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The National Assembly has been thrown into mourning again following the death of the lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Saturday at the age of 52. He was the sixth federal lawmaker to pass on since the 2023 general elections were held.
He was said to have travelled to the UK a few weeks ago for medical treatment but his health condition reportedly became critical.
The cause of his death could not be immediately ascertained.
Ubah was elected Senator in 2019 on the platform of the Young Progressive Party, YPP, and reelected on the same platform in 2023. He however defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year and was aiming to run for Anambra State governorship in the 2025 offcycle election.
He contested the 2021 Anambra governorship poll but lost to Professor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Ekene Adams
Barely two weeks ago, the House of Representatives had lost member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Rep. Ekene Abubakar Adams.
He had reportedly battled ill-health in the months leading to his death.
According to a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr, Adams died early Tuesday, July 16, at the age of 39.
“The House of Representatives is saddened to announce the passing of a dear member of the 10th Assembly, Rep. Ekene Abubakar Adams (LP, Kaduna), who died early Tuesday, at the age of 39.
“Rep. Adams was a dedicated public servant, passionate sports administrator, and kind philanthropist who, until his demise, chaired the House Committee on Sports. He was a first-term member of the House of Representatives, representing the good people of Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.
“The dear departed lawmaker was a kind and gentle humanitarian, loved by all who knew him. His dedication to the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria was unwavering, and his contributions to the House will be deeply missed,” the statement read.
A former football player, Adams had served as the general manager of Nigeria Premier Football League side Remo Stars as well as Kada City before he won a seat in the House of Representatives during the 2023 general elections.
His sports background earned him the role of the reps committee chairman on sports despite being a first-timer in the green chamber.
Olaide Akinremi
About a week before Adams’ death, the House of Representatives had lost member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rep. Olaide Adewale Akinremi.
Akinremi’s death was announced in a statement on Wednesday, July 10, by the House Spokesperson, Rotimi Jr.
He said the lawmaker died after a brief illness, aged 51.
The statement described the late Akinremi as a distinguished and ranking member of the 10th Assembly.
He served as Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions.
“Until his demise, the Oyo legislator was a dedicated public servant known for his unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency and the country at large.
“His passion for service, coupled with his deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of his people, earned him the endearing title of ‘Jagaban,” the statement added.
Isa Dogonyaro
On May 10, 2024, member representing Garki/Babura federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Rep. Isa Dogonyaro, passed away.
One of his colleagues, Mohammed Bello El-Rufa’i announced the death of the lawmaker on his Facebook wall Friday morning.
He wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. Earlier today, we lost colleague in the House of Representatives, a brilliant parliamentarian and an overall good man. May Allah SWT forgive him and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus”.
Speaking to Daily Trust on telephone, the Deputy House Spokesperson, Phillip Agbese, said he learnt about the death of the lawmaker through posts on social media and on WhatsApp groups of the House of Representatives.
He said, “There are the usual Islamic prayers and tributes by colleagues on various platforms. There is no official communication to the House yet. The family has not communicated to the House.
“That is the tradition. It is when the family communicates through the Speaker that we will officially announce his death. I learnt that the funeral prayer is scheduled in Abuja this afternoon”.
Dogonyaro was declared the lawful APC candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2023 general election after a court sacked Aminu Kanta who was declared the winner of the primary election in the constituency.
The deceased had challenged Kanta’s victory on the grounds of allegedly submitting a false name.
Abdulkadir Danbuga
On October 11, 2023 the member, representing Isa-Sabon Birni federal constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga, died.
Dambuga’s colleague and member, representing Sabon Birni South constituency at the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Almustapha (aka Boza), had confirmed death to Daily Trust.
According to Boza, Dambuga died after a brief illness.
He was said to have been admitted in the hospital around Tuesday noon.
“His remains would be taken to the National Mosque for the bathing ritual after which it would be flown to Sokoto for burial around 11am,” Boza said.
Danbuga is survived by two wives, many children and grandchildren.
Ismaila Maihanci
About two months after he won the seat to represent Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency in Taraba State, Ismaila Maihanci, passed on. He died on April 22, 2023 at the age of 36.
Maihanci had won the election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Born on October 22 1986, Maihanci served as a Special Adviser to Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku. He had also served as the Secretary of PDP in Taraba State.
[DailyTrust]
Ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, a former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has admonished the organizers to shelve the plan.
Kwankwaso, who is the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, said they should rather make use of the ballot.
He said regime change through democratic means would be more efficient against an incompetent government than protests.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday night, Kwankwaso emphasized that effective and lasting change can be achieved through the power of the ballots not protests.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria.
“We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007.
“However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens,” he said.
Kwankwaso highlighted several crises stemming from poor governance, such as federal interference in Kano State’s chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political turmoil in Rivers State and widespread insecurity.
“Interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crisis in Rivers State, sabotage to AIiko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC Leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises,” he said.
He argued that those issues were symptomatic of a lack of accountability and transparency.
“It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance has plunged the citizens, especially youth, into hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and a sense of giving up on the country,” Kwankwaso remarked.
He called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to urgently address those challenges by ensuring good governance and adherence to the rule of law.
Acknowledging the recent calls for protests, Kwankwaso recognized the collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria but cautioned against the potential consequences of such actions.
He urged Nigerians to consider the power of their vote as the most effective tool for change.
“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.
“As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.
“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation through the power of your ballot,” Kwankwaso advised.
Kwankwaso warned that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalated into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos.
“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.
“I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation.
“Let us put our country first and work together to build the Nigeria we all aspire to see,” he advocated.
[DailyPost]
Grammy-winning Canadian singer, Celine Dion, has expressed gratitude and joy after her highly anticipated comeback performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.
After a four-year hiatus due to her battle with stiff-person syndrome, Dion delivered a heartfelt rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” from the base of the Eiffel Tower.
She said: “I’m honoured to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favourite cities!”
Dion also praised the athletes for their dedication and hard work.
She wrote: “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance.
“All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you!
“You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!”
This performance marks Dion’s second appearance at the Olympic Games, having previously performed at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
According to TMZ, Dion was paid for her highly anticipated performance.
In an interview with Hoda Kotb on the Today Show, Dion had vowed that she wouldn’t let her health battle stop her from performing again.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says the tightness in fuel supply and distribution is caused by a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.
Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., made this known on Saturday in a statement while reacting to the current queues and scarcity being witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that queues started building up at fuel stations in the FCT on Friday, as motorists were seen lining up at various fuel stations, while some have remained shut.
“The NNPC Ltd. wishes to state that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is as a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels,” Soneye said.
He said the Company was working round the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy in the operations.
(NAN)
The Dangote Oil Refinery has denied a report that it was reselling cargoes of crude oil bought from the United States and Nigeria to other traders.
The spokesperson for the Dangote Group, Tony Chiejina, described the report as outright falsehood in an interview with The PUNCH.
Reuters had reported that three of the four trade sources familiar with the matter said the reoffer was linked to technical problems at the refinery.
But Chiejina said the refinery is still sourcing for crude from Angola and Libya and the crude distillation unit is in good condition.
“Outright falsehood. We are sourcing more crude from Angola and Libya. Also, our crude distillation unit is functioning perfectly well. You may wish to visit the refinery even today or tomorrow,” he told our correspondent on Saturday.
In a follow-up statement on Saturday, Chiejina also urged the public to disregard such news as it only intends to scuttle the refinery.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading report suggesting that our refinery’s crude distillation unit (CDU) is experiencing issues and that we are reselling crude oil.
“We categorically deny these claims. The Dangote refinery is not authorized to sell crude oil purchased from Nigeria, and our CDU is fully operational and functioning optimally.
“We advise the public to disregard these false narratives, which are likely driven by interests opposed to the local refining of fuels,” he said.
The 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery started operations earlier this year, with complaints about crude shortage.
Sources had said cargoes of Nigerian Escravos and Forcados were among the crude grades offered as well as US WTI Midland.
Recall that the Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr DVG Edwin recently alleged that the IOCs operating in Nigeria had consistently frustrated the company’s requests for locally produced crude as feedstock for its refining process.
He said the IOCs were deliberately and willfully frustrating the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by hiking the cost above the market price by $6, thereby forcing the refinery to import crude from countries as far as the US, with its attendant high costs.
Edwin said, “It seems that the IOCs’ objective is to ensure that our petroleum refinery fails. It is either they are deliberately asking for a ridiculous and humongous premium or they simply state that crude is not available.
“At some point, we paid $6 over and above the market price. This has forced us to reduce our output as well as import crude from countries as far as the US, increasing our cost of production.
“It appears that the objective of the IOCs is to ensure that Nigeria remains a country, which exports crude oil and imports refined petroleum products. They are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their Gross Domestic Product, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria, thus making us dependent on imported products.
[Punch]
Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) is a Nigerian reality TV show modeled after the international Big Brother format. Premiering in 2006, it returned in 2017 and has since had eight seasons.
The ninth season is set to premiere on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Ahead of the premiere of the new season, here is a rundown of some notable moments the BBNaija show has given to viewers over the years:
My greatest challenge Is creating opportunities to show that arts can be commercialised in many....
Unforgettable BBNaija moments
Bam Bam and Teddy A (Season 3)
Bamike “BamBam” Olawunmi and Tope “Teddy A” Adenibuyan, who first appeared as a couple on the Double Wahala season three of Big Brother Naija, are now married. They got engaged in August 2019, followed by a traditional wedding in September and a white wedding in Dubai in November of the same year. The couple has two children together.
Cee-C and Tobi’s Drama (Season 3):
Cee-C and Tobi’s storyline in Big Brother Naija Season 3 was one of the most intense of the season. What started as a flirtation quickly escalated into a dramatic power struggle. Their loud, public arguments and harsh exchanges captivated viewers, with Cee-C’s emotional breakdowns and outbursts often focused on Tobi. Despite the high drama, their relationship remained strained by the end of the season.
Tacha’s Controversies (Season 4)
Tacha’s confrontations in BBNaija Season 4 cemented her status as one of the most controversial and memorable housemates.
Her most notable conflict was with Mercy Eke, which escalated to a physical altercation on September 27, 2019, resulting in Tacha’s disqualification after she reportedly threw a basket at Mercy. Tacha also had intense clashes with Seyi Awolowo over personal space and perceived slights, and with Khafi Kareem, involving verbal altercations.
Additionally, her disputes with Omashola Oburoh added to the show’s drama. These conflicts, especially the one with Mercy, were pivotal in shaping the season’s narrative and viewer engagement.
Bella and Sheggz (Season 7)
Chidimma “Bella” Okagbue and Segun “Sheggz” Olusemo, from Season 7 of Big Brother Naija: Level Up, are officially a couple.
They were known for their close bond during the show and have continued their relationship since the season ended.
Ilebaye and Cee-C’s Altercation (Season 8)
The altercation between Ilebaye and Cee-C started with a heated argument that quickly escalated into harsh words and personal insults.
The situation intensified when Ilebaye shoved Cee-C, resulting in a strike from Biggie. Many fans felt that the severity of Ilebaye’s actions merited an immediate disqualification, leading to debate about the consistency of Biggie’s rules for the All Stars season compared to previous ones.
The house of representatives says its probe into the dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is to protect the country’s national assets.
Speaking with journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the house, said the investigation also involves the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) Limited.
NMDPRA and Dangote refinery have been embroiled in a dispute that began recently.
The dispute peaked on July 18 when Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of NMDPRA, said local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, produce inferior products compared to the ones imported into the country.
Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, denied the allegations by testing diesel from his refiner on July 20 when federal lawmakers visited the plant.
He also called for a probe into the allegations of the NMDPRA.
On July 22, the lawmakers launched investigations into Ahmed’s claims.
They said allegations that the international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria are frustrating the survival of the Dangote refinery will also be probed.
On July 23, the house of representatives asked the federal government to suspend Ahmed over his “unguarded comments”.
‘DANGOTE REFINERY IS A CRITICAL ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE’
Agbese said the probe aligns with the lower chamber’s commitment to protecting all critical economic infrastructure, such as the Dangote refinery.
He said the dispute has led to uncertainties that caused fuel queues to resurface, which he deemed totally condemnable.
“We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country,” Agbese said.
“Unfortunately, what we have learnt is that the NNPC and NMDPRA play major role in these plots to discredit the refinery, which is unacceptable.
“The bigger aspect of our concern is that there are concerns that false narratives are being peddled by certain interests that are bent on importing dirty fuels into the country.
“As a proactive institution, committed to the wellbeing of the nation and Nigerians, the position of the house is to investigate the allegations.”
Agbese said the house aims to resolve the issue to pave the way for economic stability.
The spokesperson said the leadership of NMDPRA must be removed, asserting that both agencies have shown interest in destroying the refinery.
He added that if evidence of an attempt to sabotage the Dangote refinery is found, the house would call for the dismissal of Kyari.
“It is on record that the house had directed the president to sack NMDPRA, so the house will also not hesitate to call for the sack of Mele Kyari, the Group chief executive officer of NNPCL if need be,” he said.
According to Agbese, many Nigerians have called off the proposed hardship protest, but they demand Kyari’s dismissal if it will ensure the smooth functioning of the country.
[TheCable]
Grammy-winning Afro-fusion singer Burna Boy marked the 5th anniversary of his critically acclaimed album “African Giant” with a thrilling YouTube Live show.
The event, supported by YouTube Music, featured Burna Boy performing songs from the album, which has become a cultural phenomenon and a testament to African pride.
The album, released in 2019, is a genre-bending blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, pop, and hip-hop, featuring international collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith, Jeremih, Future, Damian Marley, and YG.
Burna Boy expressed excitement about the event, saying it was an “incredible experience” to celebrate the album’s anniversary with his fans.
He thanked YouTube Music for helping create the memorable event and his fans for their unwavering support.
He said: “Celebrating the 5th anniversary of ‘African Giant’ with a special performance in London, supported by YouTube Music, has been an incredible experience.
“This album holds a special place in my heart as it represents a pivotal moment in my career and a powerful statement of African pride.
“Performing these songs for my fans, who have supported me every step of the way, is a reminder of the journey we’ve shared and the cultural impact we’ve made together. I’m grateful to YouTube Music for helping us create this memorable event and to all my fans for their unwavering support. Here’s to many more years of making music that resonates and inspires.”
Head of Music at YouTube in Africa, Addy Awofisayo said: “We are thrilled to present Burna Boy on YouTube Music Nights, celebrating the 5th anniversary of his groundbreaking album, African Giant.”
'Tinubu working to bring back National lost glory' - Youth groups says, plan solidarity support march from August 1
AFOLABI
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, an umbrella body of all the youth groups across the six geopolitical zones, have concluded arrangements to stage a solidarity march from August 1-10.
The solidarity march, according to them, is in support of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, who, they said, has been working round the clock to put the nation back to lost glory.
A statement signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem, National President of CONYL and Junaid Abubakar, National Publicity Secretary said: “The act of governance is not a magic show where what we expect just happen immediately at the same time for viewers on the show.
“Governance demands we show some patience and tolerance by all waiting for our expected good results.
“President Tinubu is currently doing his best via different policies and programmes which in due course, will bring about good tidings for our dear country. What we need now is a little patience to enjoy what the future holds for us.
“Nigerian youths should be aware that some criminals are out there who will want to seize any little opportunity to perpetuate crime by looting and destroying private and public businesses and establishments currently putting food on the table of our follow Nigerians.
“Though protest is the right of citizens in a democratic setting,,but now, is a wrong timing to engage in such given the current situation at hand.
“We appeal to all aggrieved youths to shun any form of protest and join us who have seen the good things the future holds in a solidarity march in the 36 states of the federation including Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on 1st August to 10th August, 2024 in support of our nation headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Nigerian comedian Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has shed light on the challenges female comedians face in Nigeria’s male-dominated stand-up comedy scene.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Real Warri Pikin, 34, highlighted the systemic barriers that contribute to the scarcity of female comedians in the country.
According to Real Warri Pikin, female comedians must overcome significant hurdles to achieve recognition and success.
She described the comedy industry as heavily skewed towards men, requiring women to exert double the effort to stand out.
Despite her own notable success, she admitted facing criticism and derogatory comments from fans, critics, and peers.
Real Warri Pikin recalled her experience during a show in Abuja last year, where she was surprised to find a lack of female comedians among her guests.
She took to social media, asking her followers to recommend female comedians, which led to numerous tags and messages from aspiring performers.
However, she noted that many of these women were struggling due to the male dominance in the industry.
In her words:
“There are not many women that are doing standup comedy right now. I can actually count them. When I did my show in Abuja last year, I was like “no female comedian?” So I did a post on my page and said, “if you know any female comedian wey good, tag am” and I was shocked. I saw a lot of people tagged and I reached out to them via their DMs.
It was only a few of them that had videos of themselves doing standup here and there. I had conversations with them and they will tell you, it’s a male dominated industry. It is hard.
For woman to dey male dominated industry, you need to work twice as hard before they go come talk say na because you fine na why you funny. So I started having conversations with them, talking to them. It’s not easy for this male dominated industry, but you need to know the craft, and you need to be very strategic. I feel like for more female comedians to fill up the space, we need more encouragement.
I remember when I won standup comedian of the year, no be small curse them curse me for comment section, and if other female comedians see those comments, they will go back to their shell. There are a lot of very funny female comedians but there are a lot of factors.
First, you’re a woman. For you to be woman for this part of the world, the world don give you 1-0. And then the society, and then there’s how people see women.
Even till now, I still get it, as big as I am. You just need to ojiri as a woman. When you don understand the dynamics around the industry, you need to chop ojiri tell yourself all die na die. I must do it regardless.“
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Several reactions have followed a video interview of a popular Yoruba movie actor, Femi Adebayo, in which he narrated his experience slapping his father, Adebayo Salami, better known as Oga Bello, on a movie set.
The Jagun Jagun hero shared his experience while he was a guest on a show and spoke about acting with his father.
According to Femi Adebayo, the event happened when he acted the role of a notorious armed robber in the 2008 hit movie Taiwo Taiwo, a movie by Box Office queen, filmmaker and actress, Funke Akindele.
According to the movie star, he had gone into a man’s house to rob, which was his father. On getting there, he demanded the money they had come for, but the man [Oga Bello] was stubborn.
Femi Adebayo remarked that he subconsciously raised his hand and landed it on his father’s cheeks. The actor affirmed that his action was not in the script and felt quite sorry afterwards. In his defence, he perpetrated the act to give more life to his role as a notorious armed robber in the movie.
Nonetheless, Femi Adebayo, who recently won a piracy case, confessed to tendering an apology to his father after the scene. However, his father commended him and told him that he would have been in trouble if he had not slapped him.
Another man impregnated my ex-fiancee weeks to our introduction – Damola Olatunji speaks on split with Bukola Arugba
AFOLABI
Actor Damola Olatunji has revealed personal information on his past relationship life.
He disclosed this to Biola Bayo on her show Talk To B, that his ex-fiancée became pregnant with someone else’s child just weeks before their introduction, leaving him heartbroken.
Olatunji also addressed the rumors surrounding his marriage to colleague Bukola Arugba, stating that he never abandoned his family and continues to pay their children’s school fees.
He emphasised the importance of co-parenting and warned against bashing each other on social media, as it can harm their kids in the long run.
The actor surprisingly revealed that he receives advances from both men and women, acknowledging that he’s not perfect.
He said: “My fiance got pregnant for someone else, weeks to my introduction.
“As a matter of fact, this will be the first time anybody will say I’m talking about my divorce. Some said Damola left his marriage, Damola left the house, and I will be like, these are my kids.
“Feelings die, and love fades. If things are not working in a relationship, it’s better to go separate ways than to become physical. Couples that have kids together should not come online and fight dirty.
“Your kids will grow up one day to read about the things you have said. I am not a deadbeat father. Despite our separation, I still pay my kids’ school fees and attend to their needs. My kids will tell you, ‘My dad is the best in the world. They can never lack as long as I am alive. When you have kids with someone, something will always bring you together for life.
“I get toasted the way ladies get toasted. Both from male and female. Hey, listen, I am not a saint, but I will not do what I will not do”.
The Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property under the administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla, has revealed how he investigated multibillion-dollar fraud cases while in office.
Obono-Obla, in an interview with Vanguard, noted that part of the cases he investigated that landed him in trouble was when they found 80 armoured-plated Mercedes Benz S Class in the premises of an Abuja-based federal director.
He further stated that he made an effort to recover $7 billion CBN bailout, before he was eventually removed from office.
Speaking on the cases he investigated, he said, “I can not pinpoint all the cases that landed me in trouble. But I can speculate on some of them, including the effort to recover $7 billion CBN bailout, the investigation of the failure of an oil company to pay the balance of $1.9 billion from an oil block it purchased in 2014 for $2.5 billion; investigation of the 80 armoured plated Mercedes Benz S Class found in the premises of an Abuja based federal director.
“Investigation of some Directors in the defunct Petroleum Equalization Fund whom we found had over five billion and hundreds of thousands USD in their accounts, including properties abroad, investigation of $12.5 million contract awarded by the Nigerian Ports Authority to a company owned by a former Senator and present Governor to dredge the channel leading from the Atlantic Ocean into Calabar port which was not executed.
“Investigation of oil companies that refused to remit over $3 billion as royalties to the federal government, investigation of the purchase of a House in Asokoro Abuja by a then serving federal permanent secretary in the name of her 8-year-old son, investigation of offshores assets of some members of the National Assembly, investigation of the failure of commercial banks to remit over N38 trillion collected by them as stamp duties as at 2019 to the federal government, and investigation of the take over illegally of the building belonging to National Board for Technical Education in Maitama, Abuja by a Nigerian billionaire from Katsina State to mention just but a few.”
No fewer than 6, 700 applicants were currently jostling to take up 380 teaching jobs at various Secondary Schools in Enugu State.
The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent who monitored the examination on Saturday in some of the designated centres for the examination, reports that the applicants turned out in large numbers.
Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, the Chairman, Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), told NAN that the board received more than 12,000 applications.
He said that out of the number, 6,700 people were shortlisted for the 380 positions needed to replace those who had retired.
Mgbodile disclosed that five centres namely Union Boys Secondary School, Queen School, Enugu, Holy Rosary College (HRC), College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) and Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu were selected as the venues for the examinations.
He said that the shortlisted applicants were being tested in English, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
According to him, over 2,000 applied to teach English while in ICT, the board needs only 80 but 1,700 applied for the subject.
“So we are picking the best of the best which is the only consideration and parameter for the selection of the teachers,” he said.
He added that after the test and the needed competent teachers were not found, the board would call for another application, stressing that he was optimistic that with the number of applicants, the board would get the qualified ones.
“We cannot lower the standard because we cannot get what we want.
“The recruitment is being done by PPSMB but in order to reduce pressure and to ensure meritocracy and absolute objectivity, we decided to seek the assistance of independent recruiting company,” Mgbodile said.
On why they dropped a large number of applicants, the clergyman noted that after sorting out the applications, it noted that some were non indigenes and some were over aged as they pegged the aged requirement at 45 years.
“While some did not have the requisite qualifications for the subject they intend to teach, those that studied Social Studies may apply to teach English which is not incompatible,” he said.
The chairman also said that those people who were awaiting their statements of result and others who could not provide their certificates were excluded from the examination.
Explaining the idea behind the recruitment, the chairman said the board observed upon assumption of office in 2023, that Secondary Schools in Enugu were lacking teachers especially in the rural areas.
He said that at the instance of Gov. Peter Mbah’s directive, the board posted some teachers from the urban to the rural areas.
“As we are doing that, we discovered that we lacked teachers in some key subjects like sciences and other core subjects
“We made a recommendation to Gov Mbah on the need to recruit teachers to fill the shortfalls of science teachers which he approved.
“That is why we want to recruit competent professionals who studied Engineering, to teach Chemistry.
“I want to restore the legacy of teaching and learning and make it easier for parents to stop borrowing while taking their children to private and mission schools.
“I want to restore confidence in the public schools and Mbah is a pathfinder in this regard and we want to follow his mantra,” he said.