Kenny Ogungbe, the founder of Kennis Music, says his label was interested in signing Plantashun Boiz before 2Baba launched his solo career.

In a chat with Osi Suave, the media personality, Ogungbe revealed that he offered a contract to Blackface, a member of the now-defunct group after they collaborated with Tony Tetuila.

He said the deal, however, never materialised.

Ogungbe explained that 2Baba expressed his desire to pursue a solo career, which he fully supported.

“2Face is a brother, but first of all, a contract was given to Plantashun Boiz because of their involvement with Tony Tetuila on the album ‘Omode Meta Shere’. I said, let me try to see if I can sign them,” he said.

“I gave Austin (Blackface) the contract, but nothing happened. After a while, 2Face called me and said he wanted to be on his own. I said, no problem.”

Ogungbe addressed claims that he played a role in the breakup of Plantashun Boiz.

He clarified that 2Baba’s decision to embark on a solo career was entirely his own.

Plantashun Boiz, formed in 2000, consisted of 2Baba, Faze, and Blackface.

The group, known for its blend of hip-hop and R&B, disbanded in 2004 after releasing two albums.

Following the split, 2Baba signed with Kennis Music and released ‘Face 2 Face’, one of the most monumental albums in Nigerian music history.

The album featured the classic hit ‘African Queen’, which catapulted him to international stardom.

In 2008, 2Baba left Kennis Music to establish his record label, Hypertek Entertainment

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ghanaian President-elect, John Mahama, on his victory in the country’s December 7, 2024 general election.

This came after Mahama’s rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on Sunday, saying this was to ease tensions after reported fights in several local constituencies.

Although the Electoral Commission has yet to announce the results, Bawumia’s ruling National Democratic Congress said its internal review showed Mahama leading with 56.3 per cent of the vote against its 41.3 per cent.

A statement signed Sunday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said, “In a telephone call to Mahama, President Tinubu hoped that Mahama’s ascension to power for the second time would further bring stability to the Economic Community of West African States, of which President Tinubu is the chairman.”

The statement is titled, ‘Ghana: President Tinubu congratulates President-Elect John Mahama in a telephone call.’

Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their commitment to democracy, which was demonstrated through the peaceful and successful conduct of both the presidential and parliamentary elections.

“He applauded Ghanaians for demonstrating again to the world that democracy is the preferred path to achieving political stability, economic development, social justice and transparent governance in Africa.

“He affirmed that Nigeria’s and the region’s belief in the principles of the people’s right to choose their leaders freely will remain a source of pride.

“The Nigerian leader applauded the candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party, the Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for conceding defeat before the official announcement by Ghana’s Electoral Commission,” Onanuga revealed.

Tinubu said Bawumia’s stance reinforced Ghana’s democratic ethos.

He noted that Mahama’s return to Jubilee House, having served as President from 2012 to 2017, reflects the Ghanaian people’s trust in his stewardship and vision to take the country to greater heights.

Mahama served as Ghana’s Vice President from 2009 to 2012, Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009, and held deputy and ministerial roles between 1998 and 2001.

Tinubu renewed his steadfast support for deepening the fraternal bonds between Nigeria and Ghana, underpinned by shared history, cultural ties, mutual support and cooperation, Pan-African goals, democracy, the rule of law, and economic integration.

The Nigerian leader thanks President Nana Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership and numerous contributions to Ghana’s progress and regional peace and stability.

He said he looks forward to working with Mahama’s incoming administration to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors and build a brighter future in the West Africa region.

Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has been declared winner of the Saturday presidential election in the West African country.

The election has generated attention from across the globe, considering the pedigree of the contesters, especially the major front-runners.

Mahama’s contender who is also the Ghana’s Vice President, Muhammadu Bawumia, has since conceded defeat even before the official announcement was made by the country’s Electoral Commission.

In a phone call placed to Mahama, Bawumia said his decision to concede defeat was to ease tensions in the country which the election period had generated.

He added: “I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country.

“It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana.

“The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”

As Mahama takes the reigns of power for yet another fresh term, here are things you should know about him.

Background

Mahama was born on November 29, 1958 into an active political family. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, a parliamentarian, had served as regional commissioner during the stint of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.

School

John Mahama attended Achimota School in Accra and Ghana Secondary School in Tamale for his Primary and Secondary School education respectively. In 1981, Mahama enrolled into the University of Ghana where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in History and subsequently completed a postgraduate studies in Communication in 1986. After teaching high-school history for a few years, he moved further to acquire a postgraduate degree in Social Psychology from the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow and obtained his certificate in 1988.

Career

After returning to his country, Mahama started pursuing his career line. He worked in Accra as the Information, Culture and Research Officer at the embassy of Japan until 1995, when he moved to Ghana office of Plan International as Manager of International Relations, Sponsorship, Communication and Grants.

Political Life

Mahama became active in politics in 1996 when he was elected into the Parliament under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and was reelected in 2000 and 2004. At the Parliament, Mahama, who demonstrated high sense of commitment to his statutory roles, held various positions. Between 1998 and 2001, he was Minister of Communications. He was later selected as the running mate of John Evans Atta Mills in the December 2008 presidential election, which they won and were inaugurated on January 7, 2009. But Mahama later became President following the demise of Mills in 2012, who died months before the expiration of his tenure.

During the following round of election, Mahama was selected to be the flag bearer of his party, the NDC, in the country’s presidential election. He was declared winner of the December 2012 election with 50.7 percent, defeating his close rival, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriot Party (NPP), who polled 47.74 percent.

Dissatisfied with the election results, Akufo-Addo filed a petition before the Supreme Court, citing election fraud. But in August 2013, Akufo’s suit was dismissed and Mahama’s victory upheld.

Mahama’s Days as President

During his time as Ghana’s President, Mahama faced challenges when the country’s economy dwindled. With falling global prices on Ghana’s primary exports, increasing debts, power outages, increasing costs associated with public wage, Ghana’s economy was impacted negatively and that unfortunate development put Mahama on a rather disadvantaged position, politically.

Mahama camme under heavy criticisms when his countrymen accused him of not effectively handling the nation’s affairs. Power shortages which affected the country and impacted the economy albeit in a negative way earned the then President a nickname of “Mr. Dumsor, dum-sor” which meant “off-on” in the Twi language, describing the incessant power cuts.

Mahama’s days at the Presidency ended in December 2016 when he was defeated by Akufo-Addo in the presidential election that was contested by many candidates.

Mahama, however, conceded and handed over the reigns of power to Akufo at the end of his (Mahama’s) tenure in January 2017.

Mahama also contested the Ghana’s 2020 election but lost to Akufo-Addo, the victory the former challenged at court, citing irregularities. Mahama’s petition was, however, dismissed in March 2021.

The Comeback

Determined in his cause, Mahama, who remained active in the Ghana’s political space, was once again made the flag bearer of the NDC in the December 2024 presidential election. Mahama, who contested the election along with 12 other candidates, was declared winner of the election.

The former House of Representatives Appropriation Committee Chairman, Faruk Lawan, has stated that he is now a better person.

Recall that Lawan had served five years in prison for receiving a $3 million bribe from oil magnate, Femi Otedola.

Speaking on Saturday during his visit to Shanono/Bagwai Federal Constituency, in a crowded convoy of political supporters, Lawan said, “Today, I am a better person, and I thank God for everything. My visit is not political but rather to pay condolences, sympathize with the sick, and pay homage to our fathers and traditional leaders.”

Speaking further, Lawan, who was dressed in Kwankwasiyya white-red cap attire, stated he is freelancing in politics and presently does not belong to anybody.

He was received by the District Head of Bagwai in Bagwai Local Government, Alhaji Nura Shehu Ahmad, the Magajin Rafi of Kano, who described Faruk Lawan’s incarceration as “a blessing in disguise” for him and his supporters.

He said, “Today, many of us here who were once your enemies have turned into not only your supporters but your loyal supporters, with a deep understanding of who Faruk Lawan truly is and his passion for his people.”

The District Head noted, “Even when Faruk Lawan was in prison, he still connected with us in all facets of life. He supported the needy among us, inquired about everyone, and sent messages to many of us. We really thank you and cherish you.”

The chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified that the recently proposed tax reform bills do not include any provision for an inheritance tax.

He made this disclosure via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, dispelling speculation about such a tax in Nigeria’s fiscal policy.

According to Oyedele, the inheritance tax was abolished in Nigeria in 1996 following the abrogation of the Capital Transfer Tax Decree.

He explained that inheritance represents a one-time transfer of wealth, either as a gift during the giver’s lifetime or upon their death, and differs fundamentally from recurring income subject to taxation under the proposed tax reforms.

“Inheritance tax is a one-time wealth transfer. Unlike inheritance tax, family income covered under the tax bills is expected to recur from time to time,” Oyedele stated.

He further highlighted the provisions of Section 4 of the Nigeria Tax Bill, which defines taxable income. Section 4(3), in particular, addresses taxable income earned by families, stressing that inheritance itself is not taxable under the bill. This approach aligns with existing tax laws, including Section 2(5) of the Personal Income Tax Act (LFN 2004 as amended).

Oyedele elaborated on the taxation of family income, noting that “In the case of income of a family recognised under any law or custom in Nigeria as family income, in which the several interests of individual members of the family are indeterminate or uncertain, tax may be imposed only by the territory in which the member of that family who customarily receives that income in the first instance in Nigeria usually resides.”

He also explained that individual earnings are subject to tax, and when groups such as partnerships, communities, or families earn taxable income collectively, they cannot claim exemption simply because they operate as a group.

“The income will therefore be taxed in the hands of individual members where their respective shares can be determined; otherwise, the group will be collectively taxed. This ensures equity and prevents a potential loophole in the tax law,” Oyedele said.

The clarification reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and equity in Nigeria’s tax system, while also addressing misconceptions about the scope and implications of the proposed tax reforms

Actor and film director, Ibrahim Chatta, has addressed the long-held notion that he is underrated in the movie industry.

In a recent appearance on the ‘Talk To B’ podcast, Chatta confidently asserted that he is one of the highest-paid Yoruba-speaking actors in Nigeria.

“A lot of time some people say Ibrahim Chatta is underrated. No, I’m not. I’m one of the highest-paid Yoruba-speaking actors in Nigeria,” he said.

Chatta recounted his humble beginnings in the entertainment industry, revealing that he started as a studio rat, creating promotional jingles and movie soundtracks for over 400 films and firms.

According to him, his determination and perseverance ultimately paved the way for his success in the industry.

“I gave myself responsibility because I discovered it would make me stronger.

“At a point, I told my mum that I was comfortable and that she shouldn’t bother sending me foodstuffs.

“But I wasn’t comfortable. So, I would work for about a week or two as a bus conductor and get somebody to Kwara to give my parents foodstuffs so they would rest assured of my well-being.

“Then I got lucky and I started writing and composing movie soundtracks. I did movie soundtracks for over 400 films, I did promotional jingles for over 400 firms.

Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated John Mahama on his victory in the recently concluded election in Ghana.

Naija News reported earlier that the candidate of the ruling party in the Ghana presidential election, Mahamudu Bawumia, on Sunday conceded defeat to former President, John Mahama, following the outcome of the Saturday, December 7, election.

In a post via his official X handle on Sunday, Atiku congratulated Mahama, describing the outcome as a landslide victory.

“Your Excellency, Mr. President-elect John Mahama, @JDMahama. My warmest congratulations on your victory. I was told you were on your way to church and thought I could catch up with you before you entered the church for the Sunday service. Once again, kindly accept my hearty congratulations on your landslide victory,” Atiku wrote on X.

Earlier, Ghana‘s ruling New Patriotic Party candidate, Bawumia, called his opponent, John Mahama, to extend his congratulations.

“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” he said in a press conference.

Mahama has also acknowledged on his X account that he had received a congratulatory call from Bawumia.

Ghana‘s ruling New Patriotic Party candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, announced on Sunday that he had accepted his defeat in the recent presidential election.

Naija News understands that Bawumia has pushed a phone call to his opponent, John Mahama, to extend his congratulations.

“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” he said in a press conference.

Mahama acknowledged on his X account that he had received a congratulatory call from Bawumia.

The Vice President remarked that Mahama had secured the presidency “decisively,” along with the opposition NDC party’s victory in the parliamentary elections, based on the ruling NPP party’s internal vote count.

Bawumia faced challenges in distancing himself from the criticism regarding the government’s management of Ghana’s economic crisis and the rising cost of living, which emerged as the primary issue during the election.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has been defeated in her bid for re-election in the Ablekuma West constituency by Reverend Kweku Addo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Ursula, who has held a parliamentary position since 2012, received 26,575 votes, whereas Reverend Addo emerged victorious with 31,866 votes. The results were confirmed by the returning officer from the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), indicating a total of 58,441 valid votes cast.

Additionally, Tourism Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer, a notable member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also lost his parliamentary seat in the Sekondi constituency to Blay Nyameke Armah of the NDC.

Mercer, who had been the representative for the area since 2016, garnered 11,084 votes, while Armah achieved 14,558 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Armah expressed gratitude to his constituents, declaring, “This victory belongs to the entire constituency, and we will work together to revitalize Sekondi.”

Furthermore, Interior Minister Henry Quartey was defeated in the Ayawaso Central constituency by Abdul Rauf Tubazu of the NDC. Quartey, who previously served as the Greater Accra Regional Minister, received 23,345 votes, while Tubazu claimed victory with 29,755 votes.

Tubazu conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the win, stating, “This victory is gratifying, and we are committed to serving the people.”

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review is currently evaluating a proposal aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to restrict the number of ministers appointed by the president to 37.

This proposal, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Streamline the Number of Ministers to be Appointed to the Federal Executive Council,” is presently under consideration by the committee, which Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu chairs.

Naija News reports that the bill is sponsored by representatives from the Darazo/Ganjuwa and Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituencies of Bauchi and Borno states, respectively.

The bill aims to revise Section 147 (1) of the Constitution to state, “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation, not exceeding 37, as may be established by the President.”

It is worth noting that the Federal Executive Council under President Bola Tinubu currently consists of 45 ministers, including substantive ministers and Ministers of State.

Traditionally, the Nigerian president appoints a minister from each of the 36 states of the federation while also allowing for additional appointments based on various considerations in the formation of the cabinet.

“The bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to specify the maximum number of ministers to be appointed to the Federal Executive Council to address duplication of duties, minimise the cost of governance, and enhance efficiency to service at the federal level,” the Bauchi lawmaker, Mansur Soro said during an interview with The PUNCH.

“We need to reduce the cost of governance and address inequality in the number of ministers to be appointed from each state and cases of overlapping mandates of ministers. In my opinion, a minister per state is enough while also considering the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.

The lawmaker elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed disagreement with the notion that the president has the authority to appoint more than two ministers from a single state in order to include technocrats.

The President has numerous other key government agencies and additional ministerial parastatals available for the inclusion of technocrats or politicians. Currently, Ogun State is represented by four ministers, while other states have only one each.

The lawmaker questioned the fairness of this situation.

In a related matter, the committee led by Kalu is deliberating on a proposed bill aimed at amending Section 62 of the Constitution to ensure adherence to the federal character principle in the selection of principal officers within the National Assembly.

Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama has won the country’s presidential election after his main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat.

“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” Bawumia said in a news conference on Sunday.

The defeat in Saturday’s election ends two terms in power for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, marked by Ghana’s worst economic crisis in years, involving high inflation and a debt default.

Bawumia said he called Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to congratulate him.

Earlier, NDC spokesman Sammy Gyamfi told reporters the party’s internal review of results showed Mahama won 56.3 percent of the vote against 41.3 percent for Bawumia.

“It is very clear the people of this country have voted for change,” Gyamfi said.

The vice president said Mahama won the presidency “decisively

The NDC won the parliamentary election, according to the NPP’s internal tally of votes.

Mahama, who was president of Ghana between July 2012 and January 2017, confirmed on X he had received Bawumia’s congratulatory call over his “emphatic victory”.

Blaring horns and cheering, the 65-year-old’s supporters were already gathering and celebrating outside the party campaign headquarters in the capital, Accra.

During his campaign, he promised to “reset” the country on various fronts and tried to appeal to young Ghanaians.

His win marks a historic victory, making him the first president in the three decades of Ghana’s Fourth Republic – since the 1992 return to multi-party democracy – to reclaim the presidency after being voted out.

Ghana’s economic woes dominated the election after the gold and cacao producer went through a crisis of default and currency devaluation, ending with a $3bn International Monetary Fund bailout.

On corruption, Mahama vowed during the campaign that he will create a new office tasked with scrutinising government procurement above a $5m threshold.

He said unchecked procurement processes are a major source of corruption.

But Mahama also voiced support for the anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana’s parliament in February but which is yet to be signed into law and has sparked international criticism.

Ghana’s election commission had said official results were likely due by Tuesday.

With a history of democratic stability, Ghana’s two main parties, the NPP and NDC, have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party politics in 1992.