The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the ban imposed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on distribution of palliatives to the poor, except with the approval of the police.

The ban came as a fallout of recent stampedes across the country from events organised to distribute economic relief items to the needy.

Obi, writing on his X handle, described the move by the IGP as a timely response, but a disturbing development in the light of the state of the nation. He said it was an unnecessary bureaucracy prone to abuse. 

He stated, “The latest directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) placing some restrictions on the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged in our midst is disturbing.

“Even though the directive is a timely response to the series of tragedies recorded across the country recently, and the IG’s honest reaction to the challenges of the prevailing economic hardship, it’s open to abuse.

“It is capable of discouraging citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among us.

“While I understand the need for better organisation and more attention to public safety, it is important to clarify that acts of goodwill should not be hindered by excessive bureaucracy.

“Rather than requiring people to seek permission to assist those in need, we should encourage them to find better, more organised ways to offer such help.”

Obi said, “The focus should be on promoting coordination, not imposing barriers that could deter much-needed acts of kindness in a time of widespread hunger, pain, and anger.

“This is not the time to stifle the spirit of compassion and generosity among our people. Instead, let us channel these efforts constructively, ensuring that help reaches the most vulnerable safely and efficiently.”

Obi also urged the federal government to address the root cause of hardship through people-friendly policies, instead of erecting barriers that isolate people from help.

He said, “The government must also do more to address the root causes of this hardship, providing lasting solutions rather than creating obstacles for those stepping in to fill the gaps created by government’s insensitive policies.

“I urge the IGP to immediately review this directive and ensure that the police foster collaboration and support, not division and discouragement, in our shared quest to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday described the October 2020 EndSARS protest period as one of his toughest moments as a leader.

Sanwo-Olu made this known during a chat with 30 fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, in Ikeja.

“One of my toughest moments as a leader was during the EndSARS protest.

“We have been tested as a government, but we must continue to put the needs of Lagosians beyond our struggles as a responsive and responsible government.

”No bad news stays forever. Work hard to create good news and make sure people listen to it,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He advised fellows of the academy to be intentional about developing their leadership skills.

”For you to have been selected out of 16,000 applicants means there is something of value in you.

“Leadership is something we should be deliberate about which was why we created this academy.

“You all are champions of good leadership. Challenge yourselves. The only limitation you have is not dreaming big enough.

”I know your generation may not know who Alhaji Lateef Jakande was,” he said.

The governor said that Jakande epitomised leadership.

“That is why we are still talking about him today,” he said.

The governor told the fellows that it would be important to show courage in the face of adversity.

“A trait of a good leader is the ability to tolerate and endure, which is why we need you to stay together so you will learn how to tolerate each other and make meaningful friendships.

”You need to be courageous and be solution-oriented, don’t focus on the challenges,” he said.

Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, the academy’s Executive Secretary, thanked the governor for addressing the fellows.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the academy is aimed at developing young, change-oriented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of Nigeria.

The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has resumed trucking out of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, after a one-week halt in operations.

The refinery had abruptly stopped loading petrol a fortnight ago without providing any explanation, leaving many marketers stranded.

According to sources, the Port Harcourt Refinery Depot was inactive last Thursday, with an empty loading bay and no signs of activity throughout the preceding week.

However, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had stated that preparations for loading operations were ongoing.

Contrary to earlier reports, it was gathered that the lifting of petrol commenced on Saturday, with 11 trucks loading PMS from the depot.

A visit to the facility on Monday revealed that, although activities had not fully commenced, trucks were seen driving into the 18-arm loading bay from 1:14 pm onwards.

The Guardian observed that the first set of trucks arrived at the Onyema gate, the entrance point for trucks, at around 12:21 pm. The trucks, which were assumed to have been cleared from a designated area, were allowed to proceed to the loading bay.

By 12:26 pm, a total of seven trucks had been cleared and were ready to proceed to the loading bay to lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The trucks eventually made their way to the loading bay at around 1:30 pm.

However, despite the resumption of loading operations, activities at the depot remained slow.

By 2 pm, only two trucks had loaded, while six others were still queuing to load. Two trucks had already loaded and left the loading bay, while three others were in the process of loading.

A fire service truck was stationed at the loading bay in case of any fire outbreak. The first truck started lifting petrol at exactly 1:18 pm, and by 4:30 pm, a total of ten trucks had lifted petrol.

Marketers at the depot expressed dissatisfaction with the frequent shutting down of loading operations without explanation.

They also lamented that only three out of the 18 arms in the loading bay were functional, while the others had yet to be calibrated.

One marketer, who identified himself as Liti, stated, “We are not happy over what is happening here. If operations were going on fully here, you would see this place full of trucks, and they can load up to 50 trucks before 6 pm. So, let the government come and help us and make sure the refinery is working well.”

It was also gathered that not all the arms in the loading bay were designated for petrol loading.

Some were meant for loading Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Automated Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel. However, the refinery has yet to commence production of kerosene and diesel.

The resumption of petrol loading operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company is expected to alleviate the fuel scarcity in the region.

However, the frequent shutdowns and technical issues at the refinery have raised concerns about the facility’s reliability and efficiency.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a long-pending proposal for telecom tariff hikes, with new rates for calls, SMS, and internet bundles expected to take effect in January 2025. [b]This marks the end of over a decade of lobbying by telecom giants like MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and 9Mobile, who have called for price adjustments to reflect economic realities. Despite soaring operational costs driven by headline inflation, telecom operators have been unable to raise prices for 11 years.

A spokesperson for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) confirmed to TechCabal that further details of the tariff adjustments would be shared in an official announcement.

“This announcement will benefit the subscribers and operators because we have taken into account the proposals from the industry and the public,” an NCC spokesperson told TechCabal.

According to the existing proposals, telecoms tariffs could rise by up to 40%. If adopted, the cost of a phone call will increase from ₦11 to ₦15.40 per minute and SMS charges will rise from ₦4 to ₦5.60. For data plans, the price of a 1GB bundle will increase from ₦1,000 to at least ₦1,400.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, acknowledged the need for price adjustments, stating: “We think there may be a need for that” in a December 20 interview on Arise TV.

The NCC is responsible for reviewing and approving tariffs adjustments in the telecommunications industry. In October 2024, it rejected Starlink’s application to double subscription fees to ₦75,000. While the commission aims to balance the financial burden on subscribers, it also recognises that the industry’s operational challenges could affect service quality and investment.

Rising food inflation (39.93%) complicates the telecom tariff increase, with concerns that it could reduce internet usage in a country where digital inclusion is a priority. However, the current situation has led to significant financial losses for the telcos.

MTN Nigeria, for instance, reported a ₦137 billion loss in 2023, with losses expanding to ₦514.9 billion in the first nine months of 2024. Airtel Africa also reported losses of $89 million in FY 2024, largely driven by challenges in Nigeria.

Despite the grim outlook in the telecoms sector for much of the year, President of the Association of Licenced Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Gbenga Adebayo argues that cost-reflective prices will incentivise investment and help improve quality in the long run.

•Does not believe in price controls   

•Has no regrets removing subsidy   

•Says borrowing not a crime

•Tax reforms have come to stay, but open to negotiations on VAT  

•Expresses confidence in his security architecture

•Insists reforms not designed to inflict pains on Nigerians, necessary for growth  

•Says he has met obligations without recourse to NNPCL funds  

•Blames stampedes on very grave error on part of organisers

President Bola Tinubu, last night, asked Nigerians to believe in his government, saying the administration, which is “just 18-month” old, is on the right path and marks “a glorious dawn” for Nigeria.

Featuring in the maiden edition of his Presidential Media Chat, held in Lagos, Tinubu expressed confidence in his security architecture, saying he has no reason to sack or probe his security chiefs.

Declaring that he had no regrets removing fuel subsidy, he insisted that his controversial tax reforms had come to stay, in spite of opposition from some quarters. Though, he hinted that the government might be open to negotiation on the aspect of the tax reforms dealing with Value Added Tax (VAT).

He said his government’s reforms, though coming with unintended painful consequences, were not intended to inflict pain on Nigerians, but to lead the country to the glorious future that the people crave.

The president blamed palliative organisers for the recent stampedes that caused several deaths in different parts of the country.

Despite spiraling inflation, Tinubu said he did not believe in price controls. He said the market should be supplied, while allowing the forces of demand and supply determine prices.

The president said his administration had met its financial obligations without resorting to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for funding.

Tinubu defended his government’s huge appetite for loans, saying borrowing for infrastructure is not a crime.

He passed a vote of confidence on his cabinet, and dismissed suggestion to trim the cabinet size.

Speaking to Nigerians as part of his parting shots at the end of the media chat, Tinubu said, “I seek your understanding. I understand the trouble you’ve been through: the economic problems. It is just 18-month that I’ve taken the reign. We’ll maintain focus. Let’s believe in ourselves and in our country. Tomorrow will bring a glorious dawn.”

Tinubu assured Nigerians that 2025 would usher in economic prosperity and growth, emphasising that he understands the plight of the people.

He said, “2025 is a very promising year. Let me thank Nigerians for having confidence in me to be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I’m very proud of that.

“I don’t want you to think that I will take it for granted at any given time. It is all about service. I will do it with all my heart. I seek your cooperation all the time.”

Tinubu told the panel anchored by Dr Reuben Abati of ARISENEWS TV that leaders of the country’s security services deserve commendation, not probe.

He said, “I’m not probing service chiefs. You cannot disrespect the institution because of threat of war, without investment in technology, in weaponry and training.

“There might be leakages here and there. We put a very effective control mechanism in place to monitor our budget releases, and those funds have been judiciously used.

“Consider the welfare of our service men and women, consider it. They are living and are operating in a very serious conditions. We have huge country, a very huge world, and lot of forests, unoccupied spaces.

“Give them credit for what they are doing. I am proud of what they are doing to date. No need to probe. I have confidence in my security architecture. It is very, very unfortunate that, you know, two decades of wanton killing.

“I remember when I jumped into the campaign. I had to stop the campaign to pay condolences to Maiduguri, Katsina, Kaduna, Yola. Today, you can still travel the roads. Before now, it was impossible.

“It takes one incident to mess up an organised environment. It takes one. You cannot say the military is not prepared. When the 9th Brigade Battalion was attacked, you can’t laugh at your nation because of that.

“The enemies, with faith and without, are watching what you are doing. You have to be prepared 100 per cent, 24 hours of the day, to make sure that people are safe.

“Today, that is not the story any longer. People can leave Kaduna and still go towards Kafancha by road. Well, the road may not be that smooth. I’m not saying it won’t. Gradually, we will get there.”

The president stressed that he had no regrets removing fuel subsidy at his inauguration on May 29, 2023. He said failure to do so would have amounted to the country spending the lives of its future generations.

Tinubu stated, “We were spending our future, We were spending our generations when we claimed we were giving subsidy to Nigerians on petrol. We were not investing.

“We were just deceiving ourselves. That reform (fuel subsidy removal), is necessary. I could see the small glass crashing back. This is the way out. The fact that we give out fuel, allow all the attacks. We cannot spend our future generations’ investment up front.”

Asked if he thought the removal should have been done in phases, Tinubu said it might have worked that way, too.

He stated, “Please, no matter how you cut it or you slice it in segments, you stay out of the middle of the deal. So, cut your coat, stick it to your side. It’s what we have to manage.

“We have no choice but to pull the handbrake. Otherwise, we are headed for slippery slopes. That could result in financial disaster, not just for us, but our children and grandchildren. Where is the inheritance? Where is the pathway to prosperity?”

The president, who cracked a joke about one of his friends who had stopped driving limousine cars since the fuel subsidy was removed, urged Nigerians to live within their means.

On the controversial tax bills, Tinubu said, “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears into this economy. We cannot retool this economy with the old broken boat. I believe I have that capacity (to govern this country). I believe so.

“That’s why I went into the race. I have focus, lots of focus, on what Nigeria needs and what I must do for Nigeria. It’s just not going to be Eldorado for everybody. But the new dawn is here. I’m convinced. You should be convinced. You (the media) should help propagate that conviction.”

The president scored his government high with the results already being recorded based on the economic reforms being implemented.

According to him, “When you look at the petroleum revenue, I can tell you, pushed me to my brag mode. In the last three months, I have not taken a penny from the NNPCL before I meet my other obligations.

“That’s excellent. That’s excellent. I repeat, without falling back to the old order, without going into ways and means, I’ve met all obligations.”

He, however, refused to speak on the VAT component of the tax reforms when asked to make some comments on it.

“Why do you want to know that today? Tax matters are subject of debates, reviews, negotiations, not huge concessions. That’s all I’m going to say about that. I don’t mind much energy,” he said.

The president said no amount of time would satisfy the critics, and he needed to take action, nevertheless.

On the tragic incidents that claimed the lives of many people due to stampedes at the distribution of palliatives by some non-governmental organisations in Oyo Anambra states, and the FCT, Tinubu described the development as sad, and blamed the organisers of the events

He also warned that anyone or group that did not have enough palliatives to give should not call many people to a single place.

Tinubu said, “I’ve never experienced this kind of incident, because you have to organise, you have to discipline, and if you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicise it.

 

“Every society, even in America, they have food banks; they have hungry people. In Britain, they have food banks, they have warehouses, they are organised, they take time to be on the queue and take turns to collect.

“It’s unfortunate, we just have to learn from our past mistakes. It’s a reflection in our bus stops, where we don’t even want to be on queue before we rush into the vehicle.

“It is very sad, but we continue to learn from our mistakes. To me, I see this as a very grave error on the part of the organisers. However, it doesn’t kill our happiness, but this shouldn’t be.”

Tinubu announced that he had reduced debt service from 98 per cent to about 68 per cent and defended the country’s borrowing appetite, arguing that it is not a crime to borrow.

He pointed to ongoing infrastructure project and other investments enabled by borrowing.

The president said he had confidence in his cabinet and would not reduce its size, saying he believes that the ministers are doing what they need to do.

He said his cabinet should be given credit for what it was doing, and there was no need to investigate the members.

Tinubu, who said the country was moving forward despite criticisms from some quarters, described the proposed 2025 appropriation bill as budget of restoration and hope, adding that the country remains on the path of recovery.

He admitted that healing the country was not feasible within a year and asked Nigerians for patience with his government.

Among other things, the president said there was no need to embark on expenditure when revenue remained a challenge, adding that Nigerians must learn to manage in the situation.

Explaining that the ongoing reforms were not designed to inflict pains on the people, but “we want this country to grow”, the president stressed the need for the country to produce more for consumption locally, as well as export.

He said improved security would help farmers to return to their farms to boost food production, saying there is need to further encourage the manufacturing of drugs in Nigeria, and put up incentives to harness other potential.

On food security, the president said the country had all it took to turn disaster to prosperity, and all that was needed was to “remove conflicting elements”.

Tinubu said there was need to embrace commodity exchange, but he kicked against price control mechanism to rein in inflation, saying he would rather that prices were left to market forces to determine than control them.

“I don’t believe in price control. We just need to continue to supply the market,” he said, explaining that demand and supply would eventually reach an equilibrium and find their real bearing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly stated that he has no intention of reducing the size of his cabinet, explaining that the current structure was designed to ensure efficient governance for a large nation like Nigeria.

Speaking during his first Presidential Media Chat on Monday, Tinubu responded to suggestions to downsize his cabinet, emphasising that the country’s population of over 200 million requires a substantial number of officials to manage its affairs.

“I’m not prepared to bring down the number of my cabinet. I saw the need for them when I created the portfolio. Nigeria is a large country. If you are to entertain over 200 million persons, calculate how many stewards will be required,” the President said.

He added that efficiency was the driving force behind the cabinet’s formation, and he was not willing to shrink its size.

Tax Reform here to stay, new dawn not Eldorado for all – Tinubu

Tinubu also addressed the controversial tax reform, calling it “here to stay” and necessary for the country’s long-term prosperity.

He pointed out that Nigeria could no longer afford to continue with its old economic practices. Reflecting on his time as Lagos State Governor, he said, “I remember what I met, and I’m proud of what I left. It’s expanding today. We have to accommodate new thoughts in the economic calculation.”

The President argued that the tax reform is designed to be “pro-poor,” aiming to widen the tax net so that the country can benefit from a larger pool of resources.

He emphasised that, despite concerns and calls for consultation, the government would continue with the reform.

“The hallmark of a leader is the ability to do what must be done. You have given me the mandate to govern, and I’m laser-focused on what Nigerians need. It will not be Eldorado for everybody, but the new dawn is here,” Tinubu stated.

His comments highlighted the government’s commitment to economic transformation, despite criticisms, and the need for all Nigerians to contribute to the nation’s growth.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded further reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), stressing that the recent drop in price to ₦935/litre is not satisfactory.

Recalls that Dangote Petroleum Refinery in partnership with MRS recently announced a reduction in petrol price to ₦935/litre.

Prior to the announcement, the commodity was sold for over ₦1,030/litre in Lagos and environs, while it cost more than ₦1,060/litre in Abuja and Northern states.

However, Labour insisted on Monday that the cost of petrol should drop further.

Speaking with Punch, a senior official of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chris Onyeka, rejected any applause for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol.

He argued that the current pricing mechanism does not reflect the true cost of the commodity.

“Do you want us to clap for them? How can we be okay with a price of N935/litre of PMS? This is not the right price for PMS. You cannot base the price on imported products when we have refining capacity in Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that the costs embedded in the current pricing framework, including foreign labour, freight charges, insurance, logistics, and profits accrued abroad, unfairly burden Nigerians.

“Products are refined in Nigeria, yet the price you give Nigerians is based on imported products. Why should we applaud that? It is akin to someone stealing your money and returning only part of it, then expecting you to clap. We cannot applaud this,” he stated.

Onyeka stressed that the only way to ascertain the correct price of PMS is by determining the actual cost of refining it domestically.

“We need to know how much it costs the NNPC to refine a litre of PMS in our local refineries, such as the Port Harcourt refinery. That is the price Nigerians should be paying,” he emphasised.

He called on the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring that fuel pricing aligns with local realities.

“This country belongs to all Nigerians. Let the government do the right thing that allows Nigerians to breathe. Let the poor breathe.

“The NLC’s position underscores growing discontent among Nigerians over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices being a major contributor to inflation and economic hardship,” he stated.

Elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has taken a firm stance against the northern governors’ opposition to the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Clark stressed the importance of the reforms for Nigeria’s economic stability, criticising the 19 northern governors of double standards and undue influence.

The elder statesman, however, questioned their decision to hold separate meetings after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had already deliberated on the matter.

“I was so shocked when I learned that the 19 governors of the north have met again. If 36 of you met, why are you meeting again? This arrogance of power must stop,” he said.

The elder statesman also expressed disappointment with the NEC’s recommendation that the tax bills be shelved for further consultation.

He criticized the council for overstepping its advisory role, accusing it of engaging in political manoeuvring.

“The NEC is a constitutional advisory body, but today it has been converted into an executive body.

“The 36 governors under the vice president are now playing politics rather than focusing on governance,” Clark remarked.

He further accused governors of failing to engage their constituents, claiming they prioritize trips to Abuja over addressing local concerns.

“How many times have they consulted their people? They don’t stay at home. They are always in Abuja thinking that they will get more money,” he said.

Clark also called on President Tinubu to prioritize inclusivity and merit in his administration.

He criticized the president for allegedly appointing allies and friends to key positions, warning that such actions could deepen divisions in the country.

“Nigeria does not belong to Mr. President; it belongs to everyone. Every Nigerian deserves an equal chance to rise to the top,” he emphasized.

Defending the tax reform bills, Clark insisted that they are crucial for Nigeria’s fiscal health.

He argued that all Nigerians, including the northern governors, must contribute through taxes to sustain the nation.

“When they decide to share, they must ask where the money they are sharing comes from. So, you must pay tax,” he said.

President Tinubu’s tax reform bills have been met with widespread criticism, with concerns about their potential economic burdens on citizens.

While the NEC advised the president to reconsider the bills, the 19 northern governors separately rejected them, further fueling tensions.

Popular Hollywood actor Denzel Washington has officially become a gospel minister, after receiving his minister’s license.

The 69-year-old Academy Award-winning actor was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday.

In a heartfelt message following the baptism, Washington expressed his gratitude and faith.

“It took a while, but I’m finally here. If God can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit,” he said.

Archbishop Bryant, who officiated the ceremony, shared the occasion on Facebook, celebrating Washington’s decision to give his life to Christ and join the clergy in the Church of God in Christ.

“We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s license in the Church of God in Christ today, in a truly uplifting moment,” the post read.

Washington has long been open about his Christian faith, though he’s previously noted how difficult it can be to express such beliefs in Hollywood.

In a recent interview with ‘Esquire’, he revealed how religion is often a taboo subject in the entertainment industry.

“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and savior,” the “Gladiator II” star wrote for Esquire.

Despite these challenges, he stressed that his faith remains central to his identity.

“I’m unafraid. “I don’t care what anyone thinks. See, talking about the fear part of it – you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” he added.

Though Washington is unsure how many of his peers in Hollywood share his beliefs, he made it clear that his faith is an important part of who he is.

“I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about. It’s not talked about. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.

“There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard,” he wrote.

Washington’s career has spanned more than four decades, with standout roles in films such as ‘Malcolm X’, ‘Training Day’, ‘The Book of Eli’, and ‘Fences’.

His breakthrough came with the TV series ‘St. Elsewhere’ in 1982, setting the stage for his illustrious film career.

Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has shared harrowing details about her marriage and an alleged attempt on her life.

In an emotional interview with her colleague, Bimpe Akintunde on the YouTube show Iriri Mi, Toyosi recounted the challenges she endured in her 15-year marriage and the lengths she went to save it, despite her stardom.

Toyosi Adesanya revealed that her efforts to sustain her marriage included relocating from Lagos to Akure, a decision she believed would balance her career and family life.

She even travelled abroad at her own expense to salvage her relationship when her husband relocated. However, the actress alleged that malevolent forces infiltrated her marriage, leading to its eventual breakdown.

The most shocking revelation came when Toyosi recounted an alleged assassination attempt. She claimed that her life was saved miraculously, but someone else died in her place.

Bimpe Akintunde, who visited Toyosi during her marriage, corroborated some of the struggles, recalling meeting her colleague fetching water, a stark contrast to her celebrity status.

In Toyosi Adesanya’s words:

“For me, I wish to be married. For someone like me, I’ve been in a marriage and people were asking me how I would cope with stardom. I left Lagos for Akure, which is a four-hour journey, but I was determined it wouldn’t affect my stardom. I made all that sacrifice in that marriage.

“I really put in an effort in my marriage. I was married for 15 years. I tried so much in my marriage that the elder in the industry knew I did. The person I married didn’t offend me, but he allowed the devil into the marriage. The house that I built with him, I left it for him because my life is important.

“When he left me to go abroad, I went to meet him there and even used my money to transport myself there because I wanted to make my marriage work.

“The man that I am currently with, I told him I am not going to get married because I will have one wedding in life because it was a court wedding.

Bimpe Akintunde knew of my court wedding as she attended it in Akure. Anytime she came to visit, she would bring foodstuffs for me and encourage me to stay in the marriage. We were fetching water in the first house we acquired. She said I was now fetching water and I said God will perform miracles. I would be praying for my husband in the presence of my present husband.

The senior actors I usually go to the prayer mountain with came to my house in Akure and told me that there were some items planted in some designated places in my home and prayed against my corpse being taken out of the house”.