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Nigeria’s principal opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced its intention to engage the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to encourage his return to the party that played a pivotal role in his political ascent.
In a recent interview with the BBC, PDP acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, addressed the former Kano State Governor’s recent remarks declaring the PDP as “dead” and incapable of achieving future success.
Damagun underscored the PDP’s openness to welcoming back all former members, including Senator Kwankwaso.
He expressed that Kwankwaso’s comments were somewhat unfair, as the NNPP chieftain had previously secured political victories while affiliated with the PDP.
The acting chairman further asserted that the PDP has maintained its strength over 26 years, continuing to operate under the same name and boasting a presence of governors and senators from all regions of Nigeria.
He contended that even if four other parties were to merge, they would still fall short of the PDP’s formidable strength.
“People are entitled to their opinions, but I want to remind him of the past. When they left the PDP in 2015, if the party didn’t die back then, during a time they thought they had weakened it, I don’t see why anyone would claim it is dead now.
“Let’s not forget that the PDP remains the only party capable of winning elections if you exclude the ruling APC,” Damagun said.
In response to Kwankwaso’s assertions regarding his marginalization within the PDP, which led him to reject any intentions of collaborating with the party for the 2027 elections, Damagun acknowledged that several of Kwankwaso’s concerns were indeed legitimate.
He elaborated that during Kwankwaso’s initial attempts to depart from the PDP, he, as the party’s deputy national chairman for the North at the time, made considerable efforts to address the issues but ultimately could not achieve a resolution.
“That said, there is no party better than the PDP for Kwankwaso. The party nurtured his political career and brought him to where he is today. We still hope he will return to work with us to rebuild our party and confront this oppressive government,” Damagun added.
The PDP chairman stated that God willing, the party will soon reach out to Kwankwaso despite knowing he was angry, adding that his aspirations might not be achievable in his current party.
“The PDP has always been a party that welcomes back any of its members who left in anger. Whenever they return, we give them opportunities just like everyone else,” Damagun concluded.
Renowned music executive and CEO of Kennis Music, Kenny Ogungbe, has dismissed rumours that he was responsible for the breakup of the iconic music group, Plantashun Boiz.
Speculations have circulated that the group disbanded after Kennis Music signed 2Face, one of its members.
However, speaking on a recent episode of ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, Ogungbe, popularly known as Baba Keke, clarified that the group had already split before 2Face approached him.
Ogungbe said, “People have been saying l’m the one responsible for the breakup of Plantashun Boiz.
“That’s not true. 2face came to me himself after the group had broken up that he wanted to sign with Kennis music and Eedris Abdulkareem told me to sign him which I did.”
Plantashun Boiz, made up of 2Face, Blackface, and Faze, disbanded in 2004 after releasing their second album, ‘Sold Out.’
The trio briefly reunited in 2007 for their third and final album, ‘Plan B,’ before going their separate ways again.
Meanwhile, famous dancehall singer and ex-member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo, better known as Blackface, had blamed former bandmate, 2Face Idibia, for the agelong rift between them.
Naija News reported that Blackface, during an interview on the latest episode of ‘The Honest Bunch Podcast’, said he and Faze are on good terms, but 2Face’s inferiority complex is responsible for their rift.
He noted it was time to bury the hatchet, stressing he had forgiven 2Face for all he had done to him knowingly and unknowingly.
Blackface also pleaded with the ‘African Queen’ crooner to forgive him for whatever he has done to him.
He said, “I and Faze are cool. Maybe 2face has inferiority complex towards me.
“It is time to bury the hatchet. I forgive 2face for everything he has done to me, knowingly and unknowingly. He should also make space to forgive me for anything I have done.”
They also called on the National Assembly to scrutinise the Appropriation Bill before passing it.
In the new fiscal proposals, the Ministry of Education alone got N3,880,000,000 to purchase computers; followed by the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre with N2,735,000,000.
The scrapped Ministry of Sports Development also got N1.1 billion for purchase of computers; and N263, 391,743 for the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development to buy same.
Also found in the new Appropriation Bill was N525,183,402 for computers’ purchase in the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, N75 million and the Ministry of Transport, N70 million.
The sum of N202 million was set aside for similar items for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); the Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD), N220 million; the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), N836 million; the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), N535 million and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, N797,483, 350.
Other agencies that received allocations for purchase of computers are the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), N350 million; the National Counter Terrorism Centre, N567,936,580; the National Intelligence Agency Pension Board, N250 million; the Federal Cooperative College Ibadan, N450 million; Civil Defence, Immigration and Prison Service Board (CIPB), N164 million and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, N604,267,087.
Computers’ purchase appears 144 times in 2024 budget
Daily Trust reports that most of these agencies had allocations for “Purchase of Computers” in the 2024 budget wherein the item appeared 144 times.
In the 2024 fiscal document, the Ministry of Education got N9,067,331,533 for computers; the Civil Defence, Immigration and Prison Service Board, N32 million; the Auditor-General Office, N41.8 million; the National Counter Terrorism Centre, N45.5 million; PTAD, N60 million; the Ministry of Transport, N50 million; NIMET, N130 million and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, N300 million.
Criticisms trail annual allocations for computers
A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State, Bello Nasir El-Rufai, recently on the floor of the House, called for a shift in budget planning away from always buying computers, vehicles and furniture.
“Since I was a boy, the budget every year comes with new computers, new furniture. These things don’t expire. We should cut them out totally. We can’t be asking Nigerians to tighten their belts, we can’t have a tax reform bill that could shape this country while as leaders, we are not cutting anything. I urge the committee chairmen to look into this. Nigerians are tired of every agency buying forks and knives every year,” the lawmaker said.
In a chat with Daily Trust, a labour leader, Comrade Yusuf Bello, called for prudence, openness and accountability in budget implementation.
He said items that do not require annual replacement should not find their way into the budget.
“We’re at a time that resources are extremely very lean and it’s a time for prudence, openness and accountability. And there are clear assets that do not require replacement on an annual basis. We can repair or upgrade them. Most often, our budgets are padded and loaded with things that end up not getting supplied or purchased at all,” he said.
He urged the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight; and the executive, to be firm in dealing with corruption.
‘It’s scandalous, waste of resources’
Executive Director, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), Comrade Debo Adeniran, in a chat with Daily Trust yesterday, described annual budgetary allocations for computers as a waste of resources.
He said, “Year in and year out, the government has always been purchasing office equipment and other things like furniture and stuffs like that. It is as good as what the president and the vice president want to do with the renovation of their residences.
“It’s unfortunate that the profligacy of our leaders has been going on. The computers that are being purchased are not essential equipment because up till now, those in offices have been using computers and have not told us that they’re no longer functioning. What happened to the maintenance of the same items? Even with that huge amount of money, why can’t they encourage local manufacturers or assemblers of computers in Nigeria so that it would come cheaper?”
Adeniran asked the National Assembly to scrutinise the budget.
He alleged that the lawmakers “don’t look at duplication, genuineness or otherwise of the purchase. They ought to look at what happens to the existing ones. That’s why they’re saddled with oversight functions.”
Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Ibrahim Zikirullahi, who also spoke to Daily Trust yesterday, charged the National Assembly “to rise to the occasion and uphold sanity on this budget and other legislative mandates on national development.”
He queried, “What happened to those (computers) bought last year, year before and three, four years back. The amount spent on the procurement anomaly in the last couple of years is enough to set up a world-class computer manufacturing company that could be a means of job creation.
“Budgeting for wasteful and needless items at a time the same government is asking the citizens to tighten their belts leaves much to be desired.”
Also commenting, Executive Director, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere, asked, “How can one justify budgeting for computers by MDAs every year despite the outcry against such? Even the last two years’ budget performances have not been rendered to Nigerians.
“We cannot continue like this as a nation. Those computers and other frivolous items should be removed from the budget. Nigeria and the citizens do not deserve being taken for a ride by those in place of authority.”
[DailyTrust]
Civil rights activist and politician Senator Shehu Sani has urged Nigerians and the government at all levels to appreciate and honour the freedom fighters who defended the country.
While speaking with Newsmen on Monday, Sani made the call when he visited the tombs of six deposed Emirs in Lokoja, who refused to bow down to British colonialists.
Sani, who was accompanied by his colleague, Comrade Suleiman Ahmed, admonished Nigerians and the government at all levels to appreciate freedom fighters who defended the country.
“Today, I am on the visit to the tombs of the Emirs from Northern Nigerians who were deposed by the British Colonialists and exiled to Lokoja where they died. Here, particularly, is the tomb of the late Emir of Kano, Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi (Maisango) who died in 1903.
“We have to appreciate the freedom fighters, those who stood in defence of our country. As a Pan-Africanist, someone who has been involved in the struggle for rights for freedom and justice, and someone who appreciates history a lot.
“I am here to appreciate this noble Emirs who stood in the defence of our country. This visit is to also send a clear message to Nigerians and to inspire others, that as we move forward as a country and as a people, we should also look backwards to appreciate those who fought and laid their lives and made sacrifices for us.
“Here, are Emirs who are lying down in their tombs; they were not deposed by their people but by the colonialists who came to enslave our people and take over our country and our resources. The Emirs that refused to bow down to colonialists, the ones who stood for freedom and defended our territorial land; we owe them a lot,” he said.
Sani, who was the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019, reaffirmed his commitment to continue to appreciate and honour Nigeria’s freedom fighters.
Speaking, the Etsu Lokoja, Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika and other Lokoja community leaders who took the Senator and his colleague around the tombs’ sites commended the senator for the visit, describing it as a welcome development.
“The visit of distinguished Senator Shehu Sani and his colleague, Comrade Suleiman Ahmed, is a very welcome development and we appreciate them for the gesture.
“Oftentimes, we hardly remember that certain people contributed to certain measures in the past. So, the visit to Lokoja with particular interest in the tombs of the deposed Emirs, is very laudable.
“As a human rights activist, he could quickly point to the fact that these Emirs fought in defence of their people, and that was what leadership is all about”, Dauda-Shelika said.
[Punch]]
Lifelong farmer Joe Del Bosque knows that America can’t live without immigrants, but he worries that many of his countrymen think it can’t live with them either.
“When they’re needed, they welcome them. When they don’t need them, they want to kick them out,” the 75-year-old told AFP.
“Well, right now the country doesn’t know that they do need some of these workers.”
Farmers like Del Bosque, who grows cantaloupes and almonds in California, fear they could be at the sharp end of president-elect Donald Trump’s promise to deport millions of non-citizens.
Economists agree that a mass expulsion could leave him and others like him without enough workers to harvest food — causing shortages and sending prices skyrocketing.
“He’s talked about deportations. We don’t know yet what that means,” said Del Bosque.
“Does that mean everyone? We certainly hope that doesn’t mean he’s going to raid our farms, because without our people, our farms will come to a stop.”
And it isn’t just arable farmers who are worried.
Rick Naerebout, executive director of the Idaho Dairy Producers Association, warns the sudden disappearance of skilled laborers could be “devastating” to the dairy industry.
“It would only take a couple days of disruption and not being able to feed or milk our cows to where you would damage our industry beyond repair,” he told AFP.
– ‘Essential’ –
Around 2.4 million people work in farming in the United States, 44 percent of whom are undocumented, according to a survey by the Department of Labor.
University of Michigan economist David Ortega said — despite what some politicians say publicly — it is widely acknowledged in official circles that the entire system is heavily dependent on illegal workers.
“These are individuals that perform essential, very labor-intensive tasks like planting and harvesting,” he said.
“Many of them fill critical roles that many US-born workers are either unable or unwilling to perform.”
Farm work is hard, and often done in a difficult environment — summer temperatures in California can top 40 celcius (104 Fahrenheit), while winters in places like Idaho are routinely below freezing.
This reality stands in stark contrast to claims by nationalist politicians like Trump that these immigrants are “stealing” American jobs.
Naerebout, of the Idaho Dairy Producers Association, said it’s a common — and frustrating — fallacy.
To illustrate the point, he says one contractor last year advertised to fill thousands of roles.
“They had fewer than 30 domestic applications for 6,000 jobs,” he said.
“Only 12 of those individuals resulted in an interview, and only two resulted in a hire, and those two that got hired didn’t make it to harvest.
“Americans don’t want these jobs.”
– Posturing –
Such details were absent on the campaign trail, where Trump rallies painted migrants only as a problem for the United States, a source of crime and overcrowding that need to be sent packing.
The rhetoric was popular with voters, especially in rural areas, many of whom cited immigration as a key reason for supporting Trump.
California dairy farmer Tom Barcellos says he is convinced that — despite Trump’s promise to carry out the largest deportation in US history — common sense will prevail when the Republican takes office on January 20.
“I’ve been to (Washington) DC many times. I’ve been to (California state capital) Sacramento many times,” he said.
“Those that have the power know we’re not going to go raid agriculture, because that’s the food source for the American people, and they don’t want to raise the cost any more than it needs to be.”
For Naerebout there is a desperate — and long overdue — need to move past the political posturing of the last few decades and work out a way forward.
“We’ve been frustrated for, you know, 20 years trying to find a pathway forward to reforms at a national level, and both (Democrats and Republicans) are at fault,” he said.
“We as an industry wonder if there’s lack of political will to solve the problem because the problem presents itself as a great political fundraiser and stump speech.”
Del Bosque says he hires around 200 workers during harvest season and finds the process frustrating.
Migrants who try to do things legally get bogged down in a bureaucracy that appears to have no understanding of the needs of the workers or the industries that need to employ them.
“A lot of our fresh fruits and vegetables need to be picked by hand,” he said.
“If Americans value that kind of food in their diet — fresh fruits and vegetables — they need to consider that we have to have a reliable workforce to have a reliable food supply.”
[Vanguard]
A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of $49,700 allegedly recovered from Nura Ali, a former resident electoral commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ali was REC for Sokoto state during the 2023 general election.
Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, gave the order on Monday after Osuobeni Akponimisingha, counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), moved an ex-parte motion for the temporary forfeiture of the money.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is the applicant, while Ali was the sole respondent in the motion ex-parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1846/2024.
The motion, dated December 20 and filed on December 24, was jointly submitted by the ICPC and the Department of State Service (DSS).
The motion sought an order of the court temporarily forfeiting $49,700.00, “recovered from one Dr. Nura Ali during a search operation by the federal government of Nigeria as property suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities”.
The motion also requested an order directing the applicant, through the ICPC and the DSS, to jointly conduct a thorough preliminary investigation into Ali’s alleged unlawful activities concerning the movable property and submit a report to the court within 90 days.
It also sought an order directing the applicant to deposit the $49,700.00 in an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and to publish a notice in a national newspaper inviting persons, whether human, juristic, or artificial, with an interest in the money to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
The applicant stated that the victims of the alleged crime were the federal government of Nigeria and taxpayers, including judges across the country.
“The alleged movable property of $49,700.00 was bribe money received by Dr. Nura Ali when he was the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Sokoto state,” the motion reads.
“The alleged movable property is not the legitimate earning of Dr. Ali as INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner.
“The alleged movable property is suspected to be proceeds of crime.”
The applicant argued that INEC does not pay its staff salaries in US dollars, noting that the purpose of the application was to preserve the property from dissipation.
The applicant added that interested persons, including the alleged owner, would have the opportunity to provide a legitimate explanation for the property.
“Where cogent and verifiable explanations exist as to how the property was acquired, devoid of crime, the alleged owner or any other person with a proprietary interest in the property will be allowed unrestricted possession of the property,” the application stated.
E.O. Akponimisingha, who appeared for the applicant, told the court that the motion ex-parte sought four orders.
He prayed the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.
He said a search was conducted at Ali’s residence in Kano, where $49,700 was retrieved.
He alleged that Ali had disclosed in an extra-judicial statement to the DSS that $150,000 was gifted to him by the former governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal, and Aliyu Wamakko, a serving senator.
The lawyer stated that Ali had written a letter to the DSS seeking the return of the money.
An affidavit supporting the motion ex-parte, deposed to by Iliya Markus, a litigation officer with the ICPC, said the secret service acted on intelligence reports about alleged bribes received by Ali from stakeholders, including politicians, during his tenure as INEC REC in Sokoto.
He confirmed that the residence was searched pursuant to a warrant, during which $49,700 was recovered.
“A copy of the search warrant is hereby attached and marked as Exhibit DSS 1,” he said.
The affidavit stated that Ali failed to report the alleged $49,700 gift to law enforcement, as required by law, and that he had previously written letters requesting the return of the money.
“Copies of the said letters are hereby attached and marked as Exhibits DSS 3 and 4, respectively,” the affidavit reads.
Markus noted that the investigation is ongoing, necessitating the 90-day application.
Nwite deemed the application meritorious and consequently granted the prayers.
The judge adjourned the matter until January 30 for a compliance report on the publication in the media and until March 31 for a further hearing.
[TheCable]
Nigerian disc jockey DJ Kulet has publicly announced the end of her 8-month marriage to Ohis Emmanuel.
In a Facebook post, she cited several serious allegations as the reasons for their separation.
These allegations include a video confession by Emmanuel, in which he admitted to molesting a 20-year-old cousin and her friend.
DJ Kulet stated that she had initially forgiven Emmanuel for his infidelity but later discovered evidence of more severe offenses.
According to DJ Kulet, Emmanuel’s behavior has shown a pattern of targeting minors, and he continues to engage in infidelity with multiple women.
She also alleged that Emmanuel sexually abused a 13-year-old minor for six months.
DJ Kulet expressed her commitment to exposing people who pose a threat to others, particularly in light of her own experiences as a victim.
In the post, DJ Kulet stated:
“I, DJ KULET, am publicly disassociating myself from my ex-husband, Ohis Emmanuel (aka Benjamin), due to his egregious and reprehensible actions. Despite overwhelming evidence (including chats, photos, videos, and voice notes) of his infidelity, he has refused to change his ways.
“The final straw was the shocking discovery of his prolonged sexual abuse of a 13-year-old minor, which occurred under my roof for six months.
“In our short-lived marriage of less than 8 months, I have treated infections three times. As a VICTIM myself, I feel compelled to expose individuals like him to protect others”.
“Only God can cancel me” – Naira Marley speaks out on being blacklisted a year after Mohbad’s death
AFOLABI
Nigerian musician Naira Marley has addressed the controversy surrounding his career following the tragic death of his former signee, Mohbad.
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Naira Marley spoke about being blacklisted by many in the Nigerian music industry and the public, especially after Mohbad’s passing in September 2023.
The Marlian Music boss, once known for having a massive fanbase, has faced significant backlash since Mohbad’s death, with many accusing him of involvement or negligence in the matter.
Despite the intense criticism, Naira Marley wrote on X;
“Only God can cancel me.”
The post quickly went viral, igniting a flurry of reactions from Nigerians across social media.
Some users expressed that Naira Marley’s music no longer resonates with them, with one user, Sir Freddy, claiming that “nobody is listening to Naira’s music anymore.”
Others, like Makana, argued that the singer’s time had passed, while Tobi Akinbo suggested that Mohbad had effectively “cancelled” Naira Marley even before his death.
Netizens Reactions…
kinglytie_ said: “Who else no remember this guy >>>>.”
the_real_watife said: “lol ? Who is this one again?”
Dapeterzstudios said: “Well he’s right only God can cancel a man.”
Lilreelex said; “Mugun who dey hear your music before.”
Tush__tush24 said: “U wey heaven and earth don cancel ?.”
patpat_ugwu said: “Who still dey remember this one just dey sale your drugz cos God don cancel you since.”
An_na_bella11 said: “In as much as I don’t support what he did, but this one he said here, he’s actually right, only God can cancel anybody.” Dunsynn: “We are also gods on earth, created in his image.
See below;
Francis Nwifuru says God used Dave Umahi, the minister of works, to make him the governor of Ebonyi state.
Nwifuru, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), won the governorship election in March 2023 to replace Umahi, the incumbent governor, at the time.
Speaking on Monday in Ebonyi during an empowerment programme organised by Nkemkanma Kama, a member representing the Ohaoazara/Onicha/Ivo federal constituency, the governor said he is the “greatest beneficiary” of Umahi’s government.
Nwifuru, who described Umahi as a goal-getter, added that the minister was also influential in his election as the speaker of the state house of assembly for eight years.
“God would have used another person to make me governor, but Umahi was the only person available to be used,” Nwifuru said.
“At the time God searched for a person to use in making me governor, Umahi made himself available.
“I performed the duty honestly, and that is why I am proud to have him as a boss.
“Umahi as a governor excelled in ensuring peace, infrastructure, and human capital development among other sectors.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Nigerians should never lose hope about the prospect of the country despite the current economic hardship.
During an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Obasanjo said the country said he is an incurable optimist, who believes that Nigeria will get to “where God wants us to be”.
“We wish all Nigerians a happy and prosperous new year, and I will say to Nigerians, we’re going through hardship, but they should never lose hope,” the former president said.
“I’m an incurable optimist about Nigeria, and we have a great country.
“Where we are is not where God wants us to be, and I believe that sooner than later we will get to where God wants us to be.
“God wants Nigeria to be a land flowing with milk and honey, not a desert, a basket case, or a failed country.
“That we’re where we are is either by inadvertent or advertent actions of our leaders and followers to some extent, but God is God of great things for Nigeria. I believe God has great things for Nigeria in the immediate future.”
The former president noted that true leadership extends beyond the corridors of power, adding that it is the responsibility of political officeholders to use experiences and connections gained in office to advance humanity.
“Whether you spend two years or 10 years in office, you acquire certain experiences and build relationships that can be tapped into for the good of the world,” he said.
Obasanjo, reflecting on global climate, decried a “deficit of leadership” across all sectors, particularly in politics, and urged current and former leaders to continue serving their countries and the world after leaving office.
“At the political level, it matters most because politics drives all other things, but at all levels, and I’m not also talking about incumbent leaders,” he said.
“Incumbent leaders matter more because they have the power and all that goes with the power, but those that also have had the opportunity and God has endowed, they should realise that the world we are living in, that we call a village, if anybody fails to play his part and his role in that village, that village will soon be spoiled, and that must be clear to all of us.”
‘TRUMP MUST NOT IGNORE AFRICA’
Obasanjo said US President-elect Donald Trump must accord Africans due respect and dignity as he is about to assume leadership of the White House.
In 2018, Trump was alleged to have said African countries, alongside Haiti and El Salvador, constituted ‘shitholes’ where “undesirable migrants” were coming into the US.
Trump has since denied describing any race as coming from “shithole countries,” adding that he has high regard for Nigerians.
Obasanjo said it is time to prove to Trump that what he called a “shithole” is not it, noting that America has an enlightened interest in Africa.
“Whether anybody likes it or not, the American people have decided that Trump will be their leader, and Trump, being the American people’s leader, will lead America for the next four years and will be the leader of the world,” he said.
“America is the greatest country in the world for now. It may change in a few years.
“Maybe China will take over and become the largest economy or surpass America in terms of technology or military power, but for today America is that country, and we cannot say we have nothing to do with Trump.
“We have to find a way of letting Trump know that what he calls a ‘shithole’ is not it, and we have to make him understand that.
“I believe that there will be policymakers around him that we can reach and talk to.
“America has an enlightened interest in Africa, and we must tell him, ‘This is your interest, and don’t ignore it. We’re ready to work with you; give us the respect and dignity that is due to us, respect our citizens who are in your country, and let us work together for a peaceful world.
“A world that is secured, stable, and where prosperity is shared, and security will be common for everybody’. I believe Trump will understand that.”
More...
First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has laid off about 100 senior staff members in a major organisational shakeup.
According to a report by Nairametrics on Monday, sources familiar with the matter said the bank’s top executives were asked to leave — as part of its corporate restructuring and repositioning plan for 2025 — following the confirmation of Olusegun Alebiosu as FBN’s managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) in June.
The sources told the publication that the exits appear to be part of a concerted effort by the board led by Femi Otedola, its chairman, to introduce fresh blood into several leadership positions in the bank.
However, another source within the bank said some of the exits were voluntary, especially for senior executives who intend to explore other career prospects.
The publication said the shakeup also affected a prominent executive director whose tenure was not renewed over mutually agreed circumstances.
On December 9, Otedola asked Folake Ani-Mumuney to resign as the bank’s global head of marketing and corporate communications.
Ani-Mumuney’s resignation was demanded after Otedola learned that a whopping sum was spent on a send-off party for Adesola Adeduntan, the former MD of the bank who was reportedly forced to resign over alleged negligence in a N60 billion electronic fraud.
The federal ministry of works has allocated N2 billion for the purchase of vehicles for senior special assistants (SSAs).
President Bola Tinubu, on December 13, presented a record N49.7 trillion as the proposed budget for 2025 to a joint session of the upper and lower legislative chambers.
Tinubu said the proposal aligns with the renewed hope agenda and reflects the administration’s commitment to stabilising the economy, improving lives, and repositioning the country for greater performance.
In the appropriation bill, the vehicle expenses are included in the 2025 executive budget of the federal ministry of works.
According to the budget breakdown, the federal road maintenance agency was allocated N64.88 billion, which includes N4.92 billion for personnel costs, N33.47 billion for overheads, and N26.49 billion for capital projects.
The regional centre for training in aerospace survey was allocated N510.09 million, entirely for capital projects, with no funds set aside for personnel or overhead costs.
Overall, the ministry and its agencies were allocated N1.14 trillion, with the majority of the funds directed towards capital development.
“These People Have An Ulterior Motive” – Kano Lawmaker Reveals How He Was Approached To Support Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills
AFOLABI
The lawmaker representing Gaya, Ajingi and Albasu Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, Mustapha Ghali, has shed more light on why the North is not in support of the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
Ghali, who alleged that those sponsoring the bills or supporting them, have ulterior motives, said the focus of the bills should be in the interest of entire Nigeria and not just some regions or states.
This is as he revealed that he was lobbied by a fellow lawmaker from the south to support the controversial bills with the assurance that it would benefit Kano State.
The lawmaker, however, said he doesn’t want a bill that will only benefit his own state and leave out others, including neighbouring states.
Ghali, who made the disclosures while speaking with newsmen in Kano State, said Nigeria is not ripe for such bills and called on the federal government to, instead, provide a conducive environment for the citizens.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain said, “There was an influential member from the South that met me and said, Dr Ghali you are privileged to have the wherewithal to stand and speak and you usually get the support of your fellow members. We have come to strike a deal with you today. We want you to support these tax reform bills.
“He told me that their reason was that when it is passed, Kano will also benefit alongside Lagos. If Kano benefitted you will also benefit. I said to him he is right, but I want Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara Sokoto, Kebbi also to benefit.
“My reason was if today I have a problem in Kano, before you come to my rescue from Lagos, I have called one from Jigawa, I have called someone from Katsina, Kaduna and Niger. So, even if Kano will benefit, what of my neighbours, those that I have always been at peace with?
“This indicates that these people have an ulterior motive. The good thing is all northern legislators have all sat and are working towards containing the issue. We all have our own priorities from our people that we are representing. Your interest should not be conflicting or against the other region. This is why we are telling people to stop fighting for political differences but for the success of our region.”
North Must Take A Stand Against The Bills
Speaking further, the lawmaker said the Northern region must unite and speak with one voice to stop the implementation of the bills.
He submitted that countries that have implemented such bills had first provided a conducive environment and development such as employment, hospitals, schools and other social amenities for the populace, but the reverse is the case in Nigeria.
“Several countries across the world have implemented the tax reform bill and it is working for them. But at what point? You have to provide a conducive environment and development such as employment, hospitals, schools and other social amenities for the populace.
“Take for instance, England, United Arab Emirates, UAE and Saudi Arabia, where they implemented the bill and it is working for them. The government was able to do so based on the development provided and taxes collected from the well to do to ensure the sustainability of the developmental projects.
“So what we are saying is Nigeria is not yet ripe for the implementation of the proposed bill. It is not like we totally rejected it but the government has to provide the development and conducive environment before implementing the tax reform bill.
“I however appeal to northern lawmakers, governors, elders, business men and women, academicians and all relevant stakeholders to put heads together to ensure that the bill is set aside,” he said.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially approved the renaming of Edo State University, Uzairue, to Edo University, Iyamho.
Naija News reports that this development was announced in a statement issued on Monday in Benin City by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.
The statement confirmed that the name change takes immediate effect and instructed that all official documentation for the institution reflect the new name.
The statement reads, “It is hereby announced for the information of the that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the change of the name of ‘Edo State University, Uzairue,’ to now be known as ‘Edo University, Iyamho’ with immediate effect.
“Accordingly, all documentation in respect of the Institution henceforth shall reflect the above change.”
Obaseki’s Govt Forcefully Acquired Many Properties Without Compensation – Edo Govt To Compensate Owners
The Edo State Government has announced plans to compensate individuals whose lands or properties were illegally taken or destroyed by the immediate past administration led by former Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Naija News reports that the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, made this known in Benin on Monday.
Osagie said Obaseki’s government acquired some community lands and properties without compensation, stressing that Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration was already righting the wrongs of the past government to ensure harmony in the state.
According to him, Senator Okpebjolo will investigate all complaints and ensure that those who need compensation receive what is due to them.
Osagie said his ministry would thoroughly handle all lawsuits capable of derailing the government to guide against any distractions.