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Georgian ex-footballer turned far-right politician Mikheil Kavelashvili is set to become Tbilisi’s next figurehead president in an indirect election denounced as “illegitimate” by the current pro-EU leader.
Picked by the governing Georgian Dream party as a loyalist, the former forward for the English Premier League’s Manchester City is known for his expletive-laden parliament speeches and tirades against government critics and LGBTQ people.
He is expected to be voted into the role by an electoral college controlled by Georgian Dream, after the party abolished the use of popular votes to elect the president under controversial constitutional changes passed in 2017.
Kavelashvili being catapulted to the role comes at a dramatic moment as thousands of anti-government protesters have flooded Tbilisi for weeks, furious at Georgian Dream for shelving EU accession talks.
Protesters have described Kavelashvili as a “puppet” of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgian Dream’s founder, who in turn has called him “the embodiment of a Georgian man”.
Sporting a moustache and combed back hair, his comments on LGBTQ people have raised alarm, as Georgian Dream has adopted Kremlin-style laws curbing their rights.
The ex-footballer slammed the West for wanting “as many people as possible (to be) neutral and tolerant toward the LGBTQ ideology, which supposedly defends the weak but is, in fact, an act against humanity.”
– Football roots –
Born in Georgia’s tiny southwestern town of Bolnisi in 1971, Kavelashvili began his career as a professional footballer in the 1980s, playing for clubs in Georgia and Russia and becoming a striker for his country’s national team.
The 53-year-old played for Manchester City between 1995-1997, scoring on debut against bitter crosstown rivals Manchester United.
He then joined Swiss club Grasshoppers, where he spent most of his time on the bench, before stints elsewhere in Switzerland at Zurich, Luzern, Sion, Aarau and Basel.
Kavelashvili was disqualified from running for president of the Georgian Football Federation in 2015 due to a lack of higher education, a requirement for the role.
He has served as an MP for Georgian Dream since 2016 and was elected to the legislature on the party’s list in October 2024 polls — which opposition groups say were rigged and do not recognise.
In 2022, Kavelashvili, alongside other Georgian Dream lawmakers, established a parliamentary faction called People’s Power — an anti-Western group that officially split from the governing party but was widely seen as its satellite.
His political affiliations align with far-right ideologies.
– ‘Oligarch’s puppet’ –
He is known for obscenity-laced statements against opponents and has accused Western leaders of trying to drag Georgia into Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Georgian Dream nominated Kavelashvili for the largely ceremonial post in late November, aiming to strengthen its grip on power.
But the nomination outraged many in Georgia, especially those who have been taking to the streets daily for two weeks to protest Georgian Dream’s drift from its aim of joining the EU.
On the 14th day of mass protests this week, demonstrators did not hold back in expressing their disdain for Kavelashvili.
“I can hardly imagine anyone less suited for the role of head of state,” historian Nika Gobronidze, 53, told AFP.
He said Ivanishvili, the businessman widely believed to be pulling the strings in Georgian politics, chose Kavelashvili as a tool he could control.
“Caligula wanted his horse to be a consul, our oligarch wants his puppet Kavelashvili to be a president,” he said, referring to the Roman emperor.
– ‘Illegitimate’ –
The new electoral process makes it a foregone conclusion that Kavelashvili will be the next president, with incumbent Salome Zurabishvili set to lose office.
But Kavelashvili will see his legitimacy undermined from the onset, with constitutional law experts — including an author of Georgia’s constitution, Vakhtang Khmaladze — saying the election will be “illegitimate”.
Tbilisi is currently engulfed in a constitutional crisis, with Zurabishvili demanding a re-run of October’s parliamentary elections.
Parliament had approved its own credentials in violation of a legal requirement to await a court decision on Zurabishvili’s bid to have the election results annulled.
Zurabishvili has declared the new parliament and government “illegitimate” and vowed not to step down at the end of her term on December 29 if Georgian Dream does not organise a fresh vote.
AFP
Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has opened up about her perspective on infidelity in romantic relationships, revealing that cheating has never been a reason for her to end a relationship.
During a candid interview on The Receipts Podcast, the 44-year-old singer disclosed that every man she has been involved with has cheated on her, yet she has always chosen to forgive.
“I have been cheated on before. I found out and forgave every time,” Savage said. “Every man I have ever been with has cheated, and I’ve never left them because of it. I’ve left for other reasons, but not because they cheated. Cheating is not my hill.”
Savage, however, emphasised that disrespect is her ultimate deal-breaker.
She explained that lies surrounding infidelity, especially when others are aware of the betrayal, have caused her pain.
“What hurts is the lies about it though. Maybe other people had known and then I kind of felt stupid about it, or they’ve known for a long time or if it’s close to home. The disrespect of it is why I could leave, but the actual act of it? I’ve never left a man cause of it,” she said.
The award-winning singer revealed that her reasons for ending relationships have been varied, citing drug abuse, emotional neglect, ghosting, financial issues, and emotional abuse.
“I’ve left for so many other reasons like drug abuse or emotional abuse or being emotionally abused, being ghosted, stealing, and financial things. But that cheating thing, nah,” Tiwa Savage added.
Ajax Amsterdam FC have announced a crowdfunding campaign to support Tijjani Babangida following the tragic loss of his family in a car accident.
On May 9, Babangida, who was in the books of Ajax for seven years, was involved in a car crash along the Kaduna-Zaria highway.
The ex-footballer was with Ibrahim, his younger brother, alongside his wife, son, and maid when the accident happened.
Ibrahim was said to have died on the spot. Fadil, Babangida’s one-year son, succumbed to the injuries from the crash a few days later. The wife lost an eye and had to undergo face reconstruction surgery, and the maid also fractured a leg.
Babangida has moved to the Netherlands since the incident with his wife getting medical care in the country.
In a documentary released on Thursday, Ajax revealed that Babangida’s “many good friends from football” had launched a crowdfunding campaign.
The fund is aimed at helping Babangida navigate the trauma of the accident.
“Six months ago, Tijani Babangida’s world collapsed. In a serious car accident, he lost his one-and-a-half-year-old son and his younger brother, while his wife was seriously injured,” the documentary caption read.
“‘Baba’ can count on the support of many good friends from football. They are helping him with everything and have started a crowdfunding campaign.”
Babangida was contracted to Ajax for seven years. He won an Eredivisie title in 1998 and two Dutch Cup trophies, scoring 20 goals in 77 appearances for the club.
[TheCable]
…Bonds Oversubscribed By Over 441% From Investors
The Securities and Exchange Commission has said that the Federal Government issued six Sovereign Sukuk worth N1.1trn ($657.6m), to finance 124 Federal road projects covering over 5,820 kilometers across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama who stated this during the ongoing 2nd International Islamic Capital Market Conference in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, said the success rate makes the Islamic Capital Market, ICM stand out as a resilient and innovative tool for mobilizing resources.
Agama described the issuance of sovereign Sukuk since 2017 as a key pillar responsible for growth of the ICM in Nigeria, adding that these issuances have consistently been oversubscribed, with subscription rates reaching as high as 441 per cent.
He disclosed that sub-national and corporate Sukuk issuances are also growing in Nigeria. Notable examples include Osun and Lagos states, Family Homes Ltd, and TAJ Bank Plc, along with private Sukuk issuances by three other sub-nationals saying that these instruments have been instrumental in funding school infrastructure.
“Beyond Sukuk, the ICM segment in Nigeria offers diverse investment opportunities. From one registered fund in 2008, the segment currently boasts of 14 registered Halal mutual funds with a net asset value exceeding N105bn as of November 2024. The NGX Lotus Islamic Index tracks 11 Shariah-compliant equities, while Nigeria’s first Islamic Real Estate Investment Trust – ChapelHill N-REIT – highlights the potential of real estate investments.
“The prospects for Nigeria’s Islamic finance industry are underpinned by key growth drivers, both global and domestic. Globally, demographic trends, economic diversification efforts in oil-dependent economies, and regulatory support have spurred demand for Shariah-compliant products.
“Locally, Nigeria’s large Muslim population, government-backed Sukuk initiatives, and growing investor awareness are driving market expansion. Emerging innovations in fintech also present further opportunities for market development. In that regard, the SEC registered the first Robo advisory firm in the Nigerian Capital Market in 2022. This Robo Advisor is focused on Shari’ah-compliant investments,” he said.
Agama said the success of the ICM in Nigeria is deeply rooted in its strategic focus on infrastructure financing, financial inclusion, and sustainability as the SEC’s engagement with the ICM dates back to 2004, when the SEC joined the Islamic Finance Task Force of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
The SEC Boss said this commitment was followed by the issuance of Islamic fund and Sukuk Rules in 2010 and 2013, respectively and later solidified in the Non-Interest Capital Market Master Plan (2015–2025), which outlines a 10-year roadmap for expanding the market’s depth and diversity.
According to him, “Adopted in 2015 as part of the broader Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan (2015–2025), the Non-Interest Capital Market Master Plan (NICMMP) has been central to the development of the ICM segment in Nigeria.
The document sets out a vision for the Islamic Capital Market – otherwise known as the Non-Interest Capital Market (NICM) in Nigeria – to contribute 25 per cent of total market capitalization by 2025, with Sukuk accounting for 15 per cent.
“The masterplan was further reviewed in 2021, to provide a renewed focus on deepening the ICM, through targeting 50 listings of sharia-compliant products with market capitalization of at least N5trn ($11bn) by 2025.
“The performance of the NICM Masterplan has been remarkable. Of the 15 initiatives outlined in the roadmap, nine had been fully implemented as of 2022, representing a 70 per cent success rate.
“Key achievements include improved public awareness, increased retail participation in Sukuk, and the introduction of the Non-Interest Pension Fund (Fund VI) through collaboration with the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
“Another key achievement was the release of guidelines for taxation of Non-Interest transactions, in collaboration with the FIRS. This solved the challenge of double taxation hindering such transactions,” he said.
The SEC DG however said the growth of the ICM segment within a decade and half, has come with some challenges including limited public awareness of Islamic finance principles, paucity of tradable instruments, and regulatory alignment across institutions.
He said, “Capacity-building efforts, particularly in Shariah governance and compliance, remain critical to sustaining growth. These, of course, are critical areas the SEC is currently implementing strategies to address, with relevant stakeholders particularly in the public and private sector, providing targeted and effective solutions.
“Of particular interest is our ongoing effort to engage relevant stakeholders in the mortgage sector to develop Shariah-compliant housing finance solutions.
“This will create the needed impetus for developing Shariah-compliant Asset backed instruments to deepen our capital Market further”.
As the world looks into the future, Agama stated that the opportunities are endless as Islamic Finance is solving some practical challenges and needs of the Nigerian economy such as critical infrastructure deficit, financial exclusion, low mortgage penetration and disinterest in commercial financing opportunities due to faith-based and/or ethical concerns.
“This is the time to stake positions that will no doubt produce competitive returns and satisfy ethical and sustainability concerns.
“The table is set for investing. Foreign participants should take positions and increase stakes in tandem with domestic trends.
“This offers a significant opportunity to contribute to sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion in Nigeria and by extension the African continent” he added.
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has reaffirmed his commitment to the installation of the newly appointed District Head of Bichi, Munir Sanusi, and his assumption of office at the Bichi palace.
Speaking on Wednesday during a solidarity visit by a delegation from Bichi, Emir Sanusi stated that despite recent disruptions, the installation would proceed as planned.
It can be recalled that last Friday, heavy security operatives, including personnel from the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly blocked the Kofar Kudu Emir’s palace to prevent Emir Sanusi from accompanying the new Wambai of Kano and District Head of Bichi to assume his seat. The action led to restrictions on movement in and out of the palace.
Addressing the delegation, Emir Sanusi described the incident as a temporary setback.
“This incident is only a distraction. We do not know why it happened, and those involved have not provided any explanations. However, it will not stop anything.
I assure you that another date will be fixed for the installation, and your District Head will be brought to you peacefully.
Inform the public to remain peaceful and prayerful. Whatever the situation, peace and prayers will guide us through to the end.
With the respect the people of Bichi hold for Khalifa and Wambai Abubakar, there is no way a son of the Khalifa will be presented as Wambai, and they would turn their backs on him,” he said.
Leading the Bichi delegation, the Chairman of Bichi Local Government, Hamza Sule, expressed solidarity and dismissed rumors of opposition to the appointment.
He stated: “We are here to show our support and allegiance to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. There were rumors suggesting unrest in Bichi, but we are here to make it clear that we are fully supportive.
We are one hundred percent behind the appointment of Munir Sanusi as District Head of Bichi. We were in Bichi, waiting for the Wambai’s arrival, when we heard these unfounded rumors. As far as we are concerned, there is no violence or opposition, only celebration.”
The Bichi Emirate was one of the four new emirates created by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje after the division of the old Kano Emirate. However, the emirates were later dissolved by the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Dr Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian who wrote the West Africa School Senior Certificate Education 17 times, has earned a distinction from the prestigious London Graduate School in the UK.
Ahmadu, a Nigerian mental health advocate and accomplished professional based in the U.S., disclosed this in an interview in Lagos.
He said that he was also inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) in Lagos.
Ahmadu said that the formal induction ceremony and certification workshop took place in Lagos and UK on Nov. 26, where he was lauded for his exceptional contributions.
According to him, this dual honour highlights his inspiring journey from writing O’level examinations 17 times, due to family instability, to becoming a globally recognised figure in mental health advocacy and consultancy.
Ahmadu said his new accolades would significantly amplify his global impact, which would enable him to contribute further to addressing mental health challenges, particularly among Gen Z, teenagers, and adolescents.
“My Fellowship, the highest grade of membership in the Institute of Management Consultants, will position me as a thought leader equipped to provide innovative strategies in tackling depression and suicide.
“This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a step forward in the global fight against mental health crises.
“It’s a call to action to innovate solutions that inspire hope and resilience”.
The Institute of Management Consultants, in its nomination statement, praised Ahmadu’s “outstanding academic and professional standing and demonstrated commitment to creating, maintaining, extending, and promoting the highest world standards of management consulting practice.”
Ahmadu said: “My certification as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) will further enhance my credentials, making me to offer my expertise across over 50 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom,” he said.
He said that his personal story had resonated globally, inspiring millions.
“A childhood marked by instability saw me attend 16 primary schools and 14 secondary schools, yet I persevered, ultimately earning two honorary doctorates and publishing in mental health journals”.
On Instagram (@mr.voiceover), Ahmadu shared, “Nothing is impossible with God.
“I’m forever grateful for this life-changing moment and determined to keep pushing forward in this journey to make a positive difference in the world. Glory be to God almighty,” he said.
He said that Prof. David Iornem, Director-General of IMC Nigeria, during the induction, remarked that he (Ahmadu) exemplified the transformative power of resilience.
“His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly elevate global efforts in mental health advocacy and management consultancy,” said Iornem. (NAN)
A former governor of Edo State and current senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has declared that his son, Cyril, is qualified to serve as the commissioner for health in the state.
Oshiomhole stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.
Cyril, a medical doctor, was nominated as the commissioner of health by Monday Okpebholo, the state governor and close ally of Oshiomhole, and was subsequently sworn in on November 19 at the Government House in Benin City.
When asked if he supported his son’s appointment as commissioner, former labour leader Oshiomhole revealed that he had expressed his concerns to the governor at the time the decision was made.
His words: “He doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday is grooming him. When I was in Edo, I stopped him when he wanted to go for the House of Reps. I said no and supported another guy. The second time he wanted to try, I said no. This time the governor decided to pick him. He is qualified.
“I did express my concerns when I heard. I called him and expressed my concerns. I expressed those concerns to the governor that people might say this and that.
“Those were the reasons why I stopped him from contesting elections when I was in office but then I have to accept that in the world that we live in, you can only do so much to control your son but not when he is already of adult age.
“But the point must be made: I invested in my children’s education. I didn’t want them to go through what I went through. So, Dr Cyril is not just a medical doctor from ABU (Ahmadu Bello University), he went to do post-graduate in two universities in the US including Harvard and another university in Louisiana. He does something about public health.
“So, he is not having it because he is Oshiomhole; I will say he is having in spite of being Oshiomhole.”
Udengs Eradiri, governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections in Bayelsa state, has resigned his membership of the Labour Party (LP).
He disclosed his intention to resign in a letter dated December 8 and addressed to the party’s state chairman.
Eradiri said he “couldn’t scale through the intrigues and challenges implanted in the party leadership”.
Eradiri added that he resigned to pursue his political career on a platform equipped to provide Bayelsa with the leadership it deserves.
“I wish to formally notify the party of my withdrawal as a member of the Labour Party,” the letter reads.
“I have come to this conclusion in order to pursue my political career with a platform that is ready and prepared to provide the kind of leadership that Bayelsa state earnestly deserve.
“I wish to appreciate the members of the party who believed in the vision for a better Bayelsa state and gave me the opportunity to be flag bearer as governorship candidate but unfortunately, we couldn’t scale through the intrigues and challenges implanted in the party leadership.
“It was a great moment working together politically and transversing the nooks and crannies of the state in the quest for leadership and I wish the Party and its leaders well in their future endeavours.”
The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over reports that its officers aid and abet smuggling.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Sesi Whingan, a lawmaker representing Badagry federal constituency in Lagos, during plenary on Wednesday.
Whingan said the allegations against officers of the service were “deeply troubling”.
“Recent reports by Sahara Reporters on 18 November 2024 exposed the mass smuggling of over 2,000 cars carrying six million kilogrammes of rice through Badagry under the watch of Customs officers,” he said.
“Videos published by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo provided evidence of complicity by Customs officers in these illegal activities.”
He added that the allegations contravene the law establishing the NCS, noting that the agency is mandated to “prevent smuggling” and not enable it.
The lawmaker said some military officers seconded to the NCS have also been accused of complicity in the smuggling ring.
“Reports of brutality have emerged, including an incident along the Badagry-Seme Expressway on 1 December 2024, where officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik,” he said.
“The victims were suspected of documenting smuggling activities, leading to threats against their lives and a standoff that required intervention from residents and the police.
“The actions of some officers within the Nigeria Customs Service contravene its core mandate, erode public trust, and raise concerns about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.
“The complicity of customs officers in smuggling operations and the use of violence to intimidate civilians pose significant risks to national security, economic stability, and the rule of law.”
Subsequently, the house directed its committees on defence and customs to conduct a probe into the allegations against the officers.
The house resolved that the NCS officers and the attached military officials should be investigated, with the committees given six weeks to conclude their inquiry.
Earlier this year, an undercover investigation by Soyombo detailed how officers of the NCS allegedly update smugglers on the itinerary of their colleagues in a bid to facilitate the movement of smuggled goods.
The Edo State Assets Verification Committee, set up by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, says it has uncovered how the contract sum for a road project in the state was inflated from N8 billion to N16 billion by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki.
DAILY POST reports that the contract sum for the 17.5-kilometer road project was inflated thrice within a year.
The Sub-committee on Physical Assets and Infrastructure of the Verification Committee discovered the inflation during an inspection of the reconstruction of the Benin-Abraka Road Phase 1C.
The contract was awarded to Nsik Engineering Company Limited on May 16, 2023, while work commenced in September 2023.
The project manager of the construction firm, Engr. Ifiokebong Ekong, who spoke to members of the committee during the inspection, said the company was mobilized with the sum of N2.9 billion, representing 25 percent of the contract sum of N8 billion.
Ekong said after the mobilization, the contract sum was varied, and some amount was added to the initial cost of the project.
He added that the completion period of the job, which was initially three and a half years, was, however, reviewed downward to 18 months (one year and six months).
The project manager said the contract sum was initially N8 billion when it was awarded in September 2023, but it was reviewed upward to N12 billion in 2024 and later to the current sum of N16.4 billion in June 2024.
Speaking on the revelation, a member of the subcommittee, Engr. Abass Braimah, who frowned at the development, said the increment was 100 percent.
According to him, “I don’t think there is anywhere in Nigeria or outside that a project can be awarded for N8 billion, reviewed to N12 billion, and further reviewed to N16 billion.
“Why not just review it and take the entire purse of Edo State? If we can review from N8 billion to upward of between N12 billion and N16 billion in one year?
“What has substantially changed for you to have a 100 percent increment from N8 billion to N16 billion? Meanwhile, the job specification or contents have not changed. It is still the same thing.
“And all of these went through the Tenders Board processes. The Board must have sat down to peruse, and it was not only you who submitted documents and bid for the contract.
“Against the backdrop of several other companies that tendered, they gave you this job at N8 billion. After the job was awarded at N8 billion, they reviewed it with a 50 percent increment. Fifty percent of N8 billion is N4 billion, which increased the sum to N12 billion, and they further reviewed it to N16 billion.
“What type of games are we playing here? These are games,” he said.
Earlier, the chairman of the subcommittee, Patrick Obahiagbon, said the explanation by the project manager of the company confirmed the content of a petition the committee received from some citizens of the state on the alleged inflation of the contract sum for the road project.
Obahiagbon, who said the inflation took place within one year, alleged that it must have been done by the immediate past government to use the funds to finance the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
“The reason we have to take pains to particularly visit this site is based on a petition from Edo State citizens that we have just received.
“And the narrations of the construction firm’s project manager seem to justify the reasons and the nitty-gritty of that petition. The content of that petition was to the effect that there were massive reviews of contracts on this project because of the election.
“That the contract was colossally inflated because the outgoing governor needed money urgently and desperately to fund the September 21 governorship election.
“It makes no sense that within one year, a road contract sum would be varied from N8 billion to N12 billion and, in June, some few months to the election — maybe for election purposes— the contract sum again was varied from N12 billion to N16 billion.
“Maybe the petitioners were correct after all. If they were correct, this is an unfair deal to the people of Edo State,” he said.
Obahiagbon, who described the development as sad, added that the committee would urge the main committee to recommend to the state government that further investigation be carried out on the petition and the statement of the company’s project manager.
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President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has asserted that his principal is making efforts to make life much easier for Nigerians in all areas.
According to Bwala, the Renewed Hope agenda of the incumbent government aims to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Bwala expressed this sentiment while highlighting the recent introduction of electronic gates by the Immigration Service at international airports, which seeks to enhance the travel experience and minimize issues related to human interaction in Nigeria.
The presidential aide emphasized that this progressive initiative by Tinubu’s administration represents a crucial advancement in the modernization of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
“As part of @officialABAT renewed Hope promise to Nigerians, the administration’s Immigration Service launches electronic gates at international airports, all in a bid to enhance the travel experience and reduce challenges associated with human contact.
“This innovative move by this government marks a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and improving the overall travel experience of passengers.
“The idea of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope is to make life easier for Nigerians in all areas of their endeavours.
“The reforms are yielding some positives already and will only get better on a long run. Let’s keep the hope alive!” [sic],” Bwala wrote on his X handle.
The leader of the United Kingdom, UK, Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has replied to Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, saying she stands by her remarks about Nigeria despite criticism that she is denigrating the country.
Badenoch has allegedly described her upbringing in Nigeria as being overshadowed by fear and insecurity in a country plagued by corruption.
Born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents, she married a Scottish banker, Hamish Badenoch, and took her husband’s surname.
Before she was elected leader of the Conservative Party, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.
“This is my country. I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others.
“I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere.
“I grew up in a place where fear was everywhere. You cannot understand it unless you’ve lived it. Triple-checking that all the doors and windows are locked, waking up in the night at every sound, listening as you hear your neighbours scream as they are being burgled and beaten, wondering if your home would be next,” she said.
DAILY POST reports that Vice President Shettima on Monday responded, accusing Badenoch of denigrating Nigeria.
Shettima had asked Badenoch to remove the “Kemi” from her name if she was not proud of her nation of origin.
Asked about Shettima’s comments, Badenoch, through her spokesperson, said she stands by her statements and is not interested in doing public relations for Nigeria.
“She is the leader of the opposition, and she is very proud of her leadership of the opposition in this country.
“She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says,” the spokesperson said.
Seplat Energy says it has completed the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) from ExxonMobil.
In a statement on Thursday, Seplat Energy described the transaction as transformative.
Seplat said it will more than double production and position the company to foster growth and profitability, whilst contributing significantly to Nigeria’s future prosperity.
“MPNU adds substantial reserves and production to Seplat Energy; 409 MMboe 2P reserves and 670 MMboe 2P + 2C reserves and resources as at 30 June 2024 and 6M 2024 average daily production of 71.4 kboepd,” Seplat said.
“As operator, Seplat’s immediate tasks are to ensure smooth transition of MPNU staff into Seplat, and on the operations, to swiftly target numerous opportunities that exist to organically grow production and further enhance the value of the assets for all stakeholders.”
Seplat said detailed guidance for the enlarged group in 2025 would be provided with Seplat’s full-year 2024 results, expected to be filed in February 2025.
‘READMISSION OF SHARES TO TRADING’
As regards the completion of the acquisition of MPNU, Seplat said the listing of its existing ordinary shares on the official list of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom is expected to be cancelled with effect from the close of trading later today.
Afterwards, Seplat said the shares would be readmitted to the equity shares (international commercial companies secondary listing) segment of the official list of the FCA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
Seplat said the readmission is expected to occur at 8:00am on December 13.
“No new shares will be issued in connection with Re-admission,” the company said.
“The Company’s ordinary shares will continue to trade under the name Seplat Energy plc with the ticker symbol “SEPL” and ISIN NGSEPLAT0008.”
Commenting on the transaction, Udoma Udoma, chairman of Seplat Energy, commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the transaction, appreciating the support and diligence of the various ministries and regulators for all the efforts to reach a successful conclusion.
“We are delighted to welcome the MPNU employees to Seplat Energy. We are excited to begin our journey in a new region of the country, and we look forward to replicating the positive impacts we have achieved within our communities in our current areas of operations,” he said.
“Seplat’s mission is to deliver value to all our stakeholders, and we treasure the good relationships we have developed with the Government, regulators, communities and our staff.”
On his part, Roger Brown, chief executive officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy, said the company has achieved a major feat.
Brown further thanked the entire Seplat team for their diligence and perseverance in completing the transaction.
“MPNU’s employees and contractors have a strong reputation for safety and operational excellence, and I welcome them to the Seplat Energy Group,” he said.
“We have acquired a company with one of the best portfolios of assets and related infrastructure in a world class basin, providing enormous potential for the Seplat Group. Our commitment is to invest to increase oil and gas production while reducing costs and emissions, maximising value for all our stakeholders.
“MPNU is a perfect fit with our strategy to build a sustainable business that can deliver affordable, accessible and reliable energy for Nigeria alongside attractive returns to our shareholders.”
On October 21, Gbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), announced approval of the deal by the federal government.
Seplat had said it will complete the transaction with a final consideration of $800 million.
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has slammed Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom, UK, Conservative Party over her reply to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Fani-Kayode in a statement on X on Thurday stated that Nigeria doesn't need Badenoch.
He said: “No you are not & neither do we need or want you to. You are however doing PR for the House Ni*gers Association & the racist, fascist scum that constitutes the far right wing of your adopted country. Do us a favour by shutting your foul mouth, dropping ‘Kemi’ as your name & changing it to ‘Aunty Jemimah’ instead.”
The statement comes after Kemi replied Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, saying she stands by her remarks about Nigeria despite criticism that she is denigrating the country.
Badenoch had allegedly described her upbringing in Nigeria as being overshadowed by fear and insecurity in a country plagued by corruption.
Reacting to the statement, Shettima on Monday accused Kemi of denigrating Nigeria.
Shettima spoke on Monday at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja.
The Vice President went on to ask Badenoch to remove the “Kemi” from her name if she was not proud of her nation of origin.
Replying Shettima, the Conservative Party leader reiterated her position on previous comments. She insisted that she was not doing PR for Nigeria.