Social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has disclosed how he obtained the controversial phone recording of cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

He said that he got the recording from someone whom Bobrisky owed money, as he submitted part of the recording to the committee investigating the allegation.

VeryDarkMan revealed this on Monday, when he presented himself before a House of Representatives panel investigating bribery allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Officials of the EFCC and the NCoS were present as the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions commenced an investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption levelled against the anti-graft agency and the prison service by the blogger.

Naija News reports that the blogger had earlier refused to speak after noticing that Bobrisky, who was also invited, had sent a lawyer and refused to make an appearance.

However, lawmakers countered the blogger’s submission, moved a motion compelling him to make an address on the subject matter of the voice recording which he released.

The blogger remained adamant, insisting that his lawyer would speak instead despite the committee’s threat to invoke legislative powers and order his arrest right away.

But his lawyer prevailed on him to address the committee.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, declared that the country is currently on the brink of a one-party dictatorship.

He, therefore, called on leaders of the opposition parties in the country to come together and form a coalition to prevent this from happening.

Atiku made the observation and call in a statement on Monday on the occasion of the nation’s 64th Independence anniversary celebration.

According to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the founding fathers of the country made great sacrifices to keep the country as one and the current generation must strive to live in unity as envisioned by the esteemed founders.

Atiku emphasized that the anniversary milestone is not merely a commemoration but a tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve of Nigerians who steadfastly believe in the potential of their homeland.

While congratulating the country for maintaining its longest democratic dispensation since its creation, the former Vice President voiced the need to prevent the nation’s democracy from slipping into authoritarianism.

“Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity,” he proclaimed.

“On this day, as we mark 64 years of nationhood, we take pride in the enduring establishment of democracy in Nigeria, highlighted by the longest period of democratic governance in our history.”

He added that, “While democracy has anchored our institutions in the principles of the rule of law, we have yet to achieve satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring elections that are genuinely free and fair.

“Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavors and those of subsequent generations.”

Atiku emphasized the need for opposition political parties to provide Nigerians with a credible opposition capable of steering the nation toward a promising future, even as he submitted that the current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly subject to the caprices of the ruling class.

“Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual. Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression,” Atiku declared.

Social media influencer, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has made his appearance at the National Assembly alongside his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

He is currently attending a session with the House of Representatives Joint Committee, which is investigating serious allegations of corruption involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS).

Also present before the committee are representatives from both the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Services, as well as Bobrisky’s lawyer, Avwerosuoghene Omuvwie.

However, Bobrisky, also known as Idris Okuneye, has not yet appeared in person. His lawyer is standing in for him in the proceedings.

When given the opportunity to speak, VeryDarkMan expressed his unwillingness to address the committee, citing Bobrisky’s absence: “Today, I will not say anything because an invitation was given out to me and Bobrisky. But he is not here.

“I don’t see why I will be here and he is not. So I won’t say anything, but my lawyer will.”

Naija News reports that this development follows a controversial audio recording shared by VeryDarkMan, in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have bribed EFCCofficials with ₦15 million to drop a money laundering charge against her.

Additionally, the audio suggested that Bobrisky never served her six-month prison sentence for Naira abuse, instead staying in an apartment.

Bobrisky has strongly denied these allegations and has threatened to take legal action.

In response to the back-and-forth between the two parties, the House of Representatives launched an inquiry into the EFCC and NCoS to investigate the claims.

The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has a message for Nigerians planning to leave the country to seek greener pastures abroad.

Speaking during a Sunday sermon in Port Harcourt, the pastor voiced his worries regarding the increasing number of young Nigerians, especially the youths, who are departing the nation, in pursuit of better opportunities overseas.

Kumuyi urged Nigerians in this category to reconsider the decision to leave the country. According to him, it often leads to feelings of regret in the future.

The phrase ‘JAPA’ (a street slang) is commonly used among Nigerians to refer to getting away, running off, or vanishing swiftly from a scenario, usually in a rushed and pressing way.

In his sermon, however, Kumuyi, highlighted that true prosperity awaits those seeking to ‘JAPA’ within their homeland, reassuring that the blessings of God are not limited to any particular place.

“Whatever nation you are born in, the goodness of the Lord will reach you there,” Kumuyi affirmed.

The cleric reflected on the experiences of many professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers, who sought opportunities abroad but soon discovered that life outside Nigeria was not as promising as they had imagined.

He added: “Doctors go there, engineers go there, lawyers go there, professionals go there, thinking they are escaping bad things. They believe they are heading to lands of opportunities and prosperity.

“As they got there, they discovered that even to pay house rent and to feed themselves and to school their children and to have a buoyant economy for themselves is difficult; they say it was better for me when I was in my country, and they are looking for ways to come back.”

Kumuyi admonished the citizens not to overlook the potential in their own country, stating, “Goodness will come to you here. You don’t have to run away; your prosperity and progress will come right here in Nigeria.”

The cleric’s message comes as part of a broader call for faith and resilience, urging Nigerians to trust in God’s plan for their future, no matter their challenges.

The UK has closed the chapter on its 142-year history of coal-fired power, marking a symbolic and pivotal moment in the global shift towards cleaner energy.

As of 30 September 2024, the nation’s last coal power plant was decommissioned, making the UK the first G7 country to eliminate coal from its energy mix.

This move, occurring in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, not only signals the end of an era but also reinforces the global momentum towards renewable energy sources, positioning solar and wind at the forefront of the future.

The closure comes as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries have collectively halved their coal generation since its peak in 2007, driven by the rise of solar and wind energy.

According to a report released on Monday by Ember, an energy think tank, “Coal generation in OECD countries has fallen by 52% since its peak in 2007. This dramatic decline has been largely attributed to renewable energy sources. Wind and solar were responsible for 87 per cent of the fall in coal during this period,” noted Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director at Ember.

According to the report, the UK is the 14th OECD country to achieve a coal-free power system, with the remaining OECD nations aiming for full phase-out by 2030.

Coal’s role in the UK energy mix has been shrinking for years. In 2012, coal made up 40 per cent of UK electricity generation, but by 2019, it was just 2 per cent, a figure that has now dropped to zero.

Jones highlighted the significance of this transition: “Once, coal power was a byword for industrial growth. Now clean energy is being used to drive industrial growth.”
The UK becomes the first G7 nation to exit coal-fired power, reports Sky News.

“The country has been burning coal to generate electricity since 1882, but the last remaining plant, in Nottinghamshire, is being decommissioned as capacity from clean alternatives has allowed it.

“The final coal-fired power station left in the UK will be shut down later on Monday amid the transition to renewable energy.

“The closure of the Uniper-owned Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire will bring to an end a 142-year history of burning fossil fuel to produce electricity in the country,” the agency reported.

Global Shift

The decline of coal in OECD countries is mirrored by similar movements globally, as emerging economies also pivot towards renewable energy. However, some countries have yet to see rapid declines.

Ember’s report noted that “Türkiye was the only OECD country to set a new coal power record in 2023.”

Meanwhile, nations like Japan and South Korea have seen only modest reductions in coal reliance.

Despite these outliers, the overall trend is clear: as Ember reports, “Three-quarters of OECD countries are targeting a coal phase-out by 2030.”

Renewable Future

As coal exits the stage, renewable energy sources are taking over. “The rapid growth of wind and solar energy is not only replacing coal but also preparing to meet the increase in electricity demand,” said Jones, referencing the rise in electric vehicles and heat pumps across OECD countries.

The UK’s final coal plant closure symbolises a crucial turning point in the global shift to cleaner energy. With solar and wind powering the future, coal’s role as a dominant energy source is quickly coming to an end.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, in an X post on Monday, also confirmed this.

“End of an era as Britain’s last coal-fired power plant shuts down. The UK’s 142-year history of coal-fired electricity ends as turbines at Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant in
Nottinghamshire stop for good,” ECIU UK posted.

PUNCH Online reports that Ember is an energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. Ember is the trading name of Sandbag Climate Campaign CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England & Wales #06714443. ‘Ember’ and ‘Sandbag’ are trademarks held at the United Kingdom and European Union Intellectual Property Offices.

Renewable, Clean Energy

Meanwhile, the G7 (Group of Seven) is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan. It meets annually to discuss global economic issues, international security, and policies related to trade, climate change, and other global challenges.

A renewable future refers to a shift towards energy systems powered primarily by renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, instead of fossil fuels. It represents a sustainable path to reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and securing long-term energy independence for economies worldwide.

Likewise, clean energy refers to energy produced from sources that do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. It plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainability, and supporting global efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) has destroyed the terrorist logistics base at Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

This is contained in a statement by the deputy director, public relations and information, NAF, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Ali said the operation was executed following credible intelligence indicating huge presence of terrorists and their weapons cache in the Yadi Forest.

He said the intensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance confirmed the consistent presence of terrorists and their motorcycles at the location.

According to him, additional intelligence revealed that the logistics base belonged to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Kadade Gurgu, a close ally of Dogo Gide.

He added that available intelligence at the disposal of the NAF revealed that Kadage Gurgu had been providing shelter for notorious terrorist kingpins following the aggressive military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Mr Ali said the air component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target.

According to him, the target area initially appeared uninhabited but as the aircraft approached, some of the terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area.

“Subsequently, the targets were engaged, recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen.

“Reports from independent sources, including local informants around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack.

“The NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to dominate the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of bandits’ safe havens within its area of responsibility and neighbouring states.

“This aims to decimate and flush out terrorism and criminal activities within the North-West and North-Central region,” he said.

(NAN)

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, has asserted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had even more opportunities to fix the country’s challenges while he was in power but failed to do so.

Amadi asserted this while responding to a post on social media where a netizen [Gen_Buhar] alleged that Senator Rasheed Ladoja was illegally removed as Oyo State governor in 2006 for refusing to release N15 million out of the state’s monthly security vote to Lamidi Adedibu.

In a video clip he shared, Gen_Buhar captioned: “Jan 2006: Sen Ladoja was illegally removed for refusing to give N15m of the state’s N65m then monthly security vote to Adedibu.

“Obasanjo who now has solution to every problem Nigeria is facing was the President who gave Adedibu govt backing but because we are a people of very short memory, he’s being worshipped today.

“Obasanjo was also angry with him for standing against his failed 3rd term agenda.”

Responding, Amadi wrote on X: “Terrible. Obasanjo had opportunity more than any other person to change Nigeria. But he failed to achieve it because of personal moral failings.”

Watch the video clip below:

Seventeen state governors have established committees to implement the new ₦70,000minimum wage for workers across Nigeria.

The states taking action include Ogun, Ekiti, Sokoto, Kebbi, Osun, Enugu, Borno, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Gombe, Kano, Taraba, Delta, Rivers, Jigawa, and Abia.

Naija News reports that this comes as the Federal Government began paying the new minimum wage to its 1.2 million workers last Thursday.

According to the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, civil servants will receive the new minimum wage starting from September.

In addition, Edo, Lagos, and Adamawa states have already begun payment, while Anambra state has pledged to implement the new wage by October.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Adamawa, Emmanuel Fashe, confirmed that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri started paying the new wage as early as August, ahead of the Federal Government and other states.

Fashe, speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, revealed that within three weeks of President Bola Tinubu signing the new minimum wage bill into law in July, the Adamawa State government began implementing the payments in August.

Fashe explained that local government workers in Adamawa began receiving the new wage in September, following updates to the August payroll.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has also announced that his state will start paying the ₦70,000 minimum wage from October 2024.

He made this known during a meeting with public school principals and headteachers, promising further reforms in education, including refunds for school fees already paid.

Governor Soludo said, “From next month, we hope to start paying the new minimum wage of ₦70,000. Also, from next week, a free education policy will be available to senior students in all public schools in Anambra. Students in senior classes who have already paid their ₦5,000 fees for this term should be refunded and we promise to do more in human development.”

However, an NLC official speaking with The PUNCH, cautioned against celebrating this development, pointing out that the value of the ₦70,000 wage has already been diminished by rising costs.

The official questioned why the new wage implementation was backdated to July instead of May, as stipulated in the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, which states the new wage should take effect immediately after the old one expires.

“The truth is this, we should not be romanticizing people who are lawbreakers. People who are lawbreakers should not be romanticised. If the Federal Government says they want to start paying, I don’t think it is something that should be celebrated. What is it that they want to start paying? ₦70,000 that has already been eroded by the actions and policies of the government?

“If you look at the price of PMS (petrol) from the time the minimum wage was signed into law and now, you could see that you could see the deliberate actions of the government to erode the minimum wage.

“A bag of rice now is almost ₦88,000 or thereabouts. And then it means we are saying we have a minimum wage that cannot buy a bag of rice is a shameful minimum wage. So it’s a starvation wage,” he stated.

In Imo State, the NLC Chairman, Uche Chigamezu, expressed optimism, stating that discussions with the government on the new wage would begin shortly.

Similarly, Nasarawa State is ready to implement the new wage, with Governor Abdullahi Sule committed to emulating the Federal Government’s steps.

Ogun State is awaiting a committee’s report on the new wage implementation, while Ekiti State has a committee in place, though further details remain undisclosed.

Ondo State has declared readiness to pay the new wage, though Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need to domesticate the law and structure its implementation.

Osun State is also in the process of developing the modalities for wage implementation, having extended palliatives for workers and reduced workdays to ease transportation costs.

Delta and Bayelsa states have not yet finalized their plans, with Delta waiting for a minimum wage chart, and Bayelsa yet to set up a committee.

In Benue, despite promises from Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state has yet to establish an implementation committee, and Sokoto and Kebbi states are working on the process to pay the new wage soon.

The governments of Enugu, Zamfara, and Kogi have also taken steps, forming committees to oversee the new minimum wage rollout.

Kwara State has set up a committee to work on consequential adjustments, though no payments have been made yet. Gombe State is waiting for a consequential adjustment table from the Federal Government, and in Kaduna, NLC Chairman Suleiman Ayuba confirmed that negotiations for the new wage are yet to begin.

In Kano, the state government is awaiting the report of its advisory committee, which will be submitted after the Independence Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, Taraba State has also formed a committee led by the State Head of Service to handle the wage implementation process.