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Nigerian veteran rapper and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has alleged an attempt by unnamed persons to bribe him with N200 million following the ban of his controversial protest single – ‘Tell Your Papa’ – a diss song against President Bola Tinubu government.
In a video shared on social media, Abdulkareem narrated how he received a phone call from an unknown caller who introduced himself as an ‘Honourable’ and later claimed to be a ‘Senator’, suggesting that he was a politician sympathetic to the incumbent government.
According to the artist, the caller admitted he was speaking on behalf of top government figures, including Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu.
“Okay my people, how una dey? Make I give una quick update. I got a call from one criminal wey dey call himself Honourable — later he say na Senator. I say ‘ah, this one na ole (thief)’. The idiot come dey tell me say yesterday he dey meeting with Seyi and the government, say dem dey try reach me to bribe me. I tell am say I no dey interested,” Abdulkareem recounted in Pidgin English.
He claimed the caller promised a payment of N200 million and offered to “sponsor” him underground. “He said, ‘We will give you N200 million, don’t listen to them. We’ll sponsor you underground.’ I asked him, ‘who told you I needed anything – if na una sponsor the video I shoot? Make una go siddon somewhere. I no dey interested. What’s wrong with you people?” he said.
A visibly upset Abdulkareem added, “Na me una wan record use do caricature? Una dey craze. I don prepare una tey tey.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the revelation came just days after the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued a nationwide ban on Abdulkareem’s latest single, ‘Tell Your Papa’, labelling it “objectionable” and in violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed inappropriate or offensive for public broadcast on radio and TV stations.
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission warned all radio and TV stations against airing the track, which it said violated “public decency.”
The directive, titled ‘‘Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” stated, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature. It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”
Despite the ban, ‘Tell Your Papa’ has continued to gain traction across social media platforms, especially TikTok, for its searing criticism of Nigeria’s leadership and worsening economic conditions. The song directly addresses President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, calling on him to convey the struggles of ordinary Nigerians to his father-President.
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga,” Abdulkareem raps in one of the verses.
“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem,” he continues.
In a Facebook post reacting to the NBC’s ban, Abdulkareem accused the government of suppressing truth and criticism.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government, and this present government led by President Bola Tinubu is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria,” he wrote.
He likened the current situation to the early 2000s when former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration banned his similar protest song titled ‘Jaga Jaga’, calling the NBC’s actions an attempt to “hide the candle under the table.”
I Was About Selling Rechargeable Lamps Under Ajah Bridge Before Olamide Signed Me – Fireboy DML
AFOLABI
Nigerian singer, Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, has spoken about his struggles before he rose to fame.
He disclosed that he was on the verge of becoming a petty trader, despite being a BSc holder, before rapper and music executive, Olamide, signed him to YBNL Nation.
Fireboy, who signed to YBNL Nation in 2018, revealed that he made arrangements to start selling rechargeable lamps under Ajah Bridge in Lagos before he got a recording deal.
The ‘Peru’ hitmaker disclosed this in a recent episode of the 90s Baby Show in London, United Kingdom.
He stated that he was already selling pepper soups at a joint but wanted to change business.
The singer said, “Thank God for that [Olamide signing me]. I was considering selling rechargeable lamps. I met one guy under Ajah Bridge, he was telling me about the business and I told him I was interested.
“To me, at the time, it was more dignified. At least, people will sell you a lamp seller but selling pepper soup is crazy, bro. My parents didn’t know I was doing menial jobs. It was crazy but now, we thank God.”
He also revealed that he was signed on WhatsApp.
Fireboy DML gained popularity after his breakthrough single ‘Jealous’ was featured on YBNL Nation’s collaborative album, YBNL Mafia Family in 2018.
In 2019, he released his debut studio album, ‘Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,’ solidifying his stardom.
A former military administrator of Plateau State, Real Admiral Bitrus Atukum (rtd) has called on the Federal Government to declare the Fulani herdsmen attacking communities in the state as terrorists.
He said the target of the assailants is to keep the citizenry under perpetual poverty.
Atukum equally accused the killer herdsmen of “economic sabotage”, noting that they attack mostly when the planting and harvest seasons are approaching.
He equally observed that another reason for the attacks is purely land grabbing.
The retired army officer lamented that government is fighting insecurity on the Plateau with kid gloves.
Atukum’s comments followed recent killings in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.
DAILY POST recalls that over 50 people were recently killed, thousands displaced and their means of livelihood destroyed in some communities of Bokkos LGA.
“The endless attacks on villages by the Fulani is a strategic act of terrorism, as such government should note this and label them as terrorists who are not only at war with armless and harmless civilians, but the country as a whole,” he said.
Atukum called on the citizens to defend themselves against the aggressors to protect their ancestral lands.
The former military administrator also decried last Tuesday’s press briefing held in Kaduna by one Garba Abdullahi Mohammed, a leader of Fulani groups.
“All these details given at that press briefing can be verified; government has relevant information as to where it can start the investigation.
“You cannot allow people under the pretext of the freedom of speech to be making this kind of statements, few days after the killings in Bokkos. These are unprovoked attacks!
“In the past, they used to say farmer-herder clash. How can you have clash in someone’s bedroom?
“Government is fighting this insecurity on the Plateau with kid gloves.
“I would have expected that on the Plateau, where you have hills and small mountains that are being inhibited by these Fulani herdsmen; what is the difficulty in ordering the army to and fish them out there?
“These people come down from these hills, commit havoc and disappear, and that is where they hide their weapons.
“So I just believe in addition to what the government is doing, they can do more,” he stressed.
You claim to be APC by day, hobnob with opposition at night – Bwala hits Ndume over ‘maga dog’ comment
AFOLABI
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Communications, Daniel Bwala has slammed Borno South senator, Ali Ndume, over a verbal attack on him.
DAILY POST recalls that Ndume during an interview with Channels TV on Friday described Bwala as a “maga dog”.
Reacting, Bwala accused Ndume of hobnobbing with opposition figures at night and claiming to be a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the day time.
In a post on his X handle, Bwala tackled Ndume, stating that the lawmaker’s “frustration is aging” him by the day.
The post read, “No wonder, Southern Borno excluded you from the list of honorees in the recent excellence awards given to distinguished sons and daughters of Southern Borno.
“You criticise leaders freely but anytime you are called out, your soldiers, or boys, issue death threats to people.
“You allegedly meet and hobnob with coalition for a wild goose chase at night, and pretend to be an APC member during the day.
“There is no need to call me an offensive name on Channels TV this evening, because you are an elder.
“Anytime my name is mentioned you can’t help but insult me, but you would not tell the world how you drove to my office to thank me immensely for supporting you when Senator Saraki suspended you and was dealing with you.
“How about when you wanted to be the Senate President? How did you come to my law office and wait for me for two hours to come?”
The naira traded against the dollar above the N1,600 mark to end the week on a negative note at both official and parallel foreign exchange markets.
This comes as, according to Central Bank of Nigeria data, the naira declined to N1,603.78 per dollar on Friday, April 11, 2025, from N1,591.84 exchanged on Thursday.
CBN’s official figure showed that the naira declined by N11.94 on a day-to-day basis.
At the black market, the naira closed at N1,620 per dollar, the same rate recorded on Thursday, several Bureau De Change Operators in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, told DAILY POST on Friday.
On a week-on-week analysis, the naira weakened at both foreign exchange markets.
This is because the Naira depreciated by N36.76 to close at N1,603.78 against the dollar on Friday, April 11, compared to N1,567.02 recorded last week, April 4, at the official market.
At the black market, the naira weakened significantly by N60, closing at N1,620 per dollar on Friday compared to N1,560 recorded last week.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
Naija News reports that the Hilux was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.
The vehicle was reportedly parked at around 1:05 p.m. opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the ONSA official attended prayers at a nearby mosque. Upon returning, the official discovered that the vehicle was missing.
Security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed this in a post on ? (formerly Twitter), revealing that the theft was promptly reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m. Following the report, law enforcement responded swiftly.
In response to the theft, the FCT Police Command immediately initiated a stop-and-search operation across various checkpoints and at all entry and exit points in the city.
Police authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway, and efforts are being made to locate the suspects and recover the stolen vehicle. The Command assured the public that it had intensified its efforts to track down the culprits.
Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has died at the age of 74.
According to Vanguard, the prominent figure in Nigerian football died on Saturday, April 11, 2025, but details surrounding his death remain unclear.
Recalls that false reports of Chukwu’s death had circulated in 2021, and the legendary coach refuted the rumours during his 70th birthday celebration on January 4, 2021.
He said, “I am terribly embarrassed with this news that I am dead. Several people have been calling me from across the world since the news broke. I am still investigating the source of the story.”
Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” was a prominent player and a coach.
More details to come…
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that God blessed Nigeria with everything it needed to be a prosperous nation.
Naija News reports that Obasanjo said Nigerians would not be poor if leaders could use the resources in the country to improve the lives of the citizens.
Obasanjo stated this at a dinner organized in his honour by the Abia State Government on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia.
“Nigerians have no business with poverty because God has given us all that we need.
“If we are mismanaging what God has given us, we do not have God to blame, we have ourselves to blame,” he said.
The first President of the 4th Republic lauded Governor Alex Otti for transforming the lives of Ndi Abia through his leadership.
He reiterated his commitment to good governance for the benefit of Nigerian citizens.
“For me, whether you don’t greet me or I greet you and you don’t answer, what is important to me is that the people of this country are getting what they deserve and what they deserve is good governance,” he stated.
Speaking, Governor Otti, who recalled his political journey from 2015, emphasized the importance of vision and hope in one’s life journey.
“Once you have vision, you have to keep to it. It took us ten years to get here, the two elections we contested from 2015 to 2019, we won clearly but they were all stolen.
“A lot of people had given up hope and said it wasn’t going to work, but I was sure that I heard clearly from God,” he said.
The former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who was at the dinner, urged Ndi Abia to start working for Otti’s victory in 2027.
“APC and other parties are already mobilizing, if we don’t prepare now, we may lose out completely.
“We must not only protect what we have but also ensure that we come back in 2028 to celebrate true democratic success,” he stated.
Bitcoin has staged an impressive recovery, surging towards $84,000 on Saturday as it rebounds from losses sustained earlier in the week.
This recovery follows a 90-day pause on most tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, a move that has momentarily eased investor concerns amidst ongoing trade tensions with China.
As of the time of writing this article, Bitcoin was trading around $83,800, reflecting a 5.1% increase in the past 24 hours, according to data from CoinGecko.
This performance highlights Bitcoin’s appeal as an asset capable of weathering economic uncertainties.
In addition to Bitcoin’s gains, other cryptocurrencies have also experienced upward momentum: Solana has risen by 8.3% to $120, while Ethereum has climbed 3% to $1,550.
Trump’s trade war
The price of Bitcoin dipped as low as $74,700 on Monday, fueled by concerns over the economic impact of Trump’s month-long trade war.
- However, the announcement of a temporary tariff pause two days later catalyzed a sharp turnaround.
- Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining a trading range between $75,000 and $85,000 despite significant price fluctuations triggered by shifting trade policies.
- This stability reflects strong buying interest, particularly from institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, commonly referred to as crypto “whales.”
These groups have returned to the market after months of cautious withdrawals, recognizing Bitcoin’s potential to serve as a hedge against economic uncertainty.
Chief Investment Officer at crypto asset manager Hashdex, Samir Kerbage, highlighted Bitcoin’s outperformance compared to traditional risk assets during the week’s turbulence.
“This week will be remembered for its volatility and uncertainty,” Kerbage told Decrypt. “Bitcoin has been behaving better than most risk assets in recent days, showcasing its resilience amidst market turmoil.”
An overall eventful week
The week has also been eventful on Wall Street, where stocks experienced some of the strongest swings in recent history.
- Despite the temporary tariff pause, Trump escalated the trade war with China, raising the total tariff rate on Chinese goods exported to the U.S. to a record 145%. U.S. equity markets responded positively to the tariff pause: the S&P 500 climbed 5.6% for the week, the Nasdaq jumped 7.3%, and the Dow rose 5%, according to Yahoo Finance.
- Despite these gains, analysts caution that the unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies continues to weigh on investor sentiment.
While the tariff pause provided temporary relief, market participants remain wary of the broader implications of escalating trade tensions, particularly as they pertain to global economic stability.
What you should know
Bitcoin’s ability to recover and maintain stability indicates its growing reputation as a reliable store of value and a hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty.
- The cryptocurrency market’s resilience, driven by institutional interest, highlights the increasing role of digital assets in a diversified investment portfolio.
- As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, investors are closely monitoring the implications of trade policies, especially in relation to traditional and alternative assets like Bitcoin.
The unfolding dynamics of the U.S.-China trade war remain a key driver for market sentiment and could significantly impact the trajectory of both global markets and cryptocurrency valuations in the months to come.
[Nairametrics]
Zeb Ejiro, the legendary filmmaker and “Sheik of Nollywood,” is a man on a mission. Despite his monumental contributions to the Nigerian movie industry, he’s frustrated by the lack of support from his home state, Delta. He’s passionate about grooming his successors and developing the entertainment industry in the state. Ejiro’s vision is to transform Delta into the entertainment hub of Nigeria, but successive governments in the state have failed to recognize his efforts.
Sharing his sad experience with our reporter in a recent chat, Ejiro stated that despite the treatment meted to him, he’s still willing to mentor the Delta youths in the art of film making and acting before he passes on.
His words: “I am tired of these disappointments. They are denying the youths the opportunity to tap from my wealth of knowledge. I want to mentor them now that I’m still strong, fit and getting better in terms of my creativity,”
Ejiro said past administrations, including those led by Emmanuel Uduaghan and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, failed to support his initiatives. Despite his expertise, Ejiro was denied a professional appointment in the entertainment sector. The current governor, Sheriff OborevworiI, has been inaccessible, leaving Ejiro’s proposals unaddressed.
Narrating his ordeal, Ejiro said “I am one of the people that built the movie industry in this country. That’s why in 2005, former President Olusegun Obasanjo bestowed the national honour of OON (Officer of the Order of Niger) on me. There are not more than five people in the movie industry that hold that award.
“I returned home to establish a film school, Film and Broadcast Academy, where aspiring filmmakers and actors are training in the art of film making and acting. I did that to take our unemployed youths off the streets. I established the school under the administration of Emmanuel Uduaghan even though I faced a lot of challenges. I was also involved in the campaign of Dr Ifeanyi Okawa. I headed the electronic sub-committee of Okwa’s campaign, traversing the entire Delta State campaigning with him. At the end of the day, my effort was not recognized.
“I told him that I didn’t want a political appointment but a professional appointment where I can contribute my own quota to the development of the entertainment sector in the state. I submitted a proposal to the government to that effect. But I was ignored and till date, I feel highly disappointed.
“Now, we have a new governor, Sheriff OborevworiI, I sent a new proposal with my colleagues to organize a unique film festival to attract billions of naira in investments. Unfortunately, I have been trying to see my governor for the past one year without success,” he added.
[Opinion Nigeria]
More...
• Only Two Of 445 Mass Housing Allottees Meet Terms, Conditions
• Right Of Occupancy To Be Lost In 21 Days Without Payment
• Plots Not Developed In Two Years To Be Revoked
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday, rolled out fresh orders on management of land including land allocation and development within the territory.
The reforms, which would become operational from April 21, 2025, cover specific areas like conditions of grant of Statutory Right of Occupancy (R-of-O), contents of the Statutory Right of Occupancy Bill, contents of Letter of Acceptance/Refusal of Offer of grant of Right of Occupancy, titling of Mass Housing and Sectional Interests, as well as regularisation of Area Council land documents.
A significant aspect of the reform is that land allottees now have 21 days from the date of offer to make full payment of all bills, fees, rents and charges prescribed on offer of Statutory Rights of Occupancy and submit a duly completed Letter of Acceptance alongside evidence of payments or lose the offer.
Also, as against the lengthy period within which to develop allocated lands, the period within which to erect and complete developments on any land granted in the FCT is now two years from the date of the commencement of the R-of-O.
The minister, who disclosed the reforms at a press briefing through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, disclosed that “any R-of-O bills and any other payments made outside the stipulated 21 days shall be considered invalid while any land granted should be developed within two years.”
He added: “On lands previously allocated by Area Councils, the law stipulates that all lands in the FCT are urban lands. It therefore becomes necessary that all land documents issued by the Area Councils are considered for regularisation to statutory titles in line with relevant statutes.”
He lamented that in 2006, the Zonal Land, Planning and Survey offices of the six Area Councils were directed to submit all Area Council allocation lists, layouts, files and registers to Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS)/Lands Department, which they did.
He, however, stated that to date, out of the 261,914 Area Council land documents submitted for regularisation, only 8,287 have been vetted, out of which only 2,358 were cleared, validated and regularised to statutory titles.
“The 8,287 were vetted from 2006 to 2023 (17 years), and this represents just 3.2 per cent of the total land documents submitted for vetting and regularisation. As of today, the FCT Administration is still left with 253,627 submissions in its database,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that “Area Council land documents successfully vetted and confirmed would have statutory titles on such lands issued and the allottees will have 60 days to make full payments of all bills, fees, rents and charges prescribed failure of which the offers shall become invalid.”
Wike expressed shock that “from the inception of the Mass Housing programme in 2000 till date, out of the 445 Mass Housing allocations granted, only two developers have successfully met the terms and conditions.”
The Mass Housing Programme was initiated in 2000 to utilise the Public Private Partnership (PPP) strategy with the objective of providing affordable housing for residents of the FCT.
According to him, a new operational framework for titling of Mass Housing and Sectional Interests has been developed to fast-track the exercise efficiently, effectively and diligently, in line with the vision to restore confidence in the administration of lands in the FCT.
“Currently, the holders/occupiers of properties within the various Mass Housing Estates in the FCT do not pay bills, rents, fees and charges to the government despite having held and occupied the properties for decades,” he explained.
The minister said that in recognition of the urgent need to issue titles to the beneficiaries of Mass Housing and Sectional Interests, all applications for titling are to be made by the Subscribers/Developers to the Department of Land Administration for processing.
“Processing of titles for Mass Housing and Sectional Interests shall commence on April 21, 2025, in line with the new operational framework,” he said.
[Guardian]
The Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, otherwise called Ekklesiyar ‘Yan’Uwa A Nigeria (EYN), has charged President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
President of the EYN, Rev Dr Daniel Mbaya, who made the call at the General Church Council (Majalisa 2025) held at the church headquarters in Kwarhi, said much depends on the leaders to make the country’s democracy work.
“We call on His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to ensure that policies formulated for the good of the masses,” he said, advising the president against executive recklessness.
He asked senators and members of the House of Representatives to ensure that they protect democracy, stressing that such a task is a collective one.
The EYN president added that all authorities should ensure that the press enjoys their freedom.
Speaking on the theme, “A Living Church in a Decaying World,” the guest speaker and a former president of the church, Dr Daniel Dali, advised Christians to be shining light in whatever they do.
He said the task of redeeming Nigeria and the world should involve all well-meaning people.
General secretary of the EYN, Rev James Musa, told newsmen that the event takes place every year which affords the church family to interact, highlight its doctrinal values, celebrate the triumphs of the church, deliberate on its challenges and provide the way forward.
In a message to the EYN Majalisa 2025, the national security adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, enjoined the church to work with the government to ensure enduring peace and security.
“Nigeria has endured deep wounds from various conflicts. The church must lead efforts toward healing, encouraging forgiveness and reconciling broken communities. We must remind all that vengeance belongs to God and peace blossoms where forgiveness is planted,” Nuhu Ribadu said through his representative, Ambassador Kevin Peters.
[Leadership]
With the passing, last week, of one of the two 2nd Republic governors, a former governor of Oyo State, Victor Omololu Olunloyo, Nigerians recall with nostalgia, how eventful the politics of that era was and the characters that shaped the activities of that period.
Olunloyo was one of the politicians of that era that enlivened politics in the Southwestern part of the country and that of the old Oyo state in particular.
His push for the Agodi Hills Government House and the way he upstaged the highly popular Bola Ige, who was one the protégés of the then Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, charged the political atmosphere in 1983.
The episode between UPN and the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Oyo, represented only a modicum of the high drama, suspense and chicanery that characterised the 2nd Republic politics.
Many say they miss the set of governors of that period because they were development driven and brought about infrastructural and economic transformation in their respective states.
Currently, however, only two of the governors that took the oath of office on October 1,1979, Awwal Mohammed of Niger State and Jim Nwobodo of Anambra State, are around out of 19.
In addition to the 19, four of the governors were replaced in various circumstances bringing the number of those that reigned between October 1 1979 and October 1, 1983 to 23.
32 in 19 states
The original 19 were, Mr. Jim Nwobodo, Anambra; Alhaji A. Tatari Ali, Bauchi ; Prof. Ambrose Alli, Bendel; Mr. Aper Aku, Benue; Alhaji Mohammed Goni, Borno; Dr. Clement N. Isong, Cross River; Alhaji Abubakar A. Barde, Gongola, Mr. Sam Mbakwe, Imo; Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Kaduna; Alhaji Mohammed A. Rimi, Kano; Alhaji Adamu Atta, Kwara; Alhaji Lateef K. Jakande, Lagos, Alhaji M. Awwal Ibrahim, Niger; Chief Bisi Onabanjo, Ogun; Chief Michael A. Ajasin, Ondo, Mr. Bola Ige, Oyo; Chief Solomon Lar, Plateau; Chief Melford O. Okilo, Rivers; and Alhaji Shehu Kangiwa, Sokoto.
Kangiwa, however, died two years into his tenure and was succeeded by Garba Nadama while Balarabe Musa was impeached and his deputy, Abba Musa Rimi, took over as governor for the remaining part of his tenure.
Close to the 1983 elections, Rimi resigned from office and was replaced as governor by his deputy, Abdu Dawakin Tofa, while Abubakar Barde of Gongola, also resigned and left the seat for his deputy, Wilberforce Juta.
After the 1983 elections, nine of the 1979 set of governors did not return. They were; Bola Ige, Ambrose Ali, Mohammed Goni, Abubakar Rimi, Adamu Attah, Abubakar Barde, Abba Musa Rimi and Jim Nwobodo and Clement Isong. Omololu Olunloyo took over in Oyo; Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Kano; Asheik Jarma, Borno; Cornelius Adebayo, Kwara; Chief Christian Onoh, Anambra, Samuel Ogbemudia, Bendel, Don Etiebet, Cross River and Lawal Kaita, Kaduna.
With the passing away of Omololu Olunloyo, three of those that assumed office in 1983, Bamanga Tukur of the then Gongola State, Asheik Jarma of Borno and Cornelius Adebayo of Kwara State are around.
In summary, 32 persons occupied the various state government houses between 1979 and December 1983 at various stages in the 4 year, three months period the 2nd Republic lasted.
Weekend Trust went in search of the last men standing, who are now in their 80s.
Most of the 2nd Republic governors occupied the seat when they were in their 30s and early 40s with few like Jakande and Onabanjo who were in their 50s.
The ruling party NPN which won seven out of the 19 states like Bauchi , Sokoto, Benue, Rivers, Cross River, Kwara and Niger in 1979, was able to extend its tentacles by capturing other states like Anambra, Oyo, Gongola and Borno in 1983 but lost Kwara.
Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim
His Royal Highness Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim is the current Emir of Suleja and ranks third in the hierarchy of the eight first-class emirs in Niger State—following the Etsu Nupe, who is also the chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, who serves as the vice chairman.
The emir has served as the Chairman of the Niger State Committee for the Integration of Quranic Schools since 2008. He is said to have actively led the committee, despite challenges stemming from the government’s lack of commitment to creating an enabling environment for the effective operation of the Integrated Quranic Model Schools across the state.
A source close to the palace told Weekend Trust that the last time the Emir attended a public function—including those he was invited alongside his fellow emirs—was in 2024.
He added that due to health challenges, the emir is currently out of the country and has not participated in any public event recently.
“He attended public functions with his fellow emirs throughout most of 2024. But the last time he attended a public function even with his fellow emirs was last year. In fact, he is not in the country now because of ill health,” he said.
James Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo
Jim, as he is popularly called, is currently residing at his Amaechi Awkunanaw country home in Enugu-South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
At 84, those close to the former governor said he still attends public events and confirmed that he still looks his old cheerful and vibrant self.
Though, he is said to be offering counsel to upcoming and serving politicians, for someone who was in the senate between 1999 and 2003 and even indicated interest in vying for the presidency, his political engagements are no longer as much as before.
An ally of his, who pleaded anonymity in a telephone interview, said, “Chief Jim Nwobodo is active and attends social functions but not as before due to age. He has been sighted at some functions in Abuja also.
Bamanga Tukur
At 89, the former governor of Gongola State and former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has considerably slowed down his political engagements. He has not been sighted at any public function recently.
A former aide to the former governor who was contacted said he has not met with him for over a year now, but stated that he still resides in his Abuja residence where he receives family and friends who go to see him.
A clip of the former president of the Africa Business Roundtable (ABR) on a wheel chair recently circulated online which caused a stir. But the former aide could not confirm the image was, but promised to make inquiries and get back to our correspondent on it. He was yet to do so at press time.
Visitors at the Bamanga Tukur Garden at Wuse ii say they see him sometimes wheeled to the garden to enjoy the fresh air in the cool of the evening.
His chairmanship of the PDP brought back the NPN days when he wanted to ensure the principle of party supremacy but the pressure mounted by some of the governors of that period saw him quit to be replaced by a former governor of Bauchi State, Ahmadu Muazu.
One of his sons, Awwal was in the House of Representatives and is known to have taken active interest in politics.
Cornelius Adebayo
When our correspondent visited the residence of the former governor at the GRA Ilọrin, Kwara State, some of the domestic workers in the house said the 84-year-old former governor no longer spends a lot of time in Ilọrin, that he is mostly in Abuja.
However, his community back home in Oke-Onigbin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, still celebrates him for opening up their community through the facilitation of telecommunications network during his ministerial tenure.
Sources said the former governor is no longer as active as before in the politics of Kwara State due to age, but that his children are gradually taking over on the public turf.
A resident of the area who simply identified himself as Mr Harun said the former governor has indeed slowed down in his activities.
“He is a lover of people, very compassionate and always at home with family, friends and relatives. I know of some of his staff members who have been with him for over 20 years. Many widows and relatives are still on his payroll till today.
“Although he is not a farmer like his children, he invested in farming. Before, he used to come to Ilọrin more frequently and always celebrated Easter with family and friends here.
“However, he was not around during the last Easter due to his health. Except when he goes for treatment abroad and spends one to two months, he loves to visit home. He loves joking with people a lot no matter their status and once he is convinced about a course or decision, you can hardly influence him.
“His children had wanted to renovate or rebuild his GRA residence to reflect his “status” which is also a stone throw from that of former governor, Abdulfattah Ahmed, but he rejected the gesture that he is comfortable with the way it is. That is Chief Cornelius Adebayo for you.
“He is close to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who consults him frequently. In fact, one of his children, Mrs Oluwatoyosi Thomas, was appointed a commissioner in Kwara State while one of his sons, Mr Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, is the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA)”, the source said.
In addition to being a former governor, Adebayo is also a former senator and former minister.
Asheik Jarma
Alh. Asheik Jarma is a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but has lived a quite life since leaving government House Maiduguri in 1983 when the military struck and sacked the 2nd Republic.
A source close to the family said the former governor lives in Maiduguri and is in good health.
He said however that Alhaji Jarma has withdrawn from active politics and hardly appears at public functions or visits unless it becomes compulsory.
“I can confirm to you that Baba is fine health wise is just that he has aged and has retired,” the family source stated.
“For some time now he hardly goes out but does so when he cannot avoid it like funerals and condolence visits,”he stated.
Our correspondent confirmed that he has been playing advisory roles to political leaders in the state and still offers advice to the younger ones when he consulted.
He was one of those who had the shortest stays at Government House as he was in office for only three months between October and December 1983.
The source said the last time he appeared in public was during the first term of Governor Babagana, when former governors, Borno elders and traditional rulers gathered to chart a way for the development of Borno State.
[DaiyTrust]
Laolu Akande, a spokesperson of former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has said that there is a possibility of external influences in the crisis rocking the Labour Party.
The position of Julius Abure as the national Chairman of the Labour Party is now in contention as quite a number of people do not agree that he is their chairman.
They have shifted their support to the caretaker committee that the party leaders have put in place.
But addressing the press in the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgment, Abure insisted that the court affirmed his position as the chairman of the Labor Party.
DAILY POST reported that the LP held its National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday and Abure was not there despite the call by the Caretaker committee of the party that he should shelve his sword and join them.
Abure had warned Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labor Party in the 2023 elections and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti not to convene any National Executive Council meeting.
But they ignored his warning and convened the NEC.
They also proceeded to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to present a certified true copy of the judgment of the Supreme Court, which they said affirmed their stance rejecting Abure as the National Chairman.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Akande said said it was important to speak to Abure that it is required at this moment that he shows a bit of charity to himself for the good of this country.
He said, “The Labour Party, at a point, represented a significant hope. You know, don’t worry whether the presidential candidate went as much as he wanted to, but the Labour Party showed that something new can brew out of this country.
“In terms of politics, you saw a new and vibrant mobilization of the people. It’s good for our country now. Since then and now, we’ve seen how all of that is beginning to unravel.
“What has happened this last week is a renewal of hope in the Labour Party, but Mr. Julius Abure is the only obstacle. And of course, you know people around him who don’t really, just like you said, they don’t form the significant essence of the party.
“Everybody that mattered in that party seemed to have gotten the right memory. Look, the time for Julius Abure is over.
“Now, if you come to the legal part of it, it was Julius Abure that went to court to stop INEC and the party from not recognizing him anymore, because his tenure had elapsed.
“And so the matter proceeded from the High Court to the Appeal, and now the Supreme Court has said it’s not our business. So, that means the matter has reverted to where it was when Abure went to court, which is no longer the chair of the party.
“So it’s just a question of time that Julius Abure is going to fizzle out. What I’m asking him for is a bit of charity. To just do the right thing, keep the remainder of his honour. He can keep it so that he can, he can exit in some dignified sense, because it’s very clear already.”
On why Abure is holding on despite being rejected already, Akande said, “We must also understand that Julius Abure also represents the typical Nigerian politician. So it’s not that Julius Abure is behaving out of context.
“This is how the average Nigerian politician behaves in personal advertisements. That’s the only reason why Abure is still paying for all these tactics.
“Why must you be a chairman of the party after your tenure has elapsed for God’s sake, somebody needs to do Julius a bit of good and call him to his side and say, ‘look, come on. The Labour Party is greater than you.’
“The Supreme Court ruling is very clear. It’s very clear that the Supreme court has rejected the chairmanship of Julius.
“The Supreme Court has said that you cannot be an obstacle. And yet he has the audacity to go out and be talking the way I just don’t understand.”
On if he sees external influences in what Julius Abure is acting out, he added, “It’s not impossible.
“We don’t have any evidence, but, you know, we will not rule it out, you know. But let’s just talk to Abure and say, ‘Look, help Nigeria, because a properly organized Labour Party brings a bit of fresh air. We saw it for the last time. Why is Aburi constituting himself into an obstacle?”
[DailyPost]