AFOLABI

AFOLABI

A former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George has slammed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
 
He warned Sanwo-Olu to halt the harassment of traders by officials and security agents in the state.
 
 
The elder statesman, in an open letter to the governor, stated that Lagos traders are not terrorists, adding that while Lagos is known as the Centre of Excellence, the traders are not being treated excellently by some security agents and government officials daily.
 
Recall that, due to the state environmental law which bans street trading, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials often arrest and confiscate the wares of traders who display their goods on roadsides or sell in traffic.
 
“Apart from lamenting the multiple levies they pay to councils and being subjected to extortion most horrendously by some thugs and rough-necks, they are also harassed and flogged like criminals,” George said.
 
The PDP leader, who stated that street trading has been part of the culture and tradition of Lagos for decades, where he was born, explained that many professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers, and accountants were financed educationally by what their parents made through street trading.
 
He added that in London, New York, and other advanced cities, there is street trading.
 
In the letter, George noted that some traders and hawkers stay on the roadside where they pay government officials daily due to the harsh and hostile economy in the land, as they cannot afford a shop costing as high as N1 million.
 
“What authorities in those climes do is to regulate street trading, not subject traders to despicable treatment.
 
“In the 21st century, it is an act of wickedness for government officials to treat street traders like bandits and terrorists in Lagos State.
 
“Where is our dignity? Why should officials subject them to harrowing experiences daily?
 
“They are not armed robbers, and they should not be treated as such. It is despicable to treat street traders like terrorists. They are just trying to survive, and Lagos is not the only place where we have street traders,” he said.
Nollywood actress, Doris Simeon has recounted her child custody battle with ex-husband Daniel Ademinokan.
 
Recall that she married Daniel in 2008 and welcomed a son David before they parted ways three years later.
 
 
In an interview on the Talk To B podcast, the film star stated that her ex-husband took their son to US without her consent.
 
She stated: “Daniel taking our son to the United States without my consent”.
 
“I might have had my faults, but he also had his faults too. That is why I said I did not feel anything when he got married, but the only painful part is that he did not let me mother my child.
 
“He took my son away without my consent, he was just 4 years old when he came to the US. My child was 3 when I mothered him last. He was not picking up my calls, and when he picked up, he would tell me ‘I would call back, I am busy’, and then maybe for another 3 to 4 months, I wouldn’t get through.
 
“Finally when I got through, he said it was a work related stuff and he did not even know he was going to travel. I eventually got to talk to my son and he was excited, asking me when I was coming. After that I waited for him, at least he would let me know and then we started all the court processing because of all the lies.
 
“I was on this court case for like four years, if not five. Sometimes I would wake up in the morning, and drive to the court on the Island. At the end of all the court cases and everything, they gave him custody, saying that because he lives in America. That is how bad our government has been.”
Following severe hardship and hunger as a result of policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu, some Nigerians have begged former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to come to their rescue.
 
Some Nigerians urged him to emulate the US President-elect, Donald Trump and make a political comeback in 2027.
 
 
Recall that Trump, who lost his re-election bid in 2020, is set to return to the White House after winning the just concluded presidential election in the US.
 
Trump of the Republican Party, who was the US President from 2016 to 2020, beat the incumbent vice president, Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party, to emerge as the 47th president of the US.
 
The development was termed one of the biggest political comebacks in the history of America.
 
Goodluck Jonathan took to his X handle on Sunday to congratulate the US President-elect, describing the victory as impressive.
 
He wrote, “Dear President Trump, I extend my warmest felicitations to you on your election as the 47th President of the United States.
 
“Your impressive victory is a testament to the American people’s faith in your leadership and vision for the future.
 
“I am optimistic that your presidency will not only advance the American dream but also promote the cause for global peace, stability and progress. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations once again.”
 
However, Nigerians stormed the comment section of the post to demand his return to the Aso Rock, apparently in the 2027 election.
 
 
Some of the commenters urged Jonathan, who also lost his re-election bid in 2015, to return to power and savage the nation from the economic hardship currently bedeviling the citizens.
 
Here are some of the comments as compiled by DAILY POST.
 
@AdamuHa93221616: “OGA Nigerians are sorry for not listening to you at that time. You know that time we don’t know what you saw. Oga life is hard now very well oh.
 
“We don’t know whether you go gree to finish your tenure in 2027 or you mentor Peter Obi and Atiku to come recuse us.”
 
“@Mrklassiq_: “Look at the way Donald Trump fought with Elon to retrieve America from those wolves , but you will be doing “if you can beat them, join them.” Put your house in order and retrieve Nigeria. You owe”.
 
@Knightsurge211: “Sir, you still have one more term to serve Nigeria. Nigerians will massively vote you back in. It will be too big for Inec and Mahmood to rig. God bless you, and God bless Nigeria.”
 
@TheodoreBassil: “See your mate going back to save their country. Imagine you came back to save our country. But ‘mbanu’, you flee like a minor. GEJ, no matter how you avoid this, the truth remains that your fear brought us here.”
 
@Victorviri: “Please @GEJonathan … Learn from Donald Trump’s victory. Nigeria has had their shares of bad luck since you left and things are getting worse. If Peter Obi can’t do it, you can. We need a Saviour, this suffering is too much.”
 
@manueldacreator: “You owe Nigerians and the entire youths the mandate to run again for the president of Nigeria. Please, sir save us please.”

Some suspects who were arrested for stealing aviation fuel from the Aerotan Hanger tank at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, have allegedly offered a N500,000 bribe to influence the investigation and prevent prosecution.

The suspects were arrested with a Honda salon car conveying fifty jerry cans of the fuel popularly known as Jet A1 by Sani and his men. 

The police, however, rejected the bribe. 

The spokesperson for the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Daramola Kazeem disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The statement commended the police DPO and his team for rejecting the bribe brought forward by the suspects to evade being prosecuted.

 

The statement read, “The Divisional Police officer of the Airport Division of Abuja, SP Umar Sani and his team have arrested one Murtala Abdulahi 46 years old with a Honda salon car with Registration number LAGOS GGE 680 EL conveying fifty jerry cans of aviation fuel popularly known as Jet A1.

“The arrest was made possible when on routine patrol at the Airport landside when the vehicle was flagged down for routine checks in the middle of the night at about 0300hrs of 06/11/2024.

“The JET 1 according to the suspects was siphoned from Aerotan Hanger tank at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

"His confession led to the arrest of other conspirators, Abdulahi Jibril 26 years, Kabiru Hassan 25 years and Habibu Abdulrahaman 42 years in other parts of Abuja.

“The Commissioner of of Police in charge of Airport Command, CP Aminu Baba Raji psc has commended the DPO and his team for rejecting the bribe of Five hundred thousand naira (N500,000,00) brought forward by the suspects to evade being prosecuted.

“He said the rejection aligns with the ethos of the Nigeria Police as led by the zero corruption tolerant Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NPM PhD. 

“The product which street value is put at about Two million naira has been impounded while investigation is about concluding to enable arraignment of suspects in court.”

King West, the son of renowned Lagos transport leader MC Oluomo, has sparked reactions on social media after posting a photo of his father with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

The image, which King West posted on his Instagram story, captures MC Oluomo standing with President Tinubu in a setting adorned with Nigerian flags.

Accompanying the photo, King West wrote, “Nah the country we dey control now, no be only Lagos again,” signaling a perceived increase in influence that goes beyond Lagos State.

King West’s statement comes shortly after his father, MC Oluomo, assumed the role of National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), a prominent position within Nigeria's transportation sector.

In another caption, King West affectionately referred to his father as "The Beast" and expressed pride in his father's achievements.

South African singer, Tyla, shone brightly at the 30th MTV Europe Music Awards in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday, scooping three trophies.

She fought off competition from Nigerian stars Asake, Tems, Rema, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr to win the Best Afrobeats Artist award.

She also won the Best African Act gong, defeating Ayra Starr, Asake, DBN Gogo, TitoM & Yuppe and Diamond Platnumz.

 

Tyla won her third award for the night; Best R&B Artist ahead of American superstars Kehlani, SZA, Tinashe, Usher and Victoria Monét.

She wrapped up the beautiful night with an acoustic performance of her hit song ‘Water.’

Meanwhile, Nigerian songstress Ayra Starr lost all her four nominations – Best African Act, Best New Artist, Best Afrobeats Artist and Best Push.

Earlier this year, Tyla defeated Nigerian artists to win the maiden Best African Music Performance category at the Grammys. She also won the Best Afrobeats Artist category ahead of Nigerian artists at the 2024 MTV Music Video Awards.

Governor-elect of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Fred Itua as his new Chief Press Secretary.

Okpebholo will be sworn in as the new Edo State Governor on Tuesday, November 12th.

Itua’s appointment which will take effect on November 12, 2024, marks the first official designation of the incoming administration.

Itua, a distinguished journalist with extensive experience, previously served as the Assistant Political Editor at The Sun newspaper.

His expertise and commitment to high standards in journalism and public communication will be valuable assets to the new administration as it prepares to deliver on its mandate for the people of Edo State.

The appointment underscores Senator Okpebholo’s commitment to fostering transparent and effective communication within his administration.

Monday, 11 November 2024 08:43

NDIC Begins Sale of Heritage Bank Assets

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC has announced plans to auction assets belonging to defunct Heritage Bank.
 
These assets include landed properties and physical assets.
 
 
Bashir Nuhu, Director of Communication & Public Affairs at NDIC, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
 
Recall that on June 3, the Central Bank of Nigeria revoked the license of Heritage Bank over weak financial stability.
 
The NDIC, acting as the liquidator of Heritage Bank, will oversee the sale across 36 locations from 4 December.
 
“The sale of landed assets is by competitive bidding and will take place at the 36 affected locations of the bank across the country, from Wednesday 4th December, 2024.
 
“Buyers who wish to participate in the auction are expected to follow laid down guidelines aimed at ensuring transparency, fair competition, equity and accountability to enable recovery of commensurate values from the exercise.
 
“This is vital for the payment of liquidation dividends to eligible claimants,” the statement read.
 
It also said that prospective buyers, including financial institutions, corporate bodies, and private individuals, are invited to participate in a competitive bidding process.
 
According to the statement, the sale extends to both the landed properties and chattels of Heritage Bank, with assets available for inspection before auction.
 
Furthermore, the NDIC will give preference to financial institutions willing to acquire properties and maintain operations at these sites, a move intended to sustain local access to financial services in areas previously served by the bank.
 
As of August, the NDIC said it has since reimbursed about 82.36 per cent of the total insured deposit to date.
 
Depositors with balances above N5 million received the insured amount, while the corporation promised to pay the remaining uninsured balances as liquidation dividends once the bank’s assets are recovered and debts settled.

President Bola Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has taken a swipe at the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, referring to him as a sore loser who undermines Tinubu's administration.

Onanuga’s comments come in response to Atiku’s recent statements condemning the administration’s economic direction and proposing alternative reforms.

In May, Atiku had stated that Nigeria's economy has deteriorated under Tinubu, falling short of the high expectations held by citizens. He accused the President of implementing a "cocktail of policies" without clear plans to achieve the economic transformation promised during his campaign. Earlier this month, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) outlined reforms he would have prioritized if he were president.

In a statement on Sunday, , November 10, Onanuga dismissed Atiku’s criticisms, asserting that they lack “realistic alternatives.” He argued that the Tinubu administration has made substantial progress, particularly in revenue generation, and expected commendation from Atiku for these achievements.

“We expect Atiku to commend what the Tinubu administration has done concerning revenue generation for the Federation,
” Onanuga said. “Without factoring in oil sales, revenue proceeds generated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service almost doubled in the first half of 2024, compared with the level Tinubu met in 2023.”


Onanuga added that state and local governments have benefited from these economic gains. “The states and councils are more prosperous because of it, as many states have increased the minimum wage for their workers to between N70,000 and N85,000,” he noted.

In reference to Tinubu’s controversial removal of the fuel subsidy, Onanuga argued that Atiku has not criticized this policy, acknowledging its necessity. “Notably, while Atiku peddles his economic fantasies, he has yet to denounce President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy because he knows that the reform was necessary and correct. We can only urge him to purge himself of the petty, derisive politics of a sore loser,” Onanuga stated.

Onanuga further claimed that Atiku has focused on undermining Tinubu’s administration instead of addressing issues within his own party. “Since his defeat in the last election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shown more interest in undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu than in addressing his party’s implosion. We suspect he is envious of Tinubu’s position — an office he has unsuccessfully sought six times.”

Finally, he questioned Atiku’s understanding of Nigeria’s economic realities, stating, “Atiku’s economic analysis demonstrates a significant misunderstanding of Nigeria’s realities. His narrative, ‘What We Would Have Done Differently,’ indicates an inability to engage with the pressing economic realities being revitalized multidimensionally under President Tinubu’s leadership.”

Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the 'Obidient Movement,' expressed confidence in Peter Obi's potential to become Nigeria's president in 2027.

Tanko, who spoke during a symposium in Onitsha, Anambra State, noted that the Labour Party candidate was denied victory in 2023 due to alleged electoral malpractice but affirmed that the movement would be better prepared for the next election cycle.

 

Speaking at the one-day event, titled “Repositioning the Obidient Movement for Greater Impact,” organized by the Obidient Movement and Anambra State Support Groups, Tanko outlined the movement’s renewed focus on mobilization, structure, and youth empowerment. He stressed that a “new Nigeria” is within reach if citizens choose leaders committed to good governance and accountability.

“We are dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability,” Tanko said. “Obi has the potential to emerge as president in 2027 if we organize ourselves properly. We will ensure that our agents are thoroughly trained and prepared before the 2027 general election.”

Tanko emphasized that the movement aims to build a strong foundation for fair and credible elections. Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he noted that while critics accused the Labour Party of lacking political structure, Obi still garnered substantial support. However, Tanko claimed that electoral malpractice prevented a fair outcome.

“This time, history will not repeat itself. We will prepare thoroughly,” he assured the audience.

The symposium also highlighted the Obidient Movement’s plan to advocate for electoral reform through legislative efforts and public mobilization.

Tanko explained that they would bring their proposals to the National Assembly and rally public support in favor of fair electoral practices, both in the courts and on the streets.

“Even the North is dissatisfied with the current government,” he said. “We are committed to making a tangible impact by empowering Nigerian youths and advocating for justice, equity, and meaningful change.”

The Obidient Movement’s commitment, Tanko noted, is to establish a Nigeria where the power of the people is respected and where the right leadership can bring about genuine transformation for all citizens.