FEATURES
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the public to disregard a fake list of ambassadorial nominees circulating on social media.
Speaking via a press release issued on Sunday, and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry noted that the appointment of ambassadors is solely the prerogative of the President.
The spokesperson emphasized that no such appointments has been made.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public to kindly disregard the fake list of ambassadorial nominees which is currently in circulation on some social media platforms.
“The ministry wishes to state unequivocally that the appointment of ambassadors is the prerogative of Mr President, and no such appointments have been made in that regard.
“The purported list should, therefore, be discountenanced,” the statement read.
Nigeria has 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions and 11 consulates around the globe.
On September 2, 2023, President Bola Tinubu recalled all career and non-career ambassadors operating the country’s diplomatic missions, embassies and consulates globally.
A statement by the ministry confirmed the recall, saying, “Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has clarified that all career ambassadors and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Tinubu.”
The envoys were directed to return to the country on or before October 31, 2023.
They include the 41 non-career ambassadors and 42 career ambassadors appointed by Former
My Dearest Brother,
On behalf of my family and myself, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your resounding victory in the December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Ghana.
The joy and celebration filling the streets of Ghana reflect the deep love and admiration your people hold for you, as well as the lasting impact of your remarkable legacy as a former President.
I will always cherish the unwavering support you extended to investors in Ghana, as well as the profound honor of receiving the highest Ghanaian National Honor from you in 2016.
May this second chapter of your leadership be even more successful and transformative.
God bless Ghana.
With warmest regards,
Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr.
(GCON, CSG, CdrLH)
Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC), Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has addressed recent reports regarding his purported arrest and detention by the Nigerian Police.
Pastor Idowu was detained for his alleged involvement in real estate fraud and money laundering.
In a video message to his congregation, which surfaced on social media on Sunday, December 8, 2024, Pastor Bolaji clarified he was invited to assist in an investigation and was never arrested.
The clergy stated that the case involved a church member accused of being implicated in financial wrongdoing, but he would not mention their names.
Pastor Bolaji also expressed gratitude to his members for their unwavering support during the ordeal, stressing that the investigation is ongoing.
He further emphasised his commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement while respecting the confidentiality of those involved.
His words, “This is from me to you: I was invited and not arrested.
“I was invited by the Police to help in an investigation about a church member that got into some trouble.
“I would love to say so much to you, but remember that the case is under investigation, and also a person is involved. They all have wives, they all have children, they all have relatives. If you start mentioning names right now, which is what most of you expect me to do, you will also be ruining someone’s life.
“I will let the Police do their thing while my assistance is over, and I can step aside.
“Thank you for trusting and supporting me even when you didn’t know the facts of the matter.”
The police command in zone 16, Bayelsa state, has arrested three suspects over alleged internet fraud and possession of illicit drugs.
The suspects are Billion Ndubuisi, Charles Amachree, and Martins Chinemike.
In a statement on Saturday, Gunn Emonena, spokesperson of zone 16, said the suspects were arrested at Rumukparali community, Obio/Akpo LGA in Rivers state after operatives acted on “credible intelligence”.
Emonena said operatives recovered wraps of illicit hard drugs suspected to be Indian hemp, two vehicles, two laptops and 10 phones during the search of the suspects’ premises.
The police spokesperson said the suspects offered the operatives $17,000 bribe to conceal the crime but the money was rejected.
“The suspects through their agent offered the sum of 17,000 US Dollars bribe which was rejected by our well-trained reformed officers,” Emonena said.
“The money is registered and will be tendered as exhibits in court.”
The police spokesperson said the suspects confessed to impersonating Ryan Bill, a citizen of the United States of America, to defraud some foreigners of the sum of $71,500.
Kenny Ogungbe, the founder of Kennis Music, says his label was interested in signing Plantashun Boiz before 2Baba launched his solo career.
In a chat with Osi Suave, the media personality, Ogungbe revealed that he offered a contract to Blackface, a member of the now-defunct group after they collaborated with Tony Tetuila.
He said the deal, however, never materialised.
Ogungbe explained that 2Baba expressed his desire to pursue a solo career, which he fully supported.
“2Face is a brother, but first of all, a contract was given to Plantashun Boiz because of their involvement with Tony Tetuila on the album ‘Omode Meta Shere’. I said, let me try to see if I can sign them,” he said.
“I gave Austin (Blackface) the contract, but nothing happened. After a while, 2Face called me and said he wanted to be on his own. I said, no problem.”
Ogungbe addressed claims that he played a role in the breakup of Plantashun Boiz.
He clarified that 2Baba’s decision to embark on a solo career was entirely his own.
Plantashun Boiz, formed in 2000, consisted of 2Baba, Faze, and Blackface.
The group, known for its blend of hip-hop and R&B, disbanded in 2004 after releasing two albums.
Following the split, 2Baba signed with Kennis Music and released ‘Face 2 Face’, one of the most monumental albums in Nigerian music history.
The album featured the classic hit ‘African Queen’, which catapulted him to international stardom.
In 2008, 2Baba left Kennis Music to establish his record label, Hypertek Entertainment
Media
Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has been declared winner of the Saturday presidential election in the West African country.
The election has generated attention from across the globe, considering the pedigree of the contesters, especially the major front-runners.
Mahama’s contender who is also the Ghana’s Vice President, Muhammadu Bawumia, has since conceded defeat even before the official announcement was made by the country’s Electoral Commission.
In a phone call placed to Mahama, Bawumia said his decision to concede defeat was to ease tensions in the country which the election period had generated.
He added: “I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the Electoral Commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country.
“It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana.
“The people have voted for change at this time, and we respect that decision with all humility.”
As Mahama takes the reigns of power for yet another fresh term, here are things you should know about him.
Background
Mahama was born on November 29, 1958 into an active political family. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, a parliamentarian, had served as regional commissioner during the stint of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
School
John Mahama attended Achimota School in Accra and Ghana Secondary School in Tamale for his Primary and Secondary School education respectively. In 1981, Mahama enrolled into the University of Ghana where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in History and subsequently completed a postgraduate studies in Communication in 1986. After teaching high-school history for a few years, he moved further to acquire a postgraduate degree in Social Psychology from the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow and obtained his certificate in 1988.
Career
After returning to his country, Mahama started pursuing his career line. He worked in Accra as the Information, Culture and Research Officer at the embassy of Japan until 1995, when he moved to Ghana office of Plan International as Manager of International Relations, Sponsorship, Communication and Grants.
Political Life
Mahama became active in politics in 1996 when he was elected into the Parliament under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and was reelected in 2000 and 2004. At the Parliament, Mahama, who demonstrated high sense of commitment to his statutory roles, held various positions. Between 1998 and 2001, he was Minister of Communications. He was later selected as the running mate of John Evans Atta Mills in the December 2008 presidential election, which they won and were inaugurated on January 7, 2009. But Mahama later became President following the demise of Mills in 2012, who died months before the expiration of his tenure.
During the following round of election, Mahama was selected to be the flag bearer of his party, the NDC, in the country’s presidential election. He was declared winner of the December 2012 election with 50.7 percent, defeating his close rival, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriot Party (NPP), who polled 47.74 percent.
Dissatisfied with the election results, Akufo-Addo filed a petition before the Supreme Court, citing election fraud. But in August 2013, Akufo’s suit was dismissed and Mahama’s victory upheld.
Mahama’s Days as President
During his time as Ghana’s President, Mahama faced challenges when the country’s economy dwindled. With falling global prices on Ghana’s primary exports, increasing debts, power outages, increasing costs associated with public wage, Ghana’s economy was impacted negatively and that unfortunate development put Mahama on a rather disadvantaged position, politically.
Mahama camme under heavy criticisms when his countrymen accused him of not effectively handling the nation’s affairs. Power shortages which affected the country and impacted the economy albeit in a negative way earned the then President a nickname of “Mr. Dumsor, dum-sor” which meant “off-on” in the Twi language, describing the incessant power cuts.
Mahama’s days at the Presidency ended in December 2016 when he was defeated by Akufo-Addo in the presidential election that was contested by many candidates.
Mahama, however, conceded and handed over the reigns of power to Akufo at the end of his (Mahama’s) tenure in January 2017.
Mahama also contested the Ghana’s 2020 election but lost to Akufo-Addo, the victory the former challenged at court, citing irregularities. Mahama’s petition was, however, dismissed in March 2021.
The Comeback
Determined in his cause, Mahama, who remained active in the Ghana’s political space, was once again made the flag bearer of the NDC in the December 2024 presidential election. Mahama, who contested the election along with 12 other candidates, was declared winner of the election.
The former House of Representatives Appropriation Committee Chairman, Faruk Lawan, has stated that he is now a better person.
Recall that Lawan had served five years in prison for receiving a $3 million bribe from oil magnate, Femi Otedola.
Speaking on Saturday during his visit to Shanono/Bagwai Federal Constituency, in a crowded convoy of political supporters, Lawan said, “Today, I am a better person, and I thank God for everything. My visit is not political but rather to pay condolences, sympathize with the sick, and pay homage to our fathers and traditional leaders.”
Speaking further, Lawan, who was dressed in Kwankwasiyya white-red cap attire, stated he is freelancing in politics and presently does not belong to anybody.
He was received by the District Head of Bagwai in Bagwai Local Government, Alhaji Nura Shehu Ahmad, the Magajin Rafi of Kano, who described Faruk Lawan’s incarceration as “a blessing in disguise” for him and his supporters.
He said, “Today, many of us here who were once your enemies have turned into not only your supporters but your loyal supporters, with a deep understanding of who Faruk Lawan truly is and his passion for his people.”
The District Head noted, “Even when Faruk Lawan was in prison, he still connected with us in all facets of life. He supported the needy among us, inquired about everyone, and sent messages to many of us. We really thank you and cherish you.”
The chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified that the recently proposed tax reform bills do not include any provision for an inheritance tax.
He made this disclosure via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, dispelling speculation about such a tax in Nigeria’s fiscal policy.
According to Oyedele, the inheritance tax was abolished in Nigeria in 1996 following the abrogation of the Capital Transfer Tax Decree.
He explained that inheritance represents a one-time transfer of wealth, either as a gift during the giver’s lifetime or upon their death, and differs fundamentally from recurring income subject to taxation under the proposed tax reforms.
“Inheritance tax is a one-time wealth transfer. Unlike inheritance tax, family income covered under the tax bills is expected to recur from time to time,” Oyedele stated.
He further highlighted the provisions of Section 4 of the Nigeria Tax Bill, which defines taxable income. Section 4(3), in particular, addresses taxable income earned by families, stressing that inheritance itself is not taxable under the bill. This approach aligns with existing tax laws, including Section 2(5) of the Personal Income Tax Act (LFN 2004 as amended).
Oyedele elaborated on the taxation of family income, noting that “In the case of income of a family recognised under any law or custom in Nigeria as family income, in which the several interests of individual members of the family are indeterminate or uncertain, tax may be imposed only by the territory in which the member of that family who customarily receives that income in the first instance in Nigeria usually resides.”
He also explained that individual earnings are subject to tax, and when groups such as partnerships, communities, or families earn taxable income collectively, they cannot claim exemption simply because they operate as a group.
“The income will therefore be taxed in the hands of individual members where their respective shares can be determined; otherwise, the group will be collectively taxed. This ensures equity and prevents a potential loophole in the tax law,” Oyedele said.
The clarification reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and equity in Nigeria’s tax system, while also addressing misconceptions about the scope and implications of the proposed tax reforms
Actor and film director, Ibrahim Chatta, has addressed the long-held notion that he is underrated in the movie industry.
In a recent appearance on the ‘Talk To B’ podcast, Chatta confidently asserted that he is one of the highest-paid Yoruba-speaking actors in Nigeria.
“A lot of time some people say Ibrahim Chatta is underrated. No, I’m not. I’m one of the highest-paid Yoruba-speaking actors in Nigeria,” he said.
Chatta recounted his humble beginnings in the entertainment industry, revealing that he started as a studio rat, creating promotional jingles and movie soundtracks for over 400 films and firms.
According to him, his determination and perseverance ultimately paved the way for his success in the industry.
“I gave myself responsibility because I discovered it would make me stronger.
“At a point, I told my mum that I was comfortable and that she shouldn’t bother sending me foodstuffs.
“But I wasn’t comfortable. So, I would work for about a week or two as a bus conductor and get somebody to Kwara to give my parents foodstuffs so they would rest assured of my well-being.
“Then I got lucky and I started writing and composing movie soundtracks. I did movie soundtracks for over 400 films, I did promotional jingles for over 400 firms.
Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated John Mahama on his victory in the recently concluded election in Ghana.
Naija News reported earlier that the candidate of the ruling party in the Ghana presidential election, Mahamudu Bawumia, on Sunday conceded defeat to former President, John Mahama, following the outcome of the Saturday, December 7, election.
In a post via his official X handle on Sunday, Atiku congratulated Mahama, describing the outcome as a landslide victory.
“Your Excellency, Mr. President-elect John Mahama, @JDMahama. My warmest congratulations on your victory. I was told you were on your way to church and thought I could catch up with you before you entered the church for the Sunday service. Once again, kindly accept my hearty congratulations on your landslide victory,” Atiku wrote on X.
Earlier, Ghana‘s ruling New Patriotic Party candidate, Bawumia, called his opponent, John Mahama, to extend his congratulations.
“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” he said in a press conference.
Mahama has also acknowledged on his X account that he had received a congratulatory call from Bawumia.
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Ghana‘s ruling New Patriotic Party candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, announced on Sunday that he had accepted his defeat in the recent presidential election.
Naija News understands that Bawumia has pushed a phone call to his opponent, John Mahama, to extend his congratulations.
“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” he said in a press conference.
Mahama acknowledged on his X account that he had received a congratulatory call from Bawumia.
The Vice President remarked that Mahama had secured the presidency “decisively,” along with the opposition NDC party’s victory in the parliamentary elections, based on the ruling NPP party’s internal vote count.
Bawumia faced challenges in distancing himself from the criticism regarding the government’s management of Ghana’s economic crisis and the rising cost of living, which emerged as the primary issue during the election.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has been defeated in her bid for re-election in the Ablekuma West constituency by Reverend Kweku Addo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ursula, who has held a parliamentary position since 2012, received 26,575 votes, whereas Reverend Addo emerged victorious with 31,866 votes. The results were confirmed by the returning officer from the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), indicating a total of 58,441 valid votes cast.
Additionally, Tourism Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer, a notable member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also lost his parliamentary seat in the Sekondi constituency to Blay Nyameke Armah of the NDC.
Mercer, who had been the representative for the area since 2016, garnered 11,084 votes, while Armah achieved 14,558 votes.
In his acceptance speech, Armah expressed gratitude to his constituents, declaring, “This victory belongs to the entire constituency, and we will work together to revitalize Sekondi.”
Furthermore, Interior Minister Henry Quartey was defeated in the Ayawaso Central constituency by Abdul Rauf Tubazu of the NDC. Quartey, who previously served as the Greater Accra Regional Minister, received 23,345 votes, while Tubazu claimed victory with 29,755 votes.
Tubazu conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the win, stating, “This victory is gratifying, and we are committed to serving the people.”
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review is currently evaluating a proposal aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to restrict the number of ministers appointed by the president to 37.
This proposal, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Streamline the Number of Ministers to be Appointed to the Federal Executive Council,” is presently under consideration by the committee, which Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu chairs.
Naija News reports that the bill is sponsored by representatives from the Darazo/Ganjuwa and Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituencies of Bauchi and Borno states, respectively.
The bill aims to revise Section 147 (1) of the Constitution to state, “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation, not exceeding 37, as may be established by the President.”
It is worth noting that the Federal Executive Council under President Bola Tinubu currently consists of 45 ministers, including substantive ministers and Ministers of State.
Traditionally, the Nigerian president appoints a minister from each of the 36 states of the federation while also allowing for additional appointments based on various considerations in the formation of the cabinet.
“The bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to specify the maximum number of ministers to be appointed to the Federal Executive Council to address duplication of duties, minimise the cost of governance, and enhance efficiency to service at the federal level,” the Bauchi lawmaker, Mansur Soro said during an interview with The PUNCH.
“We need to reduce the cost of governance and address inequality in the number of ministers to be appointed from each state and cases of overlapping mandates of ministers. In my opinion, a minister per state is enough while also considering the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.
The lawmaker elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed disagreement with the notion that the president has the authority to appoint more than two ministers from a single state in order to include technocrats.
The President has numerous other key government agencies and additional ministerial parastatals available for the inclusion of technocrats or politicians. Currently, Ogun State is represented by four ministers, while other states have only one each.
The lawmaker questioned the fairness of this situation.
In a related matter, the committee led by Kalu is deliberating on a proposed bill aimed at amending Section 62 of the Constitution to ensure adherence to the federal character principle in the selection of principal officers within the National Assembly.
The former Governor of Niger State, Babaginda Aliyu, has slammed governors who blame Federal Government for the security challenges in their states.
He argued that no competent governor would cry to the Federal Government over insecurity.
The erstwhile governor stated this at the graduation ceremony for the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, on Saturday
According to him, “no competent governor should “cry” to the centre anytime there is a security challenge.”
He questioned how the governors used their security votes and the actions they took on security reports provided for them.
Aliyu said, “By the time I became governor of Niger state, for me, I knew their (DSS) importance. So I related very well with the department. Every day I read their reports, and they helped me tremendously.
“They helped me dislodge bandits. They suggested that I hire a helicopter to go around the boundaries of my state.
“I did, and it helped. So please, if any governor complains to you that he’s not in charge of security, he’s either a liar or incompetent or does not know what he’s doing. Many of them who complain do not even read the reports.
“I was aware, as chairman of Northern Governors Forum at that time, that some of them appointed some people that they were sending the reports to. I made sure I read every report. And if in two days I don’t see a report, I would call. You cannot go on blaming the federal government when you are in a position to do so many things.
“Why the security votes? Where does it go if you have to complain to the federal government? The security votes are there for you to assist the security agencies to do their job in your area.”
The former governor also took a swipe at those against the Tax Reform Bills, urging them to read the documents.
Aliyu also criticised the government for poor communication about the policy, adding that the citizens needed to understand that no policy benefits everyone equally.
He said, “Many of the people debating the tax bill have not read it. But again, there is the problem of communication, the government should speak more when the majority of the people are not literate. You should be the first to speak on any major policy, particularly a policy that will bring changes so that the people can understand.”
Commercial Agric: Oyebanji Presents N146 Million Compensation Cheques To 46 Landowners At Oke Ako
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...Lists Ecomomic Gains of utilizing land for agriculture
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday handed out cheques to the tune of N146 million as compensation to 46 indigenes of Oke Ako Ekiti whose land were acquired for commercial agriculture.
A total 4,000 hectares of land was allocated to young farmers in the “Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture” scheme done in partnership with an investor, YSP Farm in Oke Ako. The project is aimed at boosting agribusiness, engage youths in commercial agriculture and open up the community and its environs for wealth creation.
Also, different range of tractors and processing equipment were inaugurated by the Governor for use by the young farmers.
The event coincided with the dry season harvest by the participants in the “Bring Back Youths in Agriculture” programme of the state government in partnership with YSJ Farms Limited.
Speaking shortly before distributing the cheques, Governor Oyebanji said he was satisfied with the takeoff of the agribusiness project despite the initial delay witnessed in a bid to resolve some issues around land acquisition.
He explained that the payment of the compensation was delayed to allow for the conclusion of enumeration of economic trees that were affected by the acquisition noting that the second round of the enumeration exercise would soon commence to pay compensation to more landowners.”
While noting that Oke Ako is an integral part of the Ekiti State Special Agriculture Processing, the Governor stressed that the centre is a great economic asset capable of becoming a hub for training of tractor drivers, assembling and repairs of tractors with expatriates on ground to train the youths.
The Governor lauded the Oke Ako community led by the Regent, Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi for their cooperation with his administration, said commercial agricultural activities would attract rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, provision of health facilities and establishment of cottage industries capable of turning around the economy of the axis.
The Governor charged the people of the area to support YSJ Farms Limited led by Mrs. Yemisi Joluwe, who is partnering with the state government on the agriculture development project.
He explained that his administration would always provide the enabling environment for investment opportunities,empowerment of the youths and development of the grassroots economy to thrive in every part of the state.
The Governor also noted that kidnapping and other criminal activities have reduced remarkably in the area as most of the forests that served as hideouts have been cultivated under the agribusiness scheme involving the youths.
"What we are doing here today is another promise we have kept in ensuring that compensation is paid to our citizens whose land were acquired for commercial agricultural purposes.
"We are paying them the compensation for the economic trees lost to the acquisition process and for them to use the money to get another land for the continuation of their farming so that they will not be denied of their means of livelihood.
"For development to get to any place, it will be accompanied with some pains. It's just like a woman who is giving birth to a baby, she will have to endure pain after which the pain will be overshadowed by the joy of the birth of a new baby.
"Before we remove the remaining economic trees, we will pay compensation to the owners and the presence of large scale commercial farming will bring many positive things. Factories, schools and hospitals will spring up here while we can also have tractor assembling and engineering hub."
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, said the commitment of the Governor made the payment of compensation possible.
He added that the personal appearance of the Governor bore eloquent testimony to his commitment to the growth of agriculture and ensuring food security in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey and e-GIS, Prof. James Olaleye, said the sacrifices of the landowners would go a long way in turning Ekiti into a leading agricultural centre in Nigeria.
He pointed out that the Bureau of Lands under his watch has been working tirelessly to ensure that land administration practices align with the vision of economic growth and food security.
The Regent of Oke Ako, Princess Ogunbiyi, hailed the Governor for attracting the investor to the community pledging the unflinching support of her people to the smooth operations of the farms.
