FEATURES
The Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC, and Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, are at war over the overloading of products at the refinery.
While PHRC accused tanker drivers of being responsible for the low pace of loading of petroleum products at the facility, PTD, through its umbrella body, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, dismissed the allegation, saying the company was being economical with the truth..
Meanwhile, Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, MEMAN, Petroleum Products Retail Outlets owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN and National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, said they were ready to lift products and were working on it.
When Vanguard visited the Area 5 of the refinery, yesterday, about 3p.m., refining of petroleum products was ongoing.
A source in the facility said the refinery produces daily, adding that it has maintained its production status as disclosed earlier on Tuesday.
Also, at the loading bay of the refinery, three trucks were being loaded, while seven others were standing by within the bay to be loaded.
It was observed that of the 18 loading points in the facility, only three were in use.
It was further observed that only tankers with NNPC insignia were loading and seen within the premises of the refinery.
Although the facility was not bustling with life, activities were on going within the loading bay and the production area.
‘Loading hasn’t stopped since last Tuesday’
The Terminal Manager of Port Harcourt Refinery, Worlu Joel, disclosed that the Petroleum Products Marketing Company, PPMC, arm of the refinery was working and that loading of trucks has not stopped since Tuesday.
He noted that the facility has the capacity of loading 100 trucks in an hour, but that out of the 18 points, 11 were functional at the moment.
He said out of the 11, only three were being used because the facility was delivering optimally.
Joel said: “This is PPMC loading arm. We have 11 loading bays that are functional but because of the capacity, it has a huge capacity to deliver, so we are using three at the moment because it is efficient.
“Out of the three, each one has the capacity of loading three trucks in 15 minutes. A truck is 45,000 litres minimum. We have the ones of 60,000 litres. Already, we have loaded more than 10 trucks.
“So, before the close of work yesterday, just in the next one hour, we are going to evacuate minimum of 15 trucks.”
Joel said that there were enough products but that tankers drivers are not coming up to load, calling on tankers drivers to come on to load.
He said: “We have surplus products available. We have our loading arms operational and we have been begging them to come in since, yesterday but because today is weekend that is why they have not turned up.
“If you give us 100 trucks yesterday, we will evacuate it in less than five hours. So, it is not our problem if there are no loading trucks, it is the tanker drivers’ problem. We have been begging them since yesterday to come around and take the products but they didn’t turn up, it was just this morning (yesterday) after pleading with them that they came.”
NUPENG denies PHRC allegation
General Secretary of NUPENG, Mr. Afolabi Olawale, while reacting to the development, told Vanguard that the management of PHRC was lying.
“The management is economical with the truth. People should know how we operate. We (tanker drivers) cannot just drive into the refinery to load products. The marketers buy the products and contract the employers of tankers drivers, Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO.
“It is only when NARTO informs tanker drivers where there are products for loading that we can go in and load. We are ready at all times to load products when and where products are available,” he added.
All supply sources will be explored —MEMAN
Reacting on the readiness of Port Harcourt refinery to flood the market with petroleum products, yesterday, the Cheif Executive Officer, Mr. Clement Isong, said its members were ready to do business with the Port Harcourt refinery.
Isong, said: “All product supply sources will be explored.”
We’ve submitted application — PETROAN
On his part, the Chairman of Mr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the association had submitted an application and was waiting for a response from the refinery.
He said: “PETROAN is ready to do business with all refineries. Already, we have submitted an application at the refinery portal. We are waiting for its response. We intend to do business with the refinery.”
We look forward to lifting from Port harcourt Refinery —IPMAN
National President, IPMAN, Alhaji Abubakar Shettima, expressed happiness at the reopening of the refinery, describing it as good news.
Alhaji Shettima said marketers could not say much about the reopening as they have not had any prior discussions with NNPC.
“We feel very happy and it is good news for everybody. We are happy with the new development. But we cannot say much. We will wait for NNPC to disclose the price it will sell its products and that will determine how marketers will react,” he stated.
Community happy as refinery resumes operation
Meanwhile, the Chief Security Officer of Alesa Eleme, Dibia Isaiah, expressed joy that the facility in their community has resumed full operation.
Isaiah said: “Everybody is seeing it live and direct that production is on. I suspect it was the enemy of this rehabilitation that is peddling the rumours.
“But you can witness what is going on here, I am one of the loaders from the host community; I have loaded four trucks this morning. Tomorrow, we will load more, there is no time we will not load.
“This is a very busy period us. I wonder why people are giving out fake information just to run down the management. It is not good. I want to urge Nigerians to disregard such rumours.”
[Vanguard]
Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, says his administration prioritised the development of the western part of the state because it has been neglected for a long time.
Speaking at the Oronna Day Celebration in Yewa south LGA of the state, Abiodun said the Ogun west senatorial district has not been given the needed attention despite being the food basket of Ogun.
The governor said his administration has inaugurated at least one road project in the western part of the state.
“When I assumed office and for some reasons, most of my predecessors did not accord this zone the place and attention it deserved,” he said.
“Kabiyesi called me and said ‘before you, all that happened here is that they will do some groundbreaking but they never commissioned any project in this local government or in this zone’ and I told kabiyesi that the narrative will change.
“We will do ground breaking and we will also commission projects. I beat my chest and proudly say that we have done just that.
“The very important arteria road that connects the local government area to Ado/Odo-Ota Local Government Area and other five local government areas is the Ilaro -Owode road.
“We totally reconstructed it and the journey that took probably two and a half hours now takes a few minutes.”
On his part, Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, commended the government’s efforts in developing the state.
The deputy senate president said Oronna Day could be used as a “developmental tool and a source of foreign exchange earnings”.
[TheCable]
offloads equity in Lafarge to Chinese firm
Holcim, a Swiss building materials company, has agreed to sell its Nigerian business to Huaxin Cement Ltd., a Chinese firm.
The deal, valued at $1 billion, would lead to the sale of Holcim’s 83 percent stake in Lafarge Africa, according to a statement on Sunday.
Lafarge Africa Plc is a member of the Holcim Group — a maker of roofing and other housing products, such as cement, aggregates for construction and ready-mix concrete.
The company said the agreement has been signed, noting that the transaction is expected to close next year.
“Holcim has signed an agreement with Huaxin Cement Ltd to sell its entire 83.81% shareholding in Lafarge Africa Plc, at an equity value of $1 billion on a 100% basis,” the statement reads.
“The transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to customary and regulatory approvals.”
Holcim, however, did not give reasons for its exit.
On May 24, Kimberly-Clark, makers of Huggies, said it plans to stop localmanufacturing and sales in Nigeria after 14 years of operation.
According to the firm, the decision was made owing to its recently refocused corporate priorities globally as well as economic trends in the country.
Pick n Pay, a South African grocery retailer, in October, also announced plans to exit Nigeria by selling its 51 percent stake in a joint venture.
Sean Summers, chief executive officer (CEO) of Pick n Pay, said the move was part of plans to restructure outside of its home market.
In 2023, three pharmaceutical companies exited Nigeria.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Nigeria Plc ceased operations and transferred its business activities to a third-party organisation.
Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Limited, a French pharmaceutical company, also halted its direct operations in the country in November 2023.
One month later, Procter & Gamble (P&G), an American multinational consumer goods company, disclosed plans to transition from local production to solely importing its products.
Governor Babagana Zulum has revealed that the northern Governors need more time for consultations on the tax reforms proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The Borno State Governor explained that this is why they advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bills so they could consult further.
Governor Zulum made the disclosure on Sunday while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, adding that contrary to insinuations in certain quarters, the Governors are not against the administration of President Tinubu.
According to him, the north gave Tinubu over sixty percent of votes during the 2023 elections which is a clear indication of their support for him.
He, however, maintained that he wouldn’t withdraw his earlier statement on the proposed tax reforms in which he maintained that the bill would only be beneficial to Lagos State and would make other regions, including the north, suffer.
“On this tax issue, there are a lot of misconceptions. We felt that the VAT provision in the tax law. Based on the calculations that we did, only Lagos and Rivers States will benefit from this scheme. We did our own research and concluded that we would lose.
On the narration in some places that he is working against the government of President Tinubu, Zulum affirmed his commitment to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC), submitting that the northern governors are not against President Tinubu.
“I am a strong member of APC. If you can count two governors before 2019 and 2023 who were in support of Tinubu, you can mention Governor Zulum. I was the first governor to come out publicly and say that power must go to the South.
“Unfortunately, the President was told by many that the North was against him. 60.2 per cent of his votes came from the north,” he submitted.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct a full disclosure of contractors and companies implicated in the disappearance of over N167 billion allocated for projects in 31 federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The funds were reportedly disbursed, but no projects were executed, according to the 2021 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
In an open letter dated November 30, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization demanded that Tinubu instruct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to publish the names of the contractors and shareholders involved.
SERAP is also urging the government to recover the funds and prosecute those responsible.
The letter highlighted a pattern of corruption documented in the Auditor-General’s report, revealing that contractors absconded with public funds allocated for projects in 31 MDAs.
The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) alone reportedly paid N100 billion to contractors for projects that remain unexecuted.
Other implicated agencies include the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Pension Commission, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), among others.
SERAP argued that this massive financial loss has exacerbated Nigeria’s development challenges, depriving citizens of essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“The names of the companies and contractors, along with their shareholders, must be published to ensure accountability and prevent a culture of impunity,” the letter read.
“Publishing these details will deter future corruption and demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency,” the open letter added.
SERAP also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to work with anti-corruption agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice.
The group emphasized that the funds must be recovered and returned to the national treasury for the benefit of citizens.
Failure to act, SERAP warned, would prompt legal action. “If no measures are taken within seven days, we will pursue all appropriate legal actions to compel the government to comply in the public interest,” the organization stated.
SERAP underscored the devastating impact of corruption on Nigeria’s development, noting that the diversion of funds has led to worsening inequality and inadequate public services.
“Corruption undermines economic progress, trapping millions of Nigerians in poverty and depriving them of opportunities,” the letter asserted.
The group also cited Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Freedom of Information Act, which mandate transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
“Your government must show that it will not shield or tolerate wrongdoing by contractors or public officials,” SERAP urged.
The letter concluded by emphasizing that addressing these allegations is not just about financial recovery but restoring public trust in government institutions.
Economic Hardship: It Is Pathetic, Nigerians Now Begging For Survival – APC Chieftain, Oyintiloye
AFOLABI
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has lamented that the economic crisis in the country is becoming unbearable.
Speaking with newsmen on Sunday, he lamented that the cost of foodstuffs has increased significantly, making it difficult for the masses to afford good meals.
He called on the government to come together and rescue the masses by providing solutions to the challenges in the country.
“The rise in food prices is mostly caused by insecurity, high cost of transportation of the products, climate change, and the instability of the exchange rate of naira,” he said.
Speaking further, he added that the astronomical rise in the food prices had battered the purchasing power of citizens, leading to uncertainty, an increase in poverty, and a high cost of living.
He said that with food as a primary resource for human survival, the government at every level should undertake tangible programmes to defeat hunger in the land.
According to him, “A recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also confirmed that food prices have risen by over 100 per cent”.
Oyintiloye said the 2023/24 General Household Survey-Panel, commonly called (GHS-Panel), launched on November 25, 2024, in Abuja, revealed that “65.8 per cent of the households were unable to eat healthy, nutritious, or preferred foods because of low income”.
The APC chieftain said that while the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is doing everything possible to bring down the food prices, many Nigerians are still struggling to eat three square meals.
Oyintiloye said that despite the food waiver policy being implemented by the Federal Government and the Central Bank’s intervention to curb inflation through the monetary policy, the prices of foodstuff is still on a very high side
“The exchange rate fluctuations further exacerbate this issue, particularly affecting the prices of imported food items.
“The situation on the prices of food is becoming worrisome and extremely unbearable for the masses.
“Many households can no longer afford nutrition meals, while many are begging for survival. This is pathetic and no longer bearable for the masses.
“I urge governors and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to stop further increase in the cost of food items. The situation may worsen if factors leading to the increase are left unattended to,” he added.
The Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared total support for the proposed tax reforms by President Bola Tinubu, adding that the proposals are in the interest of the Igbo nation.
The group, in a statement on Sunday by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said they declared support for the proposed tax reforms after a deep study of the contents and consultations with stakeholders.
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the reforms will rejuvenate the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enhance the fortunes of Nigerian workers, and eliminate the scourge of double taxation.
The group also expressed concerns about the antagonism against the proposed reforms, alleging specifically that the Northern region is jittery of losing illicit gains if the bill is approved by the National Assembly.
“In an emphatic affirmation of progress and economic empowerment, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo nation, hereby announces its steadfast endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reforms Bills.
“This endorsement comes after rigorous reviews, exhaustive consultations with an array of stakeholders, and an in-depth analysis of the bills’ implications for the Nigerian economic landscape.
“Our comprehensive evaluation has led us to the resolute conclusion that these tax reforms are not merely legislative proposals; they represent a transformative opportunity for the rejuvenation of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the enhancement of the fortunes of Nigerian workers.
“By eliminating the scourge of double taxation imposed by unscrupulous state governors, these reforms will pave the way for an equitable business climate that significantly elevates both local and foreign investment potential.
“The Igbo people, renowned for our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to economic self-determination, stand to gain immensely from these reforms. The proposed measures are expected to safeguard the private sector, particularly benefiting the industrious Igbos who play a pivotal role in driving the Nigerian economy through vibrant SME activities.
“In an environment characterized by fairness and transparent regulations, we are confident that the majority of the benefits arising from these tax reforms will bolster our( Igbo) endeavors, facilitating growth and fostering robust business opportunities,” the group submitted.
Ohanaeze, therefore appealed to all southern federal lawmakers in the National Assembly to work together towards ensuring the tax reform bills are approved by the legislators.
The group added that the decision to support the tax reforms aligns with an earlier decision to ignore the planned protests against the policies of the Tinubu government.
“In light of these compelling advantages, Ohanaeze Ndigbo ardently calls upon all Southern Federal Lawmakers(Senators & House of Reps Members)—both in the Senate and the House of Representatives—to unify their efforts in support of President Tinubu’s transformative restructuring program within Nigeria’s economic and fiscal sectors.
“It is imperative that our Southern Senators and House Of Representatives members close ranks, transcending partisan divides, to ensure that the Tax Reforms Bills navigate both chambers of the National Assembly successfully.
“We wish to reiterate our unwavering commitment to show solidarity with President Tinubu, as we expect that the Southeast Federal Lawmakers will provide essential backing to these initiatives.
“This collective support is particularly noteworthy as it underscores our strategic alignment with the President following our decision to abstain from nationwide protests in August 2024, a decision made in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation,” it stated.
On the opposition from some leaders in the northern region against the proposed tax reforms, Ohanaeze submitted that the northerners are only trying to frustrate the bill because the status quo favours their selfish interest at the expense of national growth.
It urged all stakeholders to support the proposals as it promises sustainable economic growth towards a prosperous Nigeria.
“Nonetheless, it is disheartening to observe the substantial opposition that has emerged from certain quarters within Northern Nigeria regarding these critical reforms.
“There is palpable concern that Northern governors are mobilizing their forces to stifle the progression of the Tax Reforms Bills within the National Assembly, relying on their numerical predominance to assert undue influence.
“This orchestrated opposition appears driven by a desire to perpetuate the current VAT derivation principles that unjustly favor select interests at the expense of equitable national growth.
“The implications of such maneuvers are profound. If the Northern political elites succeed in thwarting President Tinubu’s initiatives, it could set a dangerous precedent, fostering a climate of resistance against meaningful reform. This scenario poses a tangible threat not only to the President’s agenda but also to the broader economic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for a reformed and equitable system.
“Moreover, it cannot be overlooked that a successful passage of the Tax Reforms Bills could have far-reaching consequences for President Tinubu’s administration, potentially inciting a politically motivated backlash in the 2027 electoral landscape. It is essential that we, as a nation, confront these challenges decisively, fostering a collaborative spirit to advance our collective interests rather than allowing parochial motivations to derail our progress.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges all stakeholders, including lawmakers, business actors, and citizens, to unite in support of these pivotal Tax Reforms Bills.
“The promise of a prosperous and just Nigeria is within our reach, but it demands our collective resolve to advocate for transparency, equity, and sustainable economic growth.
“Together, let us champion an agenda that uplifts all Nigerians and ensures that our legislative processes reflect the aspirations of a nation committed to progress and integrity,” the statement concluded.
A Nigerian food vendor, Azeez Olayide, has said he and his business partner left their jobs to start selling jollof rice in the United Kingdom.
Olayide disclosed this during a recent interview on the programme My Tasty Naija.
He said the business name, ‘2 Nigerian Boys’ began in February 2019 at London Financial District, Spitalfield market.
According to the businessman, the adventure started when he and his friend wanted to satisfy their appetite with ‘smoky’ jollof rice but did not get it.
“The story was just about two Nigerian friends who loved Nigerian foods so much,” Olayide said. “One of them just said, ‘Let’s go to the city and bring jollof rice.’”
The two men were dumbfounded on the first day they started the business as they sold all that they had in 30 minutes, giving them the confidence that the business would thrive.
“Both of us were amazed and looked at each other in the face and said, ‘We need to quit our jobs and start selling Nigerian foods.’”
He stressed that the success of the business was based on its acceptance by the customers who loved the food.
“Ninety per cent of our customers are non-Africans, while the remaining 10 per cent are Nigerians. They love the beef when they eat it,” Olayide said.
“It is a lunchtime business. We open business between 12pm and 2pm. It gets crazy here with lunchtime.”
Another peculiarity of the business is that the food is cooked on-site to announce itself to passers-by and people.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that a branch of the business has been opened in Briston after feedback from customers in London.
Olayide, however, declined to reveal his business partner, whom he called ‘a magician’ and was the brain behind the cooking of the jollof rice.
“You can’t see the person performing the magic. The second Nigerian boy is a magician who makes the Nigerian Boys come together for a business,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu has stated that despite the hardship brought on by the removal of the oil subsidy, there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
He insisted that the removal of the oil subsidy was not to torment Nigerians but to save the country from collapse.
Tinubu stated this in his address at the 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology Akure Ondo State on Saturday.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Egbewole, the president said he took over power when the economy was nose-diving.
He said, “As you are all aware, we took the baton of authority at a time when our economy was nose-diving as a result of heavy debts from fuel and dollar subsidies. The subsidies were meant to support the poor and make life better for all Nigerians.
“We are all aware of the fact that the poor and average Nigerians were the sufferers of what was supposed to give them succour and improved standard of living. Unfortunately, the good life we thought we were living was a fake one that was capable of leading the country to a total collapse unless drastic efforts were urgently taken.
“The need to salvage the future of our children and bring the country back from the brink of collapse necessitated the strategic decisions to remove the fuel subsidy and also unify the exchange rates. I am not unaware of the consequences of the tough decisions on our people.”
Stressing that the policy has been fruitful, Tinubu stated, “The macro-economy of our dear country is improving by the day and beyond expectations. The micro-economy, which directly affects our citizens, is also taking shape gradually with positive results. We are now graduating from consumption to production economy in every facet of our human endeavours. By the grace of the Almighty God, every household will experience a better life and have brighter hope for the future.
“The present challenges call for a high degree of patriotism and I can assure all Nigerians that there is light at the end of the tunnel. After rain comes sunshine. The brighter days are almost here. The Renewed Hope Agenda is on track, and we shall not deviate on the path of better and greater Nigeria.
Abacha: ‘I Did Not Know You Wrote A Letter For My Release From Prison’ – Obasanjo Replies Gowon
AFOLABI
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to a revelation by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), that he pleaded with the late General Sani Abacha to spare Obasanjo’s life during Abacha’s regime.
The Abacha government imprisoned Obasanjo over an alleged coup plot to overthrow the regime.
Over the weekend, at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival held at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South LGA, Gowon disclosed his behind-the-scenes efforts to save Obasanjo.
Gowon expressed joy that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal after spending three years in prison but also became Nigeria’s president in 1999, following Abacha’s death in June 1998.
In his reaction, Obasanjo acknowledged that many people had worked for his release then and said he made efforts to thank them afterwards. However, he was not aware of Gowon’s involvement.
From Friday to Sunday, the event was attended by prominent personalities, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, Boni Haruna (Adamawa State), and other dignitaries.
Obasanjo said, “I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday he made a revelation and I have to thank you specifically for that. When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to thank friends, inside and outside the country who contributed to appeal and pray for my release from prison.
“And I went round the world thanking those that have been appealing and praying for my release from prison. But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that.”
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SMAEEL UTHMAN writes
The shifting alliances of vocal politicians who once derided President Tinubu with scornful abuse, only to later sing his praises within a short period.
Nigeria is home to numerous politicians and articulate social analysts who have been known to oppose governments, political parties, or individuals at various times. However, within this gallery of critics, consistent and politically disciplined individuals are rare. Many prominent self-acclaimed activists and public defenders have ended up serving the very people they previously criticised.
Daniel Bwala
This sentiment was palpable when an outspoken critic of President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, was appointed Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication. Bwala, a former spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, was a vocal critic of Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress before and after the presidential election. A former member of the APC, Bwala claimed he turned down an appointment offer from Tinubu before joining the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, arguing that the APC had underperformed.
“Eight years is enough for any administration, even if you are starting from scratch, to achieve its objectives. Unfortunately, after eight years, the question Nigerians must ask themselves is, ‘Has the APC taken us forward or backward?’” Bwala stated during an interview with Channels TV on August 5, 2022.
On October 5, 2022, Bwala tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), “Our message to Nigeria is simple: if you want another four years of super inflation, poverty, insecurity, and misery, vote APC and emi lo kan.” On November 25, 2022, he added, “The human brain is unique and miraculous. It works and functions optimally 24 hours a day and 365 days a year until you join the APC. Then it stops working.”
Criticising Tinubu’s performance during an appearance at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, Bwala posted on X on December 5, 2022: “Chatham House show of shame. You want to be the president but avoid answering questions, instead redirecting the answers to El-Rufai, Alake, and co. Nigerians want to be governed by a person, not a robot who cannot exercise independent thought in answering questions.”
Two days after the February 2023 presidential election, Bwala appeared on Arise TV, calling for the cancellation of the exercise and citing gross malpractice and result manipulation. In April 2023, he accused Tinubu of rigging the election, predicting that the President would face moral legitimacy challenges upon assuming office.
“Right now, although the presumption of law is in favour of Tinubu until the final determination of the election tribunal and appeals, he will struggle with moral legitimacy (because he rigged the election) for 240 days of his presidency,” Bwala wrote on X. In May 2023, he described Tinubu as a “president-select” rather than a “president-elect.”
But Bwala’s most controversial statement came in December 2023 when on Channels TV he thundered: “Nothing will work under President Tinubu, even if he is given 30 years.”
However, there was a noticeable shift in Bwala’s political allegiance in January 2024 when he suspended his criticism of the President after a visit to the State House in Abuja. On January 15, Bwala expressed willingness to accept an offer from the President, pledging to support his agenda. He also met with Tinubu in Paris that same month and subsequently praised his “passion to lead Nigeria out of the woods.”
It was therefore no wonder when he was appointed special adviser to the President, which attracted criticism from netizens, who described him as an inconsistent politician.
DOYIN OKUPE
Until recently, Doyin Okupe, a former Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, was another renowned critic of President Tinubu.
The septuagenarian, nicknamed the “attack dog” of Nigerian politics—a title he later upgraded to “attack lion”—was a vocal personality in the PDP before joining the Labour Party as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2022.
Okupe frequently clashed with Tinubu during his time as Jonathan’s spokesperson. On June 13, 2013, Okupe advised Tinubu to adopt higher standards of integrity as a former governor and political leader. He also described Tinubu as “a man living in the past.”
After leaving the PDP in 2021, Okupe criticised both the PDP and APC, describing them as “birds of a feather.” However, in March 2021, Okupe declared Tinubu as the most qualified to become Nigeria’s president.
In a series of tweets, he said, “Tinubu is the most sagacious and competent to vie for the presidential seat come 2023. Asiwaju is one of the most politically sagacious politicians of this era. His acumen and administrative competence are commendable. In summary, Asiwaju will be a good president.”
Okupe later supported Peter Obi for the presidency, describing him as “the candidate to beat.”
After Obi’s defeat, however, Okupe made a U-turn, declaring his support for Tinubu and retracting his earlier statements. He attributed Obi’s loss to the Labour Party’s poor structure and inadequate national reach, saying: “We ran a fantastic campaign, but the party lacked what it took to win a national election.” Okupe has taken delight in defending Tinubu on every issue raised against the president.
RENO OMOKRI
Reno Omokri is a prolific writer whose presence on social media, especially X, commands attention. He served as Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media from August 17, 2011, to May 29, 2015.
Omokri was a sworn enemy of Tinubu on social media, ceaselessly attacking the APC presidential candidate while supporting the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar. On June 22, 2022, Omokri portrayed Tinubu as a man with a black record. “What is wrong with the APC? How can they ask us to vote for a man with a heroin forfeiture case? This is not a charge, or an accusation, or a rumour. It is an actual judicial forfeiture of drug-linked funds. How can a man linked with the drug trade be our President? A man who has a drug-linked case in the US will be vulnerable to blackmail if elected as our President. He will be vulnerable to both governments and organised crime. And can he even pass a drug test? These are serious issues that Tinubu must respond to!”
Omokri continued his barrage on June 24, 2022, saying, “The drug cartel behaviour that led Tinubu into trouble in Chicago, leading to his court case with the US Government, is still in him. He has cornered the wealth of Lagos for his bullion van style of politics, leaving little for the development of the metropolis!”
He didn’t stop there. On June 25, 2022, Omokri queried Tinubu’s qualifications. “Emilokan, where are your certificates? The only reason Tinubu is now claiming that he did not attend any primary or secondary school is because if he comes clean about his early education, it will expose other lies he has told Nigerians about his true age and name. Tinubu, what is your real name and age?”
The detractions continued until after the 2023 presidential election, when Omokri started singing Tinubu’s praises. His sudden U-turn was met with outrage from netizens, forcing him to make a video on October 16, 2023. In the video, Omokri explained that he stopped criticising Tinubu, especially on his certificate, because he confirmed that the president actually attended Chicago University. Ever since, Omokri has been a strong supporter of Tinubu on social media.
On January 26, 2024, Omokri described Tinubu as the master of the game (politics). “A man with the ability to withstand public opprobrium to do what he thinks is right for the nation. I pray for your success between now and May 29, 2027. May God bless you, sir,” he tweeted.
FEMI FANI-KAYODE
Known for his eloquence, former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Femi Fani-Kayode, also falls into the category of vocal politicians who later supported and defended what they had earlier condemned. As a member of the PDP, Fani-Kayode was a known critic of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC.
On March 20, 2019, Fani-Kayode described Buhari’s administration as that of Pharaoh, who subjected his people to suffering, accusing him of not doing enough to solve the country’s problems. He expressed his disdain for the APC, declaring that he would rather die than join the party.
“I am committed to opposing the APC and those that are in their ranks for the rest of my natural life, and I will NEVER join them no matter what! They are nothing but darkness whilst I stand for the light of God and truth: there can be NO fellowship between light and darkness,” he tweeted on December 15, 2019.
Fani-Kayode did not limit his verbal assaults to the APC. He also attacked the leader of the party, Tinubu. He described Tinubu as a man with “bad health and always on drugs” on his Facebook page on March 4, 2015.
“It is not Femi Fani-Kayode but rather Bola Tinubu that slurs when he speaks. It is not Femi Fani-Kayode but rather Bola Tinubu that has to take 20 pills before he can go out. It is not Femi Fani-Kayode but Bola Tinubu that his hands shake when he tries to lift his fork and knife and eat,” he posted.
He also described Tinubu as the biggest traitor ever known in Nigeria. In a statement on March 18, 2015, Fani-Kayode said, “He (Tinubu) has betrayed every single person that he has worked with and he has thrown them to the dogs at the last minute for a price. During the days of NADECO, he betrayed the cause by colluding with the government of the day secretly while pretending to be a NADECO leader.
“The truth is that this man has not only sold his soul to the devil but he has also sold his followers for a pittance and he is leading them into perdition. He wants to buy and sell Nigeria too, and it is time for somebody to tell him that Nigeria is not for sale. This is what Chief Fani-Kayode and others are in the process of doing.”
The politician turned into comic material for content creators when, in a sudden twist, he joined the APC in September 2021. He said “the Spirit of God” led him to join the party. When asked about the insults he hurled at Buhari and the APC, Fani-Kayode, who appeared on Channels TV on September 16, 2021, said, “I spoke against Buhari from the outside, now I know him from the inside. I am not saying he is an angel or a demon. The APC I was talking about at that time is not the same today. Let’s focus on unity, peace, and togetherness. There is a time to condemn and criticise people. There is also a time to come together, work together to achieve unity.”
In 2023, Fani-Kayode was made Director of the New Media sub-committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Defending himself over the series of attacks on Tinubu, the former minister declared that he was with ‘pigs’ when he was attacking Tinubu.
In a tweet on his X on February 2, he said, “Circulating essays I wrote years ago against @officialABAT changes nothing. I was in People’s Pigs Party then but saw the light and left the swine. Been in APC since & have fought for Asiwaju to win with every fibre of my being. Those that are unhappy with that can drop dead.”
He campaigned for Tinubu and has since been defending him. Commenting on political inconsistency, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, said politicians and individuals who change allegiances were not disciplined.
“I think this has always been their modus operandi. These are not people who are principled in their dealings, ever!” he stated.
Also commenting, the Convener of CountryFirst Movement, Prof. Chris Nwaokobia, attributed the inconsistency to a lack of values, stating that some individuals were willing to live for anything that gives them money and to die for nothing.
“To them, a good name means nothing. Fighting, albeit pretentiously, for rights and good governance is a means to an end; ditto criticising the government, getting noticed, abandoning that position, and getting settled. All that matters to them is more money in their pockets,” he added.
The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential flagbearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have denied having discussions for a joint ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
Social media were awash with news that the duo may be seeking to work together again after photos of Atiku hosting Obi to a breakfast at his residence in Adamawa State went viral.
Atiku shared a video of their meeting on his official X account on Saturday.
His caption read, “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.”
The video featured the two leaders, alongside others, seated together at a dining table, ready to have their meal.
The development comes a few months after the Deputy National Spokesman of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, publicly announced on a live political programme that the leading opposition figures in the country were discussing the possibility of a merger to salvage the country from total collapse.
Abdullahi made the statement in penultimate Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
The PDP spokesman reiterated that the trio of Atiku, Obi and his counterpart in the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were willing to set aside their differences to form a formidable alliance to kick the ruling All Progressives Congress out of government.
Reacting to Saturday’s meeting, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, said the rendezvous was more of a reunion between two old friends.
He said, “Let us not jump the gun. The fact is that Obi accepted to be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of AUN and the 16th Founder’s Day, which was a milestone. Obi is part of that celebration.
“The university was founded by Atiku Abubakar, who was more like his host. But people think it is because of politics. We all know our friends. The truth is that politics cannot separate friends.
“So Atiku invited him to breakfast and from there, they went for the programme. I think that is what happened.”
Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, also denied that the Adamawa breakfast meeting was a dress rehearsal for the 2027 joint ticket.
Umar said it was laughable to imagine that Nigerians would always add a political undertone to every meeting that involves party bigwigs like the duo.
“No, there was nothing like that. They just invited him (Obi) to deliver a speech there. It has nothing to do with politics. Of course, you know people will always assume things,” he explained.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, believes Nigeria needs leaders who value public opinions to create a better nation.
Obi made this statement in Yola on Saturday while delivering the keynote speech at the American University of Nigeria’s 16th Annual Founder’s Day and 20th Anniversary celebration.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s development relies on leaders who collaborate with citizens for national progress.
“Leaders must be listeners and be ready to learn the right thing and to do it. Leaders must not act as though they know it all,” Obi said.
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, defended the American University of Nigeria’s establishment during the ceremony.
He justified developing the university based on the American system, expressing his desire for Nigerians to access quality education without traveling to America.
Nigerian singer, Favor Anosike, also known as Ugoccie, has shared her experiences in the music industry, highlighting the opportunities that music has brought her way.
In a recent interview with saturday Beats, she discussed how music has enabled her to collaborate with her musical idols “One thing music has done for me is basically making me meet my idols and having the opportunity to work with them”, she stated
When asked about the highlights of her 2024, Ugoccie mentioned several notable moments, including collaborating with an Ogene group and Grammy-nominated artiste, Yemi Alade, as well as releasing her second EP.
“I have had many highlights, such as doing a song with an Ogene group and also doing a song with Grammy-nominated artiste, Yemi Alade. Dropping my second EP this year was also a highlight”, she said.
She also reflected on the challenges she faced in her career, including seeking funding for her first EP, which ultimately did not materialize.
She said: “I sought funding for my first EP, but it did not materialize. Nevertheless, that did not deter me from releasing the project, which features one of my most popular songs, Man on Fire.”
Ugoccie revealed that her latest single, “Ifemnacho,” draws inspiration from the theme of love.
She explained that the song was inspired by a TikTok live session and the feelings that come with love. She also noted that people relate to the concept of love, making it easy for them to create content around it.
“My new song Ifemnacho was inspired by love and the feelings that come with it. Someone called me that name during my TikTok live session, and then it came to mind. So, I started writing it. I also think people like the idea of love because it’s a reality they can relate to, which makes it easy for them to create videos or online content,” she added.