SMAEEL UTHMAN writes
The shifting alliances of vocal politicians who once derided President Tinubu with scornful abuse, only to later sing his praises within a short period.
Nigeria is home to numerous politicians and articulate social analysts who have been known to oppose governments, political parties, or individuals at various times. However, within this gallery of critics, consistent and politically disciplined individuals are rare. Many prominent self-acclaimed activists and public defenders have ended up serving the very people they previously criticised.
Daniel Bwala
This sentiment was palpable when an outspoken critic of President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, was appointed Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication. Bwala, a former spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, was a vocal critic of Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress before and after the presidential election. A former member of the APC, Bwala claimed he turned down an appointment offer from Tinubu before joining the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, arguing that the APC had underperformed.
“Eight years is enough for any administration, even if you are starting from scratch, to achieve its objectives. Unfortunately, after eight years, the question Nigerians must ask themselves is, ‘Has the APC taken us forward or backward?’” Bwala stated during an interview with Channels TV on August 5, 2022.
On October 5, 2022, Bwala tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), “Our message to Nigeria is simple: if you want another four years of super inflation, poverty, insecurity, and misery, vote APC and emi lo kan.” On November 25, 2022, he added, “The human brain is unique and miraculous. It works and functions optimally 24 hours a day and 365 days a year until you join the APC. Then it stops working.”
Criticising Tinubu’s performance during an appearance at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, Bwala posted on X on December 5, 2022: “Chatham House show of shame. You want to be the president but avoid answering questions, instead redirecting the answers to El-Rufai, Alake, and co. Nigerians want to be governed by a person, not a robot who cannot exercise independent thought in answering questions.”
Two days after the February 2023 presidential election, Bwala appeared on Arise TV, calling for the cancellation of the exercise and citing gross malpractice and result manipulation. In April 2023, he accused Tinubu of rigging the election, predicting that the President would face moral legitimacy challenges upon assuming office.
“Right now, although the presumption of law is in favour of Tinubu until the final determination of the election tribunal and appeals, he will struggle with moral legitimacy (because he rigged the election) for 240 days of his presidency,” Bwala wrote on X. In May 2023, he described Tinubu as a “president-select” rather than a “president-elect.”
But Bwala’s most controversial statement came in December 2023 when on Channels TV he thundered: “Nothing will work under President Tinubu, even if he is given 30 years.”
However, there was a noticeable shift in Bwala’s political allegiance in January 2024 when he suspended his criticism of the President after a visit to the State House in Abuja. On January 15, Bwala expressed willingness to accept an offer from the President, pledging to support his agenda. He also met with Tinubu in Paris that same month and subsequently praised his “passion to lead Nigeria out of the woods.”
It was therefore no wonder when he was appointed special adviser to the President, which attracted criticism from netizens, who described him as an inconsistent politician.
DOYIN OKUPE
Until recently, Doyin Okupe, a former Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, was another renowned critic of President Tinubu.
The septuagenarian, nicknamed the “attack dog” of Nigerian politics—a title he later upgraded to “attack lion”—was a vocal personality in the PDP before joining the Labour Party as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2022.
Okupe frequently clashed with Tinubu during his time as Jonathan’s spokesperson. On June 13, 2013, Okupe advised Tinubu to adopt higher standards of integrity as a former governor and political leader. He also described Tinubu as “a man living in the past.”
After leaving the PDP in 2021, Okupe criticised both the PDP and APC, describing them as “birds of a feather.” However, in March 2021, Okupe declared Tinubu as the most qualified to become Nigeria’s president.
In a series of tweets, he said, “Tinubu is the most sagacious and competent to vie for the presidential seat come 2023. Asiwaju is one of the most politically sagacious politicians of this era. His acumen and administrative competence are commendable. In summary, Asiwaju will be a good president.”
Okupe later supported Peter Obi for the presidency, describing him as “the candidate to beat.”
After Obi’s defeat, however, Okupe made a U-turn, declaring his support for Tinubu and retracting his earlier statements. He attributed Obi’s loss to the Labour Party’s poor structure and inadequate national reach, saying: “We ran a fantastic campaign, but the party lacked what it took to win a national election.” Okupe has taken delight in defending Tinubu on every issue raised against the president.
RENO OMOKRI
Reno Omokri is a prolific writer whose presence on social media, especially X, commands attention. He served as Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media from August 17, 2011, to May 29, 2015.
Omokri was a sworn enemy of Tinubu on social media, ceaselessly attacking the APC presidential candidate while supporting the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar. On June 22, 2022, Omokri portrayed Tinubu as a man with a black record. “What is wrong with the APC? How can they ask us to vote for a man with a heroin forfeiture case? This is not a charge, or an accusation, or a rumour. It is an actual judicial forfeiture of drug-linked funds. How can a man linked with the drug trade be our President? A man who has a drug-linked case in the US will be vulnerable to blackmail if elected as our President. He will be vulnerable to both governments and organised crime. And can he even pass a drug test? These are serious issues that Tinubu must respond to!”
Omokri continued his barrage on June 24, 2022, saying, “The drug cartel behaviour that led Tinubu into trouble in Chicago, leading to his court case with the US Government, is still in him. He has cornered the wealth of Lagos for his bullion van style of politics, leaving little for the development of the metropolis!”
He didn’t stop there. On June 25, 2022, Omokri queried Tinubu’s qualifications. “Emilokan, where are your certificates? The only reason Tinubu is now claiming that he did not attend any primary or secondary school is because if he comes clean about his early education, it will expose other lies he has told Nigerians about his true age and name. Tinubu, what is your real name and age?”
The detractions continued until after the 2023 presidential election, when Omokri started singing Tinubu’s praises. His sudden U-turn was met with outrage from netizens, forcing him to make a video on October 16, 2023. In the video, Omokri explained that he stopped criticising Tinubu, especially on his certificate, because he confirmed that the president actually attended Chicago University. Ever since, Omokri has been a strong supporter of Tinubu on social media.
On January 26, 2024, Omokri described Tinubu as the master of the game (politics). “A man with the ability to withstand public opprobrium to do what he thinks is right for the nation. I pray for your success between now and May 29, 2027. May God bless you, sir,” he tweeted.
FEMI FANI-KAYODE
Known for his eloquence, former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Femi Fani-Kayode, also falls into the category of vocal politicians who later supported and defended what they had earlier condemned. As a member of the PDP, Fani-Kayode was a known critic of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC.
On March 20, 2019, Fani-Kayode described Buhari’s administration as that of Pharaoh, who subjected his people to suffering, accusing him of not doing enough to solve the country’s problems. He expressed his disdain for the APC, declaring that he would rather die than join the party.
“I am committed to opposing the APC and those that are in their ranks for the rest of my natural life, and I will NEVER join them no matter what! They are nothing but darkness whilst I stand for the light of God and truth: there can be NO fellowship between light and darkness,” he tweeted on December 15, 2019.
Fani-Kayode did not limit his verbal assaults to the APC. He also attacked the leader of the party, Tinubu. He described Tinubu as a man with “bad health and always on drugs” on his Facebook page on March 4, 2015.
“It is not Femi Fani-Kayode but rather Bola Tinubu that slurs when he speaks. It is not Femi Fani-Kayode but rather Bola Tinubu that has to take 20 pills before he can go out. It is not Femi Fani-Kayode but Bola Tinubu that his hands shake when he tries to lift his fork and knife and eat,” he posted.
He also described Tinubu as the biggest traitor ever known in Nigeria. In a statement on March 18, 2015, Fani-Kayode said, “He (Tinubu) has betrayed every single person that he has worked with and he has thrown them to the dogs at the last minute for a price. During the days of NADECO, he betrayed the cause by colluding with the government of the day secretly while pretending to be a NADECO leader.
“The truth is that this man has not only sold his soul to the devil but he has also sold his followers for a pittance and he is leading them into perdition. He wants to buy and sell Nigeria too, and it is time for somebody to tell him that Nigeria is not for sale. This is what Chief Fani-Kayode and others are in the process of doing.”
The politician turned into comic material for content creators when, in a sudden twist, he joined the APC in September 2021. He said “the Spirit of God” led him to join the party. When asked about the insults he hurled at Buhari and the APC, Fani-Kayode, who appeared on Channels TV on September 16, 2021, said, “I spoke against Buhari from the outside, now I know him from the inside. I am not saying he is an angel or a demon. The APC I was talking about at that time is not the same today. Let’s focus on unity, peace, and togetherness. There is a time to condemn and criticise people. There is also a time to come together, work together to achieve unity.”
In 2023, Fani-Kayode was made Director of the New Media sub-committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Defending himself over the series of attacks on Tinubu, the former minister declared that he was with ‘pigs’ when he was attacking Tinubu.
In a tweet on his X on February 2, he said, “Circulating essays I wrote years ago against @officialABAT changes nothing. I was in People’s Pigs Party then but saw the light and left the swine. Been in APC since & have fought for Asiwaju to win with every fibre of my being. Those that are unhappy with that can drop dead.”
He campaigned for Tinubu and has since been defending him. Commenting on political inconsistency, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, said politicians and individuals who change allegiances were not disciplined.
“I think this has always been their modus operandi. These are not people who are principled in their dealings, ever!” he stated.
Also commenting, the Convener of CountryFirst Movement, Prof. Chris Nwaokobia, attributed the inconsistency to a lack of values, stating that some individuals were willing to live for anything that gives them money and to die for nothing.
“To them, a good name means nothing. Fighting, albeit pretentiously, for rights and good governance is a means to an end; ditto criticising the government, getting noticed, abandoning that position, and getting settled. All that matters to them is more money in their pockets,” he added.
The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential flagbearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have denied having discussions for a joint ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
Social media were awash with news that the duo may be seeking to work together again after photos of Atiku hosting Obi to a breakfast at his residence in Adamawa State went viral.
Atiku shared a video of their meeting on his official X account on Saturday.
His caption read, “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.”
The video featured the two leaders, alongside others, seated together at a dining table, ready to have their meal.
The development comes a few months after the Deputy National Spokesman of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, publicly announced on a live political programme that the leading opposition figures in the country were discussing the possibility of a merger to salvage the country from total collapse.
Abdullahi made the statement in penultimate Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
The PDP spokesman reiterated that the trio of Atiku, Obi and his counterpart in the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were willing to set aside their differences to form a formidable alliance to kick the ruling All Progressives Congress out of government.
Reacting to Saturday’s meeting, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, said the rendezvous was more of a reunion between two old friends.
He said, “Let us not jump the gun. The fact is that Obi accepted to be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of AUN and the 16th Founder’s Day, which was a milestone. Obi is part of that celebration.
“The university was founded by Atiku Abubakar, who was more like his host. But people think it is because of politics. We all know our friends. The truth is that politics cannot separate friends.
“So Atiku invited him to breakfast and from there, they went for the programme. I think that is what happened.”
Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, also denied that the Adamawa breakfast meeting was a dress rehearsal for the 2027 joint ticket.
Umar said it was laughable to imagine that Nigerians would always add a political undertone to every meeting that involves party bigwigs like the duo.
“No, there was nothing like that. They just invited him (Obi) to deliver a speech there. It has nothing to do with politics. Of course, you know people will always assume things,” he explained.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, believes Nigeria needs leaders who value public opinions to create a better nation.
Obi made this statement in Yola on Saturday while delivering the keynote speech at the American University of Nigeria’s 16th Annual Founder’s Day and 20th Anniversary celebration.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s development relies on leaders who collaborate with citizens for national progress.
“Leaders must be listeners and be ready to learn the right thing and to do it. Leaders must not act as though they know it all,” Obi said.
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, defended the American University of Nigeria’s establishment during the ceremony.
He justified developing the university based on the American system, expressing his desire for Nigerians to access quality education without traveling to America.
Nigerian singer, Favor Anosike, also known as Ugoccie, has shared her experiences in the music industry, highlighting the opportunities that music has brought her way.
In a recent interview with saturday Beats, she discussed how music has enabled her to collaborate with her musical idols “One thing music has done for me is basically making me meet my idols and having the opportunity to work with them”, she stated
When asked about the highlights of her 2024, Ugoccie mentioned several notable moments, including collaborating with an Ogene group and Grammy-nominated artiste, Yemi Alade, as well as releasing her second EP.
“I have had many highlights, such as doing a song with an Ogene group and also doing a song with Grammy-nominated artiste, Yemi Alade. Dropping my second EP this year was also a highlight”, she said.
She also reflected on the challenges she faced in her career, including seeking funding for her first EP, which ultimately did not materialize.
She said: “I sought funding for my first EP, but it did not materialize. Nevertheless, that did not deter me from releasing the project, which features one of my most popular songs, Man on Fire.”
Ugoccie revealed that her latest single, “Ifemnacho,” draws inspiration from the theme of love.
She explained that the song was inspired by a TikTok live session and the feelings that come with love. She also noted that people relate to the concept of love, making it easy for them to create content around it.
“My new song Ifemnacho was inspired by love and the feelings that come with it. Someone called me that name during my TikTok live session, and then it came to mind. So, I started writing it. I also think people like the idea of love because it’s a reality they can relate to, which makes it easy for them to create videos or online content,” she added.
The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its planned strike regarding the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
Speaking at a press briefing over the weekend, the state NLC chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Jungle, confirmed that the new minimum wage would take effect in January 2024 and would benefit verified council workers and teachers across the state.
“The state branch of the NLC support the implementation of ₦70,000 announced by the state government effective January 2025.
“We will also assist the state government in the process of implementing the minimum wage even it means conducting screening and verification to ensure only genuinely employed workers benefit from the new minimum wage of ₦70,000,” he stated.
Jungle urged workers to remain patient, expressing confidence in the government’s dedication to introducing additional welfare measures for the state’s workforce.
“We are optimistic that more welfare packages will be rolled out for workers in the state,” he added.
It is worth recalling that Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, during the presentation of the proposed 2024 state budget to the State Assembly, announced January 2024 as the commencement date for implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
One of Nigeria's most popular singers, Dare Art-Alade and his wife, Deola, are celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary today, November 30.
In a post shared on her Instagram page today, Deola listed the reasons they have remained marriage after all these years.
She wrote; ‘’18 Years of Love, Lessons, and Growth.
Today, we celebrate 18 incredible years of marriage. 18 years of laughter, tears, joy, trials, victories, and everything in between. Standing here together, we know this truth: love isn’t perfect, and neither are we. But that’s what makes it so beautiful.
Marriage is a journey, not a destination. There were days we laughed so hard we couldn’t breathe, and there were days we weren’t sure we’d make it through. There were seasons of sunshine, and there were storms that tested the strength of our foundation. But through it all, we chose each other. Over and over again.
This milestone reminds us that real love is work. It’s showing up for your partner even when it’s hard. It’s forgiving when you’re hurt, learning when you’re wrong, and celebrating when you’re right. It’s praying, growing, and holding on—especially in moments when letting go seems easier.
To anyone out there struggling in their relationship or doubting if love can endure, let us tell you: IT CAN. Love requires effort, patience, grace, and the willingness to fight for what matters. There’s no perfect blueprint for marriage, but there is power in choosing to stay and build together.
We are living proof that you can overcome obstacles, rebuild when life feels broken, and find a love that not only survives but thrives. And trust me, it’s worth it.
To my partner, my love, my best friend, thank you for walking this road with me, for believing in us, for every sacrifice, and for the memories we’ve created. Here’s to the next chapter and the many more years we’ll share.
18 years and counting, baby. We did it—and we’re just getting started.
Yours in love
@deolaartalade & @dareynow
(aka Mr & Mrs Dee)''
‘From Secular To Sacred’ - Filmmaker, Mike Bamiloye Reflects On Transformation To Gospel Drama
AFOLABI
Renowned Nigerian Christian filmmaker and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Pastor Mike Bamiloye, has opened up about a lesser-known struggle in his early years—an addiction, not to substances, but to secular writing.
He recounted the transformative power of surrendering one’s talents to God and embracing the call to Kingdom service.
In a Saturday post on his Facebook page, Bamiloye detailed how his journey to becoming a pioneer in Christian drama was marked by resistance, relapse, and ultimately, total surrender of his talents to God.
According to him, in 1982, a 22-year-old Bamiloye stood outside a crowded church hall during a convention, listening to the powerful ministration of a renowned gospel singer.
He described the experience as life-changing.
He said, “The anointing that morning was so heavy upon the congregation as the voice of that woman rent the hallowed chamber of the large hall.
“I couldn’t hold back my tears. I fell into deep prayer, crying out to God, ‘LORD, You are using a woman; use me too. I want to serve You. Use me too.'”
He said it was during this emotional plea that he heard a voice within him, urging him to surrender his writing gift for Kingdom purposes.
“I will use you if you surrender your gift at my feet,” the voice told him.
Transition struggles
Meanwhile, Bamiloye stated that at that time, he was already an accomplished writer of drama scripts and novels.
However, his works were secular, focusing on themes devoid of spiritual significance. The divine call to abandon his secular pursuits was daunting.
“I didn’t want to stop writing those theatrical dramatic pieces; I didn’t want to stop writing those adventurous and investigative novels that profited the Heavens nothing,” he admitted.
Despite his initial willingness to submit, Bamiloye soon found himself slipping back into his old habits. Writing had become more than a hobby—it was an obsession.
“It was like I was drugged. It was like I was addicted to writing those plays, poems, and novels. I was like a drunkard addicted to drinking. I was like a smoker addicted to smoking,” he asserted.
Divine call?
Several years later, already a few years into ministry, he revealed that he received a sobering warning through a dream.
According to him, in the dream, God made it clear that if he did not withdraw his secular scripts from the publishers, those works would be used by the enemy to undermine his ministry in the future.
“Unless you obey and urgently withdraw those scripts from the publishing companies, the devil will use the published books to rubbish your ministry later in life,” the dream warned.
He noted that the urgency of the message left him with no choice but to act immediately.
The pastor disclosed that he informed his wife of his decision and embarked on a mission to retrieve his manuscripts from various publishing houses.
One of the publishing directors, a Christian herself, he stated, tried to persuade him to reconsider, arguing that the scripts were harmless.
“I had come to withdraw my script from publishing. I never wanted it to be published again,” he recounted.
Consequently, he said that after signing the necessary documents, the manuscripts were returned to him.
“I hereby submit all my gifts at Your feet,” he declared.
Meanwhile, he admitted that his obedience, today, has yielded an abundant harvest.
Mount Zion Faith Ministries has produced countless gospel films and stage productions that have impacted lives across Nigeria and beyond, he noted.
“Have I not produced better drama scripts for the Lord? Have I not turned many drama scripts into great movies for the Kingdom of God?” he reflected.
Gifts, talents divine deposits
Furthermore, Bamiloye believed that his testimony was a challenge to everyone blessed with a talent.
He emphasised that gifts and talents are divine deposits, entrusted to men for the expansion of God’s kingdom.
“Every gift is deposited in a person’s life by God for the expansion of the Kingdom of God. It is not meant to serve your pleasures, nor was it given to you to do whatever you like with it,” the revered drama minister wrote.
Citing the parable of the talents from Matthew 25, he reminded believers that each of us is a servant entrusted with gifts by a Master who will one day return for an account.
To him, our talents are not our own. They are Kingdom assets, meant to serve a higher purpose.
He concluded, “Everyone possessing one talent or the other has been called to be a servant of God.
“It is a Kingdom issue. It is not a joke matter; it has to do with the matter of eternal life. Gift and talent is a kingdom issue.”
Ningi, speaking exclusively to Sunday Vanguard, accused the Federal Government of pushing an agenda that undermines national inclusiveness.
He warned President Bola Tinubu against exploiting people’s silence or fear to impose policies against their will.
According to Ningi, the tax reform bills are skewed in favour of Lagos State and two other states, to the detriment of others.
The senator argued that the lack of inclusiveness in the bills makes them fundamentally flawed and urged lawmakers to reject them outright.
Ningi likened the current situation to the Third Term agenda under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when federal lawmakers rejected a constitution review despite its numerous benefits because of the overarching agenda to extend Obasanjo’s tenure.
Ningi said, “First of all, I’m against the tax bills for two fundamental reasons. One, it is discriminatory in nature because it gives some states more advantage over others.
“And there is no logic, no explanation as to why some states will benefit more than others and that is the crux of the bills.
“Secondly, I thought the National Economic Council, chaired by the Vice President of the country, is constitutional, strategic enough to be able to guide the President or the executive in running the country from economic perspective.
“You will recall that the National Economic Council unanimously rejected the tax reform bills and I find it really strange that the only person who is elected and he insists in flexing muscle with the bills is the President because the National Economic Council is headed by the Vice President and elected governors and as such these people represent Nigerians and I cannot see how Mr President will love this country more than the amalgam of those elected at the executive level.
“I find it really strange that after his failure to convince the National Economic Council to accede to his demand, he is now trying to flex muscles and put it in the parliament.
“I find it strikingly disturbing that he is bringing this thing to the National Assembly thinking he can have his way because he had his way all through from the beginning to this time.”
Ningi, who noted that there are aspects of the bills that are good for the country, said, “Yes I admit that there are some aspects of the bills that look positive in my opinion, but remember the Third Term constitutional amendment; just because of the Third Term, there were numerous clauses that were fantastic at that time, but because of the controversy surrounding the bill, the National Assembly threw it away.”
Calling on lawmakers to stand in unison in the interest of the country, the ranking lawmaker said, “I call on the members of the National Assembly to stand united, this is not about North and South.
“There is no difference in the pains of Bauchi and the pains of Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo or Cross River or Benue or Katsina, the pain just runs across.
“These bills are substantively made to benefit Lagos in particular and then two other states. It goes to show the kind of…
“So I think it is important that the President should recognise the pains, it is important that the President recognises that we are a very complex country and he should not try to take advantage of people’s view or people’s silence or people’s fear to impose something against the will of the people.
“We represent our people and we are going to stand with then, we are going to stand united, we are going to make sure that these bills do not see the light of day.
[NaijaNews]
Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has disclosed that Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of Rivers State is responsible for the fight between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara.
Adeyanju said while Wike declared N11 billion when he was governor of Rivers State, Fubara is currently declaring N27 billion, hence the fight.
He disclosed this while featuring on a podcast by Glitch Africa Studio, The Honest Bunch.
The activist lawyer also described the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as a political party and a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
According to Adeyanju: “If you give INEC water, they will turn it into wine, there is nothing INEC can’t do; what INEC can’t do does not exist.
“INEC is a political party and the current INEC is APC.
“Wike is fighting Fubara because about a year ago, he was declaring N11 billion as IGR. The same Fubara is declaring N27 billion and you say they should not fight?”
[DailyPost]
The just released audit report on Federal Government’s Consolidated Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December 2021 has indicted the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigeria Downstream, Midstream Regulatory Authority for huge financial infractions and non-remittance of revenue to the federation account during the year under review.
The report, prepared by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation and submitted to the Clerk to the National Assembly ,cited cases of unauthorised deduction from the federation revenue, irregular deduction from domestic crude sale, warehousing of the federation’s miscellaneous income, unsubstantiated payment of shortfall from the sale of MT Cargo of PMS, outstanding royalties due from NNPC-COMD/MCA/PSC, and unjustified deductions from Joint venture royalty by NNPC before remitting to DPR.
Also mentioned as financial irregularities in the report are outstanding royalties on oil concession rentals and gas flaring payable by operators to the federation’s account, outstanding bridging allowance from NNPC Retail, outstanding bridging claims from other major oil marketers, irregular balance in marketers’ indebtedness and non-payment of indebtedness by some DAPPMAN marketers.
The Auditor General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor China, who signed the report said the actions of the three state owned agencies were in violation of paragraph 213(ii) of the Financial Regulations (FR) and paragraph 217 of the FR 2009.
While Paragraph 213 (ii) precludes withdrawal from the revenue account other than for the purpose of transfer to the consolidated account, Paragraph 217 stipulates that it is the duty of the Accounting Officer responsible for the collection of revenue or other monies due to government are correctly and promptly brought to account, whether such collections are payable direct to him or to a Sub-Accounting Officer or through any other channel.
In the case of NNPCL, the report said the company’s payment records for the period 2020 and 2021 revealed that N82,951,595,510.47 was deducted by it from the sale of Crude Oil and Gas (Federation Revenue) for “purported Refineries Rehabilitation”
It said there was no evidence of authorization and approvals before the deductions were made. The Auditor General attributed this kind of action to weaknesses in the internal control system at NNPC which could leave room for possible misappropriation of funds, diversion of revenue meant for the Federation or loss of Revenue.
It also reported that the management of the agency did not respond to audit query, adding that “since the Management failed to respond to the issue raised, the findings remain valid until the Management implements the recommendations.”
It recommended that the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL be requested to provide reasons to the National Assembly for the deductions being proceeds from the sale of Crude Oil and Gas.
Besides, it said that henceforth, the management of the NNPCL should avoid making any deduction from monies due to go into the federation account and violation should attract punishment as specified in paragraphs 3106 and 3129 of the Financial Regulations 2009.
It also cited the deduction of N343,642,598,726.51 from the gross domestic crude sales in the name of NNPC Value shortfall, Strategic Stock Holding Cost, Crude Oil and Products Pipeline Losses, as well as the pipelines maintenance and management costs.
The report said since details of each of the cost components deducted were not provided for audit review, the Auditor General could not understand the justification for the deduction.
The OAuGF also said that N83,659,813,739.99 being miscellaneous income from the NNPC joint venture operations from year 2016 to 2020 went into the CBN/NNPC sinking fund account instead of the Federation Account, adding that warehousing of the miscellaneous income of 2016 to 2020 meant for the Federation Account in the CBN/NNPC Sinking Fund Account led the government to resort to borrowing to fund public activities
It said the shortfall should be recovered and remitted to government treasury and evidence forwarded to the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.
In another instance, a sum of N3,748,581,281.27 was said to have been paid to a company as shortfall on the sale of MT cargo of PMS, adding that details of the transaction between the NNPC, PPMC and the company were not provided for audit.
It said whereas the sum of US$1,655,352,328.14 was supposed to have been paid by NNPC to the CBN account of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in respect of Production Sharing Contracts (PSC), Repayment Agreement (RA) and Modified Carry Arrangement (MCA) liftings as at 31st December, 2021, the DPR received only US$1,401,399,635.07, leaving a shortfall of US$253,952,693.07.
It said further that records obtained from NNPC JV schedules and other documents showed that the NNPC deducted N204,853,744,047.39 from the Oil Royalty assessed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for 2021 for alleged priority project, strategic holding cost, crude oil and product losses without any justifiable reasons.
It quoted the NUPRC as saying “the NNPC makes deductions for Government priority projects at source before remittance of royalty to NUPRC with the latter having no control over this. Thus, NNPC is in better position to provide necessary approvals to justify these deductions.
“The office of the Accountant General of the Federation has been duly written on the payment of 4% Cost of Revenue Collection to NUPRC for money deducted at source by NNPC for Government priority projects.”
The Auditor General said the Management failed to address the issue raised and therefore should provide reasons why the sum of N204,853,744,047.39 was deducted by NNPC from Federation Account revenue proceeds, while recovering the said amount and remit same into the Federation Account.
It said that a review of revenue ledgers for 2021 revealed that oil royalty amounting to US$1,742,280,008.32 remained unpaid by some oil companies as at the end of December, 2021, while an additional US$13,805,135.46 for revenue relating to Royalty on Gas Sales (Foreign) remained unsettled as at 31% December, 2021 in addition to N48,218,163, 192.67 for Gas Royalty (Local) for the same period.
[TheNation]
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Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed that the former two-time heavyweight champion is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring in 2025.
The announcement comes in the wake of Joshua’s devastating loss to Daniel Dubois, a fight that derailed his bid to reclaim his position as a dominant force in the boxing world.
Joshua, who turned 35 on October 15, is at a crossroads in his illustrious career. While some speculated the defeat might signal the end of his journey in professional boxing, Hearn dismissed any talk of retirement, reaffirming that the British-Nigerian remains committed to continuing his career.
“Anthony loves boxing; he’d fight forever if he could,” Hearn said.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist entered 2023 with renewed vigour, securing four straight wins and looking poised to challenge for heavyweight supremacy once more. However, his encounter with Dubois in March 2024 proved a stumbling block. A brutal loss—following a first-round knockout victory over Francis Ngannou—reset the trajectory of his comeback.
Speaking on the loss, Hearn acknowledged the need for Joshua to regroup both mentally and physically. “After fighting four times in less than a year, Anthony needs to recharge. He’ll resume camp in January 2025, which sets him up perfectly for an April or May return to action,” he explained.
Hearn made it clear that Joshua’s return would not include tune-up fights.
“At this stage in his career, Anthony doesn’t need warm-ups,” Hearn said.
“He’s going straight in. There’s no appeal in smaller fights; it’s about making the big ones happen.”
This approach contrasts with Joshua’s previous rebuilding phase, following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. Then, he fought Jermaine Franklin and other lower-ranked opponents to regain confidence. Now, with time not on his side, Hearn believes Joshua’s focus must shift exclusively to marquee matchups.
Despite recent setbacks, Joshua remains one of boxing’s biggest draws, both in the UK and globally. His ability to pack arenas and generate pay-per-view interest ensures he will continue to be a key player in the heavyweight division.
The next steps for Joshua largely hinge on the availability of Tyson Fury and Dubois. Fury’s bout with Usyk and Dubois’ February title defence will determine how soon negotiations can begin for either fight.
The North’s resentment of the proposed Tax Reform Bills currently at the National Assembly,NASS, has expanded as northern youths attacked Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin yesterday, accusing him of being insensitive to the region.
They described the bills as anti-North, saying it would further relegate the region economically.
The youths, representing 19 northern states, said the lawmaker representing Kano North Senatorial District knows the bills would not serve the region’s interest.
Ever since the proposed laws were sent by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly, lawmakers of northern extraction have been expressing worries.
The executive arm of government had said the bills would ensure uniformity in tax revenue administration across Nigeria, eliminate double taxation, use taxation to encourage private sector investment in critical industries and boost disposable incomes through targeted tax exemptions.
The four bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583, The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) BILL, 2024- SB.584, The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024-SB.585, and The Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
Last week, the bills passed Second Reading in the Senate despite notable objections from some lawmakers.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, described the proposed fiscal laws as “a significant move to overhaul the country’s tax system.”
However, the North is united in its opposition as all sections of its leadership consider the bills as being against the region’s socio-economic development.
The latest in the opposition by the North is the attack on Senate number two man, Senator Jibrin, by Northern Youth Assembly.
They were particularly angry over the fact that the Deputy Senate President presided over the sitting where the bills passed Second Reading.
The plenary was disrupted by anger and a shouting match over the bills, which came up for debate despite not being listed as an item for the day’s business.
Interest
In an open letter signed by Ali Mohammed Idris and Abdulhafiz Garba, President and Secretary respectively of Northern Youth Assembly, the youths said, yesterday, that Jibrin’s position on the bills doesn’t represent the interest of the North.
The letter reads: “The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), on behalf of the 19 northern states leadership of the assembly, wishes to express our unequivocal disappointment and dismay in you, following your action towards the scaling for the second reading, of an evil tax reform bill, which would certainly undermine the North, and further relegate the region economically and commercially.
‘’Your support for the passage of the proposed evil tax reform bill put forth by the Tinubu administration is the highest order of your insensitivity to the economic and commercial plight of your constituency, Kano State and the entire Northern Nigeria.
“As representatives of the Northern Nigerian youths, we believe the proposed tax reform bill, in its current form, would surely disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, and it is of course without taking into cognizance of the current economic reality in the country.
“Our disappointment is more on your attitude at the Senate plenary to impose your opinion and interest. Even though you are quite aware that this bill is anti-North and has the tendency of further impoverishing the people in the North, and would further cripple economic and commercial activities in the region, and yet you are hell-bent on making it a reality. While it is obvious that the proposed tax reform is of so much interest to the people at the centre, however, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion the bill, which is anti-North, exposes your misguided commitment to the course of protecting the interest of those you represent. Practically, the North faces a barrage of critical issues such as shortage of electricity supply, rampant insecurity across the region, naked poverty, unemployment and a dismal state of infrastructure, to name just a few, but you have yet resolved to lead the war of further destroying the little prospects left of the North.
“Let us remind you that the purpose of your election was to fundamentally champion the course to address the development challenges facing your region, through effective legislative engagement, rather than dedicating your energy to serve an anti-northern Nigeria agenda, which would further marginalize the Northern Nigerian people, the region where you come from. It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritize your focus towards championing the course of alleviating the pressing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people in the North.
“This tax reform, in its current form, threatens to exacerbate the burdens of businesses and families in Northern Nigeria—that are already struggling to survive due to inconsistent power supply and un-friendly government policies which have been crippling the economy and growth of Northern Nigeria.
Lobbyists
“Northern Nigeria requires only the leaders who could speak in the interest of the region, not hired lobbyists and agents of destruction, who would do everything to misguide and deceive their people for some cheap political gains.
“We wish to inform you that the Northern Youth Assembly is highly disappointed in you and your cohorts for accepting to be engaged to destroy the north and its future.
“We are committed to fighting this course with our last drop of blood and to expose you and your likes, who are ready to auction the North and its future, as we could no longer trust and surrender our destiny into the hands of political merchants, betrayers and political hypocrites.
“The proposed Tinubu Tax Reform Bill is evil and that was the reason the National Economic Advisory Council and Northern governors rejected the bill in the first place, while people like you are trying to justify what is wrong in its totality to cash on the situation for some cheap political gain.
“We wish to finally advise you to change your ways before the entire people in the North, old and young, children and women are mobilised to place their curse on you.’’
[Vanguard]
Workers, senior lawyers and the civil society organisations (CSOs) have knocked the federal and state governments for failing to implement the Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.
At the instance of a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 states of the federation, the country’s apex court on July 11, 2024, ordered that funds accruing to the councils from the federation account should be paid directly to the accounts of the third-tier of government.
But five months after the celebrated judgement, its implementation is still shrouded in secrecy.
Earlier media reports that the federal and state governments had set October 2024 deadline for the implementation of the ruling have been refuted by the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The reports claimed that at the expiration of the deadline, any state without elected leaders at the grassroots government would have the LG funds withheld by the federal government.
This made the governors to rush to conduct LG elections that were far from being credible
In an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday on the issue, Mr Kehinde Eleja (SAN), said any further delay in the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy would not portend any good for governance at the third-tier of government and would be a great disservice to the country.
Eleja who spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State said a period of five months after the delivery of the judgment was more than enough for necessary action to be taken by the government.
He said, “It would be recalled that the Supreme Court, in appreciation of the constitutional importance of the case to the nation, gave the case accelerated hearing and promptly delivered its verdict. With that the Supreme had discharged its responsibility leaving the executive with the implementation of the borders made in the judgment.
“As for the delay in implementation of the judgment, it must be appreciated that certain mechanisms would have to be put in place for effective implementation of the judgment. However, a period of five months after the delivery of the judgment is more than enough for necessary action to be taken by the government. Any further delay does not portend any good for governance at the third tier of government and will be a great disservice to the nation.”
In Zamfara State, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and some lawyers condemned the delay in the implementation of the judgement, arguing that the delay had undermined the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary.
The state chairman of NULGE, Ahmed Isah, said the delay by the state governors was deliberate and accused them of selfishness.
A lawyer, Bello Galadi and former chairman of Zamfara State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), condemned governors’ non-implementation of the autonomy granted the councils.
Galadi queried the delay despite the Supreme Court order that was made since July 11, 2024 which gave a landmark judgement affirming the financial autonomy of the 774 local governments in the country and ruled that governors could no longer control funds meant for the councils.
A legal expert based in Bauchi, Safiyanu Idris, blamed the federal government for the non-compliance with the judgement.
In an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Bauchi, Idris said it was apparent that joint accounts became the medium for the governors to siphon funds meant for the local governments in their jurisdiction.
“The federal government failed to implement punitive measures on states that tamper with local government funds. It is not supposed to be so. Overzealous governors unlawfully use local government funds and sometimes go the extra mile to deal with council chairmen who, in their assessment, are against their greed,” he said
Idris advocated for the scrapping of state independent electoral commissions, arguing that governors use them to impose their loyalists as chairmen.
A Kaduna-based legal practitioner, Hiifan Abuul, said the joint local government account with the state government should be scrapped immediately following the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.
Abuul however expressed reservation over effective management of local government funds by their chairmen, saying they were rather selected by their respective governors and not voted as witnessed during the local government polls across the country.
In Kebbi State, the chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Abubakar Nayaya Ambursa, said they would speak on the matter after the assembly concludes its deliberations on it.
Similarly, the chairman of the state chapter of NULGE, Comrade Abubakar Umar, said the union was waiting for the outcome of the state Assembly’s resolution on the matter.
The chairman of the Gombe State Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET), Ibrahim Yusuf, said the main obstacle to the implementation of the ruling was the pervasive influence of godfatherism in Nigerian politics.
“The governors installed people as local government chairmen. We don’t call it an election because they appoint them. 99 percent of those installed were their political stooges or godsons who cannot do without their masters,” he said.
Also, Bachama Yusuf, secretary of the Association of NGOs (ANGO) in the state, corroborated the GONET’s stance, warning that the failure to implement the ruling would erode trust in the justice system and undermine democracy.
The North Central coordinator of Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) Steve Aluko, said it was an affront on the judiciary because the highest court of the land had ruled.
According to him, the National Assembly had also made their input, but the executive had subverted the process.
Also, an Abuja-based lawyer, Francis Adejoh, said the Supreme Court is the highest court in the country and for the executive to have refused to implement the judgement was unfortunate.
He said, “It is very disappointing and embarrassing that the executive arm of government has refused to implement the judgement of the highest court in the land.”
The chairman of NULGE in Plateau State, Comrade Yohana Macquine, said the judgement was a welcome development.
When asked about his expectation from state governors on the judgement, he said he would not want to join issues with them, but said NULGE expected total compliance with the ruling.
The chairman, Cross River State Civil Society Network, Ben Usang, said the failure to implement the verdict portended danger because it would prompt people not to respect court judgments.
A legal practitioner and former chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Okoi Obono-Obla, said it was illegal and unconstitutional for a judgment of a court not to be obeyed immediately after the court made the pronouncement.
He said, “It is equally unconstitutional for the executive branch of government to be dancing “Ajasco” or rigmarolling or playing crass politics while obeying the judgment of the apex court in the country.
“This is a violent infraction of section 287 subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which provides that the decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.
“It is simply outrageous, unacceptable, and scandalous, to say the least. It is a stain on the justice delivery system and goes to the root of the whole essence of adherence to the rule of law in Nigeria.
“It is also anathema to the principle of good governance, which is hinged on respect for the rule of law, constitutionalism, and democratic tenets. In other words, it is a recipe for bad governance.” Obla stated.
Meanwhile, councils in Jigawa State have been enjoying financial autonomy even before the recent court verdict in respect of the matter.
The state chairman of NULGE, Comrade Abubakar Garba Shittu stated this when contacted on the status of the local government financial autonomy in the state.
“We don’t have problems with regards to local government autonomy, even though the court verdict allowed states to continue to have much say on local government administration.
“In Jigawa State, local governments have been receiving their allocations but they pay back all the statutory deduction according to the state law,” he said.
Stakeholders have unanimously supported the delay in the enforcement of Supreme Court Judgement in Osun State.
While hoping that the judgement would be enforced to the latter in due course for good governance, they called for restraints in its immediate enforcement to avoid subjecting workers to hardship especially with the prevailing economic situation.
A local government staff at Obokun local government area of Osun State, Kunle Adeniyi, expressed the fear that if the judgement was enforced, it would be difficult for workers to receive their salaries.
A legal luminary, Bola Hammed, said due process of law should be taken in electing political officeholders at local government levels.
[Leadership]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) urges bank customers to report ATM and branch cash withdrawal difficulties starting December 1, 2024, through designated state-specific phone numbers and email addresses.
The CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced this directive during the 2024 Annual Bankers Dinner organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos.
Cardoso acknowledges cash availability issues at ATMs, which impact ordinary Nigerians. To address this, the apex bank will conduct spot checks on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and penalize underperforming institutions
“We recognize the ongoing challenges with cash availability at ATMs, which disproportionately affect ordinary Nigerians.
“To address this, we are conducting spot checks across Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and will impose penalties on underperforming institutions.
“Effective December 1, 2024, customers are encouraged to report any difficulties withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs directly to the CBN through designated phone numbers and email addresses for their respective states,” he stated
He assured that guidelines with reporting procedures will be widely distributed to raise public awareness.
Regulatory compliance and penalties
Cardoso emphasized the need for compliance from all stakeholders, including Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Mobile Money Operators, and PoS agents, to enhance service delivery.
“I repeat, financial institutions found engaging in malpractices or deliberate sabotage will face stringent penalties,” he warned
The governor added that the apex bank would maintain a robust cash buffer to meet demand during high-pressure periods like the festive season.
To foster digital transactions and trust, Cardoso reiterated CBN’s commitment to addressing payment delays, particularly for vulnerable populations.
He explained that trust is fundamental to fostering digital transactions, and the CBN must take every necessary step to preserve that trust in payment systems.
Cardoso assured that Payment gateways for financial transactions will become better in 2025. Key initiatives under the Payment System Vision 2025 include:
- Implementing an open banking framework.
- Advancing contactless payment systems.
- Expanding the regulatory sandbox.
- Issuing revised guidelines for agency banking.
“Additionally, we will issue revised guidelines for agency banking and continue to strengthen electronic payment channels,” he stated
Anti-money laundering and financial system reforms
- Cardoso disclosed that Nigeria aims to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by Q2 2025.
- He outlined plans to combat money laundering, cybercrime, fraud, and corruption, ensuring a sound financial ecosystem.
- Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of CIBN, praised the resilience of Nigeria’s economy and banking sector despite macroeconomic challenges. He highlighted steady GDP growth from Q1 to Q3 of 2024, attributing it to government policies and CBN initiatives.
“For example, the Nigerian economy continues to be more resilient and agile as shown in the steady growth from 2.98 per cent in Q1 to 3.19 per cent in Q2 and now 3.46 per cent in Q3 of 2024.
“The bank recapitalization exercise also attests to the fact that we are well on our way towards not only strengthening the financial sector but also supporting a $1 trillion economy envisaged by 2030,” he said.
Olanrewaju noted that the Nigerian banking industry has demonstrated resilience this year despite macroeconomic challenges, including rising inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.
[Nairametrics]