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Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, shared a touching yet humorous exchange with President Bola Tinubu during a phone call on Saturday.
The President reached out to commiserate with the music icon over the loss of his beloved mother.
President Tinubu extended his condolences and prayed for the repose of K1’s mother’s soul, urging him to accept the loss as the will of God. The President, who has long shared a cordial relationship with the Fuji maestro, spoke with empathy and offered words of comfort.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace,” Tinubu said warmly. “I know how painful it is to lose a mother, but I pray that God grants you the fortitude to bear this loss. Take heart, Wasiu.
As the conversation unfolded, Tinubu, known for his witty sense of humour, lightened the mood with a jovial remark. “You will not suffer because you have lost your mother. God will protect you. Don’t forget you have me, your President.
The comment drew laughter from K1, who reciprocated with his own dose of humour and gratitude.
“Akanbi, you are the President of Nigeria. I can’t ever suffer because my mother is gone. I am your son, and you are my father. It’s your duty to take care of me!” he replied, his voice brimming with playful affection.
“As long as you are President, I cannot suffer. Nigeria cannot suffer,” he declared, adding, “With you in charge, there is hope for all of us.”
Their light-hearted banter continued as K1 jokingly threatened to hold Tinubu accountable if he ever found himself in distress. “You can’t be President and watch me suffer, o. It’s not possible! You’re my backbone now,” he quipped, prompting another burst of laughter on both ends.
The call, which could have been a somber moment, was infused with warmth and camaraderie, reflecting the strong bond between the two figures. K1, who has always been vocal about his admiration for Tinubu, used the opportunity to reaffirm his support for the President’s vision for Nigeria.
“Baba, with you as President, we are on the path to greatness. My mother may be gone, but I am at peace knowing Nigeria is in your hands,” K1 said with conviction.
K1’s response was both heartfelt and humorous: “If I ever feel like suffering, I’ll just remind you of this call! Thank you, Mr. President.”
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about the constant online trolling he and his wife, actress Mo Bimpe, face daily, including harsh comments labeling her barren. Despite the negativity, the couple has chosen to remain unshaken, with Lateef stressing that such remarks hold no weight in their lives.
In a recent interview, Lateef revealed that ever since they tied the knot, many critics have taken to social media to speculate about their personal lives, including their decision to have children. However, he clarified that these trolls know nothing about their private choices or the plans they are building as a family.
“People don’t know our decision or what we are building. They call my wife barren, but such comments don’t bother us,” Lateef said. “We’ve grown a thick skin, and we refuse to let these words weigh us down.”
The actor, whose latest film Lisabi is currently streaming on Netflix, noted that dealing with public scrutiny is part of being in the spotlight. He shared that he and his wife have learned to prioritise their happiness and block out the noise.
“Negative comments come with the territory when you’re in the public eye. What matters is how you handle them, and for us, it’s by focusing on what’s important—our love and our goals,” he added.
Mo Bimpe, who is also a prominent figure in Nollywood, has faced her share of criticisms, with some people even questioning their compatibility as a couple. Despite this, the pair continue to show unwavering support for each other, often sharing heartfelt messages on social media that demonstrate their bond.
Lateef acknowledged that being in the limelight can attract both love and hate but maintained that they choose to focus on the positive aspects of their journey. “We understand that not everyone will be happy for us, and that’s okay. We won’t give energy to negativity,” he said.
The couple’s resilience and refusal to engage in online battles have earned them admiration from fans who praise their maturity and strength.
Lisabi, Lateef’s latest Netflix project, has also garnered attention for its gripping storyline and his stellar performance. The actor expressed gratitude for the support he continues to receive from his loyal fanbase, noting that this motivates him to keep raising the bar in his craft.
The Police in Ondo State says it has apprehended a three person syndicate, 62 year-old woman, Sabira Izuorah, and couple, Isiaka Lukman and Abosede Lukman, allegedly specialised in child stealing and trafficking.
Mr Wilfred Afolabi, state Commissioner of Police (CP), made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Akure.
He said that the suspects were arrested after a case of a missing child was reported at Okuta Elerin-Nla Division in Akure.
Afolabi said that four babies between one week and two months old, and 10 children between two and seven years, were recovered.
The CP explained that Izuorah, from Ihiala in Anambra State, was the buyer, while Isiaka aged 42 and Abosede aged 23, from Ibadan, Oyo State, were the seller.
He said that the couple were arrested through intelligence-led policing when traced to Ottah Village in Edo State.
“During interrogation, the suspects (couple) admitted to abducting the child and other children from Ondo and Osun States.
He said that the couple admitted to sell their victims to Sabira in Ihiala, Anambra State, at the rate of N1 million per child.
The police boss said that Sabina was arrested in Ihiala and four babies were found in her custody.
“A complainant reported that a man, Samuel Adejobi (real name: Lukman Isiaka and a woman, Ewatomi (real name: Abosede Olanipekun), came to her shop pretending to be siblings to eat.
“While playing with the complainant’s child, Abosede deceived her by claiming she wanted to buy biscuits for the baby.
“Meanwhile, Lukman distracted the complainant by engaging her in a personal conversation and requested she followed her to Olukayode plaza in the market to get a mobile phone.
“On getting to the market area, he abandoned her and left.
“The complainant, on getting back to the shop, discovered that her child was missing with no trace of Abosede, the supposed sister of the man she followed to the market,” he said.
Afolabi said the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations, while efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue some children. currently on the missing list.
Their blistering exchange didn’t just ignite tension—it exposed deep-seated rivalries, insecurities, and power struggles that are bound to unravel as the season progresses.
Nollywood heavyweights Ini Edo and Annie Idibia unleashed a firestorm of drama in the explosive premiere of Young, Famous and African season three on Netflix, delivering a confrontation that has already etched itself into reality television history.
The third season introduces a mix of fresh and returning personalities, promising more chaos than ever. Newcomers like South African content creator Kefilwe Mabote, celebrated Nollywood actress Ini Edo, and entrepreneur Shakib Lutaaya join the star-studded cast, featuring Zari “The Boss Lady” Hassan, Swanky Jerry, Diamond Platnumz, Annie Idibia, Naked DJ, Kayleigh Schwark, Fantana, Luis Munana, and Nadia Nakai.
The drama kicked off during a “peace talk” orchestrated by Annie with the help of Ini. The sit-down was intended to mend fences with cast members Annie had clashed with during the previous season.
But what began as a fragile attempt at reconciliation quickly devolved into chaos when tensions, grudges, and egos clashed head-on.
The tipping point came when Ini Edo, unafraid to speak truth to power, accused Annie of sabotaging the peace talk by refusing to acknowledge her own faults.
According to Ini, Annie’s stubbornness and need to always be right were the root causes of her strained relationships with others.
Annie, visibly shaken but defiant, refused to back down. She accused Ini of ambushing her and silencing her during the meeting while the other cast members piled on criticism.
Her frustration boiled over as she demanded the opportunity to defend herself, but Ini, unimpressed, doubled down on her accusations.
In an emotionally charged moment behind closed doors, Ini expressed her utter disgust with Annie’s behavior, vented her disbelief that Annie had the audacity to challenge her so publicly.
“She wouldn’t dare speak to me like that anywhere else,” Ini fumed, questioning why Annie chose the reality show as the stage for such blatant disrespect.
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VIDEO: 2face is almost 50, still running around sleeping with 20year old girls – Annie Idibia faces backlash
AFOLABI
Nollywood star Annie Idibia has once again found herself at the center of a heated storm on Young, Famous, and African, but this time, the flames were stoked by Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan, who launched a scathing attack on the actress and her husband, legendary musician 2Face Idibia.
The drama unfolded during a seemingly harmless dining conversation that quickly spiraled out of control. Annie, known for her outspoken nature, made a pointed remark about Zari’s husband—a comment that didn’t sit well with the unapologetic socialite. What followed was an unfiltered verbal onslaught that left viewers gasping.
Zari didn’t hold back, dragging Annie’s husband into the fray by branding 2Face a “baby-making factory” and questioning his reputation as a loyal partner. The insults didn’t stop there.
Zari turned her attention to Annie, boldly dismissing her achievements as an actress and taking direct aim at the cracks in her much-publicized marriage.
With precision, The Ugandan socialite accused Annie of failing to address her personal life while trying to call out others, adding fuel to an already blazing confrontation.
In her words;
“Why is it your problem? I mean your man is almost 50 and he is running around sleeping with 20-year-olds and making them pregnant. But you wanna talk about my husband? Your husband has kids all over Africa.”
“You are leaving your business unattended looking at other people’s houses. What do you do? Last time I checked, you were an actress 10 years ago, do you have a movie out? Innocent this, Innocent that; 2Baba this! You are 2Face just like your husband, Mrs 2face. What do you fccking do?”
Unfazed by the biting comments, Annie clapped back with fiery energy. She interrupted Zari mid-rant, questioning the validity of the “babies all over Africa” narrative about her husband, a statement delivered with cutting sarcasm.
This explosive moment followed the dramatic Season 3 premiere of Young, Famous, and African, which had already set the stage for tension with a fiery confrontation between veteran Nollywood actress Ini Edo and Annie Idibia.
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This was made known in a statement titled: ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, jointly signed by Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev, Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor/Notary Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.
The statement alleged that Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with one Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on 29 December 2024, noting that the footage of the marriage had been widely circulated on social media.
By his this action, the church said that Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon law of the church.
“Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“On November 30, 2024, Rev Fr Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church.
“The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process. However, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of this marriage has been widely circulated on social media.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333). He retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of this decree in accordance with Canon 1734 §1 whenever he demonstrates a willingness to reform.
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement said.
Every time I heard about human trafficking, I never thought I would be involved. I never thought I would be one of the people anyone will point to as being a part of the trade. But here I am, a Libya returnee. Abi, isn’t that what you journalists say we are? First of all, I am a graduate of economics from one of our state universities. When I say state, you know we pay plenty of money in state universities, so that also tells you I am not completely disadvantaged.
But after NYSC five years ago, there was no job anywhere, no single interview, no part-time sef. It was one rejection after another, one long queue of 5, 000 candidates for a two-people vacancy or 70, 000 candidates for a three-man vacancy. I got tired. I got fed up with handouts. I tried hairdressing, I mean, I learned to weave and fix hair. I learned a bit of dressmaking, too but I didn’t make much of it. I even wanted to teach, the schools didn’t want economic teachers and where I could get a job in government schools, the long process – “come today, come tomorrow” – for more than nine months and the bureaucracy just drove me away.
More so, you always have some men who want to sleep with you before they even help you for anything. So, I was a ready candidate for any talk of travelling abroad, even if the abroad is Ghana next door. I was ready. Then this guy, one of the guys I met the days of coming and going from office to office at Alausa, looking for connection for job, showed up.
He told me about Libya, he said I could get to Spain from Libya. Maid He said if I didn’t mind, I could start as a maid, then I could from there work my way up. I agreed because being a maid in Spain is not the same as being a maid in Nigeria, abi? I could earn money and send home to my people here. I agreed, o. He then introduced me to another guy, Charles, who said he is an agent. He (Charles) said he would collect his percentage when I start working because he will be the one to get me passport, travel documents and all that. I said “OK”, but I was also to raise some money for other logistics. Family I told my family about it, my aunty and her husband, and they said, it was better for me because they didn’t like the way I was always sleeping in the house.
So they helped me to raise about N300k, which I promised to refund once I settled in Spain. In my mind, I just thought, give or take, it will take me say six months to one year to get them the money back. And they are good people, this aunty and her husband. They tried for me. OK, o. So I contacted Charles, I gave him part of the money and kept the rest because, somehow, I felt that I should also have some money on me.
Journey of death
The journey to Libya almost took my life. From Kano to Agadez, I almost died in the desert. I saw things that scared the hell out of me; I thought I was losing my mind. Hmmn. I saw evil in the desert.
Human remains, people who didn’t make it to Libya, who died on the way. Maybe I should just have died there because I thought the desert was hell. But hell was Libya, hell was Libya! Not knowing that Charles was recruiting me for prostitution, I got to Libya and immediately I set foot down from the lorry that conveyed us through the desert, even before I was able to gather myself together to say, “thank God I made it here as the first part of my journey”, I was taken to one house and told to remove my clothes.
What! One Libyan woman, she told me and the other girls that came that we were her property and that we must do as we were told or we die! Chai! I was thirsty. I was tired. I was not even standing well and this woman was already telling us to dress like ‘ashy?’ “My own has ended today!” I told myself. We wanted food, something to drink, rest from the journey.
Then she said, “Ok, rest for today”. She gave us small rice and water and one room for all of us, seven of us, to stay that first day.
Obey instruction or die
Some of the old girls quickly told us to obey, that these people will actually kill us if we didn’t obey, so the following day we began work. Work was sex with men. See me, me that was avoiding sleeping with men for work in Nigeria, now I will sleep with them as work in Libya. Why didn’t I agree to do it in Nigeria and have a job and not have to consider coming to Libya, why? That’s how we started o. That’s how I began to have sex with men every day for survival. It was brutal! All my here…down here, torn to pieces by these animals, no treatment, no saying give her time to heal…and they want you in all sort of difficult positions. Can you imagine?
Sometimes, 20; sometimes, 25 men sleeping with you everyday. I became like raw meat. The worst part is all the money went to madam, we did not see ‘shinshine’.
Begging to die
At one time I was begging for death. Because how would I survive this for long? So I just turned off. One of the girls gave me some ointment to lubricate, to make it easier for me because I was just bleeding everyday and madam did not care. After that, I removed my mind from the men, I just spread, they will do, they will piss on you, pull your hair, slap you, beat you, manhandle your breasts or put finger inside and do many things. Those people are beasts!
They treated us like we were not human beings as if we were animals who felt no pain, who didn’t get wounded or something. Who will you complain to? Madam? You are joking! I did this for close to two years and all I wanted to do was return home. Some of the girls there didn’t want to come back. They still had dreams of sending money home to their parents, they still thought that they will find a way to go to Spain or Italy. They said life in Libya or anywhere was better than life in Nigeria.
Then one day, someone came to our place, saying some Nigerian government officials were asking who wanted to go back to Nigeria? I just jumped, I ran, I ran after the boy who came with that information. Where? Where is the place? Where are the Nigerian people? I want to go home! I am finally home!
A cold war between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has come to the fore as the Emir openly declared he would no longer assist the Presidency in explaining its economic policies.
The strained relationship was highlighted when Sanusi, at a Lagos event, stated that he would not help the government clarify reforms, citing personal grievances.
Sanusi remarked, “I have chosen not to speak about the economy or explain these reforms because if I do, it would help this government, and I don’t want to help the government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t behave like one either.”
In a swift reaction, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, downplayed the Emir’s significance in the economic discourse, asserting that Tinubu’s administration does not require Sanusi’s endorsement.
“We do not need His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s stamp of approval for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative policies,” Idris stated.
Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, further criticized Sanusi, accusing him of undermining national progress due to personal discontent.
He added, “His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress.”
History Of Sanusi-Tinubu Relationship
Many Nigerians were surprised by the fallout between the two former allies, given their shared history of collaboration.
Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor, became a key critic of the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2013 after exposing alleged unaccounted oil proceeds. Tinubu, then an opposition leader, welcomed Sanusi’s criticism, strengthening their bond.
Tinubu and other political heavyweights backed Sanusi’s enthronement as Emir of Kano in 2014, but his outspoken nature led to conflicts with Kano’s then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, culminating in his dethronement in 2020.
The Role Of Kano Politics
Sources close to the strained relationship have disclosed that the legal tussle over the Kano emirate throne has further strained relations.
Ganduje, now APC National Chairman, supports the current Emir, Ado Bayero, and reportedly mobilized resources to ensure Sanusi’s permanent removal. This alignment appears to have alienated Sanusi from Tinubu’s government.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria disclosed that the presidency did not back Sanusi in his ongoing legal battle to retain the throne, but instead favoured Bayero.
The SAN added that the presidency’s long-term strategy involved splitting Kano State ahead of the 2027 general election, which required ensuring Sanusi’s permanent removal from the throne.
The source who spoke with Punch said, “The presidency is not supporting Sanusi in the ongoing legal battle. They are supporting Ado Bayero, who was installed by Ganduje, and have been using the Federal High Court against the emir. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that a Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over a matter involving a state’s traditional ruler.
“Sanusi is also aware that the presidency intends to split Kano into two ahead of the 2027 general elections. For instance, some people refer to Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, while others refer to Bayero as the Emir of Abuja. The strained relationship between Tinubu and Sanusi stems from the presidency’s move to remove him from the throne.”
Another source, a former vice president aide, corroborated the SAN’s claims, noting that the presidency was uncomfortable with Sanusi remaining on the throne.
He said, “The primary reason for the rift between Sanusi and Tinubu is that the presidency is not supporting the former CBN governor in his ongoing legal battle to retain the throne. Credible reports indicate that the presidency, in its bid to secure Kano in the forthcoming election, is backing the coup to remove Sanusi and reinstate Bayero.
“Given the circumstances surrounding his dethronement and his eventual return, Sanusi is viewed as a loyalist of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, making him a threat to the APC government that removed him.
“Also, there are credible reports that Ado Bayero met with one of the three prominent traditional rulers in the South-West, who facilitated his meeting with Tinubu. Following this, the Kano Federal High Court issued a ruling against Sanusi in a matter outside its jurisdiction. In such a situation, the emir cannot pretend to be friends with those plotting his downfall.”
A prominent Kano indigene, who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity, stated that Ganduje and the presidency disapproved of Sanusi’s overwhelming support and allegiance to Kwankwaso.
“Apart from the court case, they believe the widespread support for the emir among Kano residents could translate into a loss of votes for the APC in the coming elections. Their move to remove him and install their preferred candidate is purely political, and the emir is fully aware,” the source said.
Veteran Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Mashal, aka K1 de Ultimate, was in a solemn mood as he laid his mother, Alhaja Halima Anifowoshe, to rest.
The singer, who announced his mother’s death on Saturday, January 18, 2025, buried his mother on the same day according to Muslim rites, with tears rolling down his cheeks.
Some of his family members, friends, and associates surrounded around him as the funeral rites of his 105-year-old mother was conducted.
A massive crowd gathered in the streets as some men carried the deceased on their shoulders, leading the way to the burial site.
Another viral video from K1’s mother’s burial showed two of his wives competing for his attention as they consoled him.
While one of his wives, Emmanuella wipes his tears with an handkerchief, another one Titi ensured that she was not left out.
As they both took turns to console him, Emmanuella promptly sat on K1’s laps at the venue of the funeral, with the singer seemingly urging Titi to take a seat on his other lap.
The gesture did not go unnoticed and caused a buzz on social media. Some netizens wondered why they brought their rivalry to such solemn event. Others simply made fun of the situation and pitched their tent with their preferred wife of the Fuji singer.
Watch the videos below:
“Leave your ego at home to succeed in Nollywood” – Yinka Quadri Shares Valuable Insights for Nollywood Aspirants
AFOLABI
Renowned Nollywood actor, Yinka Quadri has offered some wise words to aspiring actors seeking to make their mark in Nollywood.
In a recent interview with Saturday beats, Yinka Quadri emphasized the importance of patience, calmness, and humility in achieving success in the industry.
He encouraged young actors to check their ego at the door, allowing themselves to truly learn, grow, and thrive.
Yinka Quadri said:
“My advice to aspiring actors is to be patient and stay calm. Anyone with an ego should leave it at home to truly learn, grow and succeed in this industry.”
The veteran actor also expressed his admiration for the younger generation’s efforts in promoting and elevating African culture through Nollywood.
He praised their dedication to seeking knowledge and improvement, ensuring the sustainability of traditional practices.
“A Yoruba proverb says a tradition that does not include the younger ones is not sustainable. Thank God that even in our lifetime, our younger ones are elevating our culture. In fact, they are taking it beyond the level we took it. You know the prayer we always say is that our children will be greater than us. We are very happy with what is happening.
“will advise young actors not to relent. The world is seeing that Nollywood, especially the Yoruba sector, is elevating our culture. I trust that they won’t relent because they are seeking more knowledge to elevate it even further.”
In another news, Yinka Quadri opens up on why he reconciled with his best friend, Ogogo .
Yinka elaborated that although disagreements were inevitable, he and Ogogo had maturely resolved their differences over time
He further attributed the enduring strength of their friendship to a divine bond, suggesting that their connection was beyond human comprehension.
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Tragedy struck in the Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, as a 70-year-old man, Mr Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs Atagoshi, were reportedly beheaded over a land dispute.
The gruesome incident occurred after the suspect allegedly lured the victims into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue.
Their headless bodies were later discovered in the bush.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the woman, a secondary school teacher, had earlier purchased a piece of land in the community, which some individuals subsequently claimed.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, revealed that the assailant invited the victims to the bush, where the heinous crime was committed.
Edafe said, “The suspect called the woman, saying he wanted to discuss the land issue. He then took her and her father into the bush, killed them, and beheaded them.
“On the same day, vigilantes apprehended one Emeke with two human heads. He was mobbed and set ablaze by angry residents. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the human heads belonged to the father and daughter.
“Their headless bodies were found in the bush.”
Edafe added that the main suspect is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has said that his government is committed to liberating the state from the grip of criminal elements engaging in “lucrative criminality” in the name of agitations and liberation.
He stated this while passing the Anambra Homeland Security Law. The Governor also unveiled special security operations, named “Udo Ga-Achị” and “Agunechemba”.
Speaking during the ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Saturday, Soludo said that the sum of ₦5 million would be paid to anyone who offered useful information that would lead to apprehending kidnappers.
Speaking during the ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Saturday, Soludo described security, law and order as pivotal to the attainment of the state’s vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.
He said his administration’s move is a massive revolution to cement a robust security system with “zero tolerance for criminality.”
The governor noted that criminals now hide under the guise of a liberation struggle to engage in all manners of lucrative criminalities such as armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and even idolatry for ransom, thereby fuelling insecurity in the state.
He said, “January 17, 2025, marked our two years and 10 months in office. True to our promise last month to take decisive actions on security, it is auspicious that we mark this anniversary and begin the new year with the events of today.
“Today, we are here to unveil the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which the state Assembly worked vigorously to pass. The second event is the formal launching of our special intervention on security called, ‘Operation Udo-ga-chi’. It is the new security architecture we have now.
“The third one will be to formally inaugurate the state Anambra Traditional Rulers Council because the traditional rulers have a very important role to play in this process. Ndi Anambra, security, law and order remain pivotal to the attainment of our vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.
“I want to assure you that despite the unique challenges of lucrative criminality adorned with deceptive ideology and propaganda, we are determined to fight criminality and ensure that Anambra becomes the safest state in Nigeria.
“The character and dynamics of criminality in the South-East and Nigeria have evolved and become hydra-headed, and so our response must be thoughtful, deliberate and comprehensive, involving both the kinetic and non-kinetic agenda.”
He added, “For example, kidnapping for ransom is not new. I recall that my 78-year-old father was kidnapped in 2009, and he spent 15 days with his abductors in the bush. Earlier that year, the oil mogul, Chief Anthony Enukeme (Tonimas), Chief Paul Okonkwo (Pokobros), Chief G.U.O Okeke, etc were kidnapped in the state. It was as if Armageddon had come.
“In 2021, governorship candidates could not campaign, especially in the Anambra South, to the extent the candidate of the Labour Party was kidnapped on the way to a political rally, and to date, he has not been found.
“My predecessor tackled the menace head-on. However, about 20 months before we assumed office in March 2022, a variant of the criminal gang under the guise of separatist agitation emerged with command-and-control centres.
“They killed policemen and soldiers at checkpoints and collected their guns. They attacked and burnt down many police stations. Sadly, most stakeholders kept mute. They set up camps in the bushes and forests and labelled themselves as ‘liberators’.
“Most people did not pay attention and very few cared to ask how these people with arms will be feeding from month to month or year to year or how they will be funding their operations.”
The governor added that the state is investing heavily in logistical support, adding that the special forces for ‘Operation Udo-ga-Chi’ and ‘Agunechemba’ will have over 2,000 personnel dedicated to special tasks, with the personnel drawn from the army, police, DSS, NSCDC and other security agencies.
Details have emerged why the senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko, dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sunday Sun learnt that the defection is all about 2027 politics and threats to his return ticket to the Senate.
The senator who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, has, however, not made an official announcement of his defection at the time of filing this report.
Nwoko, a vocal critic of the current governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has been making moves to leave the party for a while now following his frosty relationship with PDP leaders in the state.
Sunday Sun also gathered that another reason for leaving the party was because the immediate past governor of his state, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, is plotting to return to the Red Chamber in 2027 under the same PDP platform.
When contacted for a response, the lawmaker neither conformed not denied it, but said his leaving the PDP is “not now.”
Edo guber election: Ighodalo, PDP tender more documentary evidence as hearing continues tomorrow
AFOLABI
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate for the September 21st Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, tendered more documentary evidence to support their petition in continuation of their case at the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
All the documents were provisionally admitted in evidence and marked as exhibits by the Tribunal in spite of objections from Counsel to the respondents (INEC, Governor Monday Okpebholo and All Progressives Congress).
Additional documents tendered yesterday from the Bar by Counsel to the petitioners, Ken. Mozia, SAN, were 55 Certified True Copies (CTC) of polling Units Voters register used in the election, CTC of 56 accreditation figures of extracts from INEC’s Bimodal Voters Accreditation Systems Machines (BVAS), 72 Certified True Copies of extracts of accreditation figures from the BVAS device.
Others were Certified True Copies of INEC’s Results Viewing (IREV) Containing Form EC8A and 70 CTCs’ of INEC’s Polling Units Booklets, containing Form EC25B, 66 copies of polling Units Voters Register and 125 copies of Form EC8A from IREV (all Certified True Copies), 125 copies of Form EC8A from IREV, directly certified by INEC, 101 copies of Form EC8A, CTC of Edo State BIVAS of Polling Unit by Polling Unit’s (PUs) Report as well as certificate of compliance by INEC.
Besides, the petitioners’ Counsel also tendered in court CTC of Certificate of compliance with BIVAS machines’ Report in respect of the 133 Polling Units earlier tendered as exhibit in the petition.
Counsel to the respondents, Abdullahi Aliyu SAN, Offiong Offiong, SAN, and Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, after raising objections to the admissibility of the documents, reserved their reasons for their objections to the petitioners’ documents to address stage.
At the hearing yesterday, Counsel to INEC, Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN did not object to admission of certificate of compliance with BIVAS machines used in 133 polling unites, but Counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents, Offiong and Orbih, objected and reserved their reasons.
The PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo are challenging INEC’s declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.