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The immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has recalled some controversial events that occurred under his administration.
In an interview after stepping down as Nigeria’s leader approximately half a year ago, the former President expressed his support for the contentious naira redesign policy during the final stages of his tenure.
He emphasized that his endorsement aimed to safeguard his integrity and to convey to the Nigerian populace that achieving success requires perseverance and dedication, without any quick fixes.
Naija News reports that Buhari stated these while appearing on a state-owned Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) program on Monday night where he argued that Nigerians were a difficult set of people to govern.
According to him, most of the citizens know the right thing to do but would mostly refuse to do so, because they think they know better than the person on the saddle.
When asked about the integrity of many of his aides during his eight years in power, Buhari said “It is their problem “, querying what people who criticized him fiercely had done at their levels to fight corruption.
I Could Have Ran Out Of Nigeria
Speaking further during the interview, the former president reiterated that his administration tried as much as possible to be accountable.
Buhari said he was still being ‘harassed’ by people who throng his home daily, noting that if the border with a nearby country had not closed, he would have run out of Nigeria by now.
He added, however, that he was glad he now wakes up anytime he likes. The former president said he doesn’t miss anything after leaving government.
“God allowed me to serve my country, but I did my best. But whether my best was good enough, I leave for people to judge, “ he stressed.
When asked whether he achieved what he set out to achieve after trying to be president four times, Buhari acknowledged the insecurity in Borno State and the northeast when he took over, saying that Boko Haram had been largely degraded at the time he was leaving government.
“Nigerians are extremely difficult. People know their rights. They think they should be there, not you. So, they monitor virtually your every step. And you have to struggle day and night to ensure that you are competent enough,“ he said.
The former president also said he was too preoccupied with local matters to be bothered with foreign issues as president. He said his biggest challenge was securing the country.
Buhari said he did not try to compete with Nigeria’s wealthy class by acquiring land, houses, and cars during his time as Nigeria’s leader, explaining that it was the reason he was “living in peace” after exiting government.
Trap
Buhari alleged that there were many attempts to set a trap for him by some individuals who presented him with certain opportunities, but that he avoided the trap because he knew that once they knew he had been compromised, they would take advantage of the situation to milk the country.
He added that they would rather become his boss. He stated that God helped introduce technology in 2015 which enabled him to win the poll because God had seen the grueling pains he experienced after each loss during the times he contested for the presidency.
“Instead of people expressing sympathy, people laughed at me because I didn’t have money, because I couldn’t buy influence in any form, either from influential people or others. And I said ‘God dey’. And he sent the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). Meaning you now have only one vote,“ he stated.
Naira Redesign Policy
Commenting further on the controversial naira policy, Buhari said: “Whether Nigerians believe it or not, we are an underdeveloped country. And in that sort of situation, there’s materialism and sometimes ruthlessly they didn’t care how they made the money.
“I still feel that the only way I could deprive these people was just to make sure that my integrity became unquestionable…I think as a developing country we still have a long way to go.
“The motivation (for introducing the policy) was to try and make Nigerians believe that there is no shortcut to successful leadership.”
Besides, he explained that he wasn’t shocked that he was taken to court by governors from his party at the time to reverse the policy.
[NaijaNews]
Muslim and Christian supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nasarawa State on Monday, commenced a seven-day joint prayer session for the party’s governorship candidate, David Ombugadu, ahead of the Appeal Court judgment on the sacking of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Naija News recalls that the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal had, on October 2, 2023, sacked Governor Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared Ombugadu winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state.
Delivering the judgment via Zoom, the Chairman of the three-member tribunal, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, nullified Sule’s election and held that the petitioners (Ombugadu and the PDP) duly proved their petition before the tribunal.
Speaking with journalists in Lafia, the state capital, the participants said the seven-day prayer session is also an opportunity to ask for God’s protection on the appeal court judges from any evil influence while they discharge their duties.
One of the prayer group leaders, Suleiman Abdullahi, expressed confidence that justice would be served at the appeal court.
He said, “Allah is the creator of the universe. He neither discriminates nor fail in his promises. So, the moves to change the wishes of the people against the overwhelming mandate given to those they want will not stand.
“We genuinely gave our mandate to the PDP candidate, Dr David Ombugadu, to ensure a positive change in Nasarawa State. We will continue to pray to Allah because we know that he will listen to our supplications and do his will in Nasarawa State.”
Another participant, Rev. Emmanuel Bako, said the will of God will prevail, and those insisting on taking the mandate of Ombugadu will be put to shame.
He said, “God Almighty is always ahead of every principality. The will of God shall prevail and shame those people insisting on taking the mandate given to David Ombugadu in Nasarawa State.
“The axe of God is waiting for anyone challenging his power and will in this case. It is said in the Book of Isaiah 58:11 that ‘The Lord will guide his people, satisfy their desire and make their bones strong. They shall be like a watered garden, like spring water, whose work does not fail.”
One Igwe Ambrose, a 65-year-old landlord, has been sentenced to double life imprisonment for sexual assault by the Ikeja Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos State.
This was revealed in a statement released Monday and shared on the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency’s X account.
Naija News reports that the landlord allegedly committed the offenses at Shagari Estate in Ipaja between January and June of 2021.
“Ambrose was found guilty of inserting fingers into the private parts of his tenant’s children. The survivors are aged seven and 11. He was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child,” the statement read.
The landlord was described by the judge, Abiola Soladoye, as a “dirty old man” who touched and fingered the survivors’ breasts while feigning to assist them with their schoolwork.
Soladoye sentenced the defendant to life in prison for counts one and two, and seven years each for counts three and four.
Popular Yoruba Nollywood actress, Omawunmi Ajiboye, has debunked claims of a romantic affair with All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Musiliu Akinsanyan, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
Naija News reports that this comes after the movie star laid her mother to rest in Osogbo, Osun state, in grand style and penned a lengthy epistle to appreciate MC Oluomo via her Instagram page while she wrote a sentence to thank her husband, Segun Ogungbe.
Recall that there have been speculations that Omawunmi is romantically linked to MC Oluomo, who allegedly furnished a new apartment for her, which led to her marriage crash, and Segun has returned to his first wife.
In a statement via Instagram on Sunday, the thespian described herself as a virtuous woman, and she would not allow her hard work, tenacity, and personality to be credited to another person.
She admitted that MC Olumo is a philanthropist; however, she has no romantic relationship with him, and it is disheartening for people to always credit her hard work to him.
She wrote: “I need to clear air, I am a virtuous and hardworking woman and i wouldn’t allow my hard work, my tenacity,my name, my sweat and my truth to be robbed. I had sealed with the King of Fuji Music independently years before the burial party and as a norm after the birth of a group called CGI(Connecting Grassroots Initiatives) I had to officially invite the Pioneer of the group in person of MC Oluomo..
“I can categorically say that i have never had a romantical relationship with him prior or during the party i just had . It took me 7 years to give my mother a final befitting burial and which i am proud to do solely …The philanthropist gave me money to support in the presence of the committee a day to the party.(group members can testify). Everything i have done single handedly is always tagged to him and somehow robs me of my hardwork and my sweat .i kept quiet for long as people know him to be a philantropist but i am boldly saying that i do not have any romantical relationship with him and this does not cancel the fact that he has been a good person to me. This is not to say that i did not receive gifts and supports from friends and colleagues like everyone would ..
“As for the adorable father of my children who has refused to say a word on our relationship status and i decided to respect his opinion but when i see the undeserved empathy he gets in a mutual agreement,i feel tempted to talk but still for the sake of the beautiful kids ,i would keep mute until he finds an appropriate time to do otherwise.
“I do not have control over people’s joy as everyone came to the party joyfully and we ended it on a good note . Once again,i appreciate everyone who showed me concern ,called me and told me not to say a word. I am sorry i dissapointed you all but i refuse to be robbed by false news and rumours.
“To rumour mongers and their fans,its always sweet and fun until it gets to your turn,i sincerely hope you maintain same energy by then.. I am omowunmi ajiboye I will never be bullied to silence I will never be pressured into accepting what i know nothing about. If i lie,let God judge me. If this is really my truth,God bless me more and all that i do, amen”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Monday announced the hiring of OpenAI’s Sam Altman and other members of his team, days after the co-founder of the venture behind ChatGPT was fired.
“The mission continues,” Altman, who rose to fame with the launch of the artificial intelligence chatbot last year, posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Nadella wrote on X that Altman “will be joining Microsoft to lead a new advanced AI research team,” along with OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and their colleagues.
OpenAI’s board sacked Altman on Friday, prompting other high-profile departures from the company as well as a reported push by major investors to bring him back.
‘Despite Pressure’
The board stood by its decision in a memo sent to employees on Sunday night, saying it was “the only path to advance and defend the mission of OpenAI,” The New York Times reported.
The board of ChatGPT creator OpenAI on Sunday rejected pressure from Microsoft and other major investors to reverse its stunning decision to fire CEO Sam Altman, US media reported.
OpenAI and Altman rocketed to fame with the launch of ChatGPT last year, showcasing advances in generative artificial intelligence that set off a gold rush in the sector.
But the company’s board shocked the industry on Friday by removing co-founder Altman, prompting other high-profile departures as well as a reported push by major investors to bring the 38-year-old back.
The board stood by its decision in a memo sent to employees on Sunday night, saying it was “the only path to advance and defend the mission of OpenAI,” The New York Times reported.
“Put simply, Sam’s behavior and lack of transparency in his interactions with the board undermined the board’s ability to effectively supervise the company in the manner it was mandated to do,” the board said in the memo, according to the Times.
The OpenAI board also appointed Emmett Shear, a former chief executive of Amazon’s Twitch streaming service, as the interim CEO, it added.
When the OpenAI board announced Altman’s exit last week, it said chief technology officer Mira Murati would become the interim CEO.
The developments on Sunday were also reported by Bloomberg and tech industry news site The Information.
The board had grown increasingly concerned that Altman was underestimating the dangers of its tech and leading the company away from its stated mission, US media reported.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that high-profile OpenAI investors including global tech titan Microsoft and venture firm Thrive Capital were trying to restore Altman as CEO.
Microsoft has invested more than $10 billion in OpenAI and has rolled out the AI pioneer’s tech in its own products.
Generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT are trained on vast amounts of data to enable them to answer questions, even complex ones, in human-like language.
They are also used to generate and manipulate imagery.
The ballooning of investment in AI R&D by companies around the world has led to warnings about the dangers of its misuse — from blackmailing people with “deepfake” images to the manipulation of images and harmful disinformation.
US media reported that the announcement from OpenAI’s board on Sunday was signed by its directors, including co-founder and respected AI expert Ilya Sutskever.
Sutskever had reportedly aired his concerns with OpenAI’s business directions as well as the threats posed by the technology.
He has told OpenAI staff that Altman would not return, according to Bloomberg
Over the years, women have shown that they are great leaders. Studies and experience have shown that women bring unique perspectives to leadership roles.
Women are constantly evolving and reaching new milestones across a wide spectrum of human activities. Women are flexible and empathetic. They are also good builders, good listeners, good communicators and emotionally intelligent.
In the world of academia, some women who have been entrusted with leading roles to manage human and material resources have more often than not, proved that given adequate backing, they can perform creditably.
In this piece, The Nation’s ALAO ABIODUN presents some of Nigeria’s most excellent amazons that are making invaluable contributions to the world of academics as female Vice-Chancellors. In no particular order, they are:
1. Prof. Lilian Salami – UNIBEN
2. Prof. Florence Obi – UNICAL
3. Prof Nnenna Oti – FUTO
4. Prof Ibiyemi Bello – LASU
5. Prof Kaletapwa Farauta – ADSU
6. Prof. Adenike Oladiji – FUTA
7. Prof. Folasade Ogunsola – UNILAG
8. Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye – LASUED
9. Prof. Stella Chinye Chiemeke – University of Delta, Agbor
1. Lilian Salami – UNIBEN
Prof. Lilian Salami is the 10th substantive vice-chancellor of the University of Benin, Edo State. She was born in Jos, Plateau State, on the 8th of August, 1956.
A home economist and former Dean of the Faculty of Education, Salami became the second female vice-chancellor of the institution after Grace Alele Williams, who was also the first female vice-chancellor in Nigeria.
Last year, she was elected as the chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities. With her appointment, Salami became the second female to occupy the position.
2. Florence Obi – UNICAL
Professor Florence Obi is the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and the first female to head the institution in 45 years.
Obi, a Professor of Special Needs Education in the university, was appointed the VC of the institution on September 10, 2020, replacing Prof. Zana Akpagu, whose tenure ended on November 30, 2020.
Before her appointment, she was the deputy vice-chancellor of the university (academic), as well as a one-time Commissioner for Women’s Affairs in Cross River State.
Obi, who has a PhD in the Psychology of Education from the University of Calabar, started her academic career as an assistant lecturer at the Institute of Education, the University of Calabar in 1990.
3. Prof Nnenna Oti – FUTO
Nnenna Oti is professor of Soil Science and Environmental Conservation. She emerged as the vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), beating six other candidates for the position.
She is the first female and eigth substantive vice-chancellor of the 41 years old university. She was formerly the deputy vice chancellor (Academics) of the institution.
She was also a two-time dean of post-graduate school and a three-time head of department of soil science and technology in the School of Agricultural and Agriculture Technology (SAAT).
Oti holds a Bachelor of Agriculture degree (B.Agric) in Soil Science from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN; (First Class Honours), Masters in Soil Science (Soil Biology and Biochemistry Option), UNN; a Postgraduate Diploma in Irrigation Engineering (Distinction) from Katholic University Leuven, Belgium and capped her academic laurels with a PhD in Soil and Environmental Conservation from FUTO.
4. Prof Ibiyemi Bello – LASU
Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello is the ninth Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU). She is the second female VC to occupy the exalted post in the Lagos State-owned tertiary institution.
She is the wife of the Lagos State Ex-Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello,
Ibiyemi, a Professor of Physiology, had served as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution before her appointment The 57-year-old academic was born on April 23, 1964, in Lagos.
5. Prof Kaletapwa Farauta – ADSU
In 2020, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri approved the appointment of Prof Kaletapwa Farauta as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Adamawa State University Mubi.
Until her appointment, she was the acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution. She had contested for the position alongside 25 others, out of which three top contenders emerged.
6. Prof. Adenike Oladiji – FUTA
Professor (Mrs) Adenike Temidayo Oladiji is the eighth substantive vice chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure.
She holds a B.Sc Biochemistry, Second Class Upper Division degree from the University of Ilorin, 1988; MSc. Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, 1991 and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, 1997.
She joined the services of the University of Ilorin in July 1992 as Assistant Lecturer and was appointed a Professor in September 2011.
7. Prof. Folasade Ogunsola – UNILAG
Professor Folasade Ogunsola is the 13th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Ogunsola, the daughter of the late eminent geographer, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, has served the university in various capacities.
She was at a time the Provost of the College of Medicine in Idi Araba, Lagos and also served as a deputy vice chancellor to Ogundipe.
Ogunsola, a professor of clinical microbiology, is the first female vice-chancellor in the school’s 60-year history.
8. Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye – LASUED
Prof Lafiaji-Okuneye, a professor of Health Education, is the Ag. Vice –Chancellor Lagos State University of Education
She was born on February 2, 1972, on Lagos Island, Lagos State.
She obtained Doctor of Philosophy (Health Education) from University of Ibadan (2005), Master of Education (Health Education), University of Lagos (1999), Bachelor of Science (PHE), Lagos State University (1995) and Diploma in Physical and Health Education from Lagos State University (1991).
Lafiaji-Okuneye joined the service of Lagos State University as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Education. She was later appointed the Provost, Adeniran Ogusanya College of Education, Ijanikin until her appointment as the Ag. Vice –Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education Oto/Ijanikin.
9. Prof. Stella Chinye Chiemeke – University of Delta, Agbor
Prof. Stella Chiemeke began her academic voyage in Lagos State, Nigeria where she obtained her Primary School Certificate from Lagos Progressive Primary School, Surulere Lagos State.
Soon after, she proceeded to the renowned Anglican Girl Grammar School, Surulere Lagos State for her Secondary Education.
Prof. Chiemeke holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from University of Lagos and a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science from the same University. She obtained her PhD in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure in 2004.
She started her professional career first as a programmer (1986-1987), and later the Head of Computer Centre of the Edo State University (Now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma (1987-1994).
In 1994, she joined the services of the University of Benin, Benin City, as an Assistant Lecturer and rose to the position of a Professor in 2009 at the same time the second Female Professor of Computer Science in Nigeria and First in the University of Benin.
She has supervised over eighty (80) Master of Science students and Sixteen (16) Doctoral of Philosophy (PhD) students in the Department of Computer Science, University of Benin and has published over 124 publications in national and international reputable journals.
Prof. Chiemeke has 12 academic books in the area of Computer Science and Programming. She is Fellow of Renewable and Alternative Energy Society of Nigeria (REASON), Fellow, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Fellow of Strategic Institute for Natural Resources and Human Development (FRHD).
She is also a member of Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Member, Association of Computer Machinery (ACM), USA, Member, International Network for Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES), Ottawa, Canada, Member, Organization of Women Scientists for the Developing World (OWSDW), Trieste, Italy, Member, International Association of Engineers, (IAENG), UK, Member, Society for Women Engineers (SWE), Chicago, Member, Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT).
Prof. Chiemeke has served in various administrative capacities both in the University of Benin and beyond.
She was Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin from January 2006 – June 2007, Acting Head of Department of Computer Science (2002-2004 and 2006-2009), Director of ICTU/CRPU, University of Benin in July 2010 to February 2015, Director of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer office (IPTTO) and The pioneer Vice-chairman of the Committee of Directors of ICT in Nigerian Universities (ComDICT) etc.
Prof. Chiemeke was immediate past Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku Delta State from 2017-2021.
With the establishment of University of Delta, Agbor by the Government of Delta State, in 2021, she was appointed the Pioneer Vice Chancellor to steer the affairs of the new institution.
In view of her contributions towards the advancement of Computer Science Education in Nigeria, the Nigerian Computer Society, recognized and honoured her with the prestigious IT Personality of the Year, 2021.
Prof. Chiemeke is a devoted Christian, a Knight of St. James Anglican Church, Benin Diocese and blessed with four children.
[TheNation]
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said democracy has not been working as a system of government in Africa because it was “forced” on the continent.
Obasanjo stated this in his address at a high-level consultation on “Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy for Africa”.
The former president said the Western style of democracy failed in Africa because it did not take into consideration the views of the majority of the people.
Obasanjo described Western Liberal Democracy as a “government of a few people over all the people or population”.
”These few people are representatives of only some of the people and not full representatives of all the people.
“Invariably, the majority of the people were wittingly or unwittingly kept out. This is why we should have ‘Afro Democracy’ in place of Western Liberal Democracy.”
Obasanjo said African countries have no business operating a system of government in which they have no hands in its definition and design.
“The weakness and failure of liberal democracy as it is practised stem from its history, content, context and its practice.
“Once you move from all the people to representatives of the people, you start to encounter troubles and problems.
“For those who define it as the rule of the majority, should the minority be ignored, neglected and excluded?
“In short, we have a system of government in which we have no hands to define and design and we continue with it, even when we know that it is not working for us.
“Those who brought it to us are now questioning the rightness of their invention, its deliverability and its relevance today without reform,” he said.
Obasanjo explained that the essence of any system of government should be the welfare and well-being of the people.
“Here, we must interrogate the performance of democracy in the West — where it originated from — and with us the inheritors of what we are left with by our colonial powers.
“We are here to stop being foolish and stupid. Can we look inward and outward to see what in our country, culture, tradition, practice and living over the years that we can learn from?
“(Something) that we can adopt and adapt with practices everywhere for a changed system of government that will service our purpose better and deliver.
“We have to think out of the box and, after, act with our new thinking.
“You are invited here to examine clinically the practice of liberal democracy, identify its shortcomings for our society and bring forth ideas and recommendations that can serve our purpose better,” he said.
In his remarks, a former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, noted that liberal democracy in Africa was confronted with many challenges.
Fayemi said the improvement of the welfare of the people remained important, saying that democracy faced challenges of delivery in Africa.
“Non-delivery of development outcomes for the people must be adequately addressed so that democracy can deliver,” he said.
(NAN)
‘Tinubu Is Reaping From Sweat Of My Effort’ – Atiku’s Aide Speaks On Alleged Lopsided Appointment
AdminFormer Special Adviser on Research and Strategy to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Umar Ardo, says he is unbothered about the alleged lopsided appointment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In an interview with PUNCH, Ardo, said delivery should be considered irrespective of the regions of the appointees, stressing that the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari appointed northerners in most sectors, but they failed to deliver.
Speaking on the country’s economic situation, Ardo averred that the removal of fuel subsidy is appeasement to international monetary organisations, insisting it is not helping the country.
When asked if he had pitched his tent with Tinubu, Atiku’s former aide said he does not have a close relationship with the President even though he is currently reaping from the sweat of his effort in contriving the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said, “I have no business with him aside that he’s my country’s President. Other than when I was in the Villa serving as an adviser on State and Local Government Affairs, and he was the governor of Lagos State, we used to meet and relate purely in an official capacity, I never had anything to do with him. I can say I don’t know him from Adam. But I can also say he is unknowingly presently reaping from the sweat of my efforts in contriving the APC.
“But as Nigeria’s President, I pray for him to succeed. I hope for the sake of the country that he does. But for President Tinubu to succeed, he needs to focus on probity and accountability. The previous administration did not do that. They will give responsibility and there will not be any follow-up on that. I also thought he was going to address Nigeria’s problems, corruption.
“I am not worried at all; if those he appoints will deliver, I don’t care where they are from. What we want is delivery. After all, President Buhari appointed mostly northerners in most sectors of the country, but did they deliver? What benefits was it for the North? I don’t do things based on North-South, Muslim-Christian sentiments. Our country has collapsed, and I can only hope and pray for the success of President Tinubu’s administration.
“It is unfortunate that under him, the country is having serious problems, hunger, starvation, and poverty, especially in northern Nigeria. The removal of the fuel subsidy is an appeasement to international monetary organisations as far as I am concerned. But it is not helping the country; we are not subsidising anything. If President Tinubu wants to change the country, he must change the mode of governing the country because the mode of governance is faulty.”
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered illegal crude oil warehouses and apprehended two suspects in separate operations conducted across Imo State.
NSCDC shared details of these operations on its official Facebook page on Sunday, along with images showcasing the successful enforcement activities.
The post reads in part: “Intensifying the war against economic saboteurs: The CG SIS arrests two suspected economic saboteurs and impounds one Toyota Sequoia jeep loaded with over 5,000 litres of suspected adulterated AGO at Abacheke of Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State.”
Additionally, NSCDC revealed that during the operations, two illegal crude oil warehouses located in a dense forest in Izorsu community of Oguta II Local Government Area and Umuofor community of Oguta Local Government Area in Imo State were discovered and subsequently destroyed.
Falz, the rapper, has narrated how he and his managers survived a near-death experience in 2013.
In a chat with Gbemi O, the rapper and his managers Femisoro Ajayi and Sidney Sule recounted how they were attacked by armed men.
The trio said they took a trip to Abuja after Falz was invited to perform at a wedding ceremony.
Falz said that, during their trip back, they were shot at by “turban-tying, AK47-wielding, dangerous-looking men” on the expressway.
He said their driver was killed and the vehicle headed towards the forest. He said they all passed out.
The rapper said the armed robbers eventually retreated into the forest after hearing the police sirens.
“It was after NYSC and this was me working in my dad’s firm as a lawyer in 2013,” he said.
“Then we got a call to come to Abuja for a show. The payment was N1 million and logistics will be taken care of. It was a wedding, so we took the trip.
“There was no flight from Abuja to Lagos. So we hired a car from Abuja to Benin. I led a solid prayer and it was probably what ended up saving us.
“It was broad daylight and we started the trip around 2 pm. We fell asleep during the trip.
“Then we just heard a loud bang. We woke up to see these turban-tying, AK47-wielding, dangerous-looking men in the middle of the expressway.
“The bang we heard was a gunshot they had shot at the car. They shot at our car again and the bullet came flying in between everyone. Everything happened so fast.
“They shot at us again and the bullet hit the driver in the eye. The driver died instantly. The car started moving. It was wild. I remember seeing the car heading for a ditch and just thinking this is it.
“Then we passed out. I was the first to come around. I got out of the car and saw one of the men asking ‘Where is the money?’ I told him there was no money. He goes to the car looking for cash.
“We had left Abuja but we hadn’t gotten to Lokoja. It was all forest. It was the peak of Boko Haram and we were somewhere in the north.
“We started to hear sirens from far away. The police did not come near. At this point, they increased fire and started shooting. They later moved away from us and retreated.
“We tried to stop cars on the expressway, but not a single soul stopped. A police guy eventually came and another guy said he was a doctor.”
[TheCable]
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Popular Nigerian On Air personality, Do2dtun, has stated that denying the late Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, access to his children led to his death.
Do2dtun made this known while berating partners who use children as a weapon against their exes.
Recalling his conversation with Saint Obi’s family, Do2dtun revealed that the actor died in his family house in Jos.
In a post on his official X on Sunday, the on air personality wrote: “Let’s normalize the fact that children are not objects. They have rights. When a child demands the right to see or be with a parent and you deny them, you have trampled on their rights. Listen! A child is not a material meant for one person to keep.
“I spoke to a family member of Saint Obi. He passed away in their house in Jos and you have absolutely no idea what that man went through. Denying him his kids and fighting eventually took his life.
“You believe you are winning a fight by weaponizing kids? I am sorry; YOU ARE A LOSER.”
The price of rice in Nigeria is projected to increase by 32 per cent in 2024, according to AFEX’s recent wet season crop production report.
However, the report stated that rice production is expected to rise by approximately 4 per cent.
“While there is an expected increase in production by approximately 4 per cent, we anticipate a potential surge in the price of paddy rice by up to around 32 per cent,” the leading African commodities player stated.
The report attributed the projected production increase to the absence of a flood in 2023.
Meanwhile, DAILY POST gathered a 50kg bag of rice jumped to an average price of N55,000 from N12,000 ten years ago.
The development comes as Nigeria’s food inflation rate increased to 31.52 per cent in October 2023 from 30.64 per cent in September 2023, according to the latest National Bureau of Statistics report.
• Opposition parties kick against profligacy
• Allegations scandalous, says Rhodes-Vivour
• Official waste complicating state fiscal crisis
Scrutiny over profligacy in statecraft and fiscal recklessness has shifted from the centre to Lagos, the supposed Centre of Excellence, and its peers at the weekend, as the state government was kicked for what its critics described as frivolous procurements, which run into several billions of naira.
Other states in similar baskets are tied with the Lagos State government in a campaign that shocked the social media space. This comes at a time the country is enmeshed in a revenue crisis with the current administration tottering around a fiscal cliff and a debt mess not seen in the history of the country.
Funso Doherty, a chartered accountant and governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2023 election, had hit the social media trend lines at the weekend, after writing an open letter to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, requesting an explanation over certain budget items he dismissed as frivolous and requires “greater scrutiny”.
“Under the office of the Chief of Staff, procurement of a brand-new Lexus LX 600 bulletproof sport utility vehicle for use in the pool of office of Chief awarded for the total sum of N440,750,000.
“Replacement of liquid fragrance in the office of Mr. Governor, Lagos house Ikeja awarded for the sum of N7,475,000.
“In addition, Decorations for the venue of political delegates for the sum of N20,084,550.
“Flying hours expenses for ad-hoc Charter plane by Lagos State Government awarded for the sum of N400,000,000,” he wrote.
The attached document, which has set the Internet on fire with millions of netizens joining the politicians in calling for probity, claimed the government allocated N69.94 billion for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and upgrade of the phase of the Eti Osa/Lekki Epe Expressway (phase b) from Greensprings to Abraham Adesanya in Eti Osa and Ibeju-Lekki local government.
It added that sundry consultancy services received generous allocations ranging from N2 billion to N7 billion from the state, which has been bleeding, like every other state in the country.
The call comes while the state goes cap-in-hand in search of funding from the private sector for critical infrastructure, including rail and road projects.
Two weeks, the governor was in Marrakesh, Morocco where he pitched Lagos to international investors at a boardroom session where he touted Lagos as a city where every African and other people in the rest of the world could come to “play and work”.
In an exclusive interview, he told The Guardian that infrastructure was on top of his shopping list as he mounted the rostrum to engage the international community on the opportunities the coastal state offers.
Recently, Sanwo-Olu signed a partnership agreement worth $1.35 billion with the African Export-Import Bank and Access Bank for the construction of the long-proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge, the Omu Creek Project, the Second Phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit and Blue Line from Mile-2 to Okokomaiko.
Also, the state is sinking into a debt crisis like every other state in the country. As at the end of June, the state government sat close to one-sixth of the total domestic debts owed by the sub-national entities. In absolute terms, it owed N996 billion to local debtors captured and managed by the Debt Management Office (DMO).
Sanwo-Olu
Its $1.26 billion external debt is also disproportionately higher – almost 30 per cent of the value of external debt commitments of all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
But the state government has argued that it is unequally yoked with its peers in terms of debt-carrying capacity – the ability to pay, internally-generated revenue, infrastructure need and size of the economy.
Yet, critics said the state government ought to have shown an example in terms of fiscal discipline and others. They are particularly piqued about the nature of expenditures the government has to shoulder.
The spending of over N20 million on political delegates has particularly caught the attention of social media critics. Such responsibility, some have suggested, should have been passed on to the political or offset by the governor.
For featuring in the state procurement book and many others, Prof. Sam Amadi, a lawyer and rights activist, said that redeeming the state is a near impossibility, adding that it has been hijacked by intellectual hypocrisy.
Interestingly, the contentious expenditures are partly funded by debt, with a projected deficit amounting to ₦350.411 billion.
But it is not only Lagos that is battling to assure taxpayers that it has not chosen luxury and waste in place of prudent resource management. The Oyo State government is also being called out to explain how it spent N43.5 million to purchase 55 fire extinguishers in the current budget.
Several other governors face similar queries in what is currently assuming an organised social protest over the state governments’ questionable expenditure lines.
According to state statistics, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has also sanctioned N2,040,780,000 for the purchase of cars for himself, his deputy, members of the House of Assembly, and other state officials.
The money was approved on September 5, 2023, according to state financial documents. It is just one of the governor’s many questionable expenses, which have totaled more than N40 billion in just five months.
In Abia State, there are concerns that the state government is also spending huge sums of money on road projects and office maintenance.
Meanwhile, opposition parties in Lagos State have lampooned Governor Sanwo-Olu for being insensitive to the plight of the people passing through excruciating pains without meaningful palliatives from the government.
They said it is unfortunate to discover billions of naira budgeted and spent on questionable projects and items in the state.
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday condemned the “extravagant” spending of Sanwo-Olu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the state, particularly about the 2023 budget.
Speaking with The Guardian, the state’s publicity secretary, Hakeem Amode said it is crucial to scrutinise these expenditures to ensure accountability and transparency for the benefit of the people.
He stated that despite being a centre of excellence, Lagos State is in dire need of comprehensive infrastructure development covering vital sectors such as road networks, education, healthcare, environmental services, housing, security, employment, and agriculture, among others.
According to him, this concern arises because of recent discoveries regarding the state government’s expenditure, raising questions about the judicious use of public funds.
“Several line items in the 2023 budget reveal the profligate spending of the Lagos State Government: N7 million for air fresheners, N400 million for Charter flights, N20 billion for consultation fees, N531 million for Church renovation and N20 billion for fans, lighten and fridges.
“We hereby call on concerned agencies to thoroughly investigate these projects and expenditures to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds meant for the development of Lagos State.
“As a party, we advocate for good governance and believe that the people of Lagos deserve better.”
Speaking in this vein, a public affairs analyst and Convener, Reset Lagos PDP, Dr Adetokunbo Pearse flayed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s outrageous spending in the state, saying that it was uncalled for in this time of severe economic hardship for the people.
“At any time, it would be outrageous for the Lagos State government to allocate N 7 million naira for the procurement of Air Freshener, 400 Million naira for Charter flights, N2 billion for fans and fridges, N20 billion for Consultants and N30 million per month for the office of the wife of the Deputy Governor.
“In these times of severe economic hardship for the citizens Nationwide, this reckless spending of taxpayers’ money clearly demonstrates that Governor Sanwo-Olu, and Lagos State Assembly couldn’t care less about the people who voted them in office.
“They claim that there is insufficient funding for Education, Health, and Public Transportation. Most of Lagos neighborhood roads are in a state of disrepair, and you dare to allocate N30 million monthly to your spouse.
“This monumental insensitivity is a sin against God and Man.! We call on all the residents of Lagos to rise in protest against it now!
“And shortly, at the next election, we want Governor Sanwo-Olu, the sycophants, and the Obasa-led rubber stamp Assembly to know that we, the people, will pay them back for this transgression against us.
“They have lost our trust. They have failed to govern with the fear of God. They do not deserve our vote and will not be getting our support!”
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour
On his part, Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate in the last election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour described it “as frivolous spending and scandalous, adding that it was irresponsible for the state government to spend taxpayers’ money with such recklessness and impunity.
“And the citizens are rightly outraged by this mind-boggling corruption, especially having to deal with the current economic downturn brought about largely by the incompetence and sheer mismanagement of the economy by the APC.
“How can the governor have the audacity to pay his legal fees with state resources? How can they be spending billions on websites and cannot sustainably subsidize public transportation? The governor’s actions are utterly ignominious and he should resign his posting immediately. I also strongly believe that the Speaker of the Lagos House who has failed in providing appropriate oversight should also resign his position as speaker forthwith.
“To your question about the implications of this reckless spending, I would say they are obvious and predictable. Firstly, it explains why there are not enough resources to carry out people-oriented projects in Lagos state. It explains why our roads are terrible, why we can’t power street lights, why the boats on our waterways are rickety, why public transportation is expensive, why there isn’t an affordable housing scheme and why quality healthcare services aren’t extended to the vulnerable.
“In clear terms, what this data has revealed, and I campaigned vigorously on this, is that the state is working hard to enrich a few politically connected individuals and their cronies while taxpayers are left in daily misery. It is unacceptable and we cannot continue like this.”
However, Lagos APC’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo stated that “budgets are proposals of government spending.”
Speaking to The Guardian, he said, “It’s money on paper, not expenditures. I don’t know why a budget proposal should cause a cry. Lagos PDP has never been in government, hence the lack of knowledge. And that is why we will not mind as a party helping the PDP to be knowledgeable on government functioning by organising a training/workshop to learn the rudiments of government.
“There is no cash backup to the proposal, but if there’s a reason to want to commit funds to such in the future, they will.
“It’s like allocating money for an emergency, which cannot be predicted. If there’s no need to spend the money, it will just be on paper.
“It’s just a budget estimate; it is nothing anyone should lose sleep over. A lot of time, most of this budget ends up not being spent. They are estimates, it doesn’t mean money has been allotted to them. The opposition should stop clutching at straws, elections are over.”
[Guardian]
In a bid to ramp up Nigeria’s oil production output, for the first time in 25 years the federal government is now ready to benefit from what is considered one of the juiciest oil blocks in Africa, the controversial OPL 245, an online media, Empowered Newswire reports.
The oil block is estimated to hold over nine billion barrels of crude oil, nearly a quarter of the nation’s total proven oil reserves.
Authoritative sources say the Tinubu administration is open to releasing the oil block to prospective developers, including local and foreign investors.
Specifically, it was learnt that Shell with headquarters in Netherlands, and ENI, an Italian energy firm, which had both been involved in previous attempts to develop the oil field, are favoured to get President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nod.
In fact, an Oil Mining Licence, OML, may be issued to the two international oil companies, both of whom have been collaborating on the controversial oil block and the scandal-ridden Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL).
Already, the April 29, 1998 controversial licence to Malabu Oil & Gas Limited has now expired over two years ago and both Shell and ENI – the Dutch and Italian IOCs which had been involved in the oil block deals – have indicated willingness to partake in further development of the block if the Tinubu Presidency grants approval.
A statement from ENI says to further develop the oil block, investments running into billions would still have to be made by whoever gets the mining licence.
An Aso Villa source confirmed that the president is keen to explore the oil block, especially considering its huge reserves at a time that Nigeria’s oil output is struggling to meet its OPEC quota. At the last count, in June this year OPEC had to reduce Nigeria’s future quota by over 20 percent from 1.74 mb/d to 1.38mb/d. This new quota will become effective next January if Nigeria’s output remains low.
Already the federal government has decided to end the legal cases abroad on the contention around the ownership of the oil block.
However, the former attorney-general of the federation Mohammed Adoke, SAN, who was the country’s chief law officer when an agreement was signed for Nigeria to be paid $1.1billion for OPL 245, is still facing prosecution in Nigeria on various allegations, including fraud and money laundering.
But inside sources say no conclusive evidence has been found to prove the allegations against Adoke, on which grounds the former AGF is seeking an exoneration with the emergence of a new administration. The case against Adoke was brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the case files are still open.
But investigators say certain properties were traced to Adoke suspected to have been bought with proceeds of the bribes drawn from the settlement of the case. However, Adoke was said to have shown proof that the property was purchased through a bank loan.
Adoke also argued that he got then President Goodluck Jonathan’s approval for the agreement which saw the $1.1bn settlement money moved from Nigeria’s JP Morgan account in New York to two Nigerian banks where the money was allegedly shared to individuals, according to investigation documents seen by Empowered Newswire. Specifically, it is believed that $800 million was paid to Malabu out of the over $1billion settlement. Nigeria got only about $200 million.
Several local and international court cases were instituted since the OPL 245 was questionably awarded on April 29, 1998 to Malabu Oil and Gas, RC 334442, owned by then petroleum resources minister, Dan Etete, and members of the late General Sani Abacha when he was the head of state.
Meanwhile, authoritative sources also confirmed that the federal government is in fact aware that Malabu Oil and Gas, owned by Dan Etete and members of the late General Sani Abacha never paid up the signature bonus of $20 million it was obliged to pay within 30 days of the licence grant.
Sources said Malabu initially only paid $2.04 million on May 15, 1999. The legal opinion, according to senior lawyers in the Tinubu administration, is that in fact “Malabu never earned a legal title to OPL 245.”
In 2019 President Muhammadu Buhari rejected a request from ENI seeking to convert the OPL into a mining licence. In the circumstances, authoritative sources say President Tinubu is much more favourably disposed to granting the request now.
Meanwhile, efforts to get comments from the federal government, the oil sector regulator and the operators yielded no positive outcome.
LEADERSHIP sent an email request to the head, Public Affairs And Communications, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mrs Olaide Shonola but at the time of filing this report, she was yet to respond.
Also, Nneamaka Okafor, the special adiver on Media and Communications to the minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri promised to revert with responses from the minister but failed to do so at press time.
The spokespersons of Shell and Eni too failed to respond.
[Leadership]