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A report by the Auditor-General of the federation’s office has indicted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in the diversion and misappropriation of public funds and non-timely remittance of revenue to the federation account in 2021.
The report, published in November, details cases of unauthorized deductions of N82.9 billion from the federation revenue for refinery rehabilitation and irregular deductions of funds valued at N343 billion from domestic crude sales at the source.
The OAuGF report observed that N343,642,598,726.51 was unilaterally deducted from the gross domestic crude sales as NNPC Value shortfall, Strategic Stock Holding Cost, Crude Oil, and Products Pipeline Losses, as well as the pipeline maintenance and management costs.
The corporation did not provide the details of each cost component for audit review, and the corporation’s management could not justify the reasons for the deductions.
The NNPCL management ought to have paid a net payable sum of N127,075,366,570.65 in May but only remitted the sum of N77 billion, leaving the sum of N50 billion largely unaccounted for.
According to the report, these anomalies are attributed to the weaknesses in the NNPC’s internal control system.
This deduction is a violation of the 2009 Financial Regulations and the OAuGF has advised the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL to provide reasons for the deductions, remit the funds to the federation account, and provide proof of remittance else stand a chance of facing sanctions relating to irregular payments and gross misconduct.
Similarly, the NNPCL was also indicted for the deduction of N82.9 billion from the sale of Crude Oil and Gas (Federation Revenue) from the 2020 and 2021 records for purported refineries rehabilitation.
This deduction was not supported with evidence of authorisation and approvals.
Following these revelations, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil society organisation (CSO), directed the GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, to account for the misappropriated funds.
The Guardian earlier published a report detailing SERAP’s demands.
The CSO demanded that Kyari identify and hand over those suspected of involvement to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“According to the recently published 2021 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for over
N825 billion and $2.5 billion of public funds meant for refinery rehabilitation and repairs, and other oil revenues,” SERAP noted.
SERAP emphasized that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.
[Guardian]
A Rivers State High Court has upheld Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s authority to conduct official business with the three lawmakers who have not vacated their seats in the state house of assembly.
The ruling, delivered on December 20 by Presiding Judge Sika Aprioku, dismissed a suit seeking to compel Fubara to present the 2024 state budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led assembly.
The case, marked PHC/3552/CS/2024, was filed by the Registered Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners.
The plaintiffs sought to require the governor to submit the budget for passage to the 27-member assembly, led by Amaewhule.
The suit named the Government of Rivers State, Governor Fubara, and the Attorney General of the state as defendants.
After hearing arguments from both parties, the court ruled that the governor is constitutionally allowed to engage only with the lawmakers who have not vacated their seats.
Judge Aprioku referenced previous instances, including under former Governor Nyesom Wike, where business was conducted with fewer than the full legislative numbers.
“Therefore, the same way His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, presented Budgets and financial Bills with only six members when the numbers were less than two third 2/3 of the 32 Members, so shall His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State be constitutionally guided to interface, and approach the properly constituted House of Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo, to carry on the business of the state and until the 27 lawmakers who defected and lost their seats, approaches the court, for a redemption or INEC conducts another election to the seats vacated by the 27 lawmakers upon their defection,” the court said.
The ruling also explained that as long as the status of the 27 defecting lawmakers remains in question—pending the outcome of the ongoing case concerning their seats—the governor can work with the current assembly members who have retained their positions.
This includes presenting the state budget, making board appointments, and screening nominees for executive positions.
The court concluded that the suit brought by the claimant lacked merit and dismissed the application.
The plaintiffs were also ordered to pay N500,000 in costs to the defendants.
“In sum, until the Supreme Court gives its verdict on the issue of jurisdiction which affects the status of the 27 lawmakers, it is only those who did not vacate their seats, the Governor can constitutionally approach to the present budget, appoint chief judges and president, customary court; also screen commissioners, including the attorney general and make board appointments.
“That the claimant’s claim seeking declaratory and injunctive reliefs for the Representation of the 2024 budget to the former 27 lawmakers, who defected and automatically vacated their seats, lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed.
“That this suit be and is hereby dismissed, with cost in the sum of N500,000.00, awarded in favour of the defendants and against the claimant.”
[Guardian]
The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church in the Wenchi West District of the Mid-West Ghana Conference, Bono Region, celebrated 20 young girls over the weekend for preserving their virginity. The girls, aged 13 to 16, received undisclosed financial support during a special Thanksgiving service.
As reported by GhanaWeb, the ceremony was led by the Young Adventist Women Ministries and aimed to promote moral integrity, rooted in Christian and cultural values.
The Coordinator of the Young Adventist Women Ministries, Mrs. Nana Amponsah Poku, highlighted the initiative’s focus on nurturing the holistic development of young women.
She emphasized the importance of self-confidence and wise decision-making, urging the girls to maintain their purity and remain cautious in choosing friends in the coming year.
“God created you uniquely beautiful and you must not allow anybody to lure and break your virginity until you marry”, she urged the girls and asked them to be cautious about the friends they picked in 2025.
“The ancient Bragoro or Dipo rite was very essential in preserving girls’ virginity and controlling teenage pregnancies inimical to the growth and development of young girls and women”, she stated.
Associate Pastor Andrews Dua Bour Kyereh praised the honorees for their discipline and purity. He encouraged them to prioritize education and faith, urging other young girls in the church and community to follow their example.
Pastor Kyereh also called on parents to take an active role in guiding their children toward virtuous living and instilling strong moral values.
[Punch]
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, has expressed optimism that the party is coming back to power in 2027.
The PDP chieftain submitted that the 2027 election would be bigger than a protest but assured the party won’t entertain violence.
According to him, the PDP would not only win the 2027 election convincingly, but would also send the All Progressives Congress (APC) into political oblivion.
Naija News reports Osdolor made the submission during an interview with Daily Independent, which was published on Monday.
Apart from pushing the APC out of power, Osadolor added that the PDP would do enough to ensure the party is unable to regroup or mount a comeback.
To be able to achieve this, he, however appealed to the PDP leadership and members to adopt collaborative efforts and present a credible candidate for the 2027 election.
“With the right networking, messaging and collaboration, with a credible candidate, PDP will win convincingly. 2027 election is going to be like a revolt. It’s going to be bigger than a protest, even better as it will not be violent, but everyone will be at the polling unit with their cards to send APC into political abyss. We will be gracious to send chillers and freezers along so they can freeze whatever plans they have to protest, regroup, or want to come back to the government in this country,” he said.
Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Woli Arole is mourning the demise of his beloved father.
The comedian-turned-preacher shared a photo of himself and his late father, accompanied by a deeply emotional tribute.
With a mix of sadness and acceptance, Arole expressed his grief, stating that his father’s demise was a testament to God’s will.
He fondly remembered his last moments with his father, filled with joy, prayers, and fun, and took comfort in the legacy his father left behind – himself.
Woli Arole’s emotional tribute was a celebration of his father’s life, acknowledging the profound impact he had on his own life and career.
He wrote:
“It has pleased the LORD to receive my FATHER in GLORY.
It’s in total submission to the will of GoD to announce the demise of my Father, my HERO and my ROLE MODEL.
I am happy I spent your last moments with you in JOY, PRAYERS and FUN. Rest well Baba Jimmy.
Happy you left a LEGACY and that LEGACY is ME!!!!!!
I would miss you so MUCH!!!!!”
‘They cancelled our meeting four times’ – Oyedele denies claims tax c’ttee failed to consult governors
Admin
The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed claims that the panel did not consult with Nigerian governors.
The introduction of the bills by the Bola Tinubu-led government sparked widespread debates, especially in the north, with the Northern Governors Forum, the Northern Elders Forum, and others expressing strong opposition to the bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to reform the country’s tax collection and administration systems, offering an opportunity to establish a more equitable and efficient taxation model. It includes the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
Earlier, elder statesman and northern politician Buba Galadima claimed that the tax committee failed to consult with governors, adding that the bills were only fair to Ogun and Lagos states, adding that the Oyedele-led group failed to meet with any governor except that of Lagos state.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV on Sunday, Oyedele faulted Galadima’s allegations, revealling that the heads of the state governments cancelled four scheduled meetings.
He said, “We have more than 20 government institutions represented. We have the private sector, whether it’s manufacturers, whether it’s women in business. We have 45 students from 22 universities across Nigeria.
“In addition to that, we had extensive engagement with the governors. I went to the governors’ forum. We wrote and wanted to meet with six governors, one from each of the six geopolitical zones. Up until this moment, it’s only the governor of Lagos state we were able to see.
“The other governor who was willing to welcome us was the governor of Kaduna state. And after all the logistics, we agreed on the date, on that day he wasn’t able to attend. It was the deputy governor that hosted us. I will not name the other governors, but I can actually if I need to. They didn’t have time for us.
“The governors’ forum themselves invited us four times and canceled four times. The fifth time, we were kept waiting until 1:30 a.m., in the middle of the night. By the time they had time for us, they said we had 15 minutes.
“And I said, Your Excellencies, we have a lot to talk about. They said, tell us how our revenues will go up. Even that, we couldn’t say in 15 minutes. We had a half-day engagement with the finance commissioners from across Nigeria. We’ve had more than four engagements with the heads of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from all over Nigeria.
“We’ve had engagements with different groups, more than 40 sectors, from manufacturers to SMEs to FinTech. And these things were published.”
To address issues of misinformation, Oyedele revealed the committee met with over 120 northern clerics and regularly engages with northern groups like the League of Northern Democrats.
His words: “I’ll tell you that we had an interesting meeting with the Ulamas. They are the clerics, mostly from the north. There were over 120. We had to explain everything to them. And many of them, when we were done, were praying for the work we had done because there was a lot of misinformation previously.
“We had meetings also with some sections of the north. I was with the League of Northern Democrats. So if they call me today, most times I get less than a 24-hour notice. I have to fly around to go to different places. So we are happy to discuss. We are willing to discuss.”
[Vanguard]
There was a gas explosion in the Orazi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Over 20 persons, including a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple sustained varying injuries.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 4, 2025, near a densely populated area in Orazi called ‘Big Tree’.
Many of the victims including residents and some passers-by suffered severe burns and were rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt. A graphic video posted by an eyewitness shows some of the victims with severe burns.
It was learnt that the explosion occurred in a gas refilling shop when a technician who runs the place was said to be fixing a faulty cylinder.
Immediately, the cylinder exploded, and it affected other cylinders inside the shop, triggering multiple explosions, even as the welder was the first victim.
It was further gathered that the resulting fire affected some surrounding buildings as most of the occupants fled for their lives, even as firefighters who later arrived had a hectic time before putting out the inferno.
Speaking to newsmen, a relative of one of the victims who did not want his name in print said the owner of the shop has been selling gas for years now.
He said his in-law and her husband, who were affected in the explosion, were rushed to the hospital for treatment, lamenting that they have spent over N500,000 already.
“I was just called in the evening about the incident because my sister-in-law and the husband are involved. When my wife picked up the call her countenance changed immediately,” he narrated.
“So I asked what happened. She said it was a gas explosion and that her sister was at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. I lost my appetite and immediately drove to the hospital. I know how Orazi is. there are many shops scattered all over just for people to survive.”
While hinting on the cause of the incident, the relative said, “But there is somebody who also refills their cylinders. He has been there for some time now and he is also doing welding work.
"Sometimes you will see him welding perforated cylinders without following the normal procedure. Maybe he feels that because the cylinder is empty you can carry out any work but it is not done that way.
"So as a result of that the gas exploded and affected the cylinders inside. The other families affected were my brother-in-law, the wife, their two children and himself. They just came back from evangelism.
"They just branched to say hi and that was how they joined. One of my uncles was just passing by and stopped to greet his two grandchildren with him. He too was affected. That was how it happened.
"They are all at the intensive unit taking treatment. So far about N500, 000 has gone for drugs and other treatment. We are not talking about the children. We are running my uncle’s expenses while some other person is running that of the children. It is quite unfortunate what we are seeing this January.”
Another source who called a Radio Station on Sunday evening to report the incident said a pregnant woman was affected in the explosion.
"About 20 people were burnt, but no death. Let the government come to their aid because this is the beginning of the year,” he pleaded.
Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying 18 injured persons are receiving treatment in the hospital.
“Yes I can confirm the incident. It was a technician repairing a Fridge carrying a gas cylinder to weld the fridge when it exploded. 18 persons were injured but no life was lost. The man himself was injured. They are all in the hospital receiving treatment. We (the police) have commenced an investigation to find out more,” she added.
Popular Nigerian Pastor and singer, Nathaniel Bassey, has clarified that he was not invited to perform at President-elect, Donald Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20th.
Reports circulated across online platforms and traditional media claiming Bassey would be among other international Christian singers performing at Trump’s inauguration.
The Akwa Ibom Cleric, however, clarified that he was not invited to perform at Trump’s inauguration. He explained that the Presidential Prayer Breakfast was a non-official and non-governmental event.
He stated that it has always been hosted once every four years, preceding the inauguration ceremonies of new presidents of the United States of America.
The ‘Onise Iyanu’ singer said while the Presidential Prayer Breakfast is held on behalf of incoming presidents of the US, it has no attachment to the incoming president.
“The Presidential Prayer Breakfast is a non-official and non-governmental event. It is a Faith Based platform where intercessory prayers and worship are offered to God on behalf of the office of the president and government of the nation.
“This event is held once in four years preceding the inauguration ceremony as a breakfast prayer meeting ahead of every new administration. And over the years has been attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world
“Please note, The Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfasts is not the Inauguration as reported by blogs and some online platforms,” Pastor Bassey said.
A new initiative has been introduced by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which allows students to resit their WASSCE papers as early as January and February 2025.
This is a major departure from the previous system, where candidates had to wait for the next private exam cycle.
WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, announced the new programme, dubbed WASSCE PC1, during an appearance on JoyNews’ AM Show in Ghana on Tuesday, December 31.
According to Kapi, the initiative offers students a quicker way to improve their grades.
“Students who review their results and decide to resit any papers have until January 8 to register online through our website or at WAEC-accredited internet cafés. The exams will run from January 24 to February 15, 2025,” Kapi said.
To assist candidates in their preparation, WAEC plans to fast-track the release of chief examiners’ reports, which provide detailed guidance on common mistakes and strategies for success.
“These reports are designed to help students identify where they went wrong and improve their performance,” Kapi explained.
WAEC has been actively promoting the programme through banners, its website, and the results checker platform to ensure students and parents are well-informed.
Kapi clarified that students whose results were cancelled are also eligible to register, provided they are not serving a ban for malpractice. Due to the expected smaller candidate pool, the exams will initially be conducted only in regional capitals.
He urged prospective candidates to complete their registration by the January 8 deadline, emphasizing that this initiative aims to help students improve their grades quickly and avoid prolonged academic delays.
WAEC expressed confidence that WASSCE PC1 will support students in meeting admission requirements for the next academic cycle, minimizing disruptions to their educational journeys.
India has detected two cases of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
The development follows the outbreak of the virus in China which has caused global concern.
HMPV, which was first reported in 2001 in the Netherlands, is a single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days.
It causes severe complications like pneumonia in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
In a statement on Monday, India’s ministry of health announced that the country’s Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of the virus.
The ministry said the virus was detected in a three-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru with a history of bronchopneumonia.
The other patient is an eight-month-old male infant, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of bronchopneumonia.
The ministry said while the three-month-old has since been discharged, the eight-month-old infant is recovering.
“Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country,” the statement reads.
“It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.
“Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.”
The ministry noted that “neither of the affected patients have any history of international travel”.
“Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year,” the statement reads.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform ongoing measures.
“The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed.”
[TheCable]
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I Considered Ending It All In 2024 After Losing $3.7 Million And Drowning In Debts - Mark Angel Opens Up
AFOLABI
Popular Nigerian skitmaker, Mark Angel Comedy, has opened up about how he lost the sum of $3.7 million in forex in 2024 and considered ending it all.
Mark, in a lengthy post via his Instagram page on Sunday, said that his money loss led him to drown in debts as he watched his properties slip into the hands of loan sharks.
The skitmaker said he felt like his world was crumbling before he received help from his family members.
Mark Angel added that while he was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, he was hit by a scandal which shook the foundation of his career and questioned the loyalty of those around him.
The post read, “The year 2024 began like every other year, but I had no idea how much it would test me how much it would break me, yet ultimately reshape me. It was the year I lost everything. I trusted the wrong hands in forex and lost all my money. Nobody knew except my family and closest circle. The weight of the loss, over $3.7 million was suffocating. I was drowning in debts, and one by one, I watched all my properties slip into the hands of loan sharks. It felt like my world was crumbling, and I considered ending it all in my darkest moments.
“But God… If not for His mercies, I wouldn’t be here writing this. He sent angels into my life when I needed them the most. Blessing, my friend who became family, never gave up on me. My pastor and his wife stood by me, praying and guiding me. My daughters, Victoria and Mila, reminded me of the beauty of life, even when it felt unbearable. My ex-wife Mandy extended a hand of kindness I will never forget. My son, Schoolboy, showed me strength beyond his years. And Bright, my social media assistant, stood as a pillar in moments I thought I’d collapse.
“While I was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, life dealt another blow. A scandal hit, shaking the foundation of my career and questioning the loyalty of those around me. It was in that storm that God began to uncover the truth. He exposed the fake friends, the pretenders, and the ones who had been silently sabotaging my peace and my circle. It was painful, but it was necessary.
“2024 was the hardest year of my life, but it was also the year God drew me closer to Him. Through the ashes, He taught me resilience, faith, and the true meaning of grace. I don’t take it for granted that I’m alive today. To everyone who stood with me, prayed for me, and held me up when I had no strength left, thank you.
“Here’s to God’s unwavering faithfulness. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that even in the darkest valleys, His light never stops shining.”
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Iyabo Ojo, the Nigerian actress, has expressed regret over her involvement in the exhumation of the body of Mohbad, the late singer.
Ilerioluwa Aloba better known as Mohbad died under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023, and was buried the following day.
However, on September 21, 2023, his body was exhumed by the police for an autopsy.
In May 2024, the pathologist in charge of the autopsy revealed that the cause of death could not be determined due to the decomposition of his body.
A toxicology report showed that Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, was found in his system. However, it was not in a lethal concentration.
In an interview with Biola Bayo, her colleague, Iyabo Ojo, who had called for justice in the singer’s death, shared her regrets regarding the situation.
She expressed regret over the delays caused by the exhumation and ongoing disputes within Mohbad’s family. She said:
“I did my best. If I knew Mohbad’s case would turn out this way, I wouldn’t have requested that he be exhumed.”
“He hasn’t been buried till now. The dad says he wants a DNA test done, and I hear the court has granted that now but I hear the dad has conditions again.”
Iyabo Ojo explained that her intention in requesting the exhumation was to facilitate an autopsy to uncover the cause of Mohbad’s death and ensure justice.
She stated that she made efforts to push for investigations, but “various theories and distractions” shifted the focus away from the pursuit of justice. The actress added:
“I just wanted his body exhumed so they could do the autopsy, find out the cause of his death.”
“I did my best to make sure everyone was investigated but when they came up with different theories, DNA became their target and was more important.”
In October 2023, Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father, vowed that Mohbad would not be reburied until a DNA test was conducted on Liam, the singer’s son.
He also called on the police to probe Omowunmi, Mohbad’s wife, to unravel the cause of the singer’s death.
In December 2023, Wunmi agreed to the DNA test but requested it be conducted at three hospitals.
She also accused her father-in-law of bullying her and Liam on social media and seeking to claim Mohbad’s properties.
STRONG indications have emerged that more governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP may move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general election.
Vanguard gathered that moves by the PDP governors to dump their party may not be in connection with lingering and unresolved crisis in the party, especially with the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party and also in some states and zonal levels.
According to a source, the prelude to the defection is the fact that while some governors have begun visits to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, others are inviting him for the commissioning of projects in their respective states where discussions are said to be ongoing.
Also, the chairman of progressives governors and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is alleged to be involved in the wooing of the governors as part of moves to enlarge the coast of his party.
Recall that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who recently asked Deltans to support President Bola Tinubu, had said one of the major communication policy thrusts of his administration was to consistently support the administration of President Tinubu as he continues to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda for the betterment of Nigerians, including Deltans.
Oborevwori, who was represented by his Commissioner for Information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, stated this at the opening ceremony of the 5th Edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, with the theme, “Advancing Delta: Strategies for Public Communication and Effective Media Management,’’ in Asaba.
Also recall that President Tinubu had last weekend, praised Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his leadership style and commitment to development, describing him as a focussed and result-oriented leader.
Tinubu, who spoke during his first official visit to Enugu State, where he commissioned several projects, said Mbah was doing a fantastic job and expressed happiness that Enugu was making great strides.
He said: “I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You’ve built a solid team and I’ve reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja.
“You’ve impressed me with the technological advancements in the state and the support you’ve garnered from the private sector. I know your background.’’
Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State was among the first callers to visit President Tinubu at his Bourdilon, Lagos house in the spirit of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Come clean of rumours of alleged plans to decamp to APC, PDP leaders tell Delta gov
Meanwhile, a group, under the aegis of concerned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, has urged Oborevwori to come clean of rumours of alleged plans to dump his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure his governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.
In an open letter to the governor, a copy of which was made available yesterday, the group said it had become imperative for Oborevwori to intimate them of his position, as that would reassure them about their future in the PDP.
The letter, titled “Open letter to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to confirm the rumours of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC,” was signed by Theophilus Ekiyor; Ochuko Oghenekome and Ezekiel Chukwudi respectively.
The letter read: “We, the concerned Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, are compelled to address you in this open letter regarding the very disturbing rumours of your alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure your governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.
“The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“That you have been secretly romancing top aides of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Top presidential aide and allies of the President mentioned as your point men for your new venture include; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.
“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours.
“We, therefore, demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture. A delayed response could be considered as glaring evidence of your compromised position.”
The long-embraced and intoxicated lifestyle of using smartphones has persisted in Nigeria, despite the various economic downturns the country has been experiencing over the years.
But many citizens, who preferred buying brand-new smartphones instead of used phones, due to issues of phone thefts, according to Economy&Lifestyle investigation, are now opting for foreign used ones, because of the fast depreciating values of the recent crop of new phones.
According to Mr. Vincent Ibeh, a car dealer, those new smartphones manufactured now depreciate fast, unlike before when you can use a phone for two to three years and still pass it on to another person.
“I bought a phone, a few months ago for N160,000 and, within six months, the charging point started having issues.
“Then it was the battery. That was how the phone got to the point of damage.
“A friend now told me that I bought a repackaged phone.
“He advised me to buy a foreign used one. I had to tell a friend who travelled to buy me a new Android phone, while I was managing the small one I had.
“Since I started using the phone, I have not had any issues.
“How will sellers not repackage old smart phones? The money to restock is no longer there. The economy has gotten to a state where even the content of a cube of maggi needs to be queried.
“Fake and adulterated products are everywhere just because people want to make money by force.
“It is the masses like me that fall victim to all these at the end.
“Nigeria has gotten to a stage where people don’t even have confidence in our locally made goods.”
Mrs. Florence Johnson, a business woman, complained that she bought a brand new smart phone and its battery life stands at 60 per cent after six months of usage when compared to the lower grade of the brand whose life still stands at 75 per cent after two years of usage.
“I had to fall back to the old one because it was bought outside the country.
“Sometimes I wonder why we as an end user of a country are always thrown at things that have less quality.
“All these phone factories in Nigeria are not helping matters.
“Today, you will see different models of phones produced in the space of three months.
“When you patronize these phones, you end up using it for less than a year and not even up to their claimed one year warranty given to the customer.
“It is high time the government looked into this issue because people spend higher amounts buying these phones and end up with something not worth the value of their money.
“Many of my friends have experienced this also and have switched to buying foreign used phones or asking someone to buy it for them when coming home.”
Mrs. Kehinde Salami lamented the problem she had last year when she bought a new phone and after a few weeks it started malfunctioning.
“I bought the phone from a phone hub. On getting home a few weeks later the phone started hanging.
“All attempts to return the phone were futile as the attendant told me there was nothing wrong with the phone.
“The screen got blind in three months and before you know it the battery got weak.
“I had to tell my sister abroad to get me a new phone.
“This is it. I have been using it and have had no issue with it.”
Mr. Olawale Omoniyi an electrical engineer said most of the new phones are fairly used old faulty ones that are being repaired, repackaged and put up for sale as new ones.
“The phones are Nigerian used phones, that are repaired and repackaged.
“Some have been faulty from the store and what they do is repair it and repackage it like a new one .
“When you buy such a phone and use it for five to six months, it starts having issues like getting hot, screen going blind, earpiece going bad among others.
“I don’t buy new phones. I go for foreign used phones.
“Some foreign used smartphones even come with a pack while some don’t.”