many citizens provide their own electricity, sink boreholes to get access to water, and repair roads in their towns and neighborhoods. These are essentially high implicit taxes.Nigerians therefore pay the highest ‘implicit tax rates’ in the world.

“Governments need to assure effective social contracts by delivering quality public services. It is not the amount collected, it is how it is spent, and what is delivered. Nations that grow better run effective governments that assure social contracts with their citizens.

“We must re-balance the structure and performance of the economy. A very common refrain in Nigeria, with every successive government, is “we need to diversify the economy.” But is it so?

“The economy of Nigeria is one of the most diversified in Africa, with the oil sector accounting for only 15% of the GDP, and 85% is in the other sectors.

“Nigeria’s challenge is not diversification. Nigeria’s challenge is revenue concentration. This is because the oil sector accounts for 75.4% of export revenue and 50 % of all
government revenue.

“The solution, therefore, is to unlock the bottlenecks that are hampering 85% of the economy.”

Buhari Failed Us, If Tinubu Requests My Service I’ll Oblige — Bode George

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May 28, 2023

Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday, says President Muhammadu Buhari eight-year administration was woeful.

He added that he has forgiven his successor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and if he calls him to serve, he will do so.

The PDP leader, speaking in a chat with newsmen at his Ikoyi office, while analysing the outgoing administration of Buhari, declared that he failed to live up to expectations adding that he did not impact the lives of Nigerians positively, even on security, his core responsibility.

His words: “My personal assessment is that he failed, not completely in every sector, but if you do an examination and say you must have a minimum of 33 percent, then you can go to the next class, but they did not attain that 33 percent. I can give them maybe about five per cent, even the five per cent requires a lot of retrospection. The most important thing you must guarantee to your people, as a government, is security of lives and property, who is safe now?

“So it is very very disheartening and heartbreaking that he failed in his number one job, which is to guarantee security of lives and property. You know when he was coming in, oga (Buhari) was telling us, I would fight corruption, I will secure the lives and properties of the people, I will do this, I will do that, all kinds of promises.

“So let’s put those promises now into his departure, because that’s what will be written on the pages of history. Whatever a leader does during his time, it is on the pages of history.”

Asked whether he would work with Tinubu if called upon, George said: “There is nothing personal, this country trained me and I have to give back.”

On his reluctance to endorse Tinubu, he said: “I have forgiven him, but cannot forget.”

Osinbajo Bids Farewell, Thanks God For Surviving Two Near Air Crashes

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May 28, 2023

Just few hours to the inauguration, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has bid farewell, thanking the staff of the Office of the Vice President for their support during his 8 years of administration, alongside President Muhammadu Buhari.

Osinbajo highlighted his desire, alongside President Buhari, to make Nigeria better during their eight years in office, emphasising that he specifically hired individuals who shared the same passion for fixing Nigeria.

Osinbajo commended the exceptional hard work and dedication of the OVP staff, expressing his appreciation for their unwavering commitment to the progress of the nation.

The Vice President, in a statement on Saturday by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, commended the Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Ade Ipaye, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State (2011 to 2015), for his loyalty, dedication and brilliant service.

According to him, “I’m honoured to have worked with such incredible people; everyone put in exceptional hard work. I personally interviewed most of you that worked with me. I wanted people who had a heart for this country, genuine love and concern about the progress of this nation.

“Eight years have gone by very quickly, I must say. Here we are today a few days to the inauguration. There are many great experiences, great things that have happened and I’m glad we’ve come this far.”

The VP also recalled how God saved him and 11 others with him from the helicopter crash on February 2, 2019, in Kogi State.

He also recalled a similar chopper forced landing in Gwagwalada in June 2018. Then, the chopper conveying him and members of his “Main Party” from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, made a forceful landing a few seconds after take-off.

“I’m truly grateful to the Almighty God,” the VP said.

I Never Knew I Will Lead Nigeria – Buhari

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