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The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, has clarified Governor Chukwuma Soludo‘s recent declaration of war on native doctors, stating that the move targets only “fake” practitioners involved in criminal activities, not genuine traditional healers.
The clarification came on Saturday following reports of panic among native and traditional doctors in the state after Soludo’s pronouncement during a recent function.
The governor had condemned the role of some native doctors in aiding criminalities, such as preparing charms for kidnappers and gunmen.
In a press statement, Mefor said the governor’s stance aims to sanitize the practice and expose those using traditional medicine as a front for illegal activities.
He emphasized that genuine practitioners of traditional medicine have nothing to fear, as the government recognizes their contributions to society.
He said, “For the sake of the unsuspecting public, I want to address the recent disinformation generated in some desperate quarters over Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s stance on native doctors.
“To set the record straight, Soludo never declared war on all native doctors but rather on fake and devilish native doctors involved in criminal activities.
“Concerned individuals and organisations have been investigating native doctors in the South-East and uncovered shocking revelations that reflect what Soludo is saying.
“Some native doctors are involved in preparing charms for kidnappers and armed robbers and are believed to be involved in evil practices that may not exclude human sacrifices for money and protection.
“These diabolical rituals have given rise to ‘Ego Mbute’, ‘Oke-Ite’ and ‘Yahoo Plus’ as well as idolatry, making a speedy return to Igbo socio-cultural life, Soludo, out of a sense of responsibility and responsiveness, has moved to root such diabolical and evil practices out, which have nothing to do with genuine traditional medicine or native doctors who are truly serving God and humanity.”
The commissioner said the governor has, therefore, emphasised the need to expose and deal decisively with native doctors aiding criminality, those promoting some esoteric practices alien to the Igbo culture of integrity, hard work, morality, and fear of God.
He added, “His stance is not a blanket condemnation of traditional medicine or all native doctors, but a targeted effort to root out those using so-called spiritual powers for criminal activities. They are misleading the youths and will turn the state into a soulless society if not stopped.
“The way forward requires greater clarity and understanding. We must recognise that not all native doctors are involved in criminal activities and that traditional medicine has a rich cultural heritage.
“So those genuinely practising the trade have nothing to fear from Soludo’s declaration. However, as we also acknowledge that fake native doctors are involved in criminal activities, they must be exposed and brought to justice as a way of sanitising the practice, rooting our criminality and preserving the state.”
According to him, the governor implores Ndi Anambra to work together with the state government to root out criminality and promote and uphold the culture of respect for human life, integrity, morality, hard work, and fear of God for which Ndi Anambra in particular and Ndi Igbo, in general, are reputed.
“Security is everybody’s business and not that of government alone. So, if you see something, hear something, say something,” the statement added.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Justice, has paid approximately N1.1bn as professional fees to prominent Nigerian lawyers, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and 23 other law firms over a period of three years.
This revelation emerged from an analysis of data provided by GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks and analyses the Federal Government’s expenditure.
The concept of professional services in legal practice encompasses various activities performed by lawyers within the scope of an attorney-client relationship. These include offering legal advice, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in legal matters.
Such services may also extend to transactional tasks like identifying potential legal risks in real estate or other business dealings, as well as negotiation, mediation, regulatory compliance, advocacy, lobbying, and risk management.
In July 2024, Babalola, Olanipekun and Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, collectively received N482.7m from the Federal Ministry of Justice.
A breakdown of the payments shows that Babalola was paid N372.9m on July 23 for representing the Federal Government in a court case registered FHC/ABJ/SC/8962/2023.
The other two senior lawyers, Olanipekun and Izinyon, were paid N103.6m and N6.2m, respectively, for providing similar services at different times. Olanipekun’s payment was made on July 26, while Izinyon received his fee three days later.
Further analysis of the Ministry of Justice’s records reveals that in 2022, no fewer than 17 lawyers received a cumulative sum of N359.7m as professional fees, while four lawyers were paid a total of N319.3m in 2021.
Among those who received payments in 2022 were Savannah Law Chambers, which was paid N17.4m; Lex Habitae, which received N21.8m; Rashida Mohammed & Co in Sokoto, which got N17.4m; and Abdullahi Haruna & Co, which also received N17.4m.
LDS Legal was paid N70.9m, while King’s Chambers and Iwuanyanwu & Co each received N15.7m. Sulaiman Salihu & Co was paid N31.4m in two tranches.
Other firms that benefited include Justice Solicitors & Attorneys, which was paid N15.7m; Pelican Legal, which received N15.7m; and Aderemi Olatubora & Co, which was paid N17.4m. Gboyega Oyewole of Lords and Temple Attorneys was paid N5.4m, while Savannah Law Chambers received an additional N29m.
Hanafi Mumini Ishola of Hanafi & Associates received N20.7m, Law Forte was paid N22.3m in two tranches, and Madyan Legal Consult received N24.8m in two tranches.
The 2021 payments included N174m to Mr. Chikwendu Madumere, N21.8m to LDS Legal, N21.8m to Olowolafe & Co, and N100.5m to Sulaiman Salihu & Co, disbursed in two tranches.
As part of their payments, Chief Afe Babalola paid a 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax amounting to N31m to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, while Wole Olanipekun paid N8.6m in VAT.
Both lawyers also paid a 10 per cent withholding tax of N41.4m and N11.5m, respectively, to the Ministry of Justice.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced that some policemen in Ogun State were arrested for demanding payment to facilitate the search for a missing seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed this information on Saturday.
Mercy Akande is the daughter of a female Point-of-Sale operator who went missing after allegedly being taken by one of her mother’s customers.
The incident occurred on December 23 and was shared on the X platform by Miyakee on December 25.
“My cousin is missing. She was kidnapped by a stranger on the 23rd of December, 2024. The mom, my aunty, does POS business at Sango, Ogun State. She has a male customer who usually comes to withdraw money and buy recharge cards,”Miyakee stated.
“He doesn’t stay in the area. He became friends with the little girl and was always buying her food and gifting her money whenever he came to the store. On the morning of the 23rd, he came to the store and bought food for himself and the little girl as usual. The mom was busy attending to other customers.
“He sent the little girl (a seven-year-old girl) to go get pure water for him. On her way back, he approached her halfway to get the pure water from her. The mom saw this and wasn’t comfortable with it but was distracted by the attention of other customers.
“By the time she turned towards the daughter’s direction to check what was happening, the guy and her daughter were nowhere to be found. They searched everywhere for them but to no avail.”
Miyakee reported that the family took the matter to a police station in Sango but was met with a demand for N40,000 from a police officer to cover the reporting and tracking fees.
In an update, Adejobi assured that the Ogun State Police Command is actively working on the case and is committed to finding the girl as soon as possible.
“Also, the policemen who demanded money before they could attend to the case have been arrested and kept in detention for disciplinary action.
“We have condemned such an act, and we won’t tolerate it. It’s inhuman, apathetic, and unprofessional.
“We urge the family of the victim to work with the police on the case,” Adejobi said.
Nigerian actor, producer and director Afeez Olayiwola Abiodun who is professionally known as Afeez Owo has lost his father, Moshood Akanji Abiodun.
The movie star who is actress Mide Martin’s husband shared the heartbreaking news on Friday, December 27, revealing how saddened he is by the passing of his father.
Bidding him farewell in his post, Afeez Owo shared a bold photo of his father while eulogizing him. He wrote:
“Sad…. ????
Rest in peace Baba miii ??????.”“ERIN WO ? ?
Rest On Moshood Akanji ABIODUN.
Eku Baba Afeez Sun Re ooooo.”
The actor’s colleagues have flooded the comments with condolences. See screenshot of Afeez Owo’s post and reactions to it below:
Seyi Edun wrote, “My condolences sir
Adeniyi Johnson wrote, “Eku oro eyan Sir
Fausat Balogun wrote, “Rest in peace Daddy Popsy Tiwa
Adekola Tijani wrote, “Innah lilahi wahinnah ilehi rojihun. Baba take heart, May Almighty Allah grant Baba Aljanna fridaos
Okiki Afolayan wrote, “Eni re looo
Yemi Solade wrote, “On behalf of myself and my family, I express sincere condolences on the passing of your Baba. May God forgive his sins and accept his soul to rest in eternal peace. May God grant you and other members of your family the strength to beat the irreparable loss. Amen”.
In the same vein, just hours ago, popular actress Lola Alao announced the passing of her mother, urging her to rest in peace.
'Come Back Before He Takes Office‘ - U.S. Universities Warn International Students Of Possible Visa Issues Ahead Of Trump’s Inauguration
AFOLABI
While U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is getting ready to return to the White House, universities across the United States are cautioning international students, including Nigerians, to remain vigilant about potential executive orders on immigration that could impact their status in the country.
“During the first four years of the Trump administration, a travel ban was imposed that impacted multiple countries, and resulted in many/some international students encountering difficulties re-entering the US to resume classes,” the University of California-Berkeley recently posted on its International website.
“Whether such policies will be implemented again and/or blocked by the courts or via other means is unclear. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending a return to the United States prior to January 20.”
Cornell University's Office of Global Learning issued a similar warning to students of a travel ban that “is likely to go into effect soon after inauguration”.
“The ban is likely to include citizens of the countries targeted in the first Trump administration: Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Somalia,” a statement from the office said, adding that students, faculty and staff from these countries should be back in the US before the term begins on January 21.
Columbia University, the centre of the pro-Palestine protests that swept educational institutions across the USA in the spring also sent out a warning.
“As we do with administrative changes at all levels of government, Columbia is gathering relevant information on the incoming administration,” university spokeswoman Samantha Slater said in an email to the Columbia Spectator.
International students are advised to return to Columbia’s campus before this semester’s start date to avoid any potential travel delays”.
During his first term in office, Trump enacted a Muslim ban, which blocked citizens of some Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. Amid protests surrounding the Israel-Gaza war, he also vowed to revoke the visas of “radical anti-American and anti-Semitic foreigners” studying at US universities.
This, coupled with a growing level of anti-immigrant rhetoric from the Republican Party, has some international students concerned.
Mr Trump's platform on immigration, however, has focused primarily on stopping people from entering the country illegally. He said during a June interview with The All-In Podcast that international students “should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country”.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has shed light on his role in the removal of Uche Secondus as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a PDP gathering in Rivers State, Wike explained that his decision was fueled by Secondus’ opposition to Siminalayi Fubara’s governorship ambition in 2023.
According to Wike, Secondus had pushed for his cousin, Tele Ikuru, to secure the PDP ticket for the governorship position, a move Wike said he could not support. This, he revealed, was the primary reason he championed Secondus’ ouster from the party’s leadership.
Reflecting on the ongoing tensions between himself and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike accused Secondus and former Rivers Governor Celestine Omehia of hypocrisy. He alleged that the duo only began backing Fubara after benefiting personally from the relationship.
Wike, who was once a close ally of Fubara, claimed that Secondus and Omehia were the true enemies of the governor, not him. He criticized their actions, arguing that their newfound loyalty to Fubara was insincere.
“I heard Secondus recently in Bori, saying I awarded the Bori Internal Road as governor. I paid 50% with the hope that we had a governor we all supported to continue the projects,” Wike said.
He continued, “Secondus claimed his enemies are the governor’s enemies. But who are the enemies of the governor? Secondus, who initially opposed him becoming governor and wanted his cousin, Tele Ikuru, to get the position?
“I orchestrated Secondus’ removal as PDP National Chairman when he tried to impose his cousin as governor. Now he calls himself the governor’s friend while labeling me the enemy. To God be the glory,” Wike decl
The Situation Analysis (SitAn) of Children in Nigeria Report has identified some of the reasons why 53.9 per cent of children in the country are multi-dimensionally poor.
The report, launched during the 2024 World Children’s Day celebration on Nov. 20, is a policy document prepared by the Federal Government with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to identify and understand specific child issues.
According to the report, corruption, unemployment, lack of political will, violence and insurgency and inadequate investment in social sectors play significant roles in making Nigerian children poor.
It added that displacement and resettlement place additional pressure on existing resources, further exacerbating child poverty in Nigeria.
The report defined child poverty as “a situation where children experience deprivation of the material, spiritual and emotional resources needed to stay alive, develop and thrive, thus leaving them unable to enjoy their rights, achieve their full potential and participate as full and equal members of society.”
It stated that the seven poverty indicators for children are: health, water, sanitation, nutrition, shelter, education and information.
Explaining the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) analysis, the report noted that across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), disparities exist in the multi-dimensional poverty of children.
It added that “in Osun State, the incidence of poverty was lowest at 17.5 per cent, incidence of deprivation was 35.5 per cent and the Human Development Index (HDI) ranking was 14th in Nigeria.
“In Sokoto State, the incidence of poverty was very high at 89.9 per cent, incidence of deprivation was 50.4 per cent and the HDI ranking was 37 per cent.
“In Lagos State, poverty incidence was 27.8 per cent, incidence of deprivation was 36.8 per cent, while the HDI ranking was one per cent.”
The report indicated that when disaggregated by rural and urban, 29.7 per cent of urban children were multi-dimensionally poor against 65.7 per cent of rural children.
It added that children living in Sokoto State 80.4 per cent, Kebbi 74.9 per cent and Zamfara 74 per cent were worse off, experiencing the highest multidimensional deprivation.
“On the other hand, less than 20 per cent of children living in Edo (19 per cent) and Lagos State (17.3 per cent) were multi-dimensionally poor.
“Multi-dimensionally poor children living in Sokoto State deprived in 74.1 per cent of the total number of deprivations compared to 57.7 per cent of children living in Lagos.”
It said that households with higher number of members and/or children show higher multidimensional deprivation rates than smaller households.
It also implied that children in homes with uneducated household heads and/or mothers are more likely to be multi-dimensionally poor compared with children whose household heads attained secondary or higher education levels.
It stated that a larger proportion of children with illiterate mothers are multi-dimensionally poor than children with literate mothers.
“A striking case of multiple deprivations among children can be observed in the case of Almajiri children.
“These children are always on the move and are deprived of decent living conditions, good food and nutrition, water and basic sanitation, access to healthcare facilities, access to education and parental care.
“They are also deprived protection from violence and abuse, participation in decisions affecting their lives, and are often subjected to child labour and abuse.
“They are also taken advantage of during times of conflict and often obliged to carry arms.”
To ameliorate the situation, the report recommended that stakeholders should play certain roles.
It said that family and close caregivers should play crucial roles in alleviating child poverty and securing protection for children.
The report notes that children in poverty depend greatly on the existence of public healthcare, education and social services to develop capabilities and learn to function.
It added that these institutions and their programmes therefore must be inclusive and structured in an affordable and accessible way and be used by children who need them.
“Effective governance at all levels will ensure sound policy, equitable spread and judicious use of resources for investments that enhance household livelihoods, reduce poverty and foster the rights of children.
“Government needs to support families and households by providing minimum income that is sustainable to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent children from reaching their potential.”
SitAn was first published in 2022 primarily based on household survey data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2016-2017) and the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 2018).
An updated version was published and launched in 2024 to support government’s efforts to shape policies and shift investment patterns to benefit Nigerian children. (NAN)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of its recruitment exercise, assuring Nigerians that the process is entirely free and fair.
The agency has cautioned the public to be vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit unsuspecting applicants during the recruitment period.
Applications are invited for positions in the Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of the Service’s plan to recruit 3,927 officers in 2025.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.
“Our recruitment is entirely free and fair. At no stage do we charge fees. Anyone requesting payment is a scammer,” the agency emphasized, urging applicants to be wary of fraudulent schemes.
The NCS outlined eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), and have no criminal record or ongoing investigations.
Academic qualifications for the three cadres are as follows:
Superintendent Cadre: A university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) along with an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
Inspectorate Cadre: A National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from an accredited institution.
Customs Assistant Cadre: At least an O’Level certificate (WAEC or NECO).
In addition to these qualifications, the NCS stressed that all applicants must be physically and mentally fit, providing evidence of medical fitness from a recognized government hospital.
The application process opens on 27 December 2024 and will close on 2 January 2025. Interested candidates can apply via the official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.customs.gov.ng.
The NCS reiterated its commitment to a transparent recruitment process and encouraged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity.
The Garun Mallam Local Government Area of Kano State has shut down the Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market allegedly turned into place of prostitution, adultery, homosexuality and other immoral activities.
It was reliably gathered that the alleged immorality being perpetrated by some youths and married women within the premises of the market prompted the local council authority to take the action to restore sanity at the market.
The Council’s Chairman, Aminu Kadawa, who confirmed the development, said all occupants in the market were given a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the premises or face the full wrath of the law.
He said: “Looking at how the market has become a centre for prostitution and other immoral activities contrary to the purpose of the market, it has to be closed indefinitely to restore sanity.”
The local government chairman added that a date would be announced on when the market will be reopened for normal activities.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Tourism and Management, Aisha Saji, who hailed the decision, said during her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs, she led a team of security personnel and Hisbah officials in a raid at the same market, where 43 individuals, including 34 females and nine males aged between 15 and 18, were arrested for prostitution and illegal sale of alcoholic substances.
“Shockingly, 14 of the arrested individuals were confirmed to be HIV-positive, with 10 aware of their status, while four were unaware.
“The suspects hailed not only from Kano, but also from neighbouring states, including Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue and Taraba,” she said.
The Commissioner further recalled that during her tenure she also wrote a report recommending demolition of the market for construction of a skill acquisition centre to address unemployment, among others, in the area.
“This closure should not just mark the end of immoral activities but also serve as a stepping stone for development.
“Establishing a skills development institution in this area will not only curb unemployment but also equip our youths with sustainable means of livelihood,” Saji emphasized.
Actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo, has revealed that the inspiration behind his latest film, ‘Seven Doors’, came from the life of a king he was close to.
Speaking in an encounter with Saturday Beats, he said, “It is extremely important to preserve our culture. Creating content— films— (woven) around the beauty of our culture is one of the ways of preserving it, so that the generations yet unborn can also enjoy it and be educated.
“I was fortunate to be close to a particular king, and it was what he went through that provoked the idea and concept of ‘Seven Doors’. Many people see our kings as mini-gods, which they are, but they forget that they are humans with blood running in their veins too. So, they(kings) face a lot before and after they get on the throne. And, that is what we displayed in the movie.”
Adebayo added that beyond the theme of culture, the acclaimed movie series is a “love story”.
“I also want to preach that love is above all. So, where we have a conflict between love and tradition, automatically it is love that wins,” he said.
Commenting on the kissing scene with his co-actor, Chioma Chukwuka, he stated, “I was just interpreting the role; getting the character analysis and interpreting it.
“For me though, the best scene was where they had to lay the chiefs on the floor and beat them. I was not even in that scene.”
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Peeved by the reported move to introduce Sharia law in South-West, traditional leaders in the region have warned that any attempt to initiate such a law will cause anarchy, division, and instability.
According to them, Sharia law, in any form, is unsuitable for Yorubaland.
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that a flier went viral on Tuesday, inviting guests from across the country to the inauguration of a Sharia court scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Oyo.
The flier listed the Bashorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka I, as the Royal Father of the Day; the Mufairu of Oyo Land, Alhaji Abdullateef Eleyele, as the Spiritual Father of the Day; and the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamorise, as the Chief Host.
However, the event drew criticism from a cross-section of Nigerians, with many arguing that the predominantly Yoruba South-West is distinct from the northern region, where Muslims are in the majority.
In 2021, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, cautioned the Senate against covert attempts by certain groups to introduce Sharia law to the South-West through the ongoing constitution review.
In response, the Director of the Muslim Rights Concern, Ishaq Akintola, urged the PFN to “mind its business and stop opposing Muslims’ right to operate Shariah.”
The push for Sharia law in the region faced resistance and was ultimately dismissed at the time.
Addressing the recent call for the introduction of Sharia law in the South-West, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged the proposed Sharia court and the controversy it had sparked.
“Regarding the establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but as for me, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria. If their actions are within the law, fine; if not, they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,” the governor stated in a broadcast.
Meanwhile, the announcement has ignited heated debates, with critics warning that introducing a Sharia court could disrupt the state’s religious harmony.
Rejecting the proposal, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, told Saturday PUNCH that introducing Sharia law in Oyo State would create significant problems.
He argued that implementing Sharia law in Yorubaland, a multi-religious region, would be extremely challenging.
“I am not against Sharia law; it is a good law. But it is easier to implement in the North. Even in the North, Sharia law is not deeply enforced in the Middle Belt, because the majority there are Christians.
“We have been running the South-West with the modern constitution, promoting coexistence among religions. We do not want religion to divide us,” Adams stated.
He advised the Oyo State Government to tread carefully, as religion is a sensitive issue in Yoruba land.
Gani Adams added, “Sharia law has been in place in the 19 northern states of Nigeria, based on the penal code. Since Nigeria’s inception, the southern part has been using the modern Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For anyone to want Sharia law introduced to Yorubaland is to plan for division, disunity, and anarchy.”
He highlighted the region’s unique social fabric, saying, “In Yorubaland, there is intermarriage; you’ll see a Muslim marrying a Christian, and a Christian marrying a traditionalist. I was born a Muslim. Today, I am a Muslim, Christian, and traditionalist. We do not define ourselves based on religion.”
He also noted that in Oyo State, the Muslim and Christian populations were almost equal, as they were in Ogun and Lagos states, whereas Christians remained the majority in Ondo and Ekiti states.
Also speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Oyo State, Oba Francis Alao, Akinbola I, noted that the type of religion practised in northern Nigeria was not applicable in the southern part.
He explained that in the South-West, people drank alcohol, which is prohibited by Sharia law, and enforcing such a law would be anti-people.
The monarch stated, “This will not work in Yorubaland. Our strength is our social life. If we accept Sharia law, how many people will conform to it? This will later bring chaos and instability. It will also interfere with the peaceful coexistence in Yoruba land.”
He added, “This will not work in the South-West because of our way of life. I don’t foresee Sharia law happening now. Our diversity in religion is our strength. Irrespective of our religions, what matters most is that we live in unity and love. I don’t have anything against any religion as long as the public accepts it. The government needs to carry the people along and sample their opinions.”
The Eselu of Iselu kingdom, in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, kicked against Sharia law in the South West and called on other traditional rulers in Yorubaland to reject it.
He said, “Nigeria is a multi-religion country for Muslims, Christians and traditionalists, so bringing Sharia to Oyo and the South West is imposing a religion on others and we have to respect ourselves.
“It is a way of fueling an unnecessary crisis in the South West. We have enough problems already in the region; we should not allow religion to bring another civil war into this country.
“The constitution of the country should be paramount to all of us, including traditional rulers; they should not bring religious law into the constitution of the country. Everybody should rise against this, irrespective of religion.”
Law threatens secularity – CAN
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Daniel Okoh, said the Christian body was working on a reaction to the matter.
He said, “We are working on it. At the appropriate time, we’ll come out with our position.”
But the Oyo State Chairman of CAN, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, dismissed the initiative, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to the state’s secular nature.
He stated, “This should not happen in Oyo State, where Christians and Muslims coexist in nearly every family. There’s no law to support this, and the government is not aware. We won’t allow anything that jeopardises the peaceful coexistence we enjoy.”
It’s not a court – Shari’ah committee
Amid the growing tension, the organisers of the event postponed the inauguration indefinitely.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, the Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo land, Rafiu Bello, said he had nothing further to add.
In a statement shared with our correspondent, the committee clarified that it was not inaugurating a Sharia court, but an arbitration panel.
The statement read in part, “The postponement is informed by the inadvertent reference to the programme as the inauguration ceremony of a Sharia Court in Oyo town and its environs instead of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel.
“Such an arbitration panel, which already exists in many parts of the South-West, is only meant to settle family disputes among willing Muslims, without any power of enforcement. It is not a court.”
The statement concluded by noting that a new date would be announced for the inauguration ceremony.
Also, an Islamic cleric and lecturer of Islamic Studies at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Dr Sidiq Uthman, explained that the establishment of a Sharia court was intended to allow Muslims to resolve their issues in accordance with Sharia principles.
He clarified that such a court would only be relevant for committed Muslims.
He said, “The court is a place where Muslim families can come for adjudication or reconciliation in matters of inheritance, divorce, or child custody. These are the issues they want to address, not what is being sensationalised on social media. This has nothing to do with any religion. When they wanted to introduce Islamic banking, it was the same misunderstanding that people thought it was about Islamising Nigeria. Everyone has the right to practise their religion, and there’s freedom of association.”
Similarly, the National President of the Islamic group, Jamaat Taawunil Muslimeen, Sheikh Daood Imran, emphasised that Sharia law is a system Muslims use to settle disputes within their community.
He said, “There are three groups of believers in Nigeria: Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists, each with their own belief systems. This is not a court. The Christians own the High Court, traditionalists own the Customary Court, and Muslims follow Sharia law.”
Nigeria’s imported food inflation surged to 42.29 per cent in November 2024, according to the Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
This represents a significant rise from 23.74 per cent recorded in November 2023, marking an 18.55 percentage point year-on-year increase.
On a month-on-month basis, the inflation rate increased from 40.96 per cent in October 2024, a 1.33 percentage point rise in just one month.
The data highlights the relentless upward trajectory of imported food inflation throughout 2024, which began at 26.29 per cent in January.
By October, the inflation rate had crossed the 40 per cent threshold, and November’s figure of 42.29 per cent is the highest recorded in the past two years.
This sharp rise has been attributed to multiple factors, including currency devaluation, global supply chain disruptions, and inefficiencies in domestic policies.
The Federal Government’s attempt to address the situation through a duty waiver on imported food has been fraught with delays.
In July 2024, the Federal Government announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities as it stepped up efforts to tackle rising inflation, which had impoverished many Nigerians.
The commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price.
It was designed to reduce import costs and make staple foods more affordable. However, the implementation has stalled due to bureaucratic delays.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the average price of imported high-quality rice has surged by 144.77 per cent year-on-year as the Federal Government delays implementing its duty-free food policy.
Since the announcement of the policy, the price of one kilogramme of imported rice has risen by 3.21 per cent, climbing from N2,329.05 in July to N2,403.86 in September.
FULL LIST: Wale Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, Ademola Lookman, Others Named Among 100 Most Influential Africans Of 2024
AFOLABI
In 2024, Africa continues to showcase its influence on the global stage through trailblazers in politics, business, science, sports, and the creative industry.
The London-based New African magazine unveiled its prestigious list of the ‘100 Most Influential Africans of 2024’, celebrating individuals who have significantly shaped narratives and driven progress both on the continent and internationally.
Among the prominent Nigerians featured are Wale Tinubu, nephew of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man; and Nigerian football sensation Ademola Lookman.
Highlighting the importance of this recognition, the magazine’s editor, Anver Versi, stated: “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.”
The statement read, “The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad.
“Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.”
The 2024 List: A Breakdown by Category
Politics and Public Service
1. Bassirou Diomaye Faye
2. Kemi Badenoch
3. Muhammad Ali Pate
4. Claver Gatete
5. Ali Mohamed
6. King Mohamed VI
7. Ronald Lamola
8. Yemi Osinbajo
9. Nardos Bekele-Thomas
10. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng
34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee
Science & Academia
43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative Industry
66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani
Sports
90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan
This year’s list celebrates African excellence across diverse fields, reaffirming the continent’s role as a global powerhouse of talent and innovation.
Nigerian activist and humanitarian Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has painfully taken to social media to disclose a devastating setback in his ongoing mission to transform lives.
In a shocking announcement, he revealed that his NGO account, which had recently amassed over ₦200 million in donations for his noble cause, was hacked, and a staggering ₦160 million stolen in what he described as a move beyond his comprehension.
This heart-wrenching revelation comes just weeks after Verydarkman shared his ambitious plans to build schools for underprivileged children who lack access to basic education.
His vision captured the hearts of many, including celebrities, who rallied behind him, contributing generously to the fund. The NGO account became a beacon of hope, symbolizing the promise of a brighter future for countless children.
In a video shared on his official Facebook page on December 27, a visibly distraught VDM recounted the chilling moment he discovered the breach.
Despite the overwhelming sense of loss, he declared that he would not rest until the stolen funds are recovered.
True to his word, Verydarkman shared that he has already launched a full-scale investigation into the cyber heist. In the video, he was seen with a security operative assigned to the case. He disclosed that the duo were en route to Jos, a critical location in the ongoing hunt for the suspected perpetrators.
VDM also revealed that before making this public announcement, he had already taken measures to secure the account, including shutting down the app in hopes of resolving the issue quietly. However, circumstances forced him to update his supporters, as the situation demanded urgent transparency.