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The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has faulted men with braided hair and women sporting false eyelashes and heavy makeup.
Expressing his discontent with the trend among church workers, Adeboye made it clear that such styles will no longer be tolerated on RCCG altars.
In an address at the church’s 72nd annual convention, which ended Sunday, his comments highlighted his disbelief at the rising trend of these fashion choices among church members.
This edition of the convention with the theme “Heaven” started Monday, August 5, and ended on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at The Redemption City, Mowe, Ogun State (Lagos-Ibadan Way).
He said, “In Yorubaland, the only men who braid hair are the priests of Sango, the god of thunder. They say this is a new age and that we must be adaptable to what is going on. To continue as Sango priests? Not in this mission. Even after I’m gone, it will still not happen.”
According to Church Times, Adeboye said further, “Take this word from me. When we find anybody among pastors; particularly female pastors, made up to look like a representative of Nollywood; we will walk her off the altar.”
While pleading for forgiveness if he was too harsh, he said, ‘You may not like it. If you are my children, you can’t kill me. Do you know why men don’t makeup? I mean, real men. It’s because we have what is called a superiority complex. We stand before the Lord and say, ‘God, You did a good job creating us. You made no mistake.'”
He stated that even men with bald heads still look very handsome, adding, however, that some people just want to appear false.
“When you begin to fix false nails, I wonder what you want to achieve – If God wanted to make you a bird, He would have given you a false nail and false eyelashes,” he added.
He urged those who take pleasure in appearing weird to repent and be modest. “You can quote me: Tell anybody who questioned why you are doing this drastic change, tell him or her, “Daddy GO said so,” he asserted.
Adeboye wondered why a woman would expose her breasts.
“She wants to divert attention from her face. She believes she is ugly, so the man will be lured. All my daughters listen to me: You are fearfully and wonderfully made. If anybody does not like you the way you are, it’s that person’s loss,” he added
He pleaded with workers in the church to stop messing up what God had done.
“He did a good job. When He created you, you were original. You remain an original,” the cleric declared.
Meanwhile, 73 newborns were delivered at the convention.
THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday asked President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stop the blame game, reverse his policies that have caused hardship to Nigerians and engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
Similarly, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 poll, Mr. Peter Obi, said the nationwide protests, which ended on Saturday, were a call on Nigeria’s leaders to reflect deeply on the growing poverty in the country and take steps to address it.
Former National Vice Chairman, North-West, of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Salihu Lukman, spoke in the same vein, describing the nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance as sufficient grounds for impeachment of the President and some state governors.
The NLC also alleged that since President Tinubu took over the reins of power, he had engaged in harassment and intimidation of labour leaders, adding that the recent invasion of its headquarters was to provoke the labour movement.
These, among others, were contained in a communique issued at the end of the emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the NLC held at the weekend.
In the communique, by NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero, NEC reaffirmed the Congress’ commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, saying it would not hesitate to take all necessary actions to ensure their safety and well-being.
Labour communique
The communique read: “The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, convened an emergency meeting on Saturday, August 10, 2024, to address the invasion of the NLC National headquarters by security apparatchik of the Federal Government.
“An invasion of the national secretariat immediately after the holding of the NEC’s emergency meeting of 7th to discuss the welfare of workers and Nigerians in the midst of the #EndbadGovernance Protest in which far reaching decisions were taken was considered deeply worrisome.
“This unprecedented action by government has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of Nigerian workers, as well as protection of trade union rights as enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The NEC-in-session observed that since the current administration took office, there has been a pattern of intimidation, brutality, and deceit against the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Nigerian people.
“The government’s actions began with the President’s May 29, 2023, statement declaring the removal of subsidy, followed by efforts to suppress NLC’s opposition through threats, divisive propaganda, and unfulfilled promises to alleviate the country’s hardships. It has been a trail of systematic intimidation and violence against trade unions and their leaders.
“The National Executive Council, NEC, of the NLC recalled several instances of violence, including the brutal abduction and assault of the NLC President and other leaders in Owerri, Imo State, and the failure to prosecute the perpetrators.
“The government has also used legal injunctions, military force, and police intimidation to obstruct the NLC’s constitutional activities, including peaceful protests by affiliate unions, SSANU and NASU. The NEC condemned the criminalization of dissenting views, noting that some labour leaders are still detained because of the protests.
“Additionally, NEC highlighted the recent invasion of NLC headquarters, following a biased letter from the Registrar of Trade Unions, as part of a coordinated attack to silence the NLC, which has become the last stronghold of popular voice in Nigeria.”
The communique further stated that after extensive deliberations, the NEC-in-session, demanded safety and security guarantees.
It stated further: “The NEC calls on the government to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerian workers, trade unions, and the NLC and TUC to operate freely in the country without fear of harm or violence.
“The NLC was not part of the recent democratic protests, which were a response to widespread hardship in the country. We demand that government withdraws its agents from all premises they have illegally occupied, particularly the headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Abuja and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, in Lagos.”
It also rejected Police explanation for the invasion of its headquarters.
“The NEC-in-session rejects outrightly the explanation offered by the Police as a reason for the invasion. It described it as rather an afterthought and an attempt to cover the hidden motives behind such action as it raises more questions than answers. It therefore demands clear explanation from Government as quick as possible,” it said.
On the end to violence and harassment of protesters, the NLC stated: “The NEC once again condemns the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully expressing their grievances against the harsh policies of the government.
“We demand an immediate cessation of these attacks and call on the government to declare a National Day of Mourning for those who lost their lives and properties during the protests. Additionally, all security agencies responsible for these tragic deaths must be held accountable, especially the Police.”
It also called for the immediate release of detainees and trade unionists arrested either in their homes or relaxation joints, saying “This is the only way the government can show good faith and begin the healing of the nation.”
On harassment of those holding opposing ideologies, the NLC condemned plans to frame up innocent citizens on trumped-up charges.
It said: “We must understand that this is not the first protest in Nigeria and would not be the last. NEC wonders why this administration is criminalizing protest and has renewed clamp down on Marxists, socialists and those who hold different shades of leftist ideologies as if courting a neoliberal dictatorship.
“NEC calls on government to convene an inclusive stakeholders’ conclave to discuss pressing issues confronting Nigeria and chart a path forward that addresses root causes of the current unrest—hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.
“NEC calls on government to stop the blame game and instead, engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges.
“This invasion is another attempt at intimidation, thus may be a clear indication of the desperation within government to silence dissent through force. NEC warns that peace without justice is transient and unsustainable.
“NEC urges the President to take decisive action by addressing the systemic issues of profligacy, waste, and mismanagement that have exacerbated the suffering of Nigerian people.
“The government must listen to the voices of reason, embrace truth, and pursue a holistic overhaul of its policies. This includes distancing itself from divisive rhetoric and instead promoting national unity and restructuring.”
While demanding an immediate apology from the government, NLC stated: “NEC consequently demands apology from the Police and the Federal Government on this unwarranted invasion and desecration of the headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.”
The NEC-in-session directed the leadership to hold a press conference soonest to addres
s all the issues, while also calling for a forensic security audit of NLC headquarters.
“To this end, NEC-in-session sets up necessary machinery to conduct a forensic audit of the national headquarters to ascertain its safety and continued suitability for the use of workers.
“Until this is done, NEC directs temporary cessation of use of the headquarters to mitigate every unforeseen disaster that may have been intended.
“However, NEC believes that the invasion by the Police is a deliberate provocation by government and as such, will not allow itself to act out of anger but to exercise caution for the greater sake of our nation.
“NEC reaffirms NLC’s commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and will not hesitate to take all necessary actions to ensure their safety and well-being.”
Protests call for leadership action against growing poverty — Obi
Also yesterday Mr. Peter Obi, said the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests which ended on Saturday, was a call on Nigeria leaders to reflect deeply on the growing poverty in the country and take steps to address it.
Writing on his X handle yesterday, the LP flagbearer said: “With the #EndBadGovernance protests officially concluded yesterday, I want to once again express my deepest condolences to all who have lost their lives, including the security personnel, during these protests.
“These individuals gave their lives while advocating better governance in our nation. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to all the families who have suffered losses in this struggle. We all share in your grief, as we work together for the betterment of our country.
“May we all find the strength to endure this irreplaceable loss. To those who are wounded and recovering in hospitals and at home, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you for a swift recovery. Your sacrifices for our nation’s cause are deeply appreciated.
“I also want to take this moment to urge all leaders to reflect on the cries of the suffering people and address their legitimate demands. It is crucial for us, the leaders, to urgently address issues that sparked and fueled these protests.’’
Hunger protests, enough grounds to impeach Tinubu, govs —Lukman
Also, Salihu Lukman has described the recent nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance as sufficient grounds for the impeachment of President Bola Tinubu and some state governors.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, Lukman said due to the mishandling of the protests by the Tinubu administration, there was information suggesting that the organizers had announced October 1 as the date for the resumption of the protests.
He said a situation where the government resorted to cheap campaign of blackmails with the argument of opposition sponsoring the protests should simply be ignored.
“In any event, it is legitimate for the opposition to start working for the defeat of a ruling party once they are unable to justify the confidence of the electorate.
“In fact, ideally, if democratic structures of the country were functionally working, such as political parties and the National Assembly, with what is going on in the country, President Tinubu and many state governors are candidates for immediate impeachment.
“The comatose reality, which has reduced the National Assembly to a rubber stamp, with political parties that are nothing more than leprous fingers, is responsible for the current high levels of frustration and desperation of Nigerians to register their anger through protests.
‘’Combined with a reality where INEC seems to be unwilling to discharge its statutory responsibility of registering new parties that could produce veritable options for legitimate leadership contests in the country, all hopes of democratic change of leadership in the country are fading away,” Lukman declared.
He said with governments at all levels failing to engage the organizers, practically underestimating the capacity of the organizers to mobilize for the protests, ordinary citizens were left at the mercy of angry Nigerians.
According to him, the trigger for Nigeria’s current situation is the withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products and floating of the exchange rate of the naira against other international currencies.
He said: “For an import-dependent economy, it is predictable that the two policies will produce inflationary pressure.
“Unfortunately, so far, the government of President Bola Tinubu is unable to produce any clear definitive policy response to the situation. All citizens hear government say is calling on citizens to be patient without outlining how long it will take for the harsh reality to abate.
“Meanwhile, daily, Nigerians confront challenges of hunger and threats to daily survival. Many citizens die prematurely on account of hunger and preventable diseases.
‘’While acknowledging government’s explanations about how bad the economy has been mismanaged by previous administrations, it must be stressed that being an elected government, Nigerian political leaders should be more responsive.
‘’The minimum should be to acknowledge the reality facing citizens and demonstrate some measure of compassion and seek to ameliorate the harsh conditions facing citizens by relaxing some of these policies.
‘’Instead, painfully, elected leaders, including President Tinubu, are grandstanding, behaving basically as colonial overloads who have conquered Nigerians. With a conquest mentality, our leaders have proceeded to demobilize virtually all political structures in the country such that today Nigeria has earned the bad reputation of being a democracy without any functional political party.
‘’All the registered political parties are nothing but legal entities that only present candidates for elections. Partly, because of that reality, there is none of the parties that is able to recruit the leaders of the #EndBadGovernance protest or at least publicly join the protest.
‘’Although individuals such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi have declared support for the protest, they were unable to contract any strong relationship with the protest organisers.
“So long as political leaders and political parties in the country will be unable to contract strong relationships with veritable and energetic constituencies such as the #EndBadGovernance protest organizers, Nigeria’s democracy is imperilled,’’ he declared.
[Vanguard]
Psquare fresh split: You Are Always Looking For Opportunities To Humiliate Me – Peter Okoye Writes Open Letter To Twin Brother, Paul Okoye
AFOLABI
Nigerian music icon Peter Okoye, one half of the legendary duo P-Square, has ignited a firestorm by tearing into his twin brother, Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, in a blistering open letter that has sent shockwaves through the music world.
In a recent interview, Rudeboy dropped bombshells about how their relationship hit rock bottom just two years after their much-celebrated reunion in 2021. He boldly took credit for their hit songs, subtly downplayed Peter’s contributions, and even revealed a shocking twist—his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2023, a situation he claimed was orchestrated by none other than his own blood, Peter.
Peter, who had enough of playing the silent role, chose Monday, August 12, 2024, to break his silence in the most explosive way possible.
Through his Instagram page, he unleashed a scorching open letter that left no stone unturned. With words dripping with bitterness and long-suppressed resentment, Peter accused his twin of chronic disrespect, relentless sabotage, and masterminding a campaign to turn their loyal fans against him.
In this unfiltered tirade, Peter didn’t just respond—he dismantled. He called out Paul’s audacity in claiming to have written and sung 99% of P-Square’s hits, a move that blatantly erased Peter’s pivotal role in their success.
Peter highlighted how he has always used “we” and “us” when speaking about P-Square, underscoring his belief in their unity, while accusing Paul of selfishly clinging to “I” and “me,” as if P-Square’s triumphs were a solo effort.
His words;
“Every time I have spoken in interviews about P-SQUARE, I have always used “we” and “us” because I saw us as a team. But whenever you speak, it’s always “l” and “me,” even when I’m standing right beside you. It’s as if I never existed.
“My brother, neither of us is the most talented artist in the world, but you fail to understand that God gave us this talent and even granted us another chance to excel after our last breakup. Instead, you chose to turn the most awarded and decorated music group in Africa into a laughingstock again.
“One thing you need to understand clearly is that the fans didn’t fall in love with P-SQUARE because of who sang or danced the most. What made us special was the magic that came from our combined effort – us two! P-SQUARE was a force, and the fans fell in love with P-SQUARE because of our uniqueness and unity. We both have talent, no doubt, and I have often praised you in our interviews for your songwriting ability. I have also praised anyone who has ever written a song for us or even for me as Mr. P.”
Peter Okoye, a father of two, pointed out how Paul, instead of uniting with him to reclaim their top position in the music industry, chose to side with their elder brother, Jude Okoye. He expressed how Paul has consistently sidelined and demeaned him.
He also accused his twin brother of repeatedly disrespecting him, his wife, his family, his talent, his ideas, and much more.
But Peter didn’t stop there. He dropped a tantalizing hint that the full story behind the EFCC drama, which also involved their former manager and elder brother, Jude Okoye, was yet to be told.
He promised to reveal his side of the sordid affair later today, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, hungry for more details in this unfolding family feud.
HERE’S THE FULL, UNFILTERED LETTER HE UNLEASHED BELOW
'Nobody marries for love these days' – Esther Nwachukwu expressed desire to be Ned Nwoko’s 8th wife
AFOLABI
Esther Nwachukwu, the controversial Nollywood actress also known as Esther Sky, has expressed her desire to be Senator Ned Nwoko’s eighth wife.
Speaking in the teaser of the upcoming episode of ‘The Honest Bunch’, Esther Sky said she won’t marry for love but money.
“I want to be Ned Nwoko’s eighth wife…. In this generation, women love money more than love,”she said.
The co-host, Nedu, asked: “So, you don’t care about love?”
Nwachukwu replied: “Nobody marries for love these days. Did Dangote’s daughter marry a poor man?”
Nedu: “Those ones are used to money already.”
Nwachukwu: “You can’t be from a poor background and marry someone from a poor background. I’m from a very humble background and I’m an only child.”
Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) season 9 contestant, Wanni has expressed her confidence in making it to the final of the reality show.
During a chat with fellow housemate Onyeka, Wanni boldly declared her intentions.
“I’m here for publicity and here to stay till the last day. At the end of the day, we left work to be here. We were paid for 10 gigs and we did three, so we have work,” she said.
She elaborated on her motivations, revealing that she and her twin sister, Handi, are participating for exposure and to make the most of their time on the show.
Wanni, alongside her twin sister and DJ partner, Handi, has yet to face elimination, maintaining their position in the competition.
Both sisters have managed to avoid falling into the bottom four, a critical point where eviction risks are highest.
In other news, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 9, housemates Wanni and Handi have been crowned the newcustodians for Week 3.
This fresh twist in the show, introduced this season, has already added a new layer of intrigue and strategy among the contestants.
The role of The Custodians is a pivotal one, with significant powers granted to the winning pair. As part of their responsibilities, the custodians have the authority to select housemates for eviction at the end of each week.
The process for choosing The Custodians involves a competitive game among the housemates.
Big Brother Naija (BBNaija)Season 9, housemate Kassia has expressed her disbelief over the eviction of the Ndi Nne duo, the reigning Head of House.
The duo, alongside Radicals, Zinwe, and Flourish, found themselves in the bottom four, ultimately being sent home by the custodians, Streeze, who chose an “evict only” box during Sunday’s live show.
Kassia’s reaction came during a conversation with fellow housemates later that evening. She voiced her shock, noting the dramatic shift from being Head of House to eviction.
“Immediately Ebuka called them [Ndi Nne], I was telling Kelly that, ‘God forbid. From Head of House to your house,’” Kassia said, eliciting laughter from her housemates.
This season’s new rule stipulates that the Head of House is not immune to eviction, a significant change from previous seasons.
Only the custodians and winners of the Immunity Challenge are protected from being sent home. The unexpected eviction of NdiNne has stirred conversations among viewers and housemates.
In related news, The duo known as Ndi Nne, made up of Nneamaka and Chinne, has been evicted from the ongoing Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 9 reality TV show.
The eviction took place on Sunday, August 11, during the live eviction broadcast. The power to evict a pair fell to The Custodians, Steeze, which includes Mayor Frosh and Toby Forge.
After a deliberative process, they opted to evict Ndi Nne from the competition. Despite their previous achievements, including winning the Head of House title in the second week of the season titled “No Loose Guard” and triumphing in the Custodian challenge…
A Muslim cleric allegedly beheaded a 14-year-old boy, identified as Malik Kareem, for ritual purposes in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday.
Naija News learnt that the tragic incident which has thrown the area into confusion occurred at the Olorisaoko community in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
The victim reportedly wrote his final subject for the West Africa Examination Council at Iyana Community Grammar School, Olode, Moniya, Ibadan.
According to PUNCH, the victim, alongside his three other age groups, contacted a Muslim cleric, now at large, for a money ritual on Saturday.
However, the victim was unaware that the three other boys had bargained with the cleric to kill him for a money ritual.
Confirming the development, a family source who spoke with the publication as mentioned earlier said, “I was at home when one of my brothers ran to the house to inform me about the unfortunate incident. We quickly rushed down to the place to confirm it. When we got there, the Muslim cleric had already run away, but we found the victim’s lifeless body on the ground without a head.
“He was found in a pool of blood in that Islamic cleric’s house. The head has already been cremated.
“The other three boys had earlier bargained with the cleric that they would use their friend for a money ritual. So, when they got there, he (the victim) was strangulated to death, beheaded and cremated. They will be using it to take pap every day, according to what they told us.”
Also, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, has confirmed that investigations had already commenced on the incident.
He said, “Investigations have commenced on the incident, and you will be updated accordingly.”
A Nigerian woman, who put up a dramatic scene at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Saturday after tearing her husband’s passport, has opened up about issues in their marriage.
The incident, considered by many as vandalism of government property, sparked public outrage and demands for legal consequences.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in a statement, said it is already investigating the matter, disclosing that the woman had been invited.
Speaking in an interview conducted by @JejojaFamily TV, the woman said she has been having a lot of trouble with her husband in Italy, which has affected her mental health.
According to the woman, the issues with her husband have been going on for years, and she had wanted to tear the passport from the European country where they were based, but she didn’t want to stress her husband.
She stated that all the bloggers and Nigerians attacking her over the video should look beyond her actions, adding that something might have instigated it.
She said, “These issues have been going on for a very long time. I was just dancing to the tune till I arrive my motherland Nigeria which it just happened and I did what I did.
“I am not a mad woman who would just come and act like that. I have my reasons. I have gone through so many things. So many of you just commenting on the video, I am seeing so many comments, friends calling me, those that have never called me for ages are calling me, those that have heard from me 20 years ago are calling me. I am not like that.
“So many of you commenting, what if I had done this thing in Europe where we were coming from. Because I don’t want him to go through a lot of stress, that’s why I did it in Nigeria.
“So I don’t care about what people are writing because if you don’t know what is happening, don’t just comment on what you don’t know, you have to know how to come into an issue. So many people at the airport that day saw me. Those who have thinking faculty were calm to ask me, wanting to know what happened.
“Do you think I will just come up and tear his passport like that? No. I don’t have to do that. I have gone through a lot of things. Family issues here and there every time. My husband cannot speak. It took me a long time because he is the one controlling my page for me. He is the one handling my page for me. He’s the one that has everything. So I had to go into to because my email was attached to it and his email too was attached to it. So I had to go and look for it to get this passport because I know even he himself did not know that I would go to this extent.
“I suffered with this my husband. I know how many years I suffered with him and just like that they just want my suffering to be chartered away (sic). Where is it done? I know men will never accept it. But those men who have sisters who have gone through this thing I’m going through now will understand but other men would not understand.”
President Bola Tinubu may have capitulated to political intrigues in the Presidency as well as other vested interests and called off his earlier resolve to sanitise leading government-owned enterprises (GOEs), which led to the inauguration of Jim Obazee panel, The Guardian learnt at the weekend.
The abrupt closure of what was meant to be an extended and far-reaching fact-finding mission of the Special Investigator and his team, the investigation suggested, was the nail in the coffin.
The letter conveying the appointment of Jim Obazee was personally signed by the President, showing the weight of the assignment. Obazee, who was merely the public face of a carefully selected team of forensic auditors charged with the responsibility of cleaning up the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and “related entities”, was to report to the President directly.
The Guardian reported that the team, independently drawn by Obazee from the six geopolitical zones, had direct and uncensored access to the President at the start of the assignment.
But the privilege was contained as politicians began to get in the way of the team. The Guardian also reported that top business executives and politicians being indicted by the activities of the investigators were throwing spanners into the investigation with outright blackmail becoming a major weapon.
Sources privy to the events that led to what is now seen as a premature closure of the assignment confided that the press statement announcing the closure came before “a serious examination of the extent of collaboration between those who mismanaged the CBN and managers of related entities”.
In a letter dated July 28, 2023, the President said Obazee would work on a comprehensive report on public wealth being pocketed by a tiny percentage of Nigerians and report directly “to my office”.
“By the fundamental objective outlined in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), this administration is, today, continuing the fight against corruption by appointing you as a Special Investigator, to investigate the CBN and related entities…
“The full terms of your engagement as Special Investigator shall be communicated to you in due course but, require that you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).
“You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment. I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made,” the appointment letter read.
The investigator, on the back of the directive by the President who promised non-interference in the process, was said to have proceeded to select individuals with track records of commitment to probity and accountability across different parts of the country. All the geopolitical zones, according to reliable information, had at least one representative.
But till the April press statement announcing the closure of the team, members from core northern zones had not joined the team on the excuse that compensation terms had not been concluded while their colleagues from the south and north central, which had two representatives, including the information technology expert, worked 24 hours to crack the corruption endemics in the CBN and relative entities.
Some of the absentee members were said to have demanded accommodation, vehicles and sundry ‘work tools’ as conditions without which they would not spare their time for the national assignment.
The conditions of service, according to findings, were never communicated with the team but there was an unwritten understanding between the team and the Presidency that they would be paid from the recoveries. But details as to specific figures and other things were not communicated.
Over three months after the termination of the activities, The Guardian learnt that nothing has been mentioned about the allowances or compensation with some members, who cannot the President, keeping their figures crossed.
A closure press statement signed by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale read: “After the conclusion of the assignment and the submission of a final comprehensive report and with the winding up of all apparatuses used during the scope of the task which terminated on March 31, 2024, the investigation is formally closed, with all appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies already conducting follow-up action.”
However, those knowledgeable about the works of the committee said the statement showed the level of deviation from the original plan while the same regulatory agencies the President did not have any confidence in when the panel would set up would honestly conduct “follow-up actions”.
Contrary to the content of the statement, The Guardian also learnt that the committee had not submitted a final report.Indeed, the media have been awash with different revelations said to have been gleaned from the final report, with the majority focusing on the stewardship of the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele.
At the weekend, an insider source wondered how the final report of a panel of “that status” could have been submitted without public knowledge. Another source said what had been feasted on by the media were progress reports from the panel or distorted facts being bandied by individuals with agendas different from the objective of the Special Investigator.
The CBN reportedly sacked some directors of the apex bank in line with the recommendations of the committee. However, multiple sources described such actions as misjudgment, saying a fact-finding report could not have been taken as a statement of finality and acted on as a judicial pronouncement.
“Prosecution is more important than whatever findings come from the panel. If the report of the investigators was used for sack, that is certainly out of procedure. The report, even if it were final, should provide the basis for prosecution. At best, it is not an indictment that should be tested at the court,” a source argued.
In scope and otherwise, the panel had achieved less than 10 per cent of its mandate before the premature closure. So far, only the Central Bank with its managers has been mentioned about the works of the panel, which was also beaming the searchlight on the NNPC Limited, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems Plc, The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc and many other entities, including deposit money banks (DMBs).
Mid-way into the exercise, the panel also became the subject of an integrity test, with the leader said to have been petitioned by different individuals and officials who claimed that he had taken bribes.
The weightiest report, according to information available to The Guardian was the one from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Besides, there were torrents of indictments believed to have been targeted at blackmailing the team.
At the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), where he was a pioneer chief executive, Obazee earned the reputation of an incontrovertible examiner who put banks and even their regulator on their toes. His indictment of the Central Bank under Sanusi Lamido Sanusi led to the suspension of the emir as CBN governor.
Tinubu may have missed the opportunity to fully sanitise the CBN and the entire financial system with the ill-time disbandment of the panel. Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, it was learnt, made several efforts to set up the ad hoc committee. The last-ditch attempt, it was learnt, was botched by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, who was assigned to issue an appointment letter to the effect.
Mustapha was said to have said that the proposal would “not fly” because of the complexity of the issues it was meant to address. Subsequently, the team that sold the idea to Buhari was directed to provide technical support to the Department of State Service (DSS), which ended up narrowing the broad issues to terrorizing financing indictment against Emefiele.
With only Emefiele being seriously prosecuted out of 159 individuals said to have been indicted by the interim report of the panel, the process may have been hijacked by politicians and politically exposed persons. Whereas the CBN has gone ahead to relieve the indicted directors, who are now seeking redress from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, many of those also accused of some wrongdoings during Emefiele’s nine years in office have been shielded from the law.
Some stakeholders who have long called for an in-depth and independent investigation into the alleged historical mismanagement of the monetary authority are said to be routing for the reconstitution of the Obazee panel, even if the membership would need to be changed, and possibly expanding the scope.
[Guardian]
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched formal investigation, following the circulation of a video on social media, showing a female traveler destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The individual involved has been identified as Mrs. Favour Igiebor, holding passport number A11990869.
In a statement, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kenneth Udo says the Comptroller General of Immigration has directed that Mrs. Favour Igiebor be invited for further investigation.
If the allegations are substantiated, the statement notes, that her action would constitute a breach of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), with corresponding penalties outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act.
Udo reiterates that the Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security, and to preserve the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.
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The governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo has given out his daughter, Adaora in marriage to her man, Arinze Ibekwe.
The traditional marriage, which was performed on Saturday at the governor’s home town in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of the state, was attended by several dignitaries, government officials and traditional rulers.
This comes days after the couple had their civil wedding in the UK.
See pictures from the wedding below.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said Nigeria would rise again if the church started to preach the values of hard work.
Osinbajo lamented that the Nigerian church had shifted its focus from preaching hard work to prosperity.
He spoke while delivering a lecture at the 68th Anniversary and 58th Annual Convention of The Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, at the weekend.
According to Osinbajo: “For too long, our churches have been caught up in the pursuit of personal prosperity and material wealth, neglecting the true calling of the gospel to promote peace, unity, and the holistic development of our society.
“If we truly want to see Nigeria rise again and fulfil its immense potential, the church must return to its roots, preaching the values of hard work, compassion, and service to the community.
“It is only through this shift in focus that we can inspire our people to become agents of positive change, rather than mere consumers of the prosperity gospel.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has responded to a media publication regarding the delay in issuing National Driver’s Licences across the country.
Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Public Education and Strategic Communication Officer (CPESCO), said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Ogungbemide, who applauded the media platform for its watchdog role, said it was pertinent to correct some of the misconceptions conveyed in the publication.
This, he said, was to avert misleading the general public on what had actually hampered the smooth production of the National Driver’s Licence.
“The attention of the FRSC has been adequately drawn to an article published by The Sun Newspaper today, 11 August.
“To state the obvious fact and correct the misinformation stated in the above-quoted article, it is pertinent to say that at no time did the FRSC blame anyone in the tripartite regarding the driver’s licence issue.
“This is because the Corps does not believe in apportioning blame, but is keenly interested in getting the system to work for quality service delivery and customer satisfaction,” he said.
Ogungbemide said the entire processes surrounding the production of the national driver’s licence were delicate.
This, he said, was due to the intelligence and data-gathering ability of the scheme, adding that the Corps had to subject the entire system to a comprehensive overhaul.
He said, however, the efforts needed time to be brought to perfection.
“On assumption of office in May 2024, one of the priority areas the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, committed his administrative energy to, was the total revamp of the national driver’s licence production.
To nip the problem in the bud, he visited the production plant to have an on-the-spot assessment of the issues militating against the smooth flow of production.
“Aftermath of that visit revived the system and brought the plant up to speed.”
He said that the identified issues were decisively dealt with, fixed and production resumed in full force, pursuant to his directive for the plant to commence 24-hour production.
“Due to that intervention, the Corps can categorically state that every issue affecting the smooth running of the plant is being resolved.
“As at today, over 189,256 licences have been produced and are awaiting collection at various State Boards of Internal Revenue across the country,” he said.
Ogungbemide quoted the FRSC Corps Marshal as reassuring that, in line with his policy thrust, the integrity of the licence process would be upheld at all times to sustain international acceptability.
He admonished applicants awaiting their licences to proceed to their respective states for collection as the Corps continue its quest to clear the backlog
No fewer than seven persons from the same family in the Runjin Barmo village of Kajiji District in the Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto have reportedly died as a result of consumption of contaminated cassava delicacy.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Information Officer, Sokoto State Ministry of Health, Nura Bello, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, on Sunday evening.
The statement revealed that the village head of the community, Malam Muhammadu Modi while narrating the incident to the Balarabe who led a powerful delegation to the area, said the victims consumed the cassava meal during their dinner.
According to him, “The victims comprised the father, Malam Abubakar, his wife, A’ishatu Abubakar and their five children.
How We Spent 24 Years In Prison For A Murder We Didn’t Commit - Ex-inmates0:01 / 1:01
“The incident happened last Wednesday and the cause of the death is actually yet to be confirmed.
“He said this was because the suspected cassava had been used by about four houses in the village and no case of illness was recorded in those houses.”
The statement further said the village head on behalf of the residents thanked the state governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, for showing his concern to them in that direction.
In her remarks, Balarabe said they were in the village to assess the cause of the incident for onward communication to the state government for necessary action.
The commissioner said the ministry would take samples from one teenager who happened to be alive after eating the suspected cassava meal.
On behalf of the state governor, she condoled with the people over the incident and prayed to Allah to forgive those who lost their lives.
She used the opportunity to call on people to ensure prompt reporting of any strange disease in their domains for the ministry’s intervention.
In his remarks, the Director of Health for Shagari Local Government Area, Sani Bello Tambuwal, thanked the commissioner for her concern and hoped the effort would be sustained.
The commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Executive Director, the State Hospital Services Management Board, Dr Bello Abubakar Attahiru, some directors and other staff members of the ministry.