President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that a comprehensive forensic audit of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is underway, while a thorough overhaul of the Civil Service payroll is imminent.
He revealed this during an audience with the President of the World Bank, Mr. Ajay Banga on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement issued on Friday night by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) quoted him as saying :
”A comprehensive forensic audit is on-going at the Central Bank. We are going to do very serious structural review of the Civil Service payroll. I can’t believe in the numbers I’m seeing and I’ve had that experience before at the state level.
”The reforms are in tandem with Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business programme. We’ll block all financial loopholes. The reforms will be targeted at the way we work, change of attitude and equally on educating our people. It’s costly but we will do it.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s resilience and intellectual prowess, the President implored the Bretton Woods institution to view the country as a significant player within the global community, not solely as a struggling economy.
‘‘We stand as a vibrant and educated society, seeking to avert chaos through strategic interventions. Your proactive engagement aligns with our quest for partnership, and together, we shall pursue mutual benefits that enrich us all,’’ he said.
On poverty alleviation, the President called for more increased support from the World Bank, expressing optimism for a productive collaboration between Nigeria and the World Bank that will lead to mutual benefits and sustainable progress.
He also discussed the ongoing efforts to address issues such as subsidy removal, foreign exchange mismanagement, exchange rates, inflation, liquidity, and debt management.
President Tinubu also shared insights into his administration’s substantial reforms, including those aimed at consolidating improvements in Nigeria’s oil industry, enhancing the Ease of Doing Business, and prioritizing security to boost the country’s revenue generation.
The President pointed out the importance of electricity generation for economic development, highlighting the turning of sod earlier today on the first phase (350MW) of the 1,350MW power generation project in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
While Nigerians were still trying to come to terms with the nomination of Maryam Shetty, a young and relatively unknown politician from Kano State, as a minister, her shocking replacement few hours to her screening has set tongues wagging on the intriguing power play that precipitated the unfolding process, Daily Trust Saturday reports.
Shetty entered into national limelight when her name was one of the 19-man list submitted by President Bola Tinubu in his second batch of ministerial nominees after the conclusion of the screening of the first batch. But the president shocked Nigerians on Friday with another correspondence to the Senate, informing them of two additional ministerial nominees and the withdrawal of Maryam Shetty.
The Kano nominee was replaced with Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, a former Commissioner for Higher Education in Kano State. Also, Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Minister of State for Labour and spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council during the presidential election, was included among the ministerial nominees. His absence on the previous lists had also raised some dusts.
However, the scenario that played out on Friday, leading to the announcement of the withdrawal of Shetty as a ministerial nominee, shocked many. This was because few minutes before the news of her removal came through, a short video of her at the National Assembly for screening had surfaced on the social media.
Daily Trust Saturday confirmed the authenticity of the video from one of her associates, who said he was with her at the National Assembly for the screening when they heard of the development. The associate, who spoke in confidence, said Shetty was shocked with the news and immediately for her home.
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Shetty could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report as calls to her known line was not connecting, while a message sent to her via iMessage was marked delivered but has not been responded to.
The power play
Daily Trust Saturday confirmed from multiple sources that the immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who on Thursday emerged as the new national chairman of the ruling APC, nominated Bunkure, his former commissioner to replace Shetty.
Ganduje’s associates told our correspondent that the real power play that led to the swapping of Shetty with Bunkure is that she does not belong to the political family of the former governor. It was suspected that her name was “smuggled” into the list by a senior member of the presidency.
It was gathered that Ganduje was informed that the slot Shetty used to make the list should have gone to him; hence he was asked to nominate a replacement. This is more so as the other nominee from Kano, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, is Tinubu’s associate from their days in the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Thus, after Ganduje emerged as the national chairman of the party on Thursday at the party’s 12th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and got the information that the president had been ‘misled’ in nominating Shetty, he started the process of “righting the wrongs,” his associates said.
The president was surprised that the nomination of Shetty did not come from Ganduje, one of the sources said, adding that “the people that nominated her showed a picture she took with the former Kano governor to the president to make it look like she was in his group”.
On the manner in which the replacement was communicated, one of the associates of Ganduje said it was the president’s way of communicating to those that “smuggled” Shetty’s name into the list to know that he was in charge and was not happy.
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“It was also to communicate that the national chairman has the hearing ears of the president, and it is a warning to whoever smuggled her name into the list,” he said.
Kano is one of the strategic states the ruling party hopes to regain, and with the breakdown in talks with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) controls Kano, analysts said Tinubu may have concluded on consolidating his push for the state through the Ganduje camp.
However, sources close to Shetty said that aside the insinuation that the young politician was reportedly nominated by the chief of staff to the president, another reason Ganduje sought and secured her replacement was because she had been vocal in the past against some of his policies when he held sway as governor, including the controversial deposition of former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi.
“Perhaps the insinuation that she was nominated by the chief of staff gained momentum because Shetty is Abuja-based although she is from Kano. This might be the reason the Kano APC family was not happy with her nomination.
“Another reason is that she is close with former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi and she was very vocal against his removal. You know she is very popular on social media, where she champions several causes, including women’s rights,” one of her associates in Kano who asked not to be named, told Daily Trust Saturday.
How Bunkure got the nod ahead of other bigwigs
While Bunkure served in the Ganduje administration, Daily Trust Saturday gathered that she was not among top contenders for the ministerial list. She got the nod ahead of other strong contenders because Tinubu made his intention to have a certain number of females in his cabinet clear.
“Oga (Ganduje) was informed by the president that he would prefer the replacement of Shetty to be a woman so as to meet his target number for female representation in his cabinet. This is why Bunkure got the nod at the last minute. Although she is close to the family, there were stronger contenders, but all of them are male, so oga picked her,” an associate of the APC national chairman said.
Bunkure is a medical doctor and contemporary of Shetty. Some of their associates also said both could be described as friends as they were classmates throughout junior secondary school and were both at Bayero University’s Faculty of Medicine at the same time, where Bunkure read Medicine and Surgery and Shetty read Physiotherapy.
While Shetty made name for herself through her social activism, Bunkure became popular as a commissioner in the second term of Ganduje. She is a friend to Amina Ganduje, one of the daughters of the former governor. It was believed that Amina influenced her appointment as commissioner.
Shetty’s nomination, replacement set social media agog
Daily Trust Saturday reports that since her nomination on Wednesday, Shetty’s name has been one of the most mentioned across the social media like Facebook and Twitter (X). While many were querying her choice based on her youthfulness and political power play in Kano, others celebrated her nomination as a hope for youths in the Tinubu administration. But on Friday after her name was withdrawn, Twitter users more or less queued behind her to register their shock.
Sanusi Dantata wrote, “This situation is sad. She doesn’t deserve this emotional roller coaster. I had not heard her name until her nomination; I pity her. May this be the best for her and our country, Ameen!”
A former aide to Ganduje and gubernatorial candidate in the last election, Salihu Tanko Yakasai wrote, “I pity Maryam Shetty, irrespective of whether she is qualified to be a minister or not. I blame the process that nominated her and withdrew her name. This is embarrassing. She might never recover from this humiliation.”
A supporter of the NNPP in Kano, Hassan Sani (Noble Hassan) tweeted, “This is disappointing. Irrespective of party differences and what we thought of Maryam Shetty’s nomination, I think it is vile to subject her to this national embarrassment. I hope she gets something good.”
Akin Akinwale also tweeted, “The removal of Maryam Shetty’s name shares the top spot for worst political heartbreaks, along with David Lyon’s disqualification.”
Dawood Abubakar tweeted, “The youths’ response to Maryam Shetty’s ministerial nomination indicates that we might not be prepared for the change we claim to seek. Although we advocate more youth and women in the system, the narrative quickly shifts when someone unfamiliar to us is nominated.”
A social commentator, Gimba Kakanda also tweeted, “Maryam Shetty is a dedicated frontline party loyalist. The decision that led to her replacement had absolutely nothing to do with social media outrage in some quarters.
“This change is likely for the best for her, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Japhet Omojuwa (JJ Omojuwa) wrote, “The president shouldn’t have called her to withdraw the nomination, anyone else could have done that on his behalf. She now deserves his personally delivered apology. She didn’t nominate herself. No one deserves to be so humiliated.”
The security committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), made up of Military Chiefs from various countries, announced on Friday their decision to prioritize diplomacy in handling the ongoing political turmoil in Niger.
The decision came after a two-day meeting involving Chiefs of Defence Staff from Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Cote’Divoire, Cabo Verde and the Republic of Benin.
Notably, representatives from Mali, Niger, Guinea, and Burkina Faso were absent.
Presided over by Gen. Christopher Musa, President of ECOWAS Military Chiefs, the meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen diplomatic efforts and prioritize dialogue and negotiation in resolving the crisis in Niger, as stated by Gen. Musa during a press briefing.
Musa said, “It has been an honour to preside over this extraordinary meeting on the situation of the recent coup in the Niger Republic as the President of this honourable committee of the CDS of ECOWAS States.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your insightful contributions, thoughtful deliberations, and unwavering commitment to the cause of peace and stability in our region.
“Throughout our discussions, we have collectively recognized the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response. The deliberations have been marked by a spirit of unity, cooperation and determination to address the challenges at hand.
“We have examined the immediate implications of the coup on the Niger Republic and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region. We have also deliberated on the broader implications for democracy, peace, and stability in West Africa.
“I am pleased to note that our discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations. We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security, and diplomatic dimensions.
“It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that can effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.
“Firstly, we must emphasize the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. The coup in the Niger Republic represents a blatant disregard for these fundamental principles that underpin our regional integration and stability. We must unequivocally condemn such actions and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to democracy.
“Secondly, we must strengthen our regional security architecture and enhance our collective response to security challenges. The coup in the Niger Republic has highlighted the fragility of our region and the need for a robust and proactive security framework.
“We must enhance intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and capacity-building initiatives among our defence and security forces to effectively combat threats to our collective security and enhance interoperability.
“Thirdly, we must intensify our diplomatic efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders. Dialogue and negotiation should be at the forefront of our approach to resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
“We must engage with the transitional authorities, civil society organizations, and other key actors to foster an inclusive and peaceful transition process.”
ECOWAS made it clear that they’re committed to preventing unconstitutional power changes in the region.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah remarked that the recent trend of successful and unsuccessful military coups, estimated to be eight to nine in the last three years, has put the region’s democratic stability at risk.
Musah stressed the urgency of addressing this situation, mentioning that all ECOWAS member states were governed by democratically elected presidents just three years ago, but the threat of military takeovers has increased lately.
He reminded that the defence chiefs’ meeting was guided by the Protocol relating to the mechanism for conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping and security, which was adopted in 1999 and universally accepted by all member states in 2001.
Musah said, “Respected chiefs of defence staff of our region, this is a clarion call to you. This is a test of the will of our militaries to demonstrate that we have a democratically minded military whose responsibility is the protection of the state.
“So the diplomacy is being given a chance to succeed and like we said, the military option is the very last on the table. And if we can avoid that, a peaceful resolution is our preferred option but we have to prepare for all eventualities.
“The time has come again for ECOWAS to show that we are a rules-based organisation, we are rule-based countries; we cannot allow the rule by the Ballot Box to be replaced by the rule of Kalashnikovs.”
President Bola Tinubu has said a comprehensive forensic audit of the Central Bank is underway, adding that a thorough overhaul of the civil service payroll was imminent.
He added that his administration was going to block all financial loopholes to make the country more attractive to foreign investors.
The President disclosed this during an audience with the President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as disclosed in a statement by his Special Adviser of Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
‘’A comprehensive forensic audit is ongoing at the Central Bank. We are going to do a very serious structural review of the civil service payroll. I cannot believe in the numbers I’m seeing and I’ve had that experience before at the state level.
‘’The reforms are in tandem with Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business programme. We’ll block all financial loopholes. The reforms will be targeted at the way we work, change of attitude and equally on educating our people. It’s costly but we will do it,’’ he said.
He also requested the World Bank’s support in addressing the challenges posed by the removal of cross-sectoral subsidies, particularly in lessening the impact on less privileged Nigerians.
Highlighting Nigeria’s resilience and intellectual prowess, the President implored the Bretton Woods institution to view the country as a significant player within the global community, not solely as a struggling economy.
‘‘We stand as a vibrant and educated society, seeking to avert chaos through strategic interventions. Your proactive engagement aligns with our quest for partnership, and together, we shall pursue mutual benefits that enrich us all,’’ he said.
He also discussed the ongoing efforts to address issues such as subsidy removal, foreign exchange mismanagement, exchange rates, inflation, liquidity, and debt management.
Actress Peju Johnson has said that she is looking forward to getting married and having kids.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “I cannot stay without getting married. I want to be married. I love love, kids and family. I want them all. These days, it is not easy to find a good man, and many marriages are falling apart. However, I still believe that there is a man out there for me that I will grow old with.”
Reacting to the issue of single mothers celebrating themselves on Fathers’ Day, Johnson said, “Being a single mother is not an easy task. Single mothers are strong, and they are really trying. They are doing what two people are supposed to do. So, they should be allowed to celebrate themselves, because they deserve it.”
Addressing people who feel that even if a parent abandons their kids, the children will still look for that parent in the future, the actress said, “The fact that it works for one person does not mean it would work for others. A lot of parents that abandoned their children are suffering in their old age, simply because they were not there for their children. Parents need to fulfill their responsibilities to their children.”
Asked if she could take back a partner that had abandoned her and her children, she said, “Yes, I can. But, that is if I have not moved on with another man. It is not easy though, but I can accept him back to father his children. Also, I would be doing it for the kids, and not for him or me. Every child needs their father. However, if I had moved on, I would only accept him for co-parenting; just so the children can have their father in their lives.”
Painting a picture of her ideal man, Johnson said, “My ideal man must be loving, dark-complexioned, caring, a good listener, kind, and a man that knows God.”
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that his first grandchild died at a federal government hospital in 2019.
Akpabio made disclosure on Friday during the screening of the Lagos state ministerial nominee, Dr Tunji Alausa.
Akpabio said that he lost his grandchild to medical negligence and dereliction of duty at a federal medical center.
According to him, the deceased bled to death after the drip he was receiving finished in the middle of night and there was no medical worker around to attend to him.
His words: “Like every other person, I have been a victim of medical neglect. I lost my first grandchild in 2019 in a federal medical centre.
“He died through bleeding. He was receiving drip and it was tissued in the night. There was no help, no doctor, no nurse.
“He bled until he lost over 60 percent of his blood and was almost going mental, he struggled and fell on the floor., he was looking for water to drink.
“He rolled on the floor outside and entered the early morning dew, and poured the dew all over his body, and that was where they found him.”
Akpabio said his grandchild was found the next morning in a coma and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
“By that time, he had gone into a coma. I was on my way to Port Harcourt for the 2019 rally when they called me.
“I entered there and struggled with the doctor to revive him. They went and brought a defibrillator to attempt to revive the heart, but it did not work.”
The Senate President said he gathered that the defibrillator stopped working eight years ago.
“I used my hand and struggled with my personal physician, I could not revive him. I had to close his eyes and put him in the mortuary,” he said
Amidst ongoing controversies trailing the launch of the new national carrier, Nigeria Air, fresh indications have emerged that the airline will commence flight operations in October this year.
This development was disclosed by Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, in an interview with Bloomberg TV.
The new carrier was first unveiled in 2018 during Farnborough International Airshow, London.
However, in May 2023, Nigeria’s former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, launched Nigeria Air 48 hours before the end of his administration with an aircraft.
This development created a significant uproar nationwide.
However, Tasew during the interview said: “The airline will begin operation with two wide-bodied planes and six narrow-bodied aircraft.
“We are eager to see the airline start flying and connecting the local market to the international market.
“Ethiopian Airlines will manage the operation. It is a proven model and the objective is to enable Nigeria to have a flag carrier.
“The prime objective is to enable Nigeria to have an air carrier. Ethiopian Airlines will have a management contract. Effectively, Ethiopian Airlines will manage Nigeria Air to be successful.
“We own a 49 percent stake in the airline, the Nigerian government five percent together while other institutional investors own the rest.”
Mr Tasew expressed optimism based on the size of the Nigerian economy and the potential inherent in it.
Meanwhile, a breakdown of the ownership of the airlines shows that, Ethiopian Airlines own 49 percent, the Federal government five percent, 46 percent by Nigerian private investors, including SAHCO, MRS and other institutional investors.
Tragedy struck in Laoso camp, Ondo town, Ondo State, as a son of a traditionalist, identified as Tunde Akinmoyewa, was shot dead by his friend, Bode, while testing the potency of a bulletproof charm placed on him.
Meanwhile, Police in the state said that the deceased was an ex-convict and cult members while the suspected killer is also a cultist.
Reports had it that the friends were trying to fortify themselves ahead of the yearly Ogun festival in the town.
Vanguard gathered that his friend was asked to test the potency of the charm put on the victim by shooting him with a Dane gun.
An eyewitness said: “It was unbelievable, because such charms never failed before. But this very day, this particular one failed and caused the death of the 27 years old son of a traditionalist in the camp.
“It was around 6:45p.m. at the Laoso camp in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state, when a friend of Tunde volunteered to test the charm on him after drinking some bullet-repelling concoction.
“A native doctor, who reportedly prepared the charm, had assured them that they could not die from gunshots.
“To test the potency of the charms, Tunde was said to have told his friend to shoot him. Immediately Tunde’s friend fired the Dane gun at him, he fell and died instantly.
“He was confirmed dead at the hospital he was rushed to by others who were at the scene. The friend fled after the incident and before the villagers arrived the scene.”
Contacted, the state police commands spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, said that the victim was an ex-convict and cult member.
Odunlami said that the suspect, who shot the victim, is one of the deceased’s boys.
According to her, they were testing “a locally-made gun believed to be newly procured. He was shot and he died while being taken to the hospital for medical attention.”
The police imagemaker added that Tunde’s remains had been deposited at the morgue while efforts were in top gear to arrest the fleeing suspect.
About 1.2 million candidates registered for the on-going 2023 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), the National Examinations Council (NECO) has said.
The Registrar/Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this in Jos Plateau State, according to a statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani on Friday while monitoring the conduct of the examination in some Schools.
Wushishi informed of this figure, 601,074 candidates are male while 584,814 are female.
He expressed satisfaction with the general conduct of the 2023 SSCE based on reports obtained from across the country.
The Registrar said the 2023 SSCE, which would be concluded next week, was the best organised in recent years.
Wushishi stated various measures have been put in place to check examination malpractices, adding that the measures have started yielding positive results.
The Registrar who monitored the examination at Airforce Military School; King and Queens Academy and Emmanuel International College all in Jos, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination in these schools.
Prof. Wushishi had earlier monitored the conduct of the 2023 SSCE in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi States.
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin has remanded Esther Shehu and David Kpanaki at the federal correctional centre for allegedly conspiring to defraud Alhaji Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, owner of Kam Steel Nigeria limited of $400,000.
The defendants were brought to the court on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, screening an offender and obstruction.
The offences contravened sections 97, 322, 167 and 148 of the penal code law and 1(3) of Advance Fee Fraud/other related offences act cap A6.
Alhaji Yusuf had written a petition to the deputy registrar of the magistrate court, Ilorin in a direct complaint on July 18, 2023, through Tofa Ahmed & Co Solicitors & Advocates.
According to the Police First Information Report (FIR), one Ibrahim Tenimu Shehu and Jemima Monosoko Shehu, now at large conspired with Kpanaki, who identified himself as the director of Paz Oil, an alleged “fictitious company”, to fraudulently sell a vessel MT ORYX TRADER as MT REMOS to the petitioner.
“You dishonestly presented (that) the vessel (was) free and not subject to any administrative detention, knowing fully well that it is a subject of court order.
“You also used a 16year-old- daughter of one of you, Jemima Monosoko, as Executive Director and an in-law of a suspect as another Director to fraudulently sell the vessel to the petitioner”.
“On the account of fraudulent presentation by Tenimu and Jemima, you, Kpanaki made the petitioner to spend $400,000 in addition to the purchase price of the vessel and you all absconded”, the FIR submitted.
The charge sheet further added that when the suspects were later tracked by a team of Police operatives to Abuja for possible arrest, the second accused, Esther Shehu, obstructed the officers.
“You dishonesty called your accomplice who claimed to be the DPO of the jurisdiction who deceitfully spoke to the operatives to leave the premises, that the suspect Tenimu Shehu Ibrahim (at large), will meet them at the police station by 12pm but rather with help of Kpanaki, whisked him out in a Blue Tinted Toyota Corolla to an unknown destination”, the sheet added.
Prosecutor, Nasir Yusuf, in his submission, told the court that Esther and Kpanaki confessed to the allegation during investigation at the police headquarters, Ilorin.
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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Imo Command has sacked one of its officers for joining protesters on Wednesday in the special marshals regalia.
Sector Commander of the FRSC in Imo, Evaristus Ebeniro, a Corps Commander, who said this while addressing newsmen in Owerri, Imo State capital.
He matained that the officer had been de-marshaled and no longer an officer of the corps.
The Nation reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) embarked on a nationwide protest to register their displeasure with the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Ebeniro said that although the protester was a special marshal of the corps, he had since been de-marshaled and no longer holds a Special Marshals identity card.
He added that the protester was, whilst serving as a special marshal, summoned as a result of inactivity and lack of commitment to duties but absconded and was therefore de-marshaled in absentia in line with the rules of the corps.
He added that the protester was, whilst serving as a special marshal, summoned as a result of inactivity and lack of commitment to duties but absconded and was therefore de-marshaled in absentia in line with the rules of the corps.
“It is now confirmed that the protester who happened to be a unionist was once a special marshal.
“The Command hereby makes it categorically and unequivocally clear that the protester is no longer with the Corps and that he acted alone in that show of shame “, he said.
Just two days after the inclusion of Dr Maryam Shettima (Shetty)’s name on the ministerial nominees’ list submitted to the Senate on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu, on Friday surprisingly withdrew her and replaced her with that of Mariya Mahmoud.
The PUNCH reported on Thursday how Nigerians on social media reacted to Shetty’s nomination. While some praised the Kano State-born Shetty and Tinubu, some others blasted Tinubu for her nomination.
Here are five things to know about Maryam Shettima;
1. Her full name is Maryam Shettima Ibrahim, but popularly known as Maryam Shetty.
2. She was born April 8, 1979 (44 years old)
3. She is a political and social activist. She is a national leader of #WeBelieve, an APC support group.
4. She graduated from Bayero University, Kano, with a distinction in BSc Physiotherapy. She also has an MSc in Sports Physiotherapy from the University of East London.
5. She was once chosen to represent Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has expressed shock as most actresses in Nigeria have left their husbands.
Edochie spoke about the spate of failed marriages in Nollywood in a recent chat on the ‘WithChude’ podcast.
He also made reference to Chioma Akpotha, Ireti Doyle and Tonto Dikeh’s failed marriages.
The 76-year-old actor said most women make the mistake of thinking the grass is greener on the other side.
According to the ace actor, women should take their wedding vows seriously and remain in their marriages “for better or worse”.
Edochie also argued that “men and women are not equals in the home. In our culture, a man does not kneel to offer a ring to a woman”.
“If you come to our industry today, most of our girls who got married two or three years ago have all left their husbands,” he said.
“I was even shocked to hear that Chioma Chukwuka, Ireti Doyle, Tonto had also left.
“You know you take a vow when you are getting married for better or worse. Not for better for us but for better or worse.
“You will always think it is greener on the other side. That is the mistake that we all make.”
Edochie and his wife Josephine celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in October last year.
With several awards and recognition, the actor has established himself as a household name in the Nigerian movie industry.
President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking its support for military intervention against the military junta in the Niger Republic.
He also sought the backing of the legislature on the cutting off of electricity to the country.
The PUNCH had reported that Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was toppled by his guards.
Tinubu, Nigeria’s president and the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, had on Sunday met with some fellow ECOWAS leaders to discuss appropriate ways to restore democracy in Niger.
The leaders of the West African regional bloc met to discuss sanctions to be placed against the military personnel who toppled Bazoum on July 26, 2023.
The President’s letter read, “Political situation in Niger. Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected govt in a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique.”
The president further sought support for, “Military buildup and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.
“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.
“Cutting off Electricity supply to the Niger Republic, mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique.”
“Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic; Blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports,” he added.
Tinubu also told the Senate that the country was embarking on sensitisation of Nigerians and Nigeriens on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media.