Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has pleaded with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the prosecution of some celebrities.

Speaking in a recent Instagram live session on Tuesday, Portable appealed to the anti-graft to forgive him if they have any evidence against him abusing the Naira.

He said it was never his intention to mutilate the Naira, stressing that he only sprays money to help the masses.

Portable noted that he respects constituted authority and will not commit such an offence again.

The ‘Zazoo Zeh’ hitmaker also encouraged his followers to open bank accounts. The singer said he will henceforth be making transfers to his supporters and “people in need” through their bank accounts.

He wrote, “I use my money to build love. I used my money to build relationships. Did I spray money at the club? I was spraying money in the area where they need me.

“I didn’t deface the naira, I help a lot of people, After God na Government, Please forgive me if you have videos of me spraying money, no more spraying of money.”

Recalls that the EFCC arraign popular socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest for Naira abuse, days after a crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was sent to prison for a similar offence.

Ex-Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, has chided latter day leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for elevating selfish interests to the detriment of the party and democracy.

Ciroma, who was at one time National Woman Leader of the PDP, said this at a press conference and Diaspora Grassroots Engagement Parley, organized by the Directorate of Diaspora And Foreign Missions of PDP Rescue Mission International, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

She specifically lamented PDP’s departure from the ideals of its founding fathers.

According to her, the PDP was formed to promote inclusive democracy which will serve as a basis for rapid national growth; an ideal which those at the helm of affairs have since abandoned for a system which promotes selfishness and greed.

The Ex-Minister also accused Nigeria elites, particularly leaders of political parties, of putting their selfish interests over and above those of their various parties ,thus destroying the very fabric of the parties.

She said, “The basis for the formation of PDP has crashed because when the PDP was formed, it was it was called Peoples Democratic Party.

“The people that started the party were very passionate about democracy. “They stood and fought the military to ensure that Nigeria returns to democracy.

“Unfortunately, as it is now, there is no democracy, not even in Nigeria as a whole. All our political parties are not democratic.

” So, Nigerians especially the elites, will have to stand up and look at this issue of democracy in Nigeria. You can see that in some countries they hold democracy seriously as if it is their religion.

“Go to America, as far as they are concerned, democracy is Number one. But here in Nigeria we have thrown democracy away.

“We are not talking of fairness, we are not talking of justice. Our party, when it was formed, it was with the belief that Nigeria needs a united a party.

“That’s why our symbol is umbrella. People’s interest have overtaken the interest of the party and the interest of Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the PDP Rescue Mission International, Comrade Vic-Morrow Ulo explained that the mission of his group is to reform, rebuild and return PDP to its winning ways by ensuring that in the eyes of its members and public.

He said, “PDP is seen as a rules based political party, distinctively different from others and fully aligned to the provisions of her constitution and that of the country.

“The PDP Rescue Mission International has an approach which is driven by a redemptive and transformative agenda and focused on getting PDP transformed into a strong rules based political party, which is equally answerable to the yearnings of Nigerians.

“If there is anything we must be mindful about, it is the fact that the younger generation has lost confidence in the PDP of today”.

Nigerian singer, Lara George, has tackled the Senior Pastor of Dunamic Church, Paul Enenche, over the apology to Vera Anyim, a lady who testified about having a “B.Sc Law” from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Naija News recalls that Veronica Anyim shared her testimony on Sunday of how God made her the “only graduate in her family.”

During the testimony, Veronica said she graduated with a “BSc in Law” from NOUN, but the pastor interjected her testimony.

Enenche asked what kind of degree she graduated with and she said “B.Sc in Law”, he thereafter accused the testifier of lying.

The saga irked many netizens on social media, with some asking Enenche to apologise to Veronica while others defended the clergyman’s action.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Personal Assistant, Sylvester Edoh, Pastor Enenche apologised to the lady and said he never intended to disgrace Veronica when he interjected while she was testifying.

However, Lara George, in a post on her Instagram page, faulted the statement issued regarding the testimony saga, stating that Enenche’s apology leaves room for doubt.

The singer urged Pastor Enenche to properly apologise to Vera, as his team’s write-up was an insult.

She wrote: “Erm. That’s not an apology. When it leaves room for doubt, you haven’t apologised. WWJD? Be humble enough to apologise to her properly. Let your apology be as loud and as clear as your criticism.

“Nah! It’s not nice. Doesn’t matter who you are, we should all treat others as we would like to be treated. She doesn’t speak as well as you think she should, therefore you can conclude she is telling a lie? Based on the way she speaks?

“The way she speaks is a reflection of what we have allowed in our society. Every politician that you coddled instead of speaking the truth to, who stole funds that should have gone into healthcare, or education, or any other public welfare initiative…… well…… that’s the outcome. Graduates who speak like that. And you…. contributed to the condition of that society. The contributions from people like her is what has built the edifice you sit in. And while you sit there, we don’t hear you speak for the voiceless or defend the helpless.

“Nah. It’s not nice. Apologise to her properly. Unequivocally. That write-up that you had your people do, is really an insult on top of her injury. You know this. You would never dare address the matter that way if she was from a wealthy background.

“At the end of the day, the way you treat someone who you think you will never need is the true indicator of your character.”

The government of Katsina State has shut down three petrol stations suspected of supplying fuel to bandits in the state.

The governor’s Chief of Staff, Jabiru Salisu Tsauri, spearheaded the task force established to tackle grain hoarding and unwarranted food price increases, which conducted the raid, resulting in the closure.

Speaking to newsmen after closing the petrol stations, Tsauri stated that the committee had the authority to arrest suspected individuals and detain them for up to 48 hours before initiating court proceedings.

He said the committee received intelligence that the affected petrol stations were supplying fuel to bandits during nighttime and early morning hours.

Nevertheless, one businessman affected by the situation, opting not to disclose their identity, rebuffed the allegations, affirming their commitment to operating their business cautiously and denying any involvement in activities that could threaten the state’s security.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has said his government will no longer pay ransom to bandits and Boko Haram terrorists.

He stated this in an article he wrote and published by Newsweek on April 15, 2024, in commemoration of the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls ten years ago.

The President stated that the resolution of kidnapping through ransom payment only perpetuates more abductions, saying that extortion rackets must be squeezed out of existence.

Seun Jimoh, a Nollywood actor, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unfairly targeting celebrities in its current crackdown on Naira abusers.

He was reacting to the news that the commission is set to arraign popular socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest for Naira abuse days after crossdresser, Bobrisky was sent to prison for a similar offence.

Jimoh said it is “unfair that certain people are being selected for a crime almost 70% of Nigerians or more are guilty of with overwhelming video evidence all over the internet.”

He argued that the “scapegoat approach to cultural reforms is quite sinister and lacks any concern for the mental health of the Nigerian citizens.”

On his Instagram page, he wrote: “It looks like scapegoats are being selected to send a message to the general populace. But then, is it not unfair that certain people are being selected for a crime almost 70% of Nigerians or more are guilty of with overwhelming video evidence all over the internet?!

“Why hasn’t anyone ever caught on video spraying money between the time the law has been in effect till now being arrested? Why celebrities? Celebrities are citizens too! This scapegoat approach to cultural reforms is quite sinister and lacks any concern for the mental health of the Nigerian citizens.”

Farida Fasasi, the widow of the late veteran Nigerian singer, Lanre Fasasi, is in a happy mood.

She is in a celebratory mood as she turns 40 today, April 16.

Farida shared a lovely family photo of herself and the four kids she shared with her late husband.

She wrote; ’As I reach this milestone, I am grateful for the wisdom and experiences that come with age. May the next chapter of my life be filled with love, laughter, and continued growth.

"Cheers to 40 years of life! I celebrate the journey that has shaped me into the person I am today alhamdulillah''

Farida and the late Sound Sultan were married for 11 years before he died on July 11, 2021, after a long battle with Throat cancer.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Farida Fasasi (@faridafasasi)

Gov Abba Yusuf of Kano State has been handed a 6 months suspension by the Board of Trustees of a faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

This decision, revealed by Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, the party’s National Secretary, is linked to alleged anti-party activities involving the governor.

During a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, Oginni stated that this suspension stems from Yusuf’s failure to comply with a prior summons to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The committee was tasked with investigating his alleged violations of the party’s constitution, specifically his participation in what the party deems an unauthorized national convention organized by the Kwankwasiya group on April 6, 2024, at the Class Event Centre in Wuse, Abuja.

“We called this conference to intimate you on the developments resulting from the recent invitation extended to Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano to appear before a disciplinary committee,” Oginni explained. He highlighted the necessity of addressing these issues publicly, given the governor’s status as a prominent national figure of the NNPP.

The disciplinary committee, led by Barrister Monday Mawah and with Prince Adetoyese Omakanye as secretary, noted that Gov. Yusuf did not attend the scheduled hearing or provide any explanation for his absence despite being given ample opportunity to defend himself.

“In accordance with Article 39.0, 39(1-4) on disciplinary procedures, His Excellency Abba Yusuf was availed with an unfettered opportunity to explore all openings to resolve the issues being investigated as stipulated therein in relation to allegations of gross misconduct brought against him, he however failed to take advantage of this by not appearing,” Oginni added.

The NNPP’s internal regulations and the 2022 constitution, as amended, mandate strict adherence to party discipline and the supremacy of party directives. The decision to suspend Yusuf was made following a unanimous decision by the National Working Committee (NWC), underscoring the party’s commitment to maintaining stringent internal democratic and disciplinary measures.

Yoruba Nation agitators issued a threat yesterday, warning of further disruption if security forces do not release their members responsible for raising their flag at the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Recall that 21 suspected agitators and several weapons, berets, soldiers’ boots, caps, charms and other dangerous weapons were paraded by the state Police Command.

The agitators, through their Deputy Coordinator, Victor Adewale, in a statement, also threatened President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to bear the brunts if they fail to release arrested agitators.

The statement claimed that the said Adewale is based in Sweden and serves as the European Coordinator of the Oodua Progressive Union, OPU.

It noted that he was installed Akingbayi Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland in 2020.

The statement reads: “If Seyi Makinde refuses to release our men that were arrested and makes them sleep in the cell, he has called for war and Bola Tinubu will be greatly affected. The way we will ravage, you won’t all understand.

“I’m directed to warn you for the last time. Governor Makinde must release our warriors he arrested at the secretariat in Ibadan. He must release them immediately, he should return them to the secretariat, let them be doing their own there and we should be doing ours.

“If he continues to hold them, wherever you are; you will be rooted out. Our proclamation letters are with them. Tinubu, Tunji Disu, Makinde and all Amotekun in Yoruba land and the police, you must release those guys immediately. War is coming and I want to implore Yoruba people to go out en masse to protest. However, whether you like it or not, we have an interim government now for Yoruba Nation.”

says party’s stability at stake

Abuja: Barely 48 hours of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the PDP Loyal Group 100 percent, has said lasting peace will elude the party if former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar does not sacrifice his 2027 Presidential ambition and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is not sanctioned for anti-party activities .

National Cordinator / Chairman of the group , Dennis Shima said this while addressing newsmen in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The group suggested that Atiku should act as a statesman, sacrifice his 2027 Presidential ambition and support one of his mentees for the PDP ticket while the party should use the powers conferred on NEC to sanction Wike and others whose activities have proven detrimental to the party’s stability.

The pro- PDP interest group came to linelight after 2015 general election with the sole objective of addressing the political challenges and intimidations faced by PDP loyalists across Nigeria after PDP lost 2015 presidential general election as a result of internal crisis.

Shima said the group took the decision to suggest a reasonable cause of action for the party ahead of the NEC meeting after wide consultations and several meetings.

He said, “We also consulted widely across Nigeria and resorted to call on PDP National Caucus, Board of Trustees BOT and most importantly NEC to do the following in accordance with the provisions of PDP Constitution (As amended 2017) without prejudices thus: “Advise, His Excellency Alh. Atiku Abubakar GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999 to 2007), PDP 2019 Presidential Candidate and 2023 Presidential Candidate to stop further contest for PDP Presidential Tickets beginning from 2027. And further, request His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON to support one of his many mentees across Nigeria to contest for PDP Presidential Tickets beginning from 2027.

“We call on, His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, to nominate and support, any of his many mentees from the appropriate geo-political Zone for 2027 presidential election.

“We also call on, His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, to appreciate God for his wealth of experience and mentorship in Nigerian democracy under PDP since 1999 to date.

“Therefore, accept this clarion call for him to be a statesman and kingmaker politically going forward. We are optimistic that, His Excellency, Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria, and two times PDP presidential candidate, is not an ingrate and will be grateful to God and PDP, for the platform provided for him, to serve Nigerians in the aforementioned capacities.

“We are optimistic that, if His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, accepts his fate going forward as a, father, husband, mentor and statesman in PDP and by extension Nigerian democracy, PDP will win the forthcoming 2027 presidential general election in Nigeria landslide without many political battles as recently faced from prominent figures in Nigeria who are against the person of His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON former Vice President of Nigeria.”

The group further said, “Secondly, we call on the forthcoming PDP National Executive Committee NEC to exercise its power and authority inline with provisions of PDP Constitution regarding; offenses and sanctions, as contained in Section 58(1) a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, l, and m. And also Section 59(1) a, b, c, d, e, f, and g, as well as Subsection (2), (3), (4), and (5) to “suspend” His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Wike CON, former Governor of Rivers State from participating in meetings or functions, of PDP at all levels at home and abroad, directly or indirectly.

“Considering the fact that, the deviant PDP stalwart obtained a Court Order restraining PDP from expelling him from the party, we jettison the option of expulsion from the PDP, which would have been appropriate sanction to him.

“This is because of former Governor Wike’s present role as Federal Minister and responsibilities in APC led Federal Government, which is alien to the character and ethics of PDP and also violates, the Constitution of our great party as given in the above sections 58, 59 and subsections (as amended 2017) without prejudices to the personality of the former Governor of Rivers state Mr. Nyesom Wike until the day he officially leaves the Pay Roll of APC led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. After all, PDP receives returnees into its membership. “

The PDP pressure group recalled that, ahead of 2015 general election, a group of G5 Governors emerged from PDP known as New PDP led by His Excellency Alh. Atiku Abubakar GCON former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) which then frustrated PDP campaigns and caused the defeat of PDP at the 2015 presidential polls in Nigeria which is why the unfortunate President Buhari led Federal Government happened to Nigerians from 2015 to 2023.

It equally said, “In 2016, PDP100% in collaboration with His Excellency Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi- led National Caretaker Committee to rebrand PDP to be what ought to be ahead of future elections beginning from 2019, we mobilized like minds across Nigeria to uphold the vision and mission of PDP in Nigeria with our motto “100% Loyalty Pays”.

“We stood by Senator Makarfi- led Caretaker committee to legally dislodge former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff who was appointed PDP National Chairman in 2016 and later became a thorn in the PDP flesh up to Supreme Court and PDP won.

“We contributed to rebranding of PDP during the 2017 PDP National Elective Convention in various capacities including publicity subcommittee with our sweats

I tried to save him but was attacked with cutlass – Grandfather

Mrs Mariam Israel, mother of the 15-month-old baby, who was burnt to death by hoodlums that invaded Egan Oriomi, a riverine community in Otto Awori Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Ojo, Lagos, on Saturday, yesterday said she was prevented from saving the child.

Vanguard gathered that five persons out of the 12 suspects arrested on Monday in connection with the invasion have been released.

The weekend’s attack on the community led to the burning of 15 houses, 10 persons shot and scores of others among whom was a nonagenarian, inflicted with deep machete cuts on his body, by hoodlums alleged to have been hired by some politicians over a lingering kingship tussle.

The bereaved mother, who is yet to come to terms with the death of her baby, spoke to Vanguard, during a visit to Femi Falana’s law firm in Ikeja, alongside other affected members of the community, about how the tragedy occurred.

She said in tears: “My husband is a bricklayer. He went for site work in Surulere that fateful day. Before Saturday, we had been seeing strange faces in the community. Some persons in the community alerted the Police. I also called my husband to inform him of the strange faces because there had been rumour of an imminent attack. He told me to take our two children inside.

“They started shooting about 11 p.m., on Friday. Again, I called my husband to inform him. By then, my baby, Emmanuel, was sleeping with his elder sister.

“By midnight, they started hitting the wall of the room. The next thing I saw was a flame of fire and the smoke covered the entire building. In my confused state, I carried only one of the children and ran out, thinking I would go back to pick up the other child.

“By the time I got outside, I started shouting for help. They prevented everyone from entering the building to save my baby. I kept hearing the cry of my baby until it fainted. The next time I saw my baby, he had been roasted to death.

“They burnt everything, leaving my family bare. I only ran out of a wrapper. Every day, my girl kept asking after Emmanuel.

“ I need justice for my baby, who was killed horribly. Nigerians, please, help me beg Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to come to our aid. They want to silence us because they feel we are poor, voiceless and helpless. Those who sent the hoodlums are politicians who feel we don’t know anyone in the government.”

On his part, her father-in-law, Mr Akinsanya Taofiq, said: “I tried my best to save my grandson. I live in the same community with my son. But on that day, I decided to spend the night with his family because of the strange faces roaming the community.

“When my daughter-in-law raised the alarm that her baby was inside, I attempted to rush inside to save him. But they attacked me with cutlasses, even when I begged them to consider the baby. One of my sons, who came to rescue me from their grips had his skull smashed with a bottle.”