Cabinet reshuffle: ‘Consider El Rufai, Shehu Sani, Bart Nnaji, Mamora, others for appointment’
AFOLABI
As President Bola Tinubu has made his intention known on his plan to reshuffle his cabinet for service delivery and success, a group, the Mandate Protection Vanguard (MPV), has said that there is an urgent need for him to consider experienced and highly skilful human resource personnel as ministers in the coming cabinet.
The group in a statement signed by its Co-ordinator, Comrade Gbenga Soloki sent to Vanguard, said “There is no doubt that several egg heads abound across the six geo-political zones that can add value and acceptability to the government.”
“While no one is begrudging Mr President for appointing politicians and close allies as ministers and ministers of state, there are several other qualified Nigerians who have excelled in both private and public services, while some have served at the state level, others have been privileged to operate at the federal level.
“The present economic challenges in the country deserve the services of credible and economically savvy ministers, who can deliver on their core areas of competence to make the programmes and projects of the administration popular and to achieve far-reaching results that will ultimately rescue the country out of the present quagmire.
“Firstly is, Mallam Nasir el Rufai, who the group described as a cerebral politician from the northern part of the country, saying that though trained as a quantity surveyor, he obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.
“He was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, minister of Federal Capital Territory and the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state.
“Another person is Senator Shehu Sani, who is one of the few personalities from the northern part of the country that joined forces with pro-democracy activists to fight for the restoration of democratic rule in the country,” the group said.
“Ye another personality is the one-time minister of power in Nigeria, Prof Bart Nnaji. No doubt, Bart Nnaji is a seasoned administrator, who is also experienced in the power generation sector. He is a professor of Electrical Engineering, who was the minister of power, special adviser on power to the president and the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The group also suggested Senator Adeleke Mamora, a medical doctor, former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a senator and former minister in the Buhari regime.
According to Adebola, Dr Mamora is a cool-headed professional medical doctor with vast experience and considerable attachment to his callings.
“Another candidate is Ojo Samuel Olukunle, a seasoned technocrat, and public servant, well experienced in public policy formulation & implementation. He is a Harvard-certified public administrator, well experienced in general administration, public finance & budgeting.
“He was a permanent secretary for years in Lagos State Governor’s Office from where he was subsequently appointed a Chief of Staff to the state governor human capital development and this was one of the key legacies he left behind in that office. He is a competent administrator and expert in finance,” the statement read.
Ace Nollywood actor cum movie producer, Yemi Solade, has opened up about the secrets behind his 21-years of marriage to his wife, Hannah.
Naija News recalls that the couple met on the set of Wale Adenuga’s popular series “Super Story” and tied the knot in September 2003.
Solade and his wife have since welcomed two children, Rola and Femi.
In an interview with SeunOluketuyi TV, the thespian attributed the success of their marriage to his wife’s support and tolerance.
Solade also noted that their successful marriage is due to the deep friendship they share.
He said, “I give it to my wife. She manages me very well. She is incredibly tolerant and sacrifices more than anyone I know. She is truly God-sent.
“She understands my circumstances, whether I’m doing well or not. She is not ostentatious; her prayers for me mean everything.
“Marriage is more like friendship because it is a life contract.”
What Happens To Degrees Splashed On Nigerian Celebs?
Meanwhile, Yemi Solade has wondered what would be the outcome of all the degrees bestowed on Nigerian celebrities by universities in Benin Republic and Togo.
The actor stated this while reacting to the invalidation of 22,789 degrees from Benin Republic and Togo.
Recall that the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, recently disclosed that 22,789 Nigerians were parading fake degree certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo between 2019 and 2023.
Reacting to the development via his Instagram, Solade said, ‘’What Happens To ALL The ABSURD Doctorate Degrees Splashed On Nigerian Celebs Since FG Has Pronounced That Degrees Acquired From Benin Republic Since 2017 Are INVALID? #fakedegreescam #fake #cotonou #beninrepublic?? #university #invaliddegrees”
The residence of Frank Ibezim, a former federal lawmaker from Imo State, Nigeria’s South-East, has been attacked by some hoodlums.
Reports revealed that the incident occurred on the night of Monday in Nsu, a locality within the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
Naija News reports that Ibezim served as the Imo North District’s representative on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform from 2021 to 2023.
It was, however, gathered that the residence of the former lawmaker was engulfed in flames around 9 p.m. yesterday, with sources indicating that the senator was not present at the time the incident happened.
According to Premium Times, a video recording depicting the devastation incident was shared online.
In the recording, some of the residents have audible expressions of sorrow regarding the damage inflicted by the fire.
Furthermore, the same group of criminals reportedly targeted a study center of the National Open University in the Nsu Community the night following the attack.
Residents have confirmed that the same group of individuals orchestrated these two separate incidents. Another video recording has surfaced showing the university complex engulfed in flames.
Police React
The Imo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the incident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the attacks.
Danjuma described the attacks as “senseless and unwarranted.”
“This unfortunate incident reflects a disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities.
“The police Command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police has since mandated the deployment of a tactical unit of the police force to apprehend the individuals involved in criminal activities.
Furthermore, he has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, who oversees the State Criminal Investigation Department, to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent criminal incidents.
Naija News understands that these recent criminal activities took place in the aftermath of accusations against Ibezim for his role in the establishment of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp on the premises of the National Open University in the Nsu Community, which is home to individuals displaced from northern Nigeria.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other groups in support of Biafra have criticized this alleged initiative, expressing their determination to oppose it.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB accused the Nigerian government of attempting to “infiltrate” the South-east region.
IPOB, which is at the forefront of the movement for the secession of the South-east and certain areas of the South-south from Nigeria, has consistently denied any involvement in the criminal activities in these regions.
However, Ibezim has since refuted these allegations.
In a statement issued later that same day, the former senator dismissed the claim that he had brought the federal government into the community to settle IDPs and refugees from Northern Nigeria.
He clarified that the university had been operational since October 2023 and that his delegation was only there to evaluate the potential use of the facilities for skills acquisition.
“For emphasis, I must restate that there are no plans to settle IDPs, Refugees or Migrant persons at the National Open University Centre, Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA. Any such claim is categorically false,” he stated.
“I will never be part of such a plan. The plan is for skills training for our vulnerable young people from the South-east.”
The Federal Government is expanding its subsidised rice programme to alleviate food insecurity in Nigeria, with sales set to launch in Lagos, Kano, and Borno states, a director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated on Monday.
Early in September, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the launch of the N40,000 per 50kg subsidised rice in Abuja, stating that the initiative was part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
He said the subsidised rice programme aims to provide relief to citizens amid soaring market prices. The current market price of a 50kg bag of rice is about N90,000. It is close to N100,000 in some other locations.
The Federal Government is providing 30,000 metric tonnes of rice through the subsidised rice programme. This translates to approximately 1,000 trucks, each carrying 600 bags.
“As I speak with you now, we are going to activate Lagos and Kano states for the sales any moment from now. Borno State is also going to be addressed,” the agriculture ministry official, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated on Monday.
Reacting to the recent claim that the rice sales in the Federal Capital Territory had been halted, the official said, “We have not even gone anywhere; how can we stop? The sales are ongoing, and we are actively engaging with other states.”
Another official at the ministry said civil servants in Abuja, particularly around the federal ministries have been benefiting from the sales of the subsidised rice.
The official, however, stated that there had been challenges with coordination and public cooperation at the National Agricultural Insurance Corporation centre where the rice was being sold.
“We opened the NAIC centre to see the cooperation of the public, but they proved very difficult to control,” the official explained.
The source added that individuals blocked entry and refused to follow sales protocols, complicating the process.
“Some persons came to sabotage the process to buy and take to the market, which frustrates the essence of the rice subsidy,” the official added.
Despite these challenges, the official remained optimistic about the programme’s impact, stating, “We are focused on ensuring that low-income earners, who are the direct beneficiaries, can access this vital resource.
“The government is committed to a smooth rollout in the aforementioned states, aiming to activate sales any moment from now.”
The source said the expansion is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle food scarcity and support vulnerable populations nationwide, ensuring that essential staples are accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
Nigerians have been grappling with increased hunger as food prices have skyrocketed, compounded by the naira’s declining strength, which affects citizens’ purchasing power.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the food inflation rate in August 2024 was 37.52 per cent year-on-year, up 8.18 percentage points from August 2023’s rate of 29.34 per cent.
Additionally, FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited reported on September 27, 2024, that the NAFEM closing rate was N1540.78/$, while it sold for over N1700/$ in some black markets in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark the country’s 64th Independence Day, declared that the era of heavy food importation must end, positioning this shift as a cornerstone of the government’s economic recovery plan.
“We should not be importing food,” Edun stated, emphasising that Nigeria’s future lies in self-sufficiency. “It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic food production. We mustn’t flood the market with imports,” he warned.
A notorious figure associated with terrorism activities, Bello Turji, has accused both the current Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, now the Minister of State for Defence, of politicizing the state’s insecurity issues.
Turji, who is believed to have fled Zamfara following intensified military actions against terrorist groups, shared these accusations in a newly released video.
In the video, Turji, seated on a brand-new motorcycle and armed, sets conditions for restoring peace in Zamfara. He demanded that security forces and vigilante groups cease their attacks and killings of Fulanis in the state and other areas.
He asserts that the actions of these local security entities exacerbate the ongoing conflict and violence.
Turji also criticized the ongoing blame game between Governor Lawal and Matawalle, labelling it as political maneuvering that overlooks the welfare of the local people.
According to Turji, both leaders are not acting in the best interests of their constituents, using the state’s security crisis to advance their political agendas.
Turji said, “Governor Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle labelling each other as terrorists (sponsors) will not help. I want the people of Zamfara to understand that they are just politicians without the interest of the people of Zamfara in their hearts.
“When (Mr) Matawalle was the governor who was sponsoring us? Similarly, when Abdulaziz Yari was the governor who was sponsoring us? Nobody is sponsoring us except God.”
He said the armed conflict in Zamfara predated both Messrs Dauda and Matawalle and was happening since the time of former governor Ahmed Yerima.
“It was during the administration of Yerima that the government sold out the grazing reserve and legalised the killing of the Fulanis. When Muhmud Shinkafi came on board, he tried unsuccessfully to address the problem. Abdulaziz Yari came and empowered the vigilante, but we are still struggling,” Turji said.
He said Mr Matawalle administered the state for four years, and Governor Dauda has been in office for just two years, but only God, not the governors, can stop the conflict.
“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Gun and airstrike will not stop us because we are not afraid of death,” Mr Turji said.
Turji, who also confirmed the killing of Halilu Sububu, whom he described in the video as his master, said the killing only emboldened the younger generation among them to carry on with the deadly attacks on the people.
He added, “Kachallah Halilu Sububu is not the first person to be killed; several others were killed. The killing of Halilu Sububu will not deter us from doing what we are doing unless you stop killing our brothers in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger states.
“Your only plan is to exterminate the Fulani race while God has been protecting us. Even if you kill us, it’s God who ordained that to happen, but it’s not by your power.”
A former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take over power from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2027.
Ortom stated this during a courtesy visit from members of G14 at his Makurdi residence located at Judges Quarters along Gboko Road.
He charged the group to work harder to ensure that the party in the state bounced back stronger.
The former governor appealed to the members to put behind them the crisis that denied the party victory in the 2023 election in the state.
The G14 comprises elders of the PDP from the 14 local government areas of Tiv extraction.
Receiving the group at his residence on Tuesday, Ortom, who has assumed the role of co-chairman of the group, said that no one has the power to disband the group.
Ortom said, “As the leader of the party in the state, I will continue to support the group, and let me emphasise that no one has a right to disband this group.
“I encourage you to work and be conscience of the party. Let us put behind us the past grievances. This is the time you have to work harder than before and bring back some of those who want to join us.
“I know that many people are yearning to return to the party, let us begin a new journey, and with God’s on our side, we will get the power back to our party in 2027.”
‘I’ve Been Sexually Hurt, Hold My Husband Responsible If Anything Happens’ – Reality TV Star, Karen Igho
AFOLABI
Winner of the 2011 Big Brother Africa, Karen Igho and her husband, Yaroslav Rakos, are going through a divorce.
The reality TV star made this known in a post via X on Tuesday.
Recalls that Karen and her husband dated for nine years before tying the knot in December 2014 in Jos, Plateau state.
In the social media post, Karen revealed that she had been sexually and physically hurt, stressing that her husband should be held responsible if anything happens to her.
Karen also said that Yaroslav is attempting to take their children with claims that she is mentally sick.
She wrote, “I’m going through a divorce with my husband, I have been homeless for a year and I have been hurt sexually and physically so if anything happens ask or hold the man who brought me to a country where and I know no one,he is trying to take children away by saying I’m mentally sick God Almighty bless Nigeria and Africa my heart pray for your daughter of the soil.
“I have been through so much this past year, please African pray for my children and In case you don’t hear from me again know that I have been killed, am not sick mentally and don’t do drugs.”
Super Eagles Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali breaks silence on failed transfer to Saudi Arabia and Kaizer Chiefs
AFOLABI
Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has broken his silence on rumours that linked him with a move to Saudi Arabian clubs and South African club Kaizer Chiefs.
Nwabali was linked with a move following his impressive displays for Chippa United and Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 28-year-old helped Nigeria finish second in Cote d’Ivoire and kept 11 clean sheets in all competitions for Chippa United last season.
Despite contact from numerous clubs, Nwabali signed a new three-year deal with the Chilli Boys last month.
“I wouldn’t say I was really affected by what happened after last season and after the AFCON because it’s football,” Nwabali told iDiski Times when asked about the rumours.
“Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t work but as a footballer, one thing is for sure that deals come and deals also crash.
“But one thing I know is that even with all this happening you don’t have to lose your value as a soccer player.
“With everything that happened, I even felt like I was going to leave the club but I’m still with the club so it doesn’t change anything.”
A police inspector, Mohammed Bulama, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a resident, Abdulmalik Pompomari, to death in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The incident reportedly occurred at the CMC Area, Zango, Damaturu, on Sunday around 5:05 pm.
According to multiple sources, Inspector Bulama, who is attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) 41 Division, demanded a N200 bribe from Pompomari. When Pompomari refused, Bulama allegedly attacked him with a knife, stabbing him in the neck and chest.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident and stated that the Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has ordered an investigation into the case.
“The two were involved in a heated argument over a transaction, which escalated into a fight. Bulama stabbed Pompomari in the chest, and the suspect also sustained head injuries during the altercation,” Abdulkarim explained.
Inspector Bulama was arrested at the ‘C’ Division Police Headquarters, where he sought refuge after the incident. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation, and the suspect remains in custody pending internal disciplinary action and prosecution.
Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, has announced an increase in the prices for its monthly services in Nigeria.
The company announced in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the standard package (residential) monthly subscription was increased to N75,000, from N38,000 per month — an increase of 97.37 percent.
The cost of the Starlink hardware was increased from N440,000 to N590,000.
Starlink said the price of the mobile-regional roam unlimited is now N167,000 and the mobile-global roam service is N717,000.
The company blamed the increase on excessive levels of inflation.
Starlink said the increase will take effect immediately for new customers, while current users will start paying the new price from October 31, 2024.
“As a current customer, your monthly service price will increase in one month, beginning 31 October 2024. For new customers, the price increase is effective immediately,” the statement said.
On November 20, 2023, Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovations and digital economy, asked Musk to create a maintenance programme for Starlink in Nigeria.
Tijani made the request in a post on X, saying that providing a certified installer for Starlink devices and “hardware startups to produce repeater boxes locally” would go a long way in creating thousands of jobs in the country.
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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies has shown that he is confused.
Naija News reports that critics have condemned the president’s move to end fuel subsidy and float the naira which has led to a hike in the cost of living.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Sowunmi said Tinubu is confused about economic policies.
“I am so optimistic and I say it to people who ask me, ‘If Tinubu can’t figure out these things I wonder who can.’ I think that, one, he is confused,” he said
The PDP chieftain said, “I don’t understand what the CBN people are doing relative to the value of the currency. Are they telling me that by their imagination, by floating the currency, Nigeria’s currency will become toilet paper?”
“The price of petroleum has gone up from around N200 per litre since May 2023 to about N1,000 at the moment.
“Although the coming onstream of the Dangote Refinery is expected to cut the price, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) pegged the cost of the commodity between N855 and N897 per litre.”
“What exactly constitutes the science and commerce of pricing petrol when you are refining in your country?
“I have been reading a lot of books on how we can work around this pricing and the research is still ongoing. When I am done with it, I will come out with what we can consider.”
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports that its officials attacked protesters at the Utako Market in Abuja today.
In a press statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command labelled the reports as "false and misleading."
According to the statement, police operatives were deployed to the scene based on intelligence reports suggesting that some miscreants were attempting to use the protests as a cover to loot shops in the market. The officers’ actions, the command stressed, were proactive measures aimed at protecting traders and preventing criminal activities, not to disrupt lawful protests.
"As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening," the statement read.
The police urged the public to disregard any misleading information and reassured citizens that their rights to peaceful protest are protected. The command also reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety while ensuring the protection of lives and property during civil demonstrations.
This response follows reports circulating on social media, which claimed that the police had unjustly attacked peaceful protesters, sparking public concern.
SP Josephine Adeh further emphasized that the FCT Police Command remains focused on ensuring the safety of all residents and will continue to carry out its duties responsibly
Grammy-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has been named the biggest Nigerian artiste of all time on Apple Music.
The streaming giant recently unveiled the top 10 most streamed Nigerian artists and songs in the history of the platform to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
Burna Boy topped the list, followed by Wizkid, Davido, Rema and Asake.
Tems, Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, BNXN and Olamide complete the top 10.
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ remix with Selena Gomez emerged as the most streamed Nigerian song of all time on Apple Music, followed by ‘Last Last’ by Burna Boy, and Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ featuring Tems.
Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ is number four on the list, Burna Boy’s ‘Ye’ is at number 5. ‘Location’ by Dave and Burna Boy, ‘Calm Down’ by Rema, ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr, Burna Boy’s ‘On The Low’, and ‘Come Closer’ by Wizkid featuring Drake complete the list.
The platform also paid to Nigeria’s diversity by spotlighting nine Afrobeats stars: 2Baba (Jos), Omah (Lay Port Harcourt), Odumodublvck- (Abuja), Shallipopi (Benin City), Seyi Vibez (Lagos), Jeriq (Enugu), Bloody Civilian (Abuja), and Qing Madi (Benin City).
Ahead of the planned October 1 nationwide protest, a coalition of Nigerian movements, under the aegis of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM), Northern chapter, has alleged the arrest of five of its leaders in Kano State.
In a statement signed by Comrade Al-Amin on behalf of the Secretariat, the coalition identified those arrested as Comrade Abdulmajid Daudu, Barrister Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Barrister Amina Bello, Comrade Sani NaRogo, Comrade Anas, and Comrade Abdullahi.
The coalition claimed that these comrades from the Kano NPFM chapter were taken by the police to Abuja under the instructions of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
“Comrade Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu left his office this afternoon (Monday) at around 2:30 p.m. to attend a meeting with the Kano State Commissioner of Police at the Bompai Headquarters. He was accompanied by four other NPFM members. As of 7:42 p.m., Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues had not returned, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
“All efforts to reach them have proved abortive. “We urge comrades across the country to raise the alarm until Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues safely return home.
“No one in their right mind can take the sudden disappearance of Comrade Abdulmajid and his NPFM colleagues lightly. The growing state of political repression in the country makes it more urgent for the Kano State Commissioner of Police to produce Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues,” the statement read.
Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues had over the weekend addressed a press conference in Kano, announcing the commencement of a nationwide National Survival Day protest scheduled for October 1, 2024. The central concerns of the protest include the cost-of-living crisis and endemic bad governance in the country.
Among the demands raised by Comrade Abdulmajid are the following: addressing the overpriced fuel pump rate, food inflation, high cost of governance, grand corruption, persistent insecurity, and the re-nationalization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) and electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), among others