Barely two months after the Presidential Air Fleet, PAF, hovered into controversy over the decision of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence to purchase two new aircraft, it has come to light that Federal Government followed through with the procurement.

A legal dispute between Ogun State and Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng, revealed that despite intense opposition, a N150 billion Airbus A330 was acquired for the PAF, which already has two Falcon 7X jet, two Falcon 900 jets, Gulfstream G550, one Boeing 737 BBJ (Nigerian Air Force 001 or Eagle One) and Gulfstream IVSP, Gulfstream V, Cessna Citation 2 and Hawk Siddeley 125-800 jet.

Last Thursday, stories emerged that three aircraft from the Nigerian presidential fleet – a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737 and a newly acquired Airbus A330 – were grounded in France and Switzerland due to a court order during routine maintenance.

This development was weeks after the House of Representatives Committee, in a report released after its technical subcommittee assessed the status and airworthiness of the PAF, recommended the addition of two new planes.

The recommendation came after President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima had different distressing experiences using the presidential jets.

Recently, the President had to continue his journey in a commercial plane when two presidential jets broke down simultaneously.

Also on May 7, 2024, Shettima had to shelve a trip to the United States, US, for the US-Africa Business Summit when the presidential jet he was scheduled to travel in developed a fault one hour after take-off.

How Controversies Trailed Aircraft Purchase

In June, however, the arrangements to execute the planned purchase was met with stiff opposition, leading to its secret acquisition.

Among those who voiced concerns about the development was the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

Obi, who faulted the move on X, formerly Twitter, had described it as insensitive, arguing that it was unfortunate that at a time when the country was making headlines over the economic crisis, occasioned by hyperinflation, a falling currency and widespread poverty, the FG was contemplating securing new presidential jets.

“This demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles. With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect that is apparent between the government and the people. It is unacceptable as the situation in the country today more than ever demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritising citizens’ welfare.

“It is on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need. Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems,” Obi stated.

Countering him, the Presidency also described Obi’s comment as insensitive to the President’s safety, wondering if he wanted Tinubu to die by flying in a faulty plane.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had asked: “Does Peter Obi want the President dead? Is that his wish? Does he want him to continue moving around in a rickety plane and die like the VP of Malawi and Iran President? Let him tell us.”

Similarly, a faith-based group, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, which also defended the procurement called the aircraft in PAF ‘flying Molue buses’, saying opponents of the move to procure new aircraft were endangering Tinubu’s life.

A statement by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said: “As far as Obi and other irrational critics are concerned, they wish what happened to the Iranian President Raisi recently and the Malawian Vice President last week should happen in Nigeria. God forbid!
“How many times do we have to drum it into the ears of this far right, ultra nationalist opposition cartel that the presidential jets are already worn out? They have become rickety, risky and unserviceable. They have broken down so many times during trips. The old jets can be sold to reduce the cost of new ones. We have had enough of the President and Vice President flying ‘Molue’ buses’.”

What do experts say?

Commenting on the aircraft purchase and seizure, former President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Mr Sheri Kyari, decried Nigeria’s consistency for dishonouring contracts.

Kyari said: “These types of things are not rocket science, the other people do it in other countries and they successfully achieve them. Why will Nigeria be the only one every now and then? This thing started even way back with Nigeria Airways aircraft and sometimes for issues that Nigeria Airways knew nothing about. I think our country needs to wake up because our resources are dwindling, our population is increasing, yet we find ourselves only concerned about personal aggrandizement.

“It is very sad. How often do the offices charged with reviewing these contracts do so? How often are they reviewed? How often? We just sign once and people go back. Everybody goes to sleep, we get caught up with it and at the end of the day are unable to get ourselves out of it. It’s very sad.”

Adequate maintenance

Kyari noted that rather than purchase a new aircraft to add to the PAF, the old aircraft could have served its purpose by adequate maintenance.

He said: “All I know is the aircraft the President was using is an aircraft that can be maintained. It is probably ten times cheaper to maintain. Nigeria is a poor country behaving like a rich country. Because we want to be seen as a big boy in international politics, we decided that the President must have a wonderful aircraft. I don’t know how we will get out of it, but it is totally sad that we found ourselves in this quagmire this time around,” arguing that the Airbus A330 could have been bought for a lesser price.

Cheaper price

Kyari added: “It is a presidential aircraft. You can get the aircraft for less. But again, when they begin to furnish it for presidential use, security and others that will be added, they are not cheap as such. The president will have his bathroom, his bedroom, his conference and office on board the aircraft. So, those ones are going to be reconstructed as such. And they will be done with the best of materials. So, that alone, you can look at furnishing and can take some $5 to $10 million or more depending on what they want to add.

Lifespan

“There are times the manufacturer will give you 15 years for an economic commercial aircraft. If it is a commercial aircraft, the manufacturer will give you 10 years within which they believe you would have scooped your profit. And when you start maintenance now, it becomes very expensive. But presidential aircraft like this, you don’t need to have any time for it. If it is well maintained, it can be operated for up to 30 years. One of the American Nav 1 aircraft is more than 25 years old now.

“But it is constantly being maintained, knowing that it is their number one citizen that is flying. Here in Nigeria, whether the aircraft is good or not, you will get to the point where it is economically not viable. Rather, they sell it to somebody who they want. But you will be surprised that somebody who comes from outside the country and buys that same aircraft will operate it for many more years.”

Funds

Shedding light, Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Aviation Security and Safety Consult, Group Captain John Ojikutu, retd, wondered who provided funding for the aircraft’s purchase.
Ojikutu, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said liquidated Nigeria Airways had similar experience in the past.

He said: “Who approved that money for the jet? Was it approved by the National Assembly? From what I have heard, the National Assembly did not approve that money. That is number one. Second, I heard that they seized those aircraft because Ogun State negated the agreement between them and the Chinese.

“Now, can they do that? I don’t know the court to which they went. Can they take something from the federal government and give it to the state? I don’t know. The judgment they have given is against the state government for negating on the agreement they had with the Chinese. There is something wrong and the people in the administration of government, which include the National Assembly, are not saying anything. This has happened to Nigeria Airways before. Some of them (the jets) must have been there before this crisis started for maintenance. They must have been in that place for maintenance.”

Price

On his part, an industry expert, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard under anonymity, explained that creditors always desired to seize aircraft when they operate into a territory where they know the law was favourable to them.

“Most new aircraft sold from a manufacturer would have a list price, but almost no airline pays that amount. Big airlines get huge discounts when they purchase in bulk (100s) while smaller airlines do still get discounts they are much smaller. Regarding the Nigerian government aircraft, these are no longer new and won’t or shouldn’t command those kinds of figures ($100m).

“When new, a Boeing 737 will cost about $60m depending on configuration and options chosen while the A330 could be up to $100m, but remember that it wasn’t purchased new so the price would be anywhere between $30m and $50m. Considering corruption in Nigeria, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone claims it was purchased for $100m and the difference went into someone’s pocket.

“Creditors always look to hold or seize aircraft when they operate into a territory where they know the law is on their side. So, if they can convince a French court that the owners of the aircraft are indebted to them, then the court can order the assets held.”

Billionaire businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, better known as Obi Cubana, has recounted the harrowing experience that turned his world upside down when his wife, Ebele, was struck by a mysterious illness shortly after giving birth to their son.

Obi made this revelation during an interview with presenter Chude Jideonwo.

According to him, what should have been a moment of pure joy quickly morphed into a nightmare as the doctors in the South African hospital delivered a devastating verdict to him about Ebele  never walking again, and her days of childbirth were over.

For Obi, this news was like a sledgehammer to the chest, leaving him utterly destabilized and emotionally shattered. That night, he said the weight of his anguish brought him to tears, his mind raced with fear and uncertainty.

But amidst the crushing despair, Obi Cubana recounted how Ebele displayed an unyielding strength that left him in awe.

The billionaire said his wife was unfazed by the grim prognosis, reassured him with unwavering positivity, told him to cast aside his worries about the doctor’s report and trust in God.

He added that just when he thought the situation couldn’t get any worse, some of his so-called friends took it upon themselves to spread vile, despicable rumors that he had sacrificed his wife in a money ritual. This cruel betrayal, according to him, pierced his heart, left him deeply saddened.

WATCH HIM SPEAK BELOW

The former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, has spoken regarding the ongoing dispute between Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, a Chinese firm, and the Nigerian government.

The disagreement has recently escalated, leading to the seizure of three Nigerian aircraft stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports in Europe.

The dispute stems from a contract the Ogun State government revoked in 2016 during Amosun’s tenure as governor.

The revocation led Zhongshan to pursue legal action, resulting in the seizure of the aircraft as part of an arbitration ruling against Nigeria.

The firm alleged that the Nigerian government had reneged on an agreement, prompting it to seek enforcement through international arbitration.

In a recent turn of events, Zhongshan agreed to release one of the seized jets after learning that President Bola Tinubu required the aircraft for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Reacting to the situation, Senator Amosun, in a statement personally signed by him on Saturday, recounted the role he played in the original deal and expressed his readiness to work with the federal government to ensure any foreign entity does not exploit Nigeria.

The statement, titled, ‘Zhongfu firm is an impostor, it’s Chinese against Chinese dispute’ reads, “Our administration assumed office on 29 May, 2011. Very shortly after we took office, two different sets of Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE laid claims to Management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ).

“The business dispute and rivalry between the Chinese concerns soon became fierce, grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety within the Zone and neighboring communities.

“There were claims and counter claims as to who between the two was the lawful representative of the original joint venturer, Guangdong Province, China and consequentially who had the right to manage the Zone.

“Zhongfu International Investment FXE, pretending to be a concerned and genuine tenant and Zone stakeholder volunteered very damaging and destructive information about the official representatives of Guangdong Province, the Joint Venturer and lawful Zone Managers, China Africa Investment FXE and subsequently requested to be appointed as Interim Zone Managers.

“Based on the information at the disposal of Government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE was on 15/03/2012 appointed as Interim Zone Manager pending further evaluation. The whole idea was to ensure that someone was in charge and thereby prevent unwholesome and untoward development in the Zone pending the completion of our fact finding exercise.

“It was later discovered that the information and claims volunteered by Zhongfu International Investment FXE against China Africa Investment FXE were tissues of lies.

“Unknown to Ogun Government at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and to surreptitiously covert the State-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China together with the Zone ownership and management rights of their business rival.

“It was further discovered – much later – through the intervention of the Chinese Government via Diplomatic Note 1601, dated 11 March, 2016.

“The Government of the People’s Republic of China, via its Diplomatic Note 1601 dated 11th March, 2016 clarified to the Ogun State Government, that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor. After due consultation with the relevant organs of Government, we gave effect to the request of the Chinese Government.

“We do recall that Zhongfu International Investment FXE approached Nigerian courts in different jurisdictions to ventilate its legal and business rights. They lost all their four cases in court.”

“We also consulted with and took advice from the State Security Services and the supervising Agency, NEPZA, on the best way to proceed. Accordingly, we served Zhongfu International Investment FXE with formal Termination Notice dated 27 May, 2016.

“For completeness of records, we must mention that Zhongfu International Investment FXE proceeded to Court.

“Among others, the proceedings in Suit No HCT/417/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs OGFTZ and, FCT/ABJ/CS/601/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs NEPZA & Ors will help to throw light on this business dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa.

“The final judgement in one other case, Suit No AB/04/2017: Zenith Global Merchant International Investment Ltd Vs Zhongfu International Investment FXE delivered on 29/3/2017 specifically restrained a reference to arbitration in the special circumstances of the matter being a trade dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa, with little or no connection with either Ogun State or the Federal Government.

“Not satisfied with the decisions of the various courts, Zhongfu International Investment FXE took its case, and wrote petitions at various times, to higher authorities in Abuja; the Presidency, Hon Minister of Trade & Investment; Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Inspector General of Police, EFCC and the National Assembly (both the House of Representatives and the Senate) among others.

“We successfully defended our actions at all levels before these organs of government, and they all agreed with our position. Shortly after, our administration left office in May, 2019.

“In conclusion, without prejudice to the ongoing efforts of the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, and with all sense of responsibility I wish to categorically state that:

“The agreement that was entered into at inception of the Zone in 2007 with our predecessor is what is still in operation and there was no need for any negotiation or re-negotiation of any contract when we came in and throughout our eight (8) years tenure.

“It is also not true that our administration sent police or any security agent to harass, intimidate, or beat anyone. If there was any such situation, it must have been from among the disputing rivals in the bid to outdo one another. Security agencies can further investigate the allegation and uphold the truth.

“Nigeria should not give Zhongfu International Investment FXE any listening ear as doing so would amount to indulging and, encouraging an unlawful entity without locus standi to appropriate our common patrimony.

“Stemming from the above, this matter of Zhongfu International Investment FXE should be treated the way Nigeria treated the P&ID case. There is no basis for negotiation.”

A fresh investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed alleged corruption linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

The investigation focuses on printing one billion pieces of ₦100 banknotes and the production of 5,000 acrylic blocks in commemoration of Nigeria’s centenary celebration in October 2014.

Sources within the EFCC who spoke with the Premium Times disclosed that Emefiele allegedly bypassed the standard approval process by securing direct approval from former President, Goodluck Jonathan without first passing the proposal through the CBN board as mandated by the CBN Act of 2007.

According to the investigation, this contract, valued at $121.66 million (₦18.91 billion at the time), was awarded to Swedish company Crane Currency, raising concerns of overinflation and kickbacks.

The EFCC’s findings indicated that the payment arrangement breached established practices, with 60% of the contract sum ($72.99 million) advanced to Crane Currency through its Nigerian subsidiary.

Investigators allege that only $39.85 million was actually transferred to Crane, while the balance of $32.72 million was held back, converted to naira, and used to enrich top officials of the CBN and their associates.

The EFCC has reportedly recovered ₦3.18 billion of the inflated amount so far.

However, sources say that pressures are being mounted on the anti-graft agency’s leadership to release the funds, with claims that the proceeds are from legitimate transactions.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but declined to provide further details, stating, “There is nothing I can tell you at this point because our people are still working on the matter.”

Just hours after setting social media ablaze with a cryptic promise to reveal his side of the truth, Jude Okoye of PSquare has finally unleashed a Pandora’s box of secrets that will never be sealed again.

The older brother of the famous duo, Paul and Peter, during live session, spilled the kind of tea that leaves a bitter taste, delved deep into the decade-long feud that has rocked their once-unbreakable bond.

Jude, who was unceremoniously ousted from the group over eight years ago, exposed how his wife was dragged into the mud, only to be later cleared of all baseless accusations, shed light on Peter’s alleged calculated attempt to drag them through the mud in front of the world.

In a surprising twist, the former label executive also dropped the revelation that he isn’t even the eldest of the Okoye brothers. Contrary to what many believed, there are two older brothers above him and the twins, turning the family narrative on its head.

The plot thickened when Jude dismantled Peter’s narrative about a supposed fake company used to embezzle PSquare’s funds. Jude clarified that the company in question isn’t some shadowy shell but a legitimate, publicly listed firm registered with the CAC.

He went further to explain that his wife, who was falsely accused of being a signatory to the company’s accounts, was merely a second director on paper—a fact the EFCC itself had allegedly confirmed.

The former powerhouse behind Square Records, admitted that he hasn’t been involved with PSquare since 2018. He laid bare the stark reality that he is far from the wealth Peter and Paul have amassed.

This led him to question the puzzling claims Peter makes about being “suppressed” by him, wondering what power Peter thinks he wields when he’s been out of the picture and far less wealthy.

WATCH HIM SPEAK BELOW 

Data from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) reveals that out of 84,283 inmates across the country’s 244 correctional centres, 57,288 are still awaiting trial.

The figures show that 55,924 of these awaiting trial inmates are male, while 1,364 are female.

Only 32% (26,995) of the inmates, including 26,530 males and 465 females, have undergone trial.

NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, acknowledged congestion as a significant issue in the correctional facilities. He highlighted ongoing efforts with the judiciary to expedite trials and noted that NGOs are offering pro bono legal services to help inmates without legal representation get their cases heard.

Bidemi Kosoko, Nollywood actress and daughter of veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko has opened up on her personal life.

The mother of three got candid on how difficult it was to lose her mum at a tender age, the toll it took on her as a mother and how her husband becoming a pastor almost crashed their marriage.

The movie star, in an interview with her colleague, Biola Bayo on the Talk to B podcast revealed that her husband’s calling as a shepherd in his church almost made her divorce him.

According to Bidemi Kosoko, when she met her husband, he no where near a shepherd until God called him. The actress said she didn’t see herself as a pastor’s wife which made it quite difficult for her to come to terms with her new reality leading to crisis in their marriage.

Addressing reports that she got married late, Bidemi Kosoko stated that she got married at the age of 32, which wasn’t what she planned.

She confessed that she had always loved early marriage and had desired to get married at age 25 or 26 and be done giving birth at age 32, but things didn’t go as she planned.

In Bidemi Kosoko’s words:

“It is not like I married too late. I got married at 32. I have always loved the idea of getting married at 25 and 26, by that 32, I was supposed to be done having kids at 32 then face my life and career.

My husband is a shepherd in his church, this has been his calling. I didn’t marry him as a shepherd and this is something that almost broke our marriage because I don’t see myself in that Pastor’s wife shoe”.

Speaking on her mother’s death, Bidemi noted how her mother died at age 6, which affected her as it wasn’t easy growing up without a mother but her famous dad, Jide Kosoko, did all he could to stand in as both her father and mother. She added:

“I lost my mum when I was 6. She died in 1992.

When I started menstruating, I couldn’t tell anybody. I cut pieces of clothes to package myself, not because there was no money to buy things I was supposed to use but because I refused to speak out.

If I had a mom, she would have noticed definitely. Of course, it wasn’t easy growing up without a mum but I thank God for the father I have.

My name is Abidemi because my dad wasn’t around when my mum had me. He was in London for a performance or show”.

Bidemi also addressed claims of her reducing her age and expressed how much she loves her kids. She added:

“People always say I am lying about my age especially when my dad wished me a happy birthday and revealed my real age, which left people in doubt.

I love my kids so much and I am the type of lady they call ‘Werey Olomo’. I always want my kids to be around me. So they are my hand bag, we go everywhere together. I stopped traveling because of my children. I can’t leave them alone for a long time”.

In a recent interview on Daddy Freeze’s podcast, popular music executive Paulo Okoye, revealed that Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy is the richest musician in Nigeria.

According to Paulo Okoye, Burna Boy earned between $70 million and $80 million in 2023 alone.

During the podcast, Paulo discussed Burna Boy’s modest team structure, noting that the artist’s immediate support network includes only his mother, sister, and a few close associates.

He highlighted that despite his immense wealth, Burna Boy remains humble and avoids boasting about his financial success.

In addition to commenting on Burna Boy’s financial status, Paulo Okoye also addressed rising star Rema, suggesting that the young artist has a tendency to overprice himself.

The spiritual head of the Inri evangelical church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has prophesied that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 'will die' if it decides to 'hand' Atiku Abubakar the presidential ticket for the 2027 election.

Legit.ng reports that Atiku, a former vice president, is a serial presidential aspirant having contested unsuccessfully for president of Nigeria six times: in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.


The 77-year-old ran in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries in 1993 but lost to Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe. Atiku's last two presidential pursuits have been through the PDP.

In a video shared on his known X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, August 15, Ayodele said in the event Atiku emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer again in 2027, the party "is dead”.

The cleric said: “PDP, if you want to fail, give Atiku your presidency. You will see that you will fail. It is going to be a cheap victory for APC.

Atiku is not the answer for the PDP in 2027. He is not the answer. If you try Atiku, then, politically, PDP is dead. That is the end of PDP.”

[Source: www.legit.ng]

Peter Obi, flagbearer of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, has criticised the exorbitant cost of governance in Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He highlighted that an average PhD holder would have to save for years to afford the N160 million SUVs driven by lawmakers.

Obi, in a series of posts shared on his X page on Friday, August 16, 2024, said the reckless spending by the government is the reason for the decline in the standards of the university education system.

The former Anambra state governor lamented that while a Grade 2 lecturer might earn just N150,000 per month, an average lawmaker takes home about N21 million monthly, revealing a stark disparity between the government’s prioritisation of education and its extravagant expenses.

Recall that former President Olusegun Obasanjo alleged that federal lawmakers now fix new salaries and allowances for themselves.

The Nigerian Senate quickly refuted his claims. Interestingly, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), in a statement, disclosed that each senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of the sum of N1.063 million; this further sparked a fresh debate in the polity.

Reacting to the controversy over lawmakers' actual salaries, Obi tweeted: "If fortunate, one might be employed as a lecturer in Grade 2 with a monthly salary of around N150,000, often paid irregularly, totalling N1,800,000 annually. In stark contrast, our legislators, whose required educational qualification is merely a secondary school certificate, receive a monthly salary of N21 million, which is more than the 10 years' salary of a PhD holder.

"This disparity is the root of the problem. Additionally, legislators are provided with SUVs worth N160 million from the public purse. For a PhD holder to afford such a vehicle, it would take over 85 years of saving every kobo earned. The solution lies in shifting our society from a consumption-driven mindset to a production-oriented approach, where hard work, innovation, and talent are valued and rewarded."