Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, relieved the experience of losing the 2015 presidential election which he described as a tough moment in his political life.

Jonathan also expressed the fatherly role played the chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, played before he officially handed over to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He disclosed this in Abuja during the first Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture organised by the management of Daar Communications in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

Jonathan, who ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, was defeated in the 2015 election by Buhari, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

Jonathan said, “It is not easy to lose an election as a president. You will think the whole world is against you. But then, Dokpesi invited me before I handed it over. I remember what he said to me when I lost the election.

“There were so many senior Nigerians (elder statesmen) who spoke. After I listened to all the conversations, he congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election. This is how I commemorated that session.

“That communication gave me hope and helped me not necessarily for the transition hour ahead of me but also in my spiritual life as a private citizen. If you read my book, My Transition Hours, I explained it more elaborately.”

Earlier in his address, the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, urged Nigerians not to abuse the freedom of speech they are enjoying.

“Our respect for freedom of speech is sacrosanct even as we continue to urge responsibility in the exercise of this freedom. Nigerians are free to speak about this dear country of ours. What we can and will continue to do is to avoid getting to the point where reckless negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts,” Mohammed stated.

About 42.3 million litres of imported Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, are expected in the country next week, oil marketers stated on Friday, urging local refiners to ramp up production.

Dealers said petrol imports would continue until the production of the commodity in the country was enough to meet domestic demand.

They insisted that the local production of refined products from modular refineries and the multi-billion dollar Dangote Petroleum Refinery was insufficient, stressing that this was why diesel and petrol importation had continued.

On September 3, 2024, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority disclosed that the Dangote refinery would supply 25 million litres of petrol to the Nigerian market daily starting from September.

It added that this would rise to 30 million litres from September. In a short statement, the NMDPRA said it met with NNPC to agree on local crude supply to the refinery.

“At the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja, NNPC reached an agreement to commence crude oil sales and supply the Dangote refinery with local currency.

“The refinery is now poised to supply an initial 25 million litres of PMS into the domestic market this September and will subsequently increase this amount to 30 million litres daily from October 2024,” the NMDPRA stated on its X page at the time.

But oil marketers stated on Friday that the $25bn Lekki-based refinery was not producing up to that volume, which was why dealers had to import petrol to augment local production.

“Some of our consignments of PMS imports came into the country last week, and we expect the remaining ones to arrive by next week. About 32,000 metric tonnes of PMS will be arriving next week,” a major marketer who spoke in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the subject, stated.

About 1322.76 litres of petrol weighs one metric tonne. This implies that the 32,000 metric tonnes being expected next week would mean 42.3m litres of imported petrol by the dealers.

It was gathered that two major marketers were jointly importing this volume of PMS, as other dealers had earlier brought in products into the country.

“The consignments are jointly owned and are being imported into the country by major marketers. This does not mean that we will not buy from the Dangote refinery. But the fact is that since the market has been deregulated, everyone is now competing.

“So, it is up to you to decide on where to get the product that will enable you to compete effectively. Nobody is disputing that. So, the importation of PMS and other products is not against the fair business practice,” the marketer stated.

On Monday, it was reported that no fewer than four vessels carrying petrol arrived at seaports along the nation’s borders between Friday, October 18, and Sunday, October 20, 2024.

The report cited a document obtained from the Nigerian Port Authority, revealing that about 123.4 million litres of PMS were berthed at two seaports to improve fuel supply nationwide.

The development confirmed an exclusive report by The PUNCH, which disclosed that oil dealers intended to import the commodity to supplement the supply from the $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The dealers had stated that the supply from the Lekki-based plant was currently insufficient to meet domestic demand.

Also speaking on the issue on Friday, another dealer stated that a lot of marketers were gearing up to bring in more products, adding that some others who could not import refined products were already buying from the Dangote refinery.

“The market is free now. It is a deregulated market, so everybody can source their products from wherever is best for them. Also, our local refineries are not producing enough to meet domestic demand.

“That is why I laughed when it was revealed that an indeginous refiner went to court to sue marketers to stop importing products. That can’t work in a deregulated market. Everyone who can import now is currently doing so. Even NNPC is importing.

“The last consignment we got was from the imported PMS of NNPC, which we took about six days ago and which we finished selling before our own came in. Oil and refined petroleum products are the life-wire of the economy. If anything happens to them, every sector of the economy will be affected,” the marketer stated.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, earlier confirmed that though IPMAN members had yet to start importing PMS, the market had been liberalised and anyone with the capacity to import was free to do so.

Details have emerged on the reasons behind President Bola Tinubu’s decision to sack five ministers and leave the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in his cabinet, despite allegations of banditry sponsorship levelled against him.

The ministers who were removed from office include Mrs Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN (Education), Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development), and Abdullahi Gwarzo (Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development).

According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision to dismiss the ministers was influenced by public perception and empirical data on their performance.

Onanuga explained that the reshuffle came as a response to the critical views held by Nigerians regarding the ministers’ effectiveness in office.

Why ministers were sacked

However, sources within the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress hinted that the decision was also based on the “lack of political value” of the affected ministers in their respective states.

According to an APC chieftain at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, a key consideration was whether the removal of any of the ministers would incite political unrest in their states.

“They evaluated if their sack would lead to a crisis for the president in their regions, and the feedback was that it would not,” he said.

The source further noted that while some ministers were sacked due to underperformance, others were dismissed based on concerns over their conduct and limited political relevance.

Bio-Ibrahim as placeholder 

Saturday PUNCH was reliably informed by top officials at the Ministry of Youth Development that the sacked minister, Bio-Ibrahim, had been a ‘placeholder’ for Ayodele Olawande, a former Minister of State for the ministry.

According to the officials, Olawande, who has been appointed as the substantive minister, was the favourite candidate of Seyi Tinubu, the son of the president.

The officials said the sacked minister was not empowered politically, adding that the system was rigged against her.

One of the sources working in the Education and Youth Development department told our correspondent that Bio-Ibrahim was a victim of political manipulations.

The official said, “The woman is a just victim of political manipulations. She didn’t enjoy being a minister because the system was not in her favour.

“The former Minister of State, Ayodele Ayowande, had been the choice of the presidency from day one. President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, wanted Ayowande to be the substantive minister from the start, but he didn’t have his way. They had since been working to take the woman out.

“One example is that in August this year, the woman wanted to hold a programme in Ondo State to dissuade the youth from joining the #EndBadGovernance protest, but she was frustrated out of it. The people who didn’t want the President to know she was active mobilised against her and she couldn’t hold the programme again. We knew she’d be relieved of her duties eventually because she didn’t have support from the political class.”

Ohanenye’s drama

Sacked Minister of Women Affairs, Uju-Ken Ohanenye, was relieved of her position because of her ‘constant drama’ which the presidency considered embarrassing, according to impeccable sources who spoke to Saturday PUNCH.

The sources said Ohanenye also stepped on many toes in her ‘aggressive moves’ to restructure the ministry.

According to the sources, the first turnoff recorded against Ohanenye was her threat to sue the United Nations for allegedly mismanaging funds meant for Nigeria.

Ohanenye had in October 2023 accused the UN of obtaining funds on behalf of the country without remitting them.

The former APC female presidential aspirant also disrupted two events in Abuja because the organisers did not seek the permission of her ministry to do so.

“The woman is a controversial person. She stepped on toes with her conduct and the President couldn’t curtail her excesses any longer. She is too dramatic as a minister. We knew she couldn’t go far”, said a source at the APC secretariat.

Azoka-Anite’s ‘external’ office

The former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Azoka-Anite, was accused of disconnecting herself from the agencies and departments under her ministry.

Officials of the ministry, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said she moved out of the ministry and established a new office in Abuja, making it difficult for staff to carry out their duties.

Azoka-Anite was moved to the Ministry of Finance as a state minister.

A top official of the ministry said, “The ministry was too big for her to handle. We usually have two ministers; we didn’t know why the President appointed only her to manage the ministry.

“Unfortunately, she was overwhelmed because she wanted to operate alone, not willing to work with departments and agencies under the ministry.

“She frustrated industrialists because of her self-styled administrative system. Each time we wanted to sign a file, we would leave the ministry to go and meet her at the new personal office she created in Abuja, and most of the files we submitted would not be returned to us. She has her team running the ministry for her.

“I believe industrialists who were frustrated by her style reported her to the President, which led to her demotion.”

Ade-John and Lagos power bloc

Sources in the tourism industry told Saturday PUNCH that the Lagos power bloc might have pressured President Tinubu into dropping Ade-John as the Minister of Tourism because she was not a politician.

According to the sources, Ade-John was denied access to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on three different occasions.

The sources noted that the woman, though residing in Lagos, didn’t have any political godfather, which exposed her to threats from politicians in Lagos and some individuals who wanted to take charge of the ministry.

“She may be from Lagos by birth, but she is not a party person. That is her crime. She was relieved because of pressure from the Lagos power bloc.

“The woman performed excellently well. Nigeria has offended that lady because she gave in her best and we have the result.”

The Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, Wale Ojo-Lanre, in an article titled, ‘Lola Ade-John: Good bye to jati jati?’, described her removal as an injustice.

“Despite her visionary plans and tireless work, the sudden termination of her appointment feels like a deep injustice – a classic case of someone being stripped of their potential just as they are reaching for the stars.

“It’s essential to recognise that while she did not achieve everything she set out to do, what she accomplished in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. She laid the groundwork for future leaders to build upon, and her legacy will not be forgotten”, he wrote.

Mamman’s sacking

The sacked Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, might have been relieved because of the controversies surrounding his actions and policies in the education sector, Saturday PUNCHgathered.

Among the controversies in the sector is the implementation of the 18-year minimum age policy for university admissions, which led to public outcry.

A non-government organisation, Education for Accelerated Development, listed Mamman’s sins to include misinformation, leading to diplomatic conflict between Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo, resulting in the suspension of degree programmes from universities in these countries, amongst other issues.

Matawalle’s escape

Sources explained that President Tinubu chose to retain certain ministers despite public dissatisfaction with their performance due to considerations around his potential second-term ambition and the political roles the ministers might play.

Some ministers reported to have equally underperformed included the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, among others.

Matawalle has been repeatedly accused of sponsoring banditry in Zamfara State, an allegation he has always denied. Onanuga also stated that the allegations against him were unproven.

An APC chieftain in Abuja disclosed that the president ultimately narrowed down the list of ministers to be sacked to avoid ‘political stress.’

“Initially, more than five ministers were considered for dismissal, but the president evaluated those who could be beneficial to him politically. The president is wise and would not create challenges for himself,” the chieftain remarked.

“Do you see the president sacking any former governors currently serving as ministers? He can’t do that because he knows they will be useful for him in 2027. Among them, only David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has truly performed,” the source added.

On why Oyetola was retained, he said, “Blood is thicker than water. He is the president’s cousin; it would be unreasonable to expect his dismissal.”

The source also pointed out the appointment of Bianka Ojukwu as a strategic political move to weaken opposition in the South-East zone since Ojukwu held a high stake in the All Progressive Grand Alliance, a party with high followership in the region.

Matawalle being shielded, Zamfara gov alleges

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State alleged that the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, was being shielded by the Federal Government from accusations linking him to banditry.

Through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Idris, in a statement, Lawal accused Matawalle’s Federal Government connections of protecting him from scrutiny.

During an interview with Arise News, Onanuga explained that President Tinubu retained Matawalle because an investigation by the Office of the National Security Adviser deemed the allegations of banditry connections as “mere fabrication” and politically motivated.

However, Lawal’s spokesman disputed Onanuga’s claims, insisting the accusations were not politically motivated, as public security was at stake.

“When accusations of this nature arise, especially involving serious claims of bandit associations, the honourable thing would be for the officeholder to step aside. Effective investigations cannot happen while the individual remains in office, given their potential influence,” Idris noted.

He further stated that recent arrests of notorious bandits had prompted the governor to formally report the minister.

“We have arrested bandits who, during interrogations, provided significant information. A recent arrest led His Excellency to speak out after the detained individual was reportedly sent to Abuja for investigation but then released back to the forest.

“We even asked the NSA to question Matawalle about certain individuals and the events during the last Ramadan celebration in Tsafe Local Government, where Hilux vehicles carrying security personnel reportedly distributed food to bandits,” he added.

Idris alleged that Matawalle’s connections within the Federal Government have shielded him from accountability.

“We have facts, records, and names. As far as we know, no thorough investigation has been conducted. They are simply protecting him because he’s a ‘Federal Government boy,’” he added.

Governor Lawal also criticised Matawalle’s recent visit to Sokoto State in military uniform, claiming it was a display intended to avert his removal.

He added, “He did that because the cabinet reshuffle was imminent.

“There was no sincerity in his actions. Ask him why he hasn’t returned to Zamfara. If he says the governor would prevent him, it’s a lie. Following the Court of Appeal’s ruling on Zamfara’s election, he immediately visited the state, but he hasn’t returned since the Supreme Court’s judgment.”

Attempts to reach Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle’s media aide, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

“The woman is a controversial person. She stepped on toes with her conduct and the President couldn’t curtail her excesses any longer. She was too dramatic as a minister. We knew she couldn’t go far”, said a source at the APC secretariat.

Uzoka-Anite’s ‘external’ office

The former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, was accused of disconnecting herself from the agencies and departments under her ministry.

Officials of the ministry, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said she moved out of the ministry and established a new office in Abuja, making it difficult for staff to carry out their duties.

Uzoka-Anite was moved to the Ministry of Finance as a minister of state.

A top official of the ministry said, “The ministry was too big for her to handle. We usually have two ministers; we didn’t know why the President appointed only her to manage the ministry.

“Unfortunately, she was overwhelmed because she wanted to operate alone, and was not willing to work with departments and agencies under the ministry.

“She frustrated industrialists because of her self-styled administrative system. Each time we wanted to sign a file, we would leave the ministry to go and meet her at the new personal office she created in Abuja, and most of the files we submitted would not be returned to us. She had her team running the ministry for her.

“I believe industrialists who were frustrated by her style reported her to the President, which led to her demotion.”

Ade-John and Lagos power bloc

Sources in the tourism industry told Saturday PUNCH that the Lagos power bloc might have pressured President Tinubu into dropping Ade-John as the Minister of Tourism because she was not a politician.

According to the sources, Ade-John was denied access to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on three different occasions.

The sources noted that the woman, though residing in Lagos, didn’t have any political godfather, which exposed her to threats from politicians in Lagos and some individuals who wanted to take charge of the ministry.

“She may be from Lagos by birth, but she is not a party person. That is her crime. She was relieved because of pressure from the Lagos power bloc.

“The woman performed excellently well. Nigeria has offended that lady because she gave in her best and we have the result.”

The Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, Wale Ojo-Lanre, in an article titled, ‘Lola Ade-John: Good bye to jati jati?’, described her removal as an injustice.

“Despite her visionary plans and tireless work, the sudden termination of her appointment feels like a deep injustice – a classic case of someone being stripped of their potential just as they are reaching for the stars.

“It’s essential to recognise that while she did not achieve everything she set out to do, what she accomplished in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. She laid the groundwork for future leaders to build upon, and her legacy will not be forgotten,” he wrote.

Mamman’s sacking

The sacked Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, might have been relieved because of the controversies surrounding his actions and policies in the education sector, Saturday PUNCHgathered.

Among the controversies in the sector is the implementation of the 18-year minimum age policy for university admissions, which led to public outcry.

A non-government organisation, Education for Accelerated Development, listed Mamman’s sins to include misinformation, leading to diplomatic conflict between Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo, resulting in the suspension of degree programmes from universities in these countries, among other issues.

Matawalle’s escape

Sources explained that President Tinubu chose to retain certain ministers despite public dissatisfaction with their performance due to considerations around his potential second-term ambition and the political roles the ministers might play.

Some ministers reported to have underperformed include the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, among others.

Matawalle has been repeatedly accused of sponsoring banditry in Zamfara State, an allegation he has always denied. Onanuga also stated that the allegations against him were unproven.

An APC chieftain in Abuja disclosed that the president ultimately narrowed down the list of ministers to be sacked to avoid ‘political stress.’

“Initially, more than five ministers were considered for dismissal, but the president evaluated those who could be beneficial to him politically. The president is wise and would not create challenges for himself,” the chieftain remarked.

“Did you see the president sacking any former governors currently serving as ministers? He can’t do that because he knows they will be useful for him in 2027. Among them, only David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has truly performed,” the source added.

On why Oyetola was retained, he said, “Blood is thicker than water. He is the president’s cousin; it would be unreasonable to expect his dismissal.”

The source also pointed out that the appointment of Bianka Ojukwu was a strategic political move to weaken opposition in the South-East zone since Ojukwu was influential in the All Progressive Grand Alliance, a party with huge followership in the region.

Matawalle being shielded, Zamfara gov alleges

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State alleged that, Matawalle, was being shielded by the Federal Government from accusations linking him to banditry.

Through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Idris, in a statement, Lawal accused Matawalle’s Federal Government connections of protecting him from scrutiny.

During an interview with Arise News, Onanuga stated that President Tinubu retained Matawalle because an investigation by the Office of the National Security Adviser deemed the allegations of banditry connections to be “mere fabrication” and politically motivated.

However, Lawal’s spokesman disputed Onanuga’s claims, insisting that the accusations were not politically motivated, as public safety was at stake.

“When accusations of this nature arise, especially involving serious claims of bandit associations, the honourable thing would be for the officeholder to step aside. Effective investigations cannot happen while the individual remains in office, given their potential influence,” Idris noted.

He further stated that recent arrests of notorious bandits had prompted the governor to formally report the minister.

“We have arrested bandits who, during interrogations, provided significant information. A recent arrest led His Excellency to speak out after the detained individual was reportedly sent to Abuja for investigation but then released back to the forest.

“We even asked the NSA to question Matawalle about certain individuals and the events during the last Ramadan celebration in Tsafe Local Government, where Hilux vehicles carrying security personnel reportedly distributed food to bandits,” he added.

Idris alleged that Matawalle’s connections within the Federal Government had shielded him from accountability.

“We have facts, records, and names. As far as we know, no thorough investigation has been conducted. They are simply protecting him because he’s a ‘Federal Government boy,’” he added.

Governor Lawal also criticised Matawalle’s recent visit to Sokoto State in military uniform, claiming it was a display intended to avert his removal.

He added, “He did that because the cabinet reshuffle was imminent.

“There was no sincerity in his actions. Ask him why he hasn’t returned to Zamfara. If he says the governor would prevent him, it’s a lie. Following the Court of Appeal’s ruling on Zamfara’s election, he immediately visited the state, but he hasn’t returned since the Supreme Court’s judgment.”

Attempts to reach Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle’s media aide, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

The Federal Government is introducing a 50 per cent tax relief for companies that increase salaries or offer transportation allowances to low-income workers, as part of a new legislative bill designed to reform Nigeria’s tax system.

The proposed law, titled “A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide for Taxation of Income, Transactions, and Instruments, and Related Matters,” is dated October 4, 2024, and was obtained from the National Assembly.

A review of the bill on Friday indicated that it aims to introduce certain income tax exemptions to incentivise salary adjustments.

According to a section of the bill, companies will be allowed an additional 50 per cent deduction in their relevant years of assessment for costs incurred during the 2023 and 2024 calendar years.

The qualifying expenses include wage increases, transportation subsidies, or transport allowances granted to workers, whose gross monthly earnings are brought up to N100,000 or less.

The provision, however, stipulates that any additional salary increases granted to employees earning above N100,000 monthly will not be eligible for the tax deduction.

Also, firms that hire new employees resulting in a net increase in their workforce between 2023 and 2024 will qualify for the deduction, provided the new employees remain employed for at least three years and are not involuntarily disengaged.

A section of the bill read, “A company shall be entitled to an additional deduction of 50 per cent in the relevant years of assessment in respect of costs incurred in 2023 and 2024 calendar years on the following –

“(a) wage awards, salary increases, transportation allowance or transport subsidy granted to a low-income worker, which bring the gross monthly remuneration of the worker up to an amount not exceeding N100,000.00; provided that any additional award or salary increase to an employee earning above N100,000.00 as monthly salary shall not qualify for the additional deduction under this subsection; and

“(b) salaries of any new employee constituting a net increase in the average number of new employees hired in 2023 and 2024 calendar years over and above the average net employment in the 3 preceding years, provided that such new employees are not involuntarily disengaged within a period of 3 years post-employment.”

Also, the Federal Government plans to introduce an Economic Development Incentive Certificate as a tax incentive for companies investing in capital projects.

As outlined in the bill, firms seeking the certificate must submit their applications through the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, accompanied by a non-refundable fee of 0.1 per cent of the capital expenditure, capped at N5m.

The NIPC will review and recommend the applications to the Minister for approval, after which the Minister may forward the recommendation to the President.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has finally opened up on the third-term imbroglio that dogged the latter days of his government.

In 2007, report emerged that Obasanjo was allegedly scheming for a third term in office but the plot was thwarted by certain political actors.

His former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani had on several occasions also claimed that Obasanjo wanted to change the constitution in order to extend his term in office.

Speaking on the long-standing controversial issue, the former President distanced himself from the third term agenda .

Speaking during an interview on News Central which aired on Thursday, Obasanjo said he was never interested in a third term and the agenda was pushed by certain persons in government.

Obasanjo stated that if he had wanted a third term, he would have got it. He disclosed that the  third term speculation was the handiwork of some governors who were clandestinely working towards elongating their own terms in office.

According to Obasanjo, these governors believed that if he secured a third term, they would also benefit from an extended tenure.

His words: “If I had wanted a third term, I would have gotten it. I didn’t want a third term. I know some governors working for this, believing that if I, as president, got a third, they would also get it.”

Obasanjo revealed that getting debt relief for Nigeria was a far more challenging task than securing a third term. He proudly noted that his administration successfully obtained debt relief for the country, a feat that required diplomatic efforts with countries like France, England, Japan, and the United States.

Atiku Abubakar and Ken Nnamani have both claimed to have played instrumental roles in toppling Obasanjo’s alleged third-term bid.

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Atiku claimed that his connections within the National Assembly enabled him to block Obasanjo’s third-term agenda.

Obasanjo and Atiku served as Nigeria’s president and vice president from 1999 to 2007. However, their relationship went sour when Obasanjo chose not to support Atiku as his successor.

Meanwhile, Nnamani, stated that he had to give up his senatorial ambition to ensure Obasanjo’s third-term bid was defeated. He alleged that lawmakers were offered promises and cash incentives, but he remained committed to preventing the agenda, which ultimately led to his failure to secure re-election in 2007

Davido, the Afrobeats powerhouse, has electrified the fashion scene with his unforgettable runway appearance at the much-anticipated 2024 Lagos Fashion Week.

This five-day extravaganza, which kicked off on October 23, is not just a showcase of fashion; it’s a vibrant celebration of African creativity that includes panel discussions addressing the global economic landscape and innovative marketing strategies for aspiring African fashion entrepreneurs.

On a dazzling Thursday night, the spotlight shone brightly on Davido as he strutted down the runway for the renowned designer Ugo Monye, as captured in viral video.

Draped in an exquisite all-brown regalia fabric, Davido transformed the runway into a regal experience, embodying the essence of African royalty.

His outfit was a masterpiece, accentuated with striking red-plated beads that wrapped around his neck, a commanding staff in hand, and a beautifully crafted chocolate-colored cap that crowned his look.

Each element of his attire was meticulously chosen, reflecting not only style but also a deep respect for cultural heritage.

The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers, welcoming him as the music star glided down the runway with the grace and poise of regal lineage.

Social media erupted with praise, as fans and fashion enthusiasts alike shared their admiration, celebrating Davido’s unique blend of style and charisma.

His runway appearance marked a significant moment in Lagos Fashion Week, a testament to the burgeoning influence of African artists in the global fashion landscape.

SEE VIDEO BELOW

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has decried the size of debt being owned by the country, years after he left office in 2007.

Obasanjo recalled he left the nation with about $70 billion, including a $45 billion reserve and $25 billion in a designated “excess crude” account.

The former President spoke on Thursday in an exclusive interview with Kayode Akintemi of News Central Television.

Obasanjo, who lamented the poor quality of leadership in the country, said his government met a debt overhang of close to $36 billion but reduced it to about $3.5 to $3.6 billion before leaving office in 2007.

His words: “I came in 1999 and met $3.7 billion in the reserve. And I have told you, we were spending $3.5 billion to service the debts. That’s what we had.

“By the time we left eight years later, with debt relief, when I came in, we had a debt overhang of close to $36 billion. By the time I left, with the debt relief and clearing what we had to clear, the quantum of debt that I left was about $3.5 to $3.6 billion from over or around $36 billion.

“At the same time, the reserve that was $3.7 billion when I came in went to $45 billion. At the same time, we had what we called “Excess crude”, which is what is in excess of what we budget and what we actually sell the crude. Normally, we are conservative in budgeting, we call it “Excess crude”. So, we had in it about $25 billion. When you add that to the reserve, we are talking about $70 billion.

“Now, the point is that I left in 2007. Today between 2007 and 2024, all that amount of money has gone; all of it. Not only that, but all the money they made all that period had gone. And today, we owe more than we owe when we came to government in 1999.”

Former militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has lamented the alleged betrayal of the Ijaws and Niger Deltans by the Yorubas after supporting and voting massively for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dokubo, in a video making rounds online, apologized to the former Governor of Rivers State, Melford Okilo, and other leaders in the region for questioning their decision to work with the North.

Asari Dokubo stated that the Ijaws and Niger Deltans will no longer work with the Yorubas, noting they are betrayers.

He vowed that the people of the Niger Delta would henceforth only work with the northerners by forming an alliance with them.

He said, “I apologize to our fathers Melford Okilo and Prieye that they were not wrong for forming an alliance with the North, and as young men, we will now start same alliance with the North now.

“As from today, I will work! Work! to form alliance with the North and crush any other opposition, because for those who hate us, we do not mean anything to them. Whatever Ijaw people do does not mean anything to them.

“All over Ijaw land, we will spread the message that it is only northerners who can work with Ijaw people !…. We cannot work with Yoruba people they are betrayers !!!….. We risked our lives, voted and did everything and this is what we get ?”

Adedoyin Odunuga, the wife of popular gospel musician, Dare Melody, is dead.

Adedoyin reportedly died on Thursday morning.

Dare Melody’s management announced the news through an official statement on Thursday night.

“We mourn the demise of our Chairman, Evang. Dare Melody’s wife. It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the transition to the eternal rest of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, Mrs. ADEDOYIN ODUNUGA, NEE: ODAGI).

“She died early this morning 24th of October 2024. You Will Forever Be In Our Hearts R.I.P.”

The bill, sponsored by Aliyu Missau, aimed to amend specific sections of the constitution by removing the term “personal” from wherever “Islamic law” is mentioned, thus broadening the scope of Sharia law within the legal framework.

The contentious constitutional amendment bill targeted sections 24, 262, 277, and 288 of the 1999 constitution.

Specifically, Section 262(1), which currently states that the Sharia Court of Appeal shall exercise appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of Islamic personal law, would have been modified to expand its jurisdiction beyond personal matters.

Missau argued during the debate that the inclusion of the word “personal” limited the application of Islamic law, particularly affecting Islamic commercial laws.

By removing “personal,” Missau believed that Islamic law could have a broader application, aligning more closely with the comprehensive nature of Sharia, which covers various aspects of life beyond personal matters.

He said, “The 1999 constitution provided for personal Islamic law. The constitution did not envisage the dynamism and development that may come into the country.

“For instance, in 2003, the constitution did not foresee the advent of Jaiz Bank, which operates under commercial Islamic law.”

The lawmaker said the word “personal” should be removed to benefit Islamic commercial law and Islamic international law, among others.

During the debate, legislators were split along regional lines, with northerners supporting the bill while their southern counterparts kicked against it.

Opposing the bill, Solomon Bob from Rivers said the amendment would broaden the application of Islamic law beyond the “personal matters” envisaged by the framers of the constitution.

“The implication is that if the word ‘personal’ is removed, Islamic law would have broader implications. The word ‘personal’ was put there for a reason,” the lawmaker said.

AbdulHakeem Ado from Kano supported the bill, saying Islamic commercial law needs to be sustained.

Saidu Abdullahi from Niger state and Ahmed Satomi from Borno were among the lawmakers who spoke in favour of the bill.

Jonathan Gaza from Nasarawa, Ademorin Kuye from Lagos, and Awaji-Inombek Abiante from Rivers kicked against the proposed legislation.

Bamidele Salam from Osun strongly opposed the bill, saying issues of religion should be restricted to personal preference because Nigeria is a secular state.

He said, “As students of history, we all know the background of this particular section during the various constitutional assemblies of 1979, 1989, and 1999. The drafters of the constitution were highly sensitive to religion.

“At the 1979 constitutional assembly, this particular section was very contentious until the military intervened to halt further debate, stating that the application of Islamic law would be restricted to personal matters like estates.

“We must be careful with any changes to the constitution that could further widen divisions in Nigeria. In any case, the matters my colleague seeks to address are already covered by existing laws.”

The bill was rejected when it was put to a voice vote by Ben Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over the plenary.