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The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation Afenifere has applauded the Nigeria Governors Forum for its unified support for the Tax Reform Bills now awaiting consideration by the National Assembly.
Afenifere commended the federal government for initiating the tax reform bills because of their inherent benefits and lauded those who worked to remove the stalemate that characterised the efforts to pass the four tax bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation and made available to LEADERSHIP in Akure, the state capital, on Monday by Comrade Jare Ajayi, appreciated concerns expressed by various interest groups, particularly the Northern Governors.
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu stated, “These tax reforms are designed with a pro-poor focus to advance national interests, improve our economic competitiveness, and attract local and foreign investments.”
However, there seemed to be a stalemate due to the reservations expressed by Northern state governors and traditional rulers in the north. The meeting held in Abuja last Thursday put an end to the impasse.
Afenifere said, “The way the matter was resolved has much for us to learn from. First, our leaders must be visionary in taking people-oriented initiatives, as President Tinubu demonstrated on the tax bills.
“Second is the need by the society to express their feelings on issues of public concern. Third is the need for leaders to be sensitive to concerns raised by members of the public.
“Fourth is the need to subject issues to consultations with open minds and submit to a superior idea that would be in the majority’s best interest, as demonstrated by the parties involved in the Tax Bills controversy.
“All the above played out in the resolution of the tax bill brouhaha. In this respect, we commend President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for allowing further consultations when issues were raised about the bills.
‘’The outcome demonstrated the benefits of consultations and enhanced the President’s democratic credentials”.
A coalition of civil rights and immigration rights groups have sued the newly inaugurated Trump administration on Monday over an executive order signed to end birthright citizenship in the United States.
The administration was sued over President Trump’s bid to end automatic citizenship for children born in the US whose parents are unlawfully or temporarily in the country, kicking off a pitched legal fight over his immigration crackdown.
Brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, various state ACLU chapters and several other groups on behalf of immigration groups with members who are impacted by Trump’s order, the 17-page suit argues that Trump’s action violates both federal law and the US Constitution.
“For Plaintiffs — organisations with members impacted by the Order — and for families across the country, this Order seeks to strip from their children the ‘priceless treasure’ of citizenship, threatening them with a lifetime of exclusion from society and fear of deportation from the only country they have ever known,” attorneys for the groups wrote in the suit. “But that is illegal. The Constitution and Congress, not President Trump, dictate who is entitled to full membership in American society.”
The groups also asked a federal court in New Hampshire to declare Trump’s order unlawful and to temporarily and permanently block it.
The order signed on Monday by Trump said that the federal government will not “issue documents recognising United States citizenship” to any children born on American soil to parents who were in the country unlawfully or were in the states lawfully but temporarily.
The order said it would “apply only to persons who are born within the United States after 30 days from the date of this order.”
The lawsuit filed on Monday said some of the immigration groups’ members “are currently expecting children who may be deemed to be covered by the Order.”
The executive order, the groups’ attorneys wrote, “may also render children legally or effectively stateless.”
In a sweeping move on his first full day in office, United States President, Donald Trump, has fired four senior government officials appointed by his predecessor and warned that “over a thousand more” could soon face dismissal.
Trump announced the firings early Tuesday in his first post on Truth Social since taking the oath of office, signalling a rapid shake-up of government personnel.
“My Presidential Personnel Office is actively in the process of identifying and removing over a thousand Presidential Appointees from the previous Administration, who are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again,” Trump wrote on the platform.
He specifically named four officials who were immediately dismissed, Jose Andres, from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, Mark Milley, from the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, Brian Hook, from the Wilson Center for Scholars, and Keisha Lance Bottoms, from the President’s Export Council.
“Let this serve as Official Notice of Dismissal for these 4 individuals, with many more coming soon,” Trump declared in his post, which ended with his signature phrase: “YOU’RE FIRED!”—a line he made famous on his reality TV show ‘The Apprentice’.
The decision marked the first step in what is expected to be a dramatic overhaul of government personnel as Trump moved swiftly to remove officials he perceived as obstacles to his agenda.
Many US government institutions prepared for further upheaval, with fears that Trump may follow through on his campaign promises to slash the civil service, restructure key agencies, and even shutter entire departments in the name of efficiency.
Trump’s latest actions mirrored his first term in office when he frequently clashed with career officials and dismissed individuals he believed were working against his administration’s policies
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to initiate the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The decision, made on his first day back in office, signals his administration’s renewed criticism of the global health body.
“Oooh, that’s a big one,” Trump remarked after signing the order in the Oval Office, one of several executive actions he enacted upon his return to the White House.
This marks the second time Trump has directed the US to pull out of the Geneva-based organisation, following his initial attempt during the Covid-19 pandemic.
That decision was later reversed by President Joe Biden. By acting on his first day in office, Trump has increased the likelihood that the withdrawal will be formalised.
“They wanted us back so badly so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said, hinting at a possible future re-engagement with the WHO.
The executive order cited several reasons for the withdrawal, including dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises and concerns about its independence from political influences.
It also criticised the “unfairly onerous payments” the US has made to the organisation, which relies heavily on American funding.
During Trump’s first term, he accused the WHO of being “China-centric” and biased towards Beijing in its COVID-19 guidance.
In contrast, under Biden’s administration, the US had resumed its role as the WHO’s largest contributor, providing nearly 20% of its $6.8 billion annual budget in 2023.
Public health experts have expressed alarm over Trump’s renewed decision to withdraw, warning of potential negative impacts on both global and domestic health efforts. Critics fear the move could undermine progress in combating diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
“It’s a cataclysmic presidential decision. Withdrawal is a grievous wound to world health, but a still deeper wound to the US,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert and professor at Georgetown University.
Ashish Jha, who served as a Covid-19 response coordinator under Biden, previously warned that the withdrawal could damage US leadership and scientific influence globally, saying it would “harm not only the health of people around the world but also US leadership and scientific prowess.”
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has praised President Bola Tinubu for his love for Edo people, assuring him of continued support ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Okpebholo stated this in his goodwill message during a food outreach by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), through its Social Investment Programme.
At the event, held at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, the governor said the electorate in Edo will give the President 100 percent votes in the 2027 for remembering the vulnerable in the State.
The RHI food outreach began on the 8th of March, 2024, and about seven states, including Edo, have benefited from the initiative so far. The other States include Kano, Benue, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Cross River, and Gombe, while States like Kwara, Kogi, and Abia are next in line.
Governor Okpebholo commended the First Lady of Nigeria and chairperson of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her love and motherly role in ensuring that the people of Nigeria enjoy the dividends of democracy.
He noted that the initiative of the First Lady would not have been successful without the support of President Tinubu, assuring him that the people of Edo will support him for a second term if and when he decides to run.
“The entire people of Edo State are very appreciative of this kind gesture of food outreach and donations of different food items to the vulnerable in Edo State.
“We are happy in Edo State, and the people are beginning to see and enjoy a new dawn. Look at food items all over the place in this hall, all thanks to the president and his wife for this great initiative that Edo people are benefitting from today.
“We are assuring you, Mr. President of our 100 percent votes in the State come 2027 presidential election, and if possible, we will give you more than 100 percent,” he declared.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recalled that the food outreach commenced in March 2024.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the First Lady said the initiative has made significant progress in supporting women and youths for the betterment of their lives.
She advised beneficiaries not to sell the food items but to make good use of them for the benefit of their families.
“This food outreach began last year in March 2024 in Abuja to provide vulnerable households with food to support their families. We have been able to distribute food items to seven states across Nigeria.
“The RHI has made significant progress in efforts to support our people, particularly women and youths, for a better life. Under this initiative, there will be more activities this year that cover Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, Social Investments and Agriculture. This programme aims to further compliment the renewed hope agenda of the President Tinubu administration,” she said.
Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of the state, Mrs Edesili Anani Okpebholo, thanked the First Lady for the initiative, which in less than two years, has touched the lives of millions of Nigerians, assuring that the vulnerable in the State will get the food items.
She also appreciated Governor Okpebholo for his developmental strides in less than three months in office. She noted that his support for the RHI programmes in the State has recorded great success. Items distributed included noodles, semovita, and pasta, among others.
Other guests at the food outreach included the Secretary to the Edo State Government Musa Ikhilor; deputy Chief of Staff, Pius Alile; wife of a former deputy governor of Edo State, Mrs Anna Shaibu; leaders of market women; serving commissioners; political women leaders across the state; heads of security agencies in the state, permanent secretaries, among others.
34-year-old HIV-positive man in police net for raping, deflowering girl with sickle cell disease in Abuja
AFOLABI
A seeming uncontrollable s3xual urge which led to the destruction of the chastity of a sickle cell carrier teenager, Ngozi (surname withheld), has not only landed Peter Ugan in police cell at the Mabushi Division of FCT Police Command, it has also led to the discovery of his positive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status.
Ugan, aged 34, from Ogoja in Cross River State, was taken into custody by detectives from Mabushi Division on Monday, January 6, after he was almost lynched by a mob. He had lured the girl into a room and deflowered her.
It was learnt that while committing the rape, Ugan tore into the girl so much that she started bleeding non-stop.
Apparently aware of the gravity of his act, Ugan locked Ngozi inside the room so that she would not leave to expose him, and went to purchase medications not prescribed by any doctor for the girl. His aim, as he later told Nigerian Tribune, was to stop the bleeding and ease the excruciating pain the girl was in.
Information gathered revealed that Ngozi, who was staying with her aunt in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, came to Abuja to register at the Government Day Secondary School, Mabushi, to complete her secondary school education when the incident occurred.
The first week she came, Ugan reportedly approached her for dating but being a young girl, she started avoiding him. On January 6, 2025, Ugan was said to have come to the room of his friend, Isaac, who lives in one of the uncompleted buildings in a compound whose owner is late.
Though the suspect lived far from the compound, it was said that he used to come to the friend’s house to cook whenever he didn’t have kerosene or some ingredients. The friend used to do the same at Ugan’s house when he’s also stuck.
On this fateful day, Ngozi, who lives with her parents in the same large compound with Ugan’s friend, was returning the plate her sister bought food with from Meshai and when he saw her passing by, he called her to help him buy sachet water.
The 17-year-old girl, who respected someone older than her, went to collect money to buy the water but got more than she bargained for. Ugan, noticing that the house was quiet, reportedly dragged the girl inside, pushed her to the floor and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. By the time he pulled his organ out of her, blood started gushing from her private part.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that Ugan locked Ngozi inside, went out and returned with some medications for her to take. He also started cleaning her legs when he saw that the blood was still flowing nonstop. Thereafter, he allowed her to leave.
On her return home, her mother, Mrs Elizabeth Aroh, seeing her daughter’s condition, became distraught. It was said that Ugan was about to escape when the mob caught up with him and beat him black and blue. A credible source told Nigerian Tribune that the suspect would have been killed but for some neighbours who made a distress call to the FCT police command to come to his rescue.
Promptly, CP Olatunji Disu directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mabushi Division to go to the scene where the suspect was rescued and taken into custody.
The girl’s mother also brought her to the police station, while she was still bleeding profusely. The girl reportedly collapsed and fainted twice, and was rushed to the emergency unit at Maitama General Hospital.
When it was too much to handle by those on duty that night, Nigerian Tribune learnt that a doctor was called from Nyanya Hospital to perform surgery on her to stop the bleeding. It was further gathered that Ngozi had to be transfused with two pints of blood for her to stabilse.
As it is usually done, the Investigating Police Officer took the suspect to the hospital for tests. To the shock of all, the result of the tests conducted on Ugan showed that he tested positive to HIV. That again caused an emotional breakdown for the girl’s mother.
Ugan’s brother, who spoke with the police said that he had noticed the suspect’s emaciated looks before the incident, and had told him to go for tests. During interrogation, Ugan told the police that he didn’t know he was HIV positive because he still had some tests six months prior to that time.
In an interview, however, Ugan, who disclosed that he was working as a Front Desk Officer in an eatery, claimed that Ngozi was his girlfriend.
He said: “She (Ngozi) was my girlfriend. I approached her for dating and she accepted. I started the relationship with her over two weeks before the incident. On January 6, I went to my friend’s house to cook and she came to visit me when she saw me. My friend lives in the same premises with her parents.
“She ate with me and we were playing. While we were together, I asked her if we could make love and she said yes. It was between 11 am and 12 noon. I brought out my condom and had s3x with her. That was when I discovered that she was a virgin, and she started bleeding.”
When asked how he had a condom when he only went to his friend’s house to cook, the suspect said he got one from his friend’s room after he checked round and saw where the friend kept his.
He continued: “After the s3x, she started bleeding. I asked her why she didn’t tell me that she was a virgin. I stepped out to get her some medications, but she told me to lock the door when going as she was scared and would not want anyone to come in. I told her it would be bad if I locked her in but she said it did not matter.
“So, I locked the door and went to get some medications like Flagyl, Buscopan and Diclofenac. I bought malt drink and she took the medicines. I bought another food for her. She washed up and stood up, saying that she was going.
“After she left, I went to my own residence. I tried to explain to my cousin what happened and he told me that we would need to go to her parents’ house to explain things and offer to take care of her if there’s need for proper treatment.
“We were about to go when I saw people, four security men, the girl’s mother and her siblings. I was taken to the police station and detained. The following day, I was brought out and taken for test.”
When asked why he penetrated the victim when he could feel that she was a virgin, the suspect admitted: “It was a little bit hard but the condom I used was oily and I didn’t really feel the obstacle. It was when I withdrew that I saw it was that much.”
Concerning his questioning the girl on why she did not tell him she was a virgin after he was done with the sexual act, he was asked if she did not cry out in pain for him to know how she felt. His response was: “I didn’t see her cry before I penetrated her, but she was very stiff and squeezing her face and hands.” On why he continued after seeing her in pain, the suspect had no answer.
Nigerian Tribune also inquired whether he had knowledge of medical practice for him to know medications to buy for the girl. He however said that he got the prescription from a chemist. He stated that he didn’t know the girl has sickle cell disease until he got to the police station. He added that he didn’t know he was HIV positive until he was taken for a test by the police.
“I thought her looks were natural, I didn’t know she has sickle cell disease. Also, I didn’t know I was HIV positive. The Police took me to the hospital for tests and when the results were out, I was told that I was HIV-positive. Honestly, I didn’t know I had it in my system. I used condom because I didn’t want to get her pregnant. I was not also ready to start a family as I don’t have the capacity for now,” he said.
January 20, 2025
U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
12:10 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.) Wow. Thank you very, very much.
Vice President Vance, Speaker Johnson, Senator Thune, Chief Justice Roberts, justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my fellow citizens, the golden age of America begins right now. (Applause.)
From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first. (Applause.)
Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent, and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end. (Applause.)
And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous, and free. (Applause.)
America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before. (Applause.)
I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success. A tide of change is sweeping the country, sunlight is pouring over the entire world, and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before.
But first, we must be honest about the challenges we face. While they are plentiful, they will be annihilated by this great momentum that the world is now witnessing in the United States of America.
As we gather today, our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.
We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home while, at the same time, stumbling into a continuing catalogue of catastrophic events abroad.
It fails to protect our magnificent, law-abiding American citizens but provides sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions, that have illegally entered our country from all over the world.
We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defense of foreign borders but refuses to defend American borders or, more importantly, its own people.
Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina — who have been treated so badly — (applause) — and other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago or, more recently, Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defense. They’re raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country — some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer. That’s interesting. But we can’t let this happen. Everyone is unable to do anything about it. That’s going to change.
We have a public health system that does not deliver in times of disaster, yet more money is spent on it than any country anywhere in the world.
And we have an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves — in many cases, to hate our country despite the love that we try so desperately to provide to them. All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly. (Applause.)
My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal and all of these many betrayals that have taken place and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and, indeed, their freedom. From this moment on, America’s decline is over. (Applause.)
Our liberties and our nation’s glorious destiny will no longer be denied. And we will immediately restore the integrity, competency, and loyalty of America’s government.
Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250-year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way.
The journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one — that, I can tell you. Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom and, indeed, to take my life.
Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Federal Government has announced its intention to join BRICS as a partner country, taking a step toward strengthening international collaboration and economic development.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the situation in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday.
BRICS, a bloc of major emerging economies, provides Nigeria a platform to expand trade, investment, and socioeconomic cooperation with member countries.
According to the statement, the decision underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging opportunities for growth in key areas such as energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change.
Here are 7 things to expect following Nigeria’s BRICS involvement:.
1. BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation was formed in 2009 as a group to foster cooperation and diplomacy among emerging economies in the world. The group expanded to welcome South Africa in 2010.
2. On Friday, the Brazilian government confirmed Nigeria as a partner of BRICS, a political and economic group formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
According to the Brazilian government, Nigeria will join the group as the ninth partner country after indicating its intention to do so in October.
3. The partner-country category was established at the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October 2024.
During the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, it officially expanded its alliance, adding 13 new nations as partner countries, though not as full members.
The countries are Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
4. Nigeria’s inclusion places it among eight other nations with similar partner status in regions such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
5. As a partner of the group, Nigeria can push to reduce its dependency on the United States dollar and encourage trade in its local currency. This could also help it mitigate against forex pressures, which continue to be a major factor in the country’s economic crisis, as per the group’s objective to establish an alternative currency to replace the dollar.
6. Also, while Nigeria is not a full member, it may qualify for funding under specific conditions to finance infrastructure and development projects through its New Development Bank (NBD) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
7. According to a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) report published in December, one of BRICS’ main objectives is to serve as an alternative to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).
However, Nigeria’s partnership with BRICS does not affect its existing commitments to other groups such as the IMF.
Controversial Nigerian transgender, Bobrisky has described the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the most wicked organization in Nigeria.
Bobrisky made the comment in response to the Commission’s request that Nigerians exhibit empathy and sympathy to its official who was killed during one of its night operations in Anambra State.
In a series of Instagram Stories posts on Monday, Bobrisky accused the EFCC of hypocrisy, claiming that the police are “100% better.”
“I just don’t like reading about the EFCC online because I feel like I want to throw up each time I read about them,” Bobrisky posted.
“You’re asking the public to be human over the loss of your staff, but you are the most wicked people in Nigeria.
“When I was in your custody, you took me to my house and searched it. When I asked you why, you claimed I was into money laundering and wanted to check if I was printing money in my house. The police are 100 % better than you all, one million times.”
UK-based Nigerian replaces shoes, wristwatch Kemi Badenoch claimed police stole from brother
AFOLABI
James Akinwande, a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom (UK), has bought a new pair of shoes and a wristwatch as replacements for the ones allegedly stolen from Kemi Badenoch’s brother by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Recently, in an interview, Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, said some officers of the NPF stole her brother’s watch and shoes.
Badenoch did not indicate the year the incident happened in Nigeria but said, “giving people a gun is just a licence to intimidate”.
Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, Badenoch’s last name changed after she married a Scottish banker.
She came back to Nigeria, where she grew up, and finally returned to the UK at 16.
Badenoch has drawn the ire of some Nigerians—including a rebuke from Vice-President Kashim Shettima—for “constantly denigrating” her homeland.
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The Tory leader has consistently shown her disdain for the leadership situation in Nigeria—a development that has earned her both admiration and condemnation.
However, in response to Badenoch’s comment on the alleged theft, Akinwande recorded a video wherein he entered a shop in the UK and bought a pair of shoes and a wristwatch.
In the video, Akinwande took the new items to the UK Conservative Party headquarters to present them to Badenoch.
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At the pedestrian gate, Akinwande met the security personnel and handed over the items with the view of giving them to the Tory leader.
At the end of the video, Akinwande wrote: “On behalf of every proud Nigerian who felt genuinely hurt by those unfounded disparaging remarks about The Nigerian Police. We “buy back” the stolen shoes and watch! (I hope it fits, tho..).”
The video has been circulating on social media.
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The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has pledged the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment in Nigeria.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, chaired by Senator Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) today, the minister outlined ongoing efforts to combat the nation’s unemployment crisis.
Just three months into his role, Dingyadi emphasized that tackling unemployment is the ministry’s top priority.
“Every hour, we are working tirelessly to address unemployment because it is our key responsibility. All our skill development programs are designed with the singular aim of reducing unemployment.”
On the nations unemployment statistics, the Labour minister refrained from providing specific figures, citing the need for accuracy.
“I don’t want to give figures I’m not certain about. However, we have these numbers, and our parastatals and agencies are actively working on the issue. We will coordinate and present accurate data to the committee soon,” .
Some lawmakers, however, commended the Tinubu administration’s dedication to the welfare of Nigerian workers, both in public and private sectors, highlighting the recent implementation of the new national minimum wage, effective April 1, 2024, as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation and decent work.
Nathaniel Bassey, the Nigerian singer, on Monday, ministered at the presidential inaugural prayer breakfast of Donald Trump in Washington DC.
The event, held after Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, is a non-official and non-governmental gathering, focusing on intercessory prayers and spiritual support for the incoming administration of Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Bassey, who was invited to minister to the guests, delivered a powerful rendition of his song ‘Take the Stage’.
Through his music, he prayed for Jesus to guide the White House and for God’s glory to be manifested in the nation.
His heartfelt prayer also sought satisfaction for American citizens, asking God to make them His vessels.
“Please take the glory/ I’m satisfied/ Just to see you glorified/ Take the nation Lord and have your way/ We’re just your vessel/ And nothing more/ We’re satisfied/ Just to see you glorified/ Jesus, take the White House/ And have your way/ We’re just your vessels and nothing more/ When you’re done moving this nation/ Please take the glory/ We’re satisfied just to see you glorified,” he sings.
Bassey is a pastor, trumpeter, and songwriter popularly known for his songs ‘Imela’, ‘Onise Iyanu’, and ‘Olowogbogboro’.
He has established himself as one of the prominent gospel ministers in Nigeria.
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The World Bank Group has announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, alongside their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Norman Didam, for fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices linked to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the World Bank disclosed that the project aimed to provide targeted financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households was compromised due to several unethical practices during a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract process.
The statement read, “The World Bank Group today announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigeria-based companies—Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited—and their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam.
“The debarment is in connection with fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.”
The bank said that Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bids and accessed confidential tender information from public officials.
It added that these actions constituted fraudulent and collusive practices under its Anti-corruption Framework.
The World Bank further noted that Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam falsified the company’s experience records, submitted fake manufacturer’s authorisation letters, and provided inducements to project officials, which it classified as corrupt practices.
These violations, according to the bank, undermined the integrity of the social safety net initiative designed to benefit Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
The statement noted, “According to the facts of the case and the general principles of the World Bank’s Anticorruption Framework, in connection with a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in the companies’ Letter of Bids and received confidential tender information from public officials, which constituted fraudulent and collusive practices, respectively.
“Further, Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam misrepresented Viva Atlantic Limited’s experience and submitted falsified manufacturer’s authorization letters, as well as offered and provided things of value to project public officials. These actions were fraudulent and corrupt practices, respectively.”
The debarment precludes the two companies and Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects and operations for the specified period.
As part of their settlement agreements, the parties acknowledged their culpability and committed to meeting specified conditions, including enhanced compliance measures.
The conditions require Didam to complete individual ethics training, while the companies are mandated to improve their internal integrity compliance policies and implement corporate ethics training programmes in line with the bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines.
The bank highlighted that reduced debarment periods were granted due to the parties’ cooperation during investigations, voluntary corrective actions, self-imposed restraints from bidding for contracts, and the time elapsed since the infractions.
The statement added that the debarments qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions, signed in April 2010.
It also stated, “The companies also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group Integrity Vice Presidency. The settlement agreements feature reduced debarment periods due to the companies’ and Mr Didam’s cooperation with the Bank Group’s investigation, voluntary corrective actions, voluntary restraint from participating in Bank Group tenders, and the passage of time.”
The World Bank reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects, stressing that the sanctions demonstrate its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
It said the implicated parties must fulfil the stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for participation in future Bank-funded initiatives.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is set to appear before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris on Thursday in an alleged breach of contract case concerning the Mambilla Power Project.
A power firm, Sunrise Power, had instituted a $2.3 billion arbitration case against the federal government claiming that Nigeria had defaulted in its contractual obligations to the company.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP under anonymity, a source familiar with the matter confirmed the development. “Yes, the former president will testify on Thursday in France on the matter,” the source said.
The case revolves around claims made by Sunrise Power concerning a 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050-megawatt Mambilla hydropower plant in Taraba State, valued at $6 billion.
The company alleges that the federal government failed to honour its contractual obligations, leading to arbitration proceedings at the ICC.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed recent social media reports suggesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pressured prominent Nigerians to participate in the arbitration process.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claims as “false and misleading.”
“The arbitration process remains confidential, and those involved in Nigeria’s defence are doing so voluntarily, driven by patriotism and a sense of duty,” Onanuga said. “At no point has President Tinubu pressured anyone to testify or barred anyone from doing so.”
A power firm, Sunrise Power, initiated the arbitration proceedings on October 10, 2017, seeking $2.354 billion in damages for what it described as a breach of contract.
The company claims the federal government violated a 2003 agreement for the Mambilla Project, originally designed as a “build, operate, and transfer” scheme.
In 2017, then minister of power, works and housing Babatunde Fashola described Sunrise Power as a “middleman,” stating that the Buhari administration had engaged Sinohydro Corporation Limited, a Chinese firm, as the project’s Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.
But while an out-of-court settlement of $200 million was reportedly agreed upon in 2020, Sunrise Power later filed a new claim for $400 million at the ICC, alleging the government had defaulted on the settlement terms. The company also sought reinstatement as the local partner for the revised $5.8 billion Mambilla Project, a condition, it claimed, was removed in subsequent negotiations.
Sunrise’s legal representative, Femi Falana, filed the lawsuit at the ICC, demanding that the government pay $400 million in compensation and penalties for defaulting on the agreement. The claim includes a 10 percent penalty for delays beyond the stipulated 14-day settlement period agreed upon in January 2020.
The federal government has argued that the terms of the agreement were reviewed due to the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting fresh negotiations.
The arbitration outcome could have significant implications for Nigeria’s finances and the future of the long-delayed Mambilla power project.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is currently in Paris to honour the invitation to speak on the Mambila Power Project.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the former president left Nigeria for Paris on Saturday morning to enable him to appear and speak on the subject matter, which may be ongoing as we speak.
Obasanjo’s special assistant on media, Kehinde Akin Yemi, confirmed to LEADERSHIP on Monday afternoon in Abeokuta that Obasanjo had chosen to honour the invitation to set the record straight.