President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, on his 65th birthday.

Tinubu commended el-Rufai for his “endeavours for democracy and meritorious service to the nation”.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu commended the former Kaduna governor for his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“President Tinubu celebrates Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation,” the statement reads.

“The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.

“President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.”

The president’s felicitations come amid the political friction between his camp and the former Kaduna governor.

In the build-up to the 2023 elections, el-Rufai was one of the northern leaders who insisted that power must return to the south after the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former Kaduna governor supported the presidential ambition of Tinubu.

After Tinubu won the election, el-Rufai was nominated as a minister but the senate withheld his confirmation, citing security concerns.

The development was interpreted by political analysts as a move to whittle down his influence in the presidency.

Despite initially retreating from the political scene, el-Rufai recently resurfaced, unleashing a series of scathing critiques of the APC and the administration of Tinubu.

He is also known to constantly retweet X(formerly Twitter) posts critical of the Tinubu administration.

Of late, there have been unconfirmed reports that el-Rufai is seeking another political tent ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor also recently alleged that there may be plans to arrest and torture him upon his return to the country

Businessman Tunde Ayeni has denied the authenticity of a DNA certificate presented by Adaobi Alagwu, which allegedly proves his paternity of her child.

Ayeni, a former chairman of the board of directors, Skye Bank Plc, has been in the public eye over a paternity tussle with Alagwu, an Abuja-based lawyer.

Alagwu claimed they dated in 2019 and that she welcomed a child with Ayeni in the United States in 2022.

The businessman, however, denied the allegations and insisted that he “is not in any way connected to the child”.

In July 2023, Biola, Ayeni’s wife, argued that her husband was a target for “runs girls” who use “diabolical” means to seduce “unsuspecting and naive victims” due to his popularity.

However, TheCable Lifestyle recently obtained a DNA test report, which attributed a “99.9999997% probability of paternity” to Ayeni.

According to the now-disputed report, the DNA test was conducted at the DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) in London on April 11, 2023.

The test results allegedly identified Ayeni as the biological father of Alagwu’s child. It stated that “the alleged father is not excluded as the biological father of the tested child”.

“Based on testing results obtained from analyses of the DNA loci listed, the probability is 99.9999997%. The probability of paternity is calculated by comparing to an untested, unrelated, random individual of the black population (assumes prior probability equals 0.50,” it added.

“Note: one possible mutation was observed. The mutation frequency was included in the calculation of the probability of paternity. This paternity calculation does not take into consideration any Biological relatives of the alleged father.”

Also, court documents filed by Ayeni’s lawyers and obtained by TheCable Lifestyle admitted that he paid “the customary dowry required to marry Alagwu in 2022, but the marriage didn’t proceed. In 2024, the dowry was returned to Ayeni, who accepted it”.

The dispute, according to the document, led to a summons from a customary court in Abuja, where Ayeni (the complainant) sought to dissolve the customary marriage due to its breakdown.

AYENI DENIES ALAGWU’S ALLEGATIONS

In a statement shared with TheCable Lifestyle, Ayeni claimed the certificate is “fake and compromised,” citing “irregularities in the DNA testing process”.

He alleged that Alagwu and her associates hacked into the email accounts of the laboratory responsible for the DNA test and inserted a fake document to support her claims.

The businessman reiterated that he has no “biological relationship with Alagwu’s child” and is seeking a new, independent DNA test to confirm his position.

“This lady is being clever by half. She is haunted by her reckless past and is truly desperate. It is this desperation that is pushing her on this journey to infamy and ultimate disgrace,” the statement reads.

“It has become necessary to once again address the persistent and shameful campaign of blackmail, deceit, and defamation orchestrated by Ms. Adaobi Alagwu. When I say the certificate is fake, it is a position informed by indisputable facts.

“First, the result was meant to be out in five days. Later, a letter, purportedly from the centre, came pushing the date the result will be ready by two extra days. When we cross-checked from the centre, they denied knowledge of the said letter and the Indian name that signed it.

“At that point, it became crystal clear to us that the process has been compromised and that the outcome can not be genuine. We have since discovered other nefarious steps taken to come about the so-called DNA certificate.”

Ayeni also alleged that Google notified him that his email account had been compromised at a critical point when they were expecting the DNA test results.

He claimed that “this was not a coincidence” and that it was clear that the “process had been compromised”.

Ayeni also denied “marital connection to Alagwu,” adding that his position has been “repeatedly affirmed through official legal documents, including an affidavit”.

“This desperation will lead Adaobi nowhere. If she is confused about the true father of her daughter, she should invite her numerous dates for DNA tests,” the statement added.

He also stated that legal actions are ongoing to address the alleged blackmail and cyber-attacks.

Alagwu was summoned by the court on February 11, 2025, to answer questions by Ayeni regarding their purpoted marriage but she was absent in court.

The court however adjourned the case till February 17.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, says the federal government is planning to engage 28,000 Nigerian health workers previously being paid by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Pate said the federal government is ready to take ownership of the country’s healthcare sector amid the change in the policy of the US government.

US President Donald Trump recently ordered a funding pause for HIV treatment in developing countries as part of an executive order on foreign aid. The executive orders also affected the operations of USAID and other foreign interventions of the US government.

As a result, the US Department of State suspended the disbursement of funds from the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR).

PEPFAR is providing HIV treatment for more than 20 million people living with the disease in Nigeria and globally, including 566,000 children under 15 years of age.

However, the joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS in a statement had said the US government approved a waiver that allows people living with HIV to continue accessing treatment.

Recently, the federal executive council (FEC) approved an allocation of N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.

‘FG TO REDUCE FOREIGN DEPENDENCE’

Speaking further, the health minister said Nigeria has not invested heavily in the healthcare sector, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is ready to change the narrative.

Pate said more than 70 percent of the medications being used in Nigeria are imported and that the country also imported more than 99 percent of its medical devices.

The health minister said 30 percent of the country’s health expenditure comes from the government while 70 percent comes from private individuals.

He noted that while part of the government’s healthcare expenditure is funded by external donors, foreign funding does not make up the largest portion of the country’s healthcare spending.

The health minister acknowledged the role played by the US government in supporting the country’s healthcare.

He said the federal and state governments must come together to fill the gaps created by the suspension of US aid and reduce foreign dependence.

“Quality healthcare is not cheap. We, as a country, have not invested in it yet and we are asking for the highest quality healthcare,” he said.

“Domestically, we have not invested. We have since things changed in the last 18 months with the deliberate efforts to improve investments and to allocate investments to where it matters — the foundation.

“Can you believe that more than 70 percent of our drugs, we import them with foreign exchange that we don’t really have.

“We are a capable country and we are determined to own up to that responsibility. If others step in and support us, we appreciate it but we are not begging.

“There are health workers, 28,000 of them who are being paid through US government support. While it has been appreciated, these health workers are Nigerian, we have to transit them.

“Our approach, long before the change in US policy, has been to increase national ownership.”

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Temidayo Babatunde has offered her thoughts on the importance of talent in achieving success in the film industry.

In a recent interview with Saturday Beats, Temidayo Babatunde emphasized that while physical beauty can be an asset, it is not enough on its own to succeed in the industry.

Babatunde acknowledged the role of beauty in the entertainment industry but stressed that talent is essential for building a lasting career.

“Beauty is never enough. As much as beauty is important, talent is also very important because your talent will pave the way for you and allow you to sit with kings and queens. Both talent and beauty complement each other, and one cannot do without the other,” she said.

Temidayo Babatunde also shared her thoughts on the impact of social media on her career.

While she acknowledged the benefits of social media, including its ability to help her share her work and connect with fans, she also noted its potential drawbacks.

“Social media has been a powerful tool and influence. As much as it has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages. I have had my fair share of it.

“Social media has helped me share my craft and engage with many fans across the world. I would gladly say I am happy with the reception so far“, she stated

he House Of Representatives has submitted that the allegation by Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, against some federal lawmakers is not targeted at the lower chamber of the National Assembly as an institution but at some members of the House.

The position of the House was made known in a statement on Saturday by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi (Jr).

He disclosed that the three lawmakers mentioned specifically in the $150 million bribe allegation have assured the leadership of the House of their innocence and have been encouraged to take legal action to clear their names.

Rotimi added that the matter has escalated to a diplomatic issue between Nigeria and the United States of America, which is being handled by those concerned but warned members of the public not to be carried away by claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials.

Due to the nature of the discussions, the spokesperson said the House would not be making further public comments.

“These allegations, which have been previously circulated last year, are directed at individual members, not the institution itself.

“The House of Representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials,” the House spokesperson said.

Naija News recalls Gambaryan, who is the Binance Head of Financial Crime Compliance, has insisted three Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe from him in order to facilitate his release from detention.

He made the fresh claim in a statement via his ? account on Saturday.

It would be recalled the Binance executive had earlier, In a statement on his ? handle on Friday, titled ‘Some Unknown Facts’, alleged that in collaboration with Department of State Sevices (DSS), House of Representatives members, Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe demanded $150 million bribe from him to be paid in cryptocurrency to their wallets.

Following denials by Agbese, and the federal government through the Minister of Information,Mohammed Idris, Gambaryan insisted on Saturday that his claims are nothing but the hard truth.

Reacting to the allegations, Rotimi described the allegations as hefty, thus requiring clarification and stressed the need for the affected members to clear their names.

“The Honourable Members named have assured the House Leadership that they never had any such dealings as reported. One of the members has already instituted legal action to clear his name, while others affected have been encouraged to do the same in pursuit of justice and the protection of their reputations,” the statement added.

He emphasized the diplomatic implications of the matter, noting that the issue has now “evolved into a government-to-government engagement between Nigeria and America.

“These facts raise serious questions about the credibility and intent of the allegations being peddled.”

The House of Reps said since the claim has been taken to court and is a “matter of ongoing diplomatic engagements,” the lower lawmaker body “will refrain from further comment in line with established parliamentary, judicial, and diplomatic principles.”

“The House of Representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials.

“The House remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the National Assembly to implement more stringent regulations prohibiting the possession of significant amounts of cash in polling locations.

This initiative aims to combat vote-buying and other forms of electoral misconduct.

During a consultative meeting held in Abuja over the weekend, which included security personnel and a technical committee focused on electoral law reforms, INEC’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Tanimu Muhammed, SAN, expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating issue of vote-buying, which poses a substantial risk to Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

This meeting was organized by the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters, in partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

It served as a forum for stakeholders to discuss electoral security and necessary legal changes.

The INEC representative pointed out that politicians frequently defend their possession of large sums of cash on election day by referencing payments to party agents and logistical needs.

However, he cautioned that the unregulated cash flow at polling stations has exacerbated vote-buying and undermined the credibility of elections. To mitigate this issue, Muhammed proposed that individuals should be restricted to carrying no more than ₦50,000 in polling areas.

“Vote-buying remains one of the biggest threats to credible elections in Nigeria. We need legislation that not only criminalizes this practice but also puts preventive measures in place,”Muhammed stated.

The commission has called on legislators to focus on amendments aimed at eliminating loopholes that are being taken advantage of by political figures.

In addition to concerns regarding vote-buying, officials from INEC emphasized their persistent request to create an Electoral Offenses Commission, contending that the electoral body does not possess the necessary capabilities to prosecute violators adequately.

While INEC is making efforts to manage prosecutions, there is a pressing need for a specialized institution equipped with the legal power and resources to thoroughly investigate and prosecute electoral offenses, as stated by Muhammed.

“The creation of an Electoral Offenses Commission would ensure that vote-buying, ballot snatching, and other crimes are met with swift legal action,” he added.

On his part, the Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, stressed that reducing cash transactions at polling units would make it harder for politicians to influence voters with financial inducements.

“If we set a cash limit, security agencies will have clearer guidelines on what constitutes an electoral offense, making enforcement easier,” she added.

In addressing the concerns raised by INEC, the security agencies present at the meeting reiterated their dedication to facilitating free and fair elections.

Nonetheless, they recognized the difficulties faced, especially regarding logistics and coordination.

Police Face Logistic Issues During Elections

The Commissioner of Police responsible for election planning and evaluation, Abayomi Shogunle, who stood in for the Inspector General of Police, emphasized that insufficient resources frequently hinder law enforcement operations during electoral processes.

“We face major logistical challenges, from deploying officers to remote areas to ensuring real-time communication during elections. These are issues that need to be addressed if we are to effectively enforce electoral laws,” Shogunle said.

Despite these challenges, security agencies pledged to remain neutral and professional in carrying out their duties.

Responding to the concerns raised, the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, assured that all issues discussed would be addressed in future electoral reforms.

He announced plans for a 2025 Electoral Act to replace the current 2022 version, which he said had exposed gaps during the 2023 elections.

“The 2022 Electoral Act was a significant step forward, but its implementation in the last general elections showed areas that need improvement. We are committed to strengthening our electoral laws to reflect the realities of our democracy,” Balogun said.

He underscored the need for heightened awareness among political parties, INEC officials, and civil society organizations regarding the risks associated with vote-buying and other electoral misconduct and the need for legislative reforms.

The citizens of Nigeria are entitled to a trustworthy electoral process. It is imperative that our laws are not only robust in theory but are also rigorously enforced, Balogun stated.

The Senate Chairman on Electoral Matters, Senator Sharafadeen Alli,  remarked that although the 2022 Electoral Act was initially viewed as thorough, its execution has exposed deficiencies that require rectification.

“This meeting is a step towards strengthening our electoral system. The reforms we propose must reflect lessons learned from past elections and ensure that our democracy continues to evolve positively,” Alli said.

… As Catholic priest is kidnapped

Tears flowed freely in Onitsha yesterday as the remains of the murdered member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency, Justice Azuka, was laid to rest in his country home Ogbeoza village, Onitsha.

This came on the heels of the kidnapping of   a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Jude Onyeka on Thursday.

Azuka was kidnapped on 24th December 2024; his abductors never released him alive until they were caught and they led security agencies to recover his decomposing body in a swamp along the second Niger Bridge.

At a burial mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Inland Town, Onitsha officiated by the Onitsha Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr Prudentus Aroh who represented Archbishop Valerian Okeke, the homilist, Episcopal Vicar in charge of Onitsha Region, Rev. Fr. John Bosco Okafor reflected on the lack of the sense of the sacred, which he described as one of the greatest problem of human society today.

Fr. John Bosco regretted that the youths of today no longer realise that life is sacred and that any human being created by God doesn’t have any right to take another person’s life. He called for repentance for those who shed human blood, noting that hard work pays instead of the get-rich quick syndrome destroying the society today.

“God created man in his own image and likeness and therefore we must respect that life that God gave man. It is only God that has the power to take that life when He wills and not anyone else. Life is very sacred and we must be very careful about how we treat humans. That is what some of our youths have failed to realise and that is why they are wasting human lives as if they are pouring water away.”

The priest said that even as security is everybody’s responsibility, the governments at all levels must double their efforts and do more to secure lives and properties. 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo in a remark condoled with the immediate family of the late lawmaker, noting that the death was a big loss to the entire state.

He recalled having a cordial working relationship with Azuka and disclosed that there were plans for some strategic partnership with him before the worst happened.

Governor Soludo said that the good thing was that his killers had been apprehended and that justice would surely be served in the matter.

“This is a promising young man with all his dreams cut off. Anambra State is grieving with you, but we shall take steps to ensure that this grief is ameliorated. We will do the needful.

“What is happening is a case of what the Igbo say that ‘when abominable acts last for one year, it becomes a tradition.’ All of us must share in this complicity. When people were applauding those who kill security agencies and snatch their rifles, this is what it has resulted into.

“But light and darkness have nothing in common. We are determined to flush out criminal elements in our midst including the evil native doctors who promote ritual killings and quick money making scams. Surely Anambra will return as the safest state in Nigeria. May we be able to rise up to see something and say something. With combined efforts and partnership, a new Anambra is possible,” Soludo stated.

The burial ceremony was attended by lawmakers both at the state and national levels, labour party stalwarts including the National leader, Mr Peter Obi and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko.

Meanwhile, a priest of Onitsha Archdiocese, popularly known as Fr. Marshal, formerly the Parish Priest of St. Edmund Catholic Church, Nkpor was kidnapped days before the incident. He was recently transferred to St. Dominic Catholic Church, Abatete, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State.

Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Prudentus  Aroh who broke the news in a terse statement sent to the Onitsha Archdiocesan Presbyterium platform, said the sad incident occurred on Thursday evening, 13th February 2025, along Building Material-Ugwunwasike Bypass. Ogidi.

He said that until now, the abductors had not established any contact with anybody.

“His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, invites us to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as all efforts are being made to secure his freedom. We commend our brother, Fr. Jude, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors,” the chancellor stated.

When contacted for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Ikenga Toochi said the incident had not been brought to his attention.

Former lawmaker representing Kaduna South Senatorial District and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Danjuma Laar and 20 other politicians in the district have decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani received Senator Laar who represented the district from 2015 to 2023 alongside other defectors from the PDP and the Labour Party (LP) to APC during the ruling party’s stakeholders’ meeting in Kafanchan.

The defectors, who joined the APC included serving and former federal legislators, as well as lawmakers from Kaduna State House of Assembly, former Council Chairmen, state party chairmen, and flagbearers of opposition parties.

Among them are member, House of Representatives for Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji and his counterpart for Kaura Federal Constituency, Hon. Donatus Mathew.

Others are a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya; member representing Jaba State Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Marah Zakarieh, among others.

Governor Sani thanked the stakeholders for their commitment to the progress of the party and assured that his administration will continue to develop and implement policies and programmes to empower citizens.

“I had the honour of receiving very important personalities and their supporters who decamped to the APC. They include both serving and former lawmakers, and executives from other political parties, amongst others,” Governor Sani said.

A 29-year-old Islamic teacher, Abdulrahman Bello, was on Saturday arrested by the Kwara State Police Command for allegedly killing a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Yetunde Lawal.

Bello was said to have connected with 25-year-old Lawal on Facebook and invited her to his house through a phone call on February 10, 2025.

According to sources, the suspect allegedly killed and dismembered Lawal at a location in Ganmo, on the outskirts of Ilorin, the state capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident to Sunday PUNCH, stating that an investigation had commenced.

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She said, “The Kwara Police Command is aware of the gruesome killing of one Miss Yetunde H. Lawal. On 11/02/2025 at about 1800 hours, a case of a missing person was reported at C Division, Oja-Oba, by her father, Ibrahim A. Lawal.

“Immediately, police detectives swung into action, tracked her number, and arrested a suspect. Exhibits were recovered, and the case was transferred yesterday to the SCID for discreet investigations.”

Sources revealed that Lawal was last seen on February 10, 2025, after leaving a naming ceremony, during which she received a phone call, suspected to be from Bello.

The sources added that Lawal’s caller was tracked and identified as Bello, who lived at Offa Garage, a distinct area of Ilorin.

A source said, “The suspect was arrested. He initially denied knowledge of Yetunde’s (Lawal) whereabouts but later confessed after police searched his house. He claimed she was in his house and had died from an asthma attack. However, the police later discovered Yetunde’s dismembered body parts in a bowl.

“They met on Facebook, where the suspect obtained Yetunde’s phone number before inviting her to his house.”