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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:47
Why Presidents, Governors Avoid Handing Over Power To Deputies — Osoba
Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba has opened up on why many presidents and governors avoid transferring leadership to their deputies.
Speaking on Tuesday, he stated that suspicion and lack of trust are the primary reasons.
The veteran journalist expressed these concerns at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in Abuja.
The event, themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” highlighted these governance challenges.
While describing the situation as unfortunate, Osoba noted that it is a global issue, not confined to Nigeria or Africa.
The former governor cited the political tension between former United States Vice President Al Gore and his principal, Bill Clinton, as an example.
He said, “It is most unfortunate. It is not just in Africa — it happens all over the world. You will recall the case of Al Gore and Bill Clinton. Al Gore was his vice president, and he contested the presidency. But because he thought Clinton might be a liability, he didn’t involve him in his campaign.
So, this issue is not limited to Nigeria. It is rare to see a deputy succeeding their boss. However, there are still opportunities for such individuals in this country. As I mentioned earlier, the array of leaders who are still young and passionate about Nigeria, even from what we have seen at this conference, gives us confidence that one day, one of them will emerge as the president of this country."
Osoba also lamented the persistent trend of governors plotting or sponsoring impeachment against their deputies.
When asked whether the constitution could be amended to protect deputies from their superiors in government, the politician said there was little anyone could do.
:Again, you can’t amend the constitution against governors using their influence and powers to impeach their deputies. There is nothing anybody can do about it. If the State House of Assembly is friendly with the governor, he can attempt anything, including impeaching his deputy.
What we should continue to promote is for leaders to build relationships. It is not by law but through relationship. As they say, you wash your hands with both the left and right—it’s through cooperation,” he stated.
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, also shared his perspective, acknowledging that this is a controversial issue many leaders are reluctant to discuss.
Ganduje, however, lightened the mood by joking that even God Almighty didn’t consider having a deputy during creation.
The former Kano governor expressed optimism that continued advocacy might lead lawmakers to call for a constitutional review to strengthen the position of deputy leaders.
He said, “Whether you are a deputy governor or a vice president, it’s the same concept of deputising. This concept is a very controversial one.
Even in theology, God has no deputy because of its controversial nature. God declared that everyone, including His prophets, is a servant. So, it’s an issue that remains a no-go area.
“But a leader doesn’t determine his continuity in office. A leader could fall sick at any time and would need someone to steer the ship. If a leader dies, there must be someone to take over. No one can do it alone.
The difference between a governor and his deputy is not biological. It’s not because one was born to be a governor and the other to be a deputy.
I think this is an issue we will continue to debate until there is a review of the Constitution. Perhaps certain provisions could be added in favour of deputy governors."
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:44
Caycee Mboya, Tallest Woman in Kenya Expresses Desire to Be A Second Wife
Caycee Mboya, the tallest woman in Kenya has stated that she wouldn't mind becoming a second wife to a man over 40 years old.
She stated this in an exclusive interview posted on Tiktok.
When asked about her preference in men, she stated, “I don’t like young guys. I would love to be a second wife.”
Caycee explained her reasoning, saying, “I don’t have parents; I never met my mother, and my father passed away when I was in Standard 5. I missed out on that fatherly love. So, if I can find a husband who can also be a father figure, I think that would be amazing.”
She further elaborated on her thoughts about polygamy: “Since my parents died and I am an only child, I prefer polygamy. In case I pass away, I want other women to help care for my children. That is the main reason.”
Caycee emphasized her desire for a husband who can provide both companionship and fatherly support, stating, “I want a husband who can be a father figure to me, someone who can complement me.”
Her candid remarks have garnered significant attention on social media, prompting many users to share their thoughts in the comments section.
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:39
Abort Japa Plans, Fight For Better Nigeria – Femi Kuti
Renowned singer Femi Kuti has begged young Nigerians not 'japa.'
According to him, they should stay in the country and improve it.
Speaking at the 2024 Felebration festival, Kuti emphasised that developed countries like Europe and America fought for their freedom, highlighting their histories of civil wars and struggles.
He stressed that Nigeria’s youths should recognise their responsibility to improve their own country.
Kuti noted that iconic landmarks like the Fela Shrine were built in Africa, not abroad, and even those with dual citizenship contribute to Nigeria’s growth, citing his son, Made Kuti as an example.
He said: “People have asked me, ‘Shey you no go japa?’ Japa to where?”
“Let me tell you about Europe; you see Europe and what made it great. Do you think they ran away? No, they fought; Europe fought hundreds of civil wars; dem just dey kill themselves. America had one of the worst civil wars in history, which is why till today Americans still carry guns.
“We must understand that we have to stay here and fight for a better country that we love. We did not build the Fela Shrine in Los Angeles or in London; we built it in Africa. Get your senses together because this country depends on you.
“Made is a British citizen but where is he? He is in Nigeria and he cannot be anywhere else. What does he want to do there? If they call him for work, he’d go there to play and come back. Who would take over the shrine? I want to retire.”
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:40
Sacked Directors Ask Court To Stop CBN From Replacing Them
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been sued by some sacked workers who approached an Abuja Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) over their sack.
The sacked workers are seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain the bank from replacing them.
The sacked directors who are claimants/applicants in a motion on notice filed on Monday insisted their employments were “unlawfully terminated” by the bank “without a valid reason.”
The CBN was listed as sole defendant/respondent in the motion filed on behalf of the dismissed directors by the Isa Mohammed & Associates (El-Shuayb Law Firm).
In March this year, Daily Trust had reported that not less than 27 members of staff, most of them directors at the CBN, were affected by the first batch of reorganisation by the financial institution.
Amongst those affected were eight directors, 10 deputy directors, five assistant directors, two principal managers and two senior managers.
The CBN relieved 17 directors inherited by the new governor, Olayemi Cardoso, with four others recently retired on attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The bank, however, made a move to replace the sacked directors by recently advertising various vacancies in the national dailies.
The directors faulted their sack, insisting it was against the civil service rule. They have filed a case which is still pending before the court.
They sought for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the bank from filling the vacancies in the director’s cadre.
In the motion on notice brought pursuant to Order 22 Rule 1 and 2 of the National Industrial Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2027 and under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the court, the applicants prayed the court for an order of “interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants/respondents whether by itself, its agents, servants, and; or privies or anybody acting on its behalf or receiving directives from it from filling the vacancy of whatever kind to the Director Cadre, or taking any step whatsoever to so recruit, arising from the unlawful termination of the Claimant’s appointment….”
The claimants argued that “it is trite that an employer can only terminate an employees’ appointment without a notice or payment in lieu of notice when the conduct of the employee is of a serious and weighty nature.”
“This will include offences with a criminal element such as fraud. The claimants not having being found wanting approach this Honorable court for redress.
“The defendants have been making efforts to fill the vacancy created by the unlawful termination of the Claimants’ appointment, without having regards to the pendency of the suit filed before this Honorable Court by the claimants, hence our application to this Honorable Court,” the application read.
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:39
I Would Rather Belong To Nigeria Than Oodua Republic - Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has distanced himself from Yoruba nation agitators.
He stated on Tuesday that he is better off as a Nigerian than a member of the Oodua Republic.
He spoke amid the growing agitation for the creation of the Yoruba nation.
Obasanjo, while receiving a delegation of the League of Northern Democrats led by a former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, identified regionalism practised before the attainment of independence in 1960 as the foundation of the country’s prolonged lack of cohesion.
He advocated merit, capacity and ability to deliver as some of the factors that must be considered in electing or appointing leaders, against the question of which geopolitical zone should produce who or what.
He said: “It is high time we began working for the national interest. Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats, because where you come from should not be a problem.
Where I was born should not be the enemy of my being a Nigerian. It will be great to be a Nigerian than to be a member of the Republic of Oodua.
“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba, but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba. We must get the best man for the job, it doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together.
“The African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up to us. When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun but is that the situation today?
“We have disappointed ourselves, we have disappointed the black race, Africa and the world at large. So, our concern is right, we have rubbished the value of integrity, no truth, no love but it is not too late to retrace our steps. We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria.”
On the state of the nation, he expressed optimism that the present situation is not beyond salvaging, as long as everyone is ready to come together and work as a united nation.
Obasanjo said he would forever remain a Pan-Africanist, a patriotic and nationalistic Nigerian and a proud black man from the black race.
Speaking, Shekarau emphasised the urgent need for unity, credible leadership and righteousness in Nigerians politics.
“This group, made up of ladies and gentlemen from all walks of life, emerged approximately three months ago,” Shekarau said, noting that the formation followed extensive consultations and discussions.
He highlighted that the group’s goal is to contribute to the nation’s development, not just within the northern region but across the entire federation.
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:33
Nigerian Govt Drops Money Laundering Charges Against Binance Executive
The money laundering charges filed against an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan, have been withdrawn by the federal government.
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had in April this year, arraigned Binance, a cryptocurrency firm, and Gambaryan over alleged money laundering.
Mr Gambaryan, a United States citizen, has been in detention since February following the clampdown on the cryptocurrency firm over alleged manipulation of naira.
A lawyer representing the EFCC announced the withdrawal of the charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
Announcing the development, the lawyer said Mr Gambaryan was merely an employee of Binance, whose activities he was being prosecuted for.
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:37
Living in Nigeria Becoming More Harder – Timaya Laments
Singer Inetimi Alfred Odom aka Timaya, has cried out over the current suffering and hardship in the country.
According to him, even though the economic hardship is a global phenomenon, it’s more severe in Nigeria than anywhere else.
Timaya spoke in a recent interview with Channels Television.
“Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy, too. I pay bills. I help a lot of people. So I understand what people are going through. I’m also feeling it [the hardship],” he lamented.
“My staff’s salaries and upkeep for family members have drastically increased because of the high cost of living.
“You don’t expect things to be normal. Even politicians are crying, too, not to talk of me. The only way you can meet up with the current economic demands is if you’re earning in dollars. If you’re earning forex and you convert it to naira, that’s how you can ball.
“Even in America right now, things are still hard there because they’re earning in dollars and spending in dollars. It’s hard everywhere. The world is hard right now, but Nigeria is harder.”
Timaya also spoke on the effects of the current economic hardship on the entertainment industry.
“Currently, you need a lot of money to promote music. Before, we didn’t even bother about shooting music videos. Even if we were shooting a video, it cost just N1.5 million.
“Now, just to shoot one video: 100 million, 50 million, 60 million. And when you shoot the video, to promote it, you need more millions. That’s why booking fees for artists now are expensive,”he said
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:33
Yahoo: 43 People Jailed After Pleading Guilty To Internet Fraud In Awka (Photos)
No fewer than forty-three suspects who were arrested for internet fraud in Awka, Anambra State, and Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, have been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to the charges against them.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State by Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The suspects were arrested in Abakaliki and Awka following credible intelligence linking them to online criminal activities. Upon arrest, investigations revealed that the convicts impersonated foreign nationals using several social media accounts and duped unsuspecting victims.
They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges each, bordering on personation, retention of proceeds of crime, possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining by false pretence.
They pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them separately. In view of their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Michael Ikechukwu Ani prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, the defence counsel; Ifeanyi Michael Odoh, James Nwatarali, Bernard Okeke and O. C. Abalu prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that the convicts who are first-time offenders, have become remorseful.
After listening to both sides, Justice Anyadike sentenced the convicts to eight months imprisonment each with an option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each except for Nwankwo, Izuchukwu, Eyinna and Ikechukwu who were given two months Community Service, which will be supervised by the Deputy Court Registrar.
Furthermore, the court ordered that items recovered from the convicts which include mobile phones and laptops be auctioned and proceeds paid into the account of the Federal Government.
The convicts are; Momoh Victor Abdulkareem, Paul Emmanuel, Adibe Henry, Okoroafor Abuchi Gospel, Ikechukwu Ezra, Oduu Emmanuel Eyinna, Obasi Chibuike, Chimaobi Ogbonna, Nwankwo Emmanuel Ikechukwu, Aluma Chetachukwu Israel, Emeka Umendu, Ebuka Uka, Chikaodili Michael, Oramulu Nwabufor Michael, Obiajulu Philip Sorpuluchukwu, Iwu Ikedichukwu Emmanuel, Akachukwu Temple Odo, Ifeanyi Samuel, Kyrian Chikodili Ugwu and Nathaniel Oforbuike Nwoba.
Others include; Chimezie Stephen Obianaso, Kingsley Chukwuebuka Mmadu, Ebuka Eric Uka, Simon Uchenna, Godswill Francis Blessed, Donatus Chinwendu Anya, Aluma Ogochukwu Michael, Nwankwo Stephen Chijioke, Emmanuel Chijioke Okogwu, Ariwodo Ezemdi Lucious, Chidiebere Uwa, Okeke Joshua Okechukwu, Chinemelu Clinton Ugwu, Tochukwu Sunday Ewa, Iburu Nelson Onyeoma, Nwoko Samuel, Nwokwu Victor Izuchukwu, Benjamin Obiajulu, Kelechi John, Moses Chukwuka Ugwueke, Obinna Christian, Ubagu Daniel Chukwuebuka And Chukwu Emmanuel Nnamdi.
The charge against Ikechukwu Ezra read: “That you, Ikechukwu Ezra, sometime in 2024, in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated the identity of Shirley Fang, a male foreigner and citizen of United Kingdom, through a fake Whatsapp account, via your Redmi 12C with IMEI 861906061467102, with intent to obtain money from unsuspecting foreign nations and in order to gain advantage of yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act”.
The charge against Paul Emmanuel reads: “That you, Paul Emmanuel, sometime in the year 2024 at Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated one Chen Dong from China by means of your Tecno 8i phone with IMEI number 353030167612761 via fake google account with the intent to gain advantage of yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prevention, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act”.
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:28
I Made False Allegations Against You And I Regret It, Please Forgive Me - Halima Abubakar Begs Apostle Johnson Suleman
Halima Abubakar, the popular Nollywood actor, has come out to apologize to Nigerian cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries for defaming him.
Abubakar admitted to spreading falsehood against Suleman and causing him pain via social media.
The drama between Halima Abubakar and Apostle Suleman started in 2022 when the actress became bedridden following her altercation with the clergyman.
While sick, the actress’s family took to social media to call out the clergyman to stay away from her.
But, many alleged that the actress was battling an autoimmune disease which she debunked by sharing her medical report.
However, Halima Abubakar sought the apology of Apostle Suleman in a letter sent to the clergyman.
She also expressed deep regrets for tarnishing his image, hoping her letter could repair the damage to an extent.
The letter reads: “I admit that I made false allegations against you and also regret my action and the damage I caused to you, your wife, Dr Lizzy Suleman, your family and the leaders of the Omega Fire Ministry.
“With this letter, I humbly ask for forgiveness, recognising that my apology cannot undo the harm, pain and distress I caused and I ask you to find a place in your heart to forgive me as I was not thinking right then.
“I’m truly sorry for all the hurts and distress I caused you, your family and ministry.”
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Wednesday, 23 October 2024 13:28
Be Ready To Pay Market Price For Petrol - Oil Marketer Tells Nigerians
Gabriel Ogbechie, the Group Managing Director, Rainoil Ltd, has asked Nigerians to prepare to pay full market prices for petroleum products as a result of the full deregulation of the downstream sector.
After President Bola Tinubu announced that subsidy was gone, the pump price of petrol rose from N198 to N545 per litre and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) regulated pump prices at its outlets nationwide.
But two weeks ago, NNPCL exited its middleman role, forcing the pump price of fuel to sell between N998 and N1,250 per litre.
While appearing on Channels Television’s Business Morning on Tuesday, Ogbechie lauded Tinubu’s decision on the removal of fuel subsidy, saying that it allowed for healthy competition in the downstream sector.
“President Tinubu did the right thing by saying the subsidy was gone. He removed the subsidy and then we saw the price of petrol slide upwards.
“At some point, I think the government had to intervene to calm things down and then NNPCL went back to fixing the prices of petroleum products.
“But in October, we saw the government now saying such would not be allowed anymore, directing marketers to source their products and fix prices.
“I also don’t believe that the exchange rate has been floated. Every day you go to the market, it is now a willing buyer, willing seller situation.”
When asked if prices of petrol at the pump would continue to rise, he said; “The key thing is that deregulation is here to stay. Petrol is anything between N1000 and n1060 per litre towards the coast, and maybe N1300 as you go further north.
“As long as the price of crude oil keeps changing, as long as the exchange rate keeps changing, prices of petrol too will keep changing.
“If we see a massive drop in the price of crude oil, the price of petrol will also drop. If we see a drop or devaluation in the price of the exchange rate, there will also be a drop in the price of petrol.
“Nobody can exactly tell you what will happen in the next six months. But Nigerians should just be ready to pay the market-determined prices for petroleum products.”
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