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Lawal Idris, a former Senior Special Assistant to the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has described his former boss administration as a failure.
He lamented that Matawalle tenure was filled with political upheavals, economic stagnation, insecurity and confusion.
According to him, his former principal could not pay the then minimum wage of ₦30,000 but paid ₦7000 to civil servants.
Idris, stated this while reacting to a factional All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary in the State, Yusuf Idris Gusau, who said that the payment of the much awaited ₦70,000.00 minimum wage by Gov Dauda Lawal was a deceit to hoodwink civil servants that he is an action governor who has their welfare at heart
He argued that APC is envious of the achievements of Gov Lawal in barely two years in office, which according to him, surpassed the four years of the immediate past APC-led government of Matawalle.
According to him, the APC is still groaning over its defeat in the 2023 governorship election.
Writing on behalf of Zamfara Rescue Movement, Idris said, “To state that the governor is working hard, particularly in the implementation of the minimum wage to civil servants as a ‘deceit’ to gain their support is a deliberate distortion of [truth].
“To distort facts and try to incite citizens against the government they overwhelmingly voted into office and still support is unpatriotic and counterproductive.
“Partisan politics should be set aside as the government strives to provide dividends of democracy to citizens.
This is what APC failed to understand. Politics of bitterness has no place in Zamfara State, which was why the people voted out the party in the 2023 gubernatorial election and why the party also remains factionalized in the state without direction and future.
“The government of Bello Matawalle of APC could not pay then minimum wage of N30,000.00, instead he paid N7000.00 to civil servants for a month salary.
“Civil servants were demoralised and impoverished which grossly affected their potentials and productivity essential in charting economic growth and prosperity.
“Despite this meagre salary workers and pensioners were equally owed months of their wages and pensions; promotion, human capital development trainings etc, were suspended due to lack of initiatives and strategic management of scarce resources.
“It was this atmosphere of despondency and insecurity that compelled the good people of Zamfara State to vote out a sitting governor, Bello Matawalle of APC.
“For the people of Zamfara, the dark days of political upheavals, economic stagnation, insecurity and confusion in governance is over.
“All benefits to former members of the State House of Assembly were settled, funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state withheld for two years by the Matawalle’s administration were released.”
The Labour Party (LP) has cleared George Muoghalu and John Nwosu for the party primaries slated for April 5, ahead of Anambra state governorship election, in November.
Naija News reports that the Screening Committee led by its chairman and the Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, George Ozodinobi, screened the two aspirants, on Friday.
In his speech, Ozodinobi lauded the two aspirants for being true party members and also commended them for their track records and loyalty to the leadership of the party.
He assured them of the party’s non partisan approach towards its selection process and its commitment in ensuring that the best aspirant emerge.
“We will work according to the laid down rules and we want to assure you of highest level of transparency throughout the process of the selection.
“We will work to ensure that we approach the election as a united house, without rancour. It is going to be a brotherly context where everyone in the party will join our flag-bearer in the onerous task of campaigning and winning the November governorship election for the salvation of Anambra State,” he said.
Muoghalu was the first National Secretary of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), and a former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Similarly, Nwosu was also a Director at the 2023 Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed Presidential Campaign Council.
The United Kingdom has hosted its first major summit to fight illegal migration, bringing together representatives from over 40 countries and organizations.
The summit, which takes place on Monday, March 31st, aims to tackle people smuggling gangs and improve border security, with outcomes expected across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America.
According to the UK Home Office, this summit marks a significant step in a global effort to disrupt people smuggling operations.’
A number of countries joined in addressing the complexities of illegal migration, ranging from small boat smuggling to online trafficking and illicit financial networks.
The summit also features discussions with social media companies like Meta, X, and TikTok to explore ways to stop the online promotion of irregular migration.
Global cooperation against smuggling gangs
The summit is designed to create concrete outcomes by strengthening international cooperation. Over 40 countries are working together to improve intelligence sharing, strengthen partnerships, and target organized crime networks.
- The UK government emphasized the need for coordinated action to address the entire smuggling route, from source countries to final destinations.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed the importance of global collaboration in disrupting smuggling networks.
“Smuggler and trafficking gangs make their money crossing borders, so law enforcement needs to work together across borders to bring them down,” she said.
“Only a coordinated international response, across the whole irregular migration route, can effectively dismantle these networks.”
New funding and resources for enforcement
As part of the summit’s outcomes, the UK government has committed substantial funding to support operations against people smuggling.
- A £30 million fund will support high-impact operations, targeting supply chains, illicit finances, and trafficking routes across various regions. Additionally, £3 million will be directed to the Crown Prosecution Service to help increase its capacity to prosecute international smugglers.
- Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, noted the need for cross-border cooperation, drawing from his experience as Director of Public Prosecutions.
“This vile trade exploits the cracks between our institutions, pits nations against one another and profits from our inability at the political level to come together,” he said.
“When I was the Director of Public Prosecutions, we worked across borders throughout Europe and beyond to foil numerous plots, saving thousands of lives in the process. We prevented planes from being blown up over the Atlantic and brought the perpetrators to justice.”
“I believe we should treat organised immigration crime in the same way,” Starmer said.
International commitments to border security
Details inform that several countries have made commitments to strengthen their border security efforts. France, for example, has agreed to deploy mobile, specialized officers to prevent small boat launches, while Germany has pledged to tighten laws against those facilitating smuggling to the UK.
Furthermore, a new task force between the UK and Italy will target the financial operations of smuggling networks.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has been actively involved in seizing boats and engines used for illegal immigration. Since July, the NCA has seized 600 boats, as part of its broader strategy to dismantle smuggling rings.
Criminal networks and global impact
The summit also highlighted the scale of organized immigration crime, which spans multiple countries and involves sophisticated tactics. The global income from migrant smuggling was estimated at $10 billion in the past year.
Criminal groups are increasingly using social media platforms, legitimate goods, and illicit financial networks to facilitate illegal immigration, which jeopardizes border security and puts lives at risk.
The UK government is also working with international partners to address the challenges posed by maritime illegal immigration. The Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) is using space-based surveillance technology to monitor and combat illegal activities in waters near Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Recent arrests and progress in tackling smuggling networks
Reports inform that several high-profile arrests have taken place as part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling gangs. These include arrests related to a Syrian organized crime group that smuggled 750 migrants, as well as the arrest of a Turkish national involved in supplying small boats for smuggling operations.
In addition, six men were arrested in Belgium in connection with a major people smuggling ring, and authorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have assisted in the arrests of three individuals linked to Kurdish smuggling networks.
The UK government continues to build on these efforts, using law enforcement partnerships and cutting-edge technology to disrupt illegal immigration operations and improve border security.
[Nairametrics]
Edo gov suspends security chief, vigilante groups • Kano govt deploys delegation to Edo
•PFN condemns killing, calls for justice
Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has urged authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for the killing of Kano indigenes in Uromi, Edo State.
He also stressed that justice must be served to uphold peace and stability in the country.
He made the call during his Eid-el-Fitr sermon at the Kofar Mata Eid ground in Kano on Sunday, speaking on the need for swift and firm measures to prevent further violence.
While acknowledging statements from some government officials regarding the incident, the Emir insisted that mere condemnation was not enough, but that concrete steps must be taken to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Addressing youths in Kano, the monarch urged them to avoid any acts of retaliation, reminding them that revenge is prohibited in Islam.
He emphasized that peace and justice must be pursued through lawful means.
The gathering was attended by thousands of worshippers, including the state governor and his deputy.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) would work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the killing.
In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the CDS condemned the killing in strong terms, noting that it could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities had been notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.
According to the statement, Gen. Musa condoled with President Bola Tinubu and the families of the victims, and urged Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands.
He also warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups must register with the police, DSS, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms.
In a related development, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly condemned the killing of the 16 northern travelers in Uromi, and called for thorough investigation.
In his Facebook post, Senator Kwankwaso described the incident as barbaric and emphasized the right of all Nigerians to travel freely without fear of harassment or intimidation.
Also, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, also strongly condemned the killing.
In a statement issued in Kano, Senator Musa described the incident as a heinous act that demands an unwavering response from security and judicial institutions.
He emphasized that all individuals found complicit in the atrocity must be brought to justice, including law enforcement personnel who may have neglected their duty.
Senator Musa urged Nigerians to live in harmony, regardless of their differences.
Edo gov suspends security chief, illegal vigilante groups
The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.
He also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (rtd.).
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the action followed a review of the preliminary report on the killing of travellers in Uromi on Thursday.
The statement reads in part:“It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.
“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.
“Investigations into the killings are ongoing and fourteen (14) persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police.”
The Edo State government reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.
Kano sends delegation to Edo
Meanwhile, the Kano State government has concluded arrangement to deploy a powerful delegation to engage with the Edo State government and the Hausa community in the state on the incident.
The delegation, set to depart for Edo on Monday (today), is expected to ensure that justice is served and those responsible for the heinous act are brought to book.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made this known in a live broadcast, where he condemned the barbaric act, describing it as “uncalled for.”
He assured the people of Kano that his administration would leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
“We will ensure that all those affected are fully compensated,” Governor Yusuf stated. “I have spoken with the Edo State governor, and he has assured me that most of the suspected culprits have been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing,” he said.
He urged the people of Kano to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Governor Yusuf also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Kano State.
PFN condemns killing of travellers in Edo, calls for justice
The National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop David Bakare, has strongly condemned the killing of 16 travelling hunters in Edo.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Kaduna, Bakare called for thorough investigations into the ungodly act to ensure that the perpetrators are fished out and brought to justice.
The cleric also appealed against reprisal attacks, pointing out that two wrongs cannot make a right.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the authorities to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.
“We strongly condemn this barbaric and ungodly act. Even if they were kidnappers, that does not warrant taking the law into our own hands; the right thing was to hand them over to law enforcement agents for proper investigation and legal action.
“We urge that thorough investigation must be carried out on this matter to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, no matter who they may be,” he said.
Arrest culprits, Reps spokesman tells security agencies
Spokesman for the House of Representatives and lawmaker representing Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency, Akintunde Rotimi, has called for the arrest of the perpetrators of the killing.
He made the call at the weekend in Ayede-Ekiti, IkoleLocal Government Area of Ekiti State, during the second Ramadan Annual Lecture he organised in honour of the national vice president of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Aare Sulaiman Ogunlayi.
The lawmaker stressed that Nigerians should be able to coexist peacefully regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
“On behalf of the people of Ikole/Oye-Ekiti Federal Constituency, we condemn the violent mob attack on those travelers in Edo State.
“We call on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice,” he said.
In his lecture entitled ‘Build the Family to Build the Nation’, a Navy Captain and the Chief Imam of the Defence Headquarters Mosque in Abuja, Dr. Taofeeq Miqdad, identified family instability as a major factor contributing to national insecurity and political instability.
He emphasized that Nigeria would not be in crisis if families raised peaceful and responsible children before they ventured into politics.
Another high point of the event was a presentation of an award to the lawmaker by the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Ekiti North Senatorial District, in recognition of his unwavering support to the Muslim community.
In his remarks, Aare Sulaiman Ogunlayi urged the Muslim community to embrace the lessons learnt in the holy month to spur them to rise up to the challenges of developing their families, Ekiti State and Nigeria generally.
[Nigerian Tribune]
The truck driver who survived the lynching of 16 travellers of Kano State extraction, by a vigilante group in Uromi, Edo State, has recounted the harrowing experience, refuting claims that the incident was tribal-related.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when the travellers, believed to be hunters, were journeying from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The truck driver, whose name was not revealed in a viral video circulating online, stated that he was transporting Dangote Group’s goods to Obajana in Kogi State when he encountered the hunters at Elele, seeking a ride to the North part of the country.
“I initially refused to give them a ride because it was against my company’s policy. But after driving for about two kilometers, I felt guilty for abandoning them. After all, they are my fellow Northerners from Kano State, so I went back and picked them up,” the driver said.
According to him, the journey was peaceful until they arrived at Uromi, where they were stopped by a vigilante group. The leader of the vigilante allegedly questioned the driver about his cargo and the identity of his passengers. Despite presenting the waybill for the goods, the vigilante commander reportedly expressed suspicion about the hunters, particularly due to their weapons and dogs aboard the truck.
“He said he (Vigilante Leader) didn’t trust them and demanded they come down. As soon as the crowd saw their guns and dogs, they attacked us,” the driver narrated. “The commander told the crowd that we were kidnappers and Boko Haram, and they started beating us mercilessly.”
The driver, alongside two others identified as Haruna, an older man, and a younger man, was reportedly handcuffed by the vigilante commander and taken to a nearby police station. The vigilante informed the police that they had captured suspected kidnappers, leading to their immediate detention.
“By the time he went back to the scene, the mob had already killed 16 people,” the driver revealed, his voice filled with anguish.
He, however, categorically dismissed suggestions that the incident was a tribal clash. “This was not a tribal clash. The vigilante are solely responsible for this attack. They are the ones that caused our people to be murdered in cold blood,” he emphasided.
The tragic event has drawn widespread condemnation nationwide, with calls for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
[Leadership]
There is growing political tension in Bayelsa State, ahead of the April 12 mega rally in support of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The organisers are also planning to inaugurate a political group: ‘The new Associates’, Bayelsa chapter.
However, Governor Douye Diri warned against the rally which he said is capable of triggering violence, but George Turnah, the lead organiser, dare the governor, vowing that the rally would go on.
After this development, supporters of the governor also fixed a rally at the same venue, choosing same date and time.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri had last week during meetings with Bayelsa Elders and Security chiefs alerted that the planned Pro-Wike rally is capable of Igniting crisis in the state due to already tense political climate in the neighbouring Rivers State.
Few days after the governor declared his stance against the pro-Wike rally, his supporters under the auspices of a group ‘Izon Keme-Ama Assembly’ rolled out their own programme for their grand mega rally tagged ‘Assured Prosperity Prosperity Rally In Appreciation of His Excellency Senator Douye Diri’s Unprecedented Achievements in Bayelsa State.”
According to the flyer from the Convener of pro-Diri rally, Tony Nathan Ile, he urged all sons and daughters of Izon both home and abroad to attend the rally.
Some political pundits in the state, urged security agencies not to approve the same venue, date and time for the two groups to hold rally in the state as the supporters of both groups could clash, thereby causing major political crisis.
Police spokesman in Bayelsa State, DSP Musa Muhammad, could not be reach on phone to find out if the police authorities in the state will approve the venue for the both groups for rally on the said date.
Below are publicity materials for both events;
[DailyTrust]
Kenya has emerged as the largest importer of second-hand clothes in Africa, earning the unfortunate distinction of being an easy dumping ground for used apparel while struggling to revive its collapsed textile industry.
According to the latest trade data compiled by the United States-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Kenya imported second-hand clothes and textiles worth Sh38.5 billion ($298 million) in 2023, making Kenya the continent’s leading buyer of mitumba, the Kiswahili term for second-hand clothing, surpassing Nigeria at number four.
The imports represent a 12.45 per cent increase from Sh34.28 billion ($265 million) in 2022, as shipments of used garments continue to flood the Kenyan market, meeting the growing demand for affordable clothing.
In 2023, Ghana ranked as the second-largest importer of second-hand clothes, with imports valued at Sh30.4 billion. South Africa followed at Sh29.4 billion, with Uganda at Sh27.2 billion, and Nigeria at Sh27 billion.
According to the report, Kenyan mitumba traders import various categories of second-hand clothes, including underwear, dresses, shirts, trousers, jackets, and shoes. Additionally, other used textiles such as bedding, towels, curtains, fabric scraps, and industrial rags also enter the country.
“I think we have not been intentional about growing the textile sector,” Tobias Alando, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, stated.
An analysis of MIT’s Observatory of Economic Complexity indicates that in 2022, Kenya’s imports of second-hand clothes and textiles were nearly equal to Nigeria’s at Sh34.5 billion ($265 million), with South Africa ranking third at Sh33.76 billion ($261 million).
In 2021, South Africa was the leading importer of used clothes and textiles, though the country restricts such imports, except for specific purposes such as manufacturing industrial wiping rags or donating to registered charities.
Despite Nigeria’s official ban on the importation of used clothes, analysts note that they continue to be smuggled into the country from neighbouring regions.
Some officials in Kenya’s Ministry of Trade, speaking anonymously, suggest that a large portion of Kenya’s mitumba imports may be destined for neighbouring countries. “They are crossing the borders,” said one official.
Kenya’s situation is further complicated by its reliance on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a policy that grants eligible African nations duty-free access to the US market. To maintain AGOA privileges, particularly for textiles, Kenya must permit the importation of mitumba, a significant portion of which originates from the United States.
[Vanguard]
On March 31, 2015, precisely a decade ago, a brief telephone conversation altered Nigeria’s political landscape and reinforced its democratic values. The days leading to the 2015 general election were intense, with political permutations, strong rhetoric, predictions, doomsday prophesies, and pockets of unrest. Most political observers believed the election would either balkanise or strengthen the country, depending on the outcome. The international community had its eyes fixed on Nigeria. Everyone waited with bated breath.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had ruled the country since the return of democracy in 1999, and the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), which had come out stronger through a merger, had gathered momentum through its “change” mantra. The APC went into the election with Muhammadu Buhari as its running mate to challenge the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, of the PDP.
The atmosphere was charged. However, Nigerians went to the polls on March 28 and voted. Sooner, the results started trickling in.
The majority of the results from the presidential election had been announced, with Buhari leading by nearly three million votes. In a gesture that surprised many, while the final results had not been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Jonathan called Buhari, his rival, to congratulate him.
JONATHAN: NOBODY’S AMBITION IS WORTH THE BLOOD OF ANY NIGERIAN
Jonathan’s simple words, “Congratulations, your excellency”, ushered in a historic moment.
This historic moment was not just about the transfer of political authority; the call marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that a sitting president had willingly and publicly acknowledged electoral defeat by reaching out directly to his opponent, ending 16 years of one-party dominance by the PDP.
Guided by his stance that his ambition is not worth the life of any Nigerian, Jonathan made the call against advice from his circle, many of whom wanted him to contest the results.
“By the time they were announcing Borno state, it was already clear that President Buhari as he later became, was leading with about 3 million votes. It was at that point that the drama began in the villa,” Reuben Abati, Jonathan’s spokesperson, told the BBC.
Abati said the security agencies had warned about the potential of a breakdown of order in the country.
“The people from the Nigerian Delta were saying the president should stand firm. Some other people, mainly the minister and the attorney general of the federation, Mohammed Adoke, were saying, ‘look, the president should apply wisdom,’ and at the end of the day, the president reiterated the position he has always held that nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian because there was palpable threat of violence,” he said.
“…then he placed a call to the control room, and he said, ‘Please get me President Buhari on the line.'”
Abati said the call almost did not happen over connection issues.
Buhari polled a total of 15,424,921 votes while Jonathan secured 12,853,162 votes.
A month later, when he met with some new ambassadors, Jonathan said he took the decision because “as for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first”.
“You need to have a nation before you can have an ambition. It should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle national progress for personal ambition,” Jonathan said.
“Since I assumed duty, I have been involved in quelling political crisis in some African countries, and I know what they passed through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy.”
BUHARI: JONATHAN’S PHONE CALL LEFT ME DUMBFOUNDED
On March 31, 2015, precisely a decade ago, a brief telephone conversation altered Nigeria’s political landscape and reinforced its democratic values. The days leading to the 2015 general election were intense, with political permutations, strong rhetoric, predictions, doomsday prophesies, and pockets of unrest. Most political observers believed the election would either balkanise or strengthen the country, depending on the outcome. The international community had its eyes fixed on Nigeria. Everyone waited with bated breath.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had ruled the country since the return of democracy in 1999, and the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), which had come out stronger through a merger, had gathered momentum through its “change” mantra. The APC went into the election with Muhammadu Buhari as its running mate to challenge the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, of the PDP.
The atmosphere was charged. However, Nigerians went to the polls on March 28 and voted. Sooner, the results started trickling in.
The majority of the results from the presidential election had been announced, with Buhari leading by nearly three million votes. In a gesture that surprised many, while the final results had not been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Jonathan called Buhari, his rival, to congratulate him.
JONATHAN: NOBODY’S AMBITION IS WORTH THE BLOOD OF ANY NIGERIAN
Jonathan: Nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. We pray to God to give us that wisdom to make sure we conduct ourselves in a way that will not set the country ablaze because of our personal ambitions.
Jonathan’s simple words, “Congratulations, your excellency”, ushered in a historic moment.
This historic moment was not just about the transfer of political authority; the call marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that a sitting president had willingly and publicly acknowledged electoral defeat by reaching out directly to his opponent, ending 16 years of one-party dominance by the PDP.
Guided by his stance that his ambition is not worth the life of any Nigerian, Jonathan made the call against advice from his circle, many of whom wanted him to contest the results.
“By the time they were announcing Borno state, it was already clear that President Buhari as he later became, was leading with about 3 million votes. It was at that point that the drama began in the villa,” Reuben Abati, Jonathan’s spokesperson, told the BBC.
Abati said the security agencies had warned about the potential of a breakdown of order in the country.
“The people from the Nigerian Delta were saying the president should stand firm. Some other people, mainly the minister and the attorney general of the federation, Mohammed Adoke, were saying, ‘look, the president should apply wisdom,’ and at the end of the day, the president reiterated the position he has always held that nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian because there was palpable threat of violence,” he said.
“…then he placed a call to the control room, and he said, ‘Please get me President Buhari on the line.'”
Abati said the call almost did not happen over connection issues.
Buhari polled a total of 15,424,921 votes while Jonathan secured 12,853,162 votes.
A month later, when he met with some new ambassadors, Jonathan said he took the decision because “as for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first”.
“You need to have a nation before you can have an ambition. It should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle national progress for personal ambition,” Jonathan said.
“Since I assumed duty, I have been involved in quelling political crisis in some African countries, and I know what they passed through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy.”
BUHARI: JONATHAN’S PHONE CALL LEFT ME DUMBFOUNDED
In May 2016, Buhari told journalists that he was shocked that Jonathan would give up the presidential seat so easily, given his political trajectory.
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“Of course, there was dead silence on my end because I did not expect it. I was shocked,” Buhari said.
“I did not expect it because after 16 years, the man was a deputy governor, governor, vice-president and was president for six years.
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“For him to have conceded defeat even before the result was announced by INEC, I think it was quite generous and gracious of him.”
The phone call is reproduced below.
Buhari: Hello, Your Excellency
Jonathan: Your Excellency, how are you?
Buhari: I’m all right.
Jonathan: Congratulations.
Buhari: Thank you very much, your Excellency.
Jonathan: Yeah. So, how are things?
Buhari: Well, I’d congratulate you more because you….
Jonathan: …some of these days to come so that we can sort out how to plan the transitional period.
Buhari: Alright, Your Excellency. Thank you very much
Jonathan: Okay, congratulations.
Buhari: My respects, Your Excellency. Thank you.
In May 2016, Buhari told journalists that he was shocked that Jonathan would give up the presidential seat so easily, given his political trajectory.
“Of course, there was dead silence on my end because I did not expect it. I was shocked,” Buhari said.
“I did not expect it because after 16 years, the man was a deputy governor, governor, vice-president and was president for six years.
“For him to have conceded defeat even before the result was announced by INEC, I think it was quite generous and gracious of him.”
The phone call is reproduced below.
Buhari: Hello, Your Excellency
Jonathan: Your Excellency, how are you?
Buhari: I’m all right.
Jonathan: Congratulations.
Buhari: Thank you very much, your Excellency.
Jonathan: Yeah. So, how are things?
Buhari: Well, I’d congratulate you more because you….
Jonathan: …some of these days to come so that we can sort out how to plan the transitional period.
Buhari: Alright, Your Excellency. Thank you very much
Jonathan: Okay, congratulations.
Buhari: My respects, Your Excellency. Thank you.
[TheCable]
Three Nigerians based in the United States of America, Olumide Olorunfunmi, Samson Amos and Emmanuel Unuigbe, could be sentenced to a combined jail term of 60 years for alleged money laundering to the tune of $4.5m.
PUNCH Metro learnt in a statement by the US Department of Justice obtained on Sunday that the trio conspired among themselves to launder money which caused losses to about 125 victims in the US.
It added that the laundered money was proceeds from romance scams and business email compromise schemes.
The statement noted that while the duo of Amos and Unuigbe pleaded guilty in 2023, Olorunfunmi admitted guilty while being arraigned before a federal court on Friday.
It read, “Olumide Olorunfunmi, 39, a Nigerian national, appeared in federal court in Charlotte today and pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy for laundering millions in criminal proceeds linked to romance scams and business email compromise schemes.
“According to documents filed with the court and today’s plea hearing, the scheme caused more than 125 victims to transfer over $4.5 million of proceeds stemming from illegal activities.”
“Two of Olorunfunmi’s co-conspirators, both Nigerian nationals, have also pleaded guilty to federal charges and are awaiting sentencing.”
Stressing the individual’s role in the scheme, the statement noted that the victims were directed to deposit money into accounts controlled by Amos and his co-conspirators who then transferred the monies to accounts in Nigeria.
The schemes, which were orchestrated between 2020 and 2023, also saw the defendants keeping a percentage of the monies that were deposited by the victims.
It continued, “As Olorunfunmi admitted in court today, from 2020 through 2023, Olorunfunmi conspired with Amos, Unuigbe, and others to launder the criminal proceeds of various illegal activities, including romance scams that typically targeted elderly victims and business email compromise schemes.
“Court records show that the victims of the schemes were directed to transfer funds into domestic and international bank accounts controlled by Olorunfunmi and his co-conspirators. Upon receiving the fraud proceeds, Olorunfunmi and his co-conspirators transferred the funds to other bank accounts, in the U.S. and overseas.
“They also profited by agreeing to ‘pay’ for the domestic deposits received by others by transferring Nigerian Naira from accounts the co-conspirators controlled in Nigeria to other accounts, based upon a “black market” exchange rate for United States Dollars to Naira.”
The statement concluded that each of the defendants risks 20 20-year jail term for the offence of conspiracy.
“The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set,” it concluded.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has expressed serious concerns regarding the reported poisoning and theft of cattle belonging to its members by criminal groups in the Agatu Local Government Area.
The Chairman of MACBAN in the state, Risku Muhammed, raised this issue over the weekend, revealing that more than 20 cows owned by Fulani herdsmen were poisoned on Saturday in Ucha village, Agatu.
He further alleged that in addition to the poisoned cattle, over 200 cows were stolen last Thursday by these criminals.
This situation was somewhat mitigated by the swift action of security forces, who managed to apprehend one of the thieves, although others managed to flee.
Muhammed accused a farmer from the Ucha community, whose name has not been disclosed, of poisoning the cows using rice chaff after inviting a herder to feed his cattle with it.
This act, according to him, resulted in the death of 13 cows, while seven others that survived are currently receiving treatment.
“I got a report from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal who had laced rice chaff with poison invited one of our members to come and graze on the rice chaff. Unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly, while a veterinary doctor is treating seven,” Muhammed noted.
He commended the Local Government Council Chairman, Melvin Ejeh for promptly responding to issues concerning the herders and communities in the area, saying “the Local Government Chairman with some Non Governmental Organizations working in the LGA have several times paid for cows killed by these criminals.”
He revealed that herders have, at various times, lost numerous cows to criminals in Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha due to rustling and killings.
When reached for comment, Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed that he had received the complaint from MACBAN. He assured that an investigation was underway, although a farmer had been apprehended in connection with the poisoned cows.
He also mentioned that Agatu has recently experienced a period of relative peace, thanks to the support from the state government and the deployment of security personnel to the region.
“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an investigation is going on about the incident. Agatu has been enjoying peace, and this is as a result of the Peace Committee that was set up, and on a daily basis, we review the peace process.
“It is unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crisis and destroying the peace process but the government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen,” Vanguard quoted the Council Chairman saying.
The Chairman, who lauded the state government for ensuring peace in Agatu, appealed for the deployment of more security operatives to the LGA.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene, who confirmed the development, said: “I have a briefing this morning (Sunday) about dead cows said to have been poisoned, investigation is ongoing and a suspect has been arrested over the matter.”
The Anene also confirmed the existence of a Peace Committee working tirelessly in the area to ensure sustainable peace in the communities of Agatu LGA.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has claimed that Nigerians can now buy food without struggle.
Tinubu made the statement on Sunday when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led a delegation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a Sallah homage.
Tinubu highlighted the impact of recent policy changes, particularly the removal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which he said had triggered rapid improvements in key sectors.
“I started looking at the opening up of the rural areas, the residence of the vice president that has been abandoned for years came alive. The health centers were being rehabilitated. The health facilities of the residents of FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers at school are being rehabilitated, buildings are furnished. Thank you, Wike,” he said.
Speaking further, the President emphasized that security had improved, and economic activities were stabilizing.
“Today, we are living in peace, and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We are able to go to the market and do business,” Tinubu added.
His remarks come amid ongoing concerns over inflation and the high cost of living, which have been major challenges for his administration.
President Bola Tinubu said his administration’s decision to remove the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) was to accelerate development and enhance resident participation in governance.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday during a Sallah homage by FCT residents led by Minister Nyesom Wike, Tinubu stated that the decision was necessary to overcome bureaucratic hurdles that were slowing infrastructure growth in the capital city.
Tinubu revealed that Wike had approached him with a request to exempt the FCTA from TSA restrictions to enable more efficient project execution.
The president said he was convinced by Wike’s reasoning and quickly approved the request.
The exclusion from TSA grants the FCTA autonomy to use its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), estimated at over N250bn, for project development.
“I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, Please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said, Show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.
“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the vice president’s official residence, which had been abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for schoolchildren, and provided furniture,” Tinubu recalled.
He added that freeing FCT from TSA restrictions has catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.
He identified achievements recorded since the TSA removal to include the opening up of rural areas, resuscitation of abandoned projects, and completion of the Vice President’s official residence that had been abandoned for years.
Tinubu further noted that the FCT has rehabilitated healthcare centres, upgraded facilities for schoolchildren, and provided furniture—developments that would not have been possible under the previous arrangement.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” Tinubu said.
He encouraged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.
“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.
“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares,” the president noted.
“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof,” the president said.
President Tinubu urged more tolerance, broad-mindedness, and patriotism from citizens.
“All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learnt some lessons from Ramadan. May the lessons continue to be with us,” he said.
Wike thanked the president for hosting the residents in the State House.
“This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here,” said Wike.
He pledged his loyalty to the President and committed himself to developing the capital city, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.
“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
The Sallah homage was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and an FCT delegation including members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and women and youth groups.
The senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has declared interest in contesting for the central senatorial district in the 2027 election.
Naija News reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain made the declaration on Sunday, March 30, 2025, while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.
The former lawmaker also stated that his priority is to see Governor Uba Sani re-elected in 2027, noting that the party is well prepared for all forces and challenges that might threaten his re-election.
He said, “Any politician who is going to contest election will be dependent on political equation which will determine what position is going to contest. I would say that if the conditions are right and equations favourable, I will offer myself to contest but specifically on the central senatorial district.
“If the people of Kaduna central want us to provide our own kind of leadership and representation at the NASS, you should expect me back to Senate in 2027.
“For now, we want to see that incumbent governor, Uba Sani is re-elected. We are going to do it with all our might and strength. We know that there are going to be challenges and opposition but we are well prepared for all the forces.”
While condemning the killing of hunters in Edo State, Sani urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.
He added, “If any citizen of this country cannot move from one part of the country to another, then we are not a nation.
“If someone will use one reason or another to take laws into his/her hand, then it means there is no government or authority.”
State Of Emergency: Tinubu And His Backers Cannot Import What Is Not In The Constitution – Femi Falana
AFOLABI
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has called on Nigerians to resist President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
He argued that Tinubu violated the country’s constitution, insisting that the President has no right under the 1999 Constitution as amended, to suspend or remove the governor, his deputy and the House of Assembly members.
Speaking in a virtual interaction with some Nigerians in the Diaspora on Saturday night, Falana asserted that that even if the Constitution allows the president to employ “extraordinary measures” in sub section 3, to address threat to the country, that “does not require him to suspend or remove elected officials in the state. “
According to Falana, Section 305 of the Constitution provides that “(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution the president may by instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.”
He added that, “there is no such provision in the constitution and the president and his backers cannot import what is not in the constitution.”
In the virtual conference, co-hosted by foremost columnist, Farooq Kperogi, Moses Ochonu and Osmond Agba, the Lagos-based human rights lawyer also scolded the National Assembly for approving the suspension of democratic structures in the beleaguered state with a voice vote, suggesting that the haste, with which the legislators endorsed the proclamation without thorough scrutiny, was replete with partisan politics.