I Have Slept With 10,000 Women – Man City Player Benjamin Mendy

Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy said he had slept with over 10,000 women, a lawyer for the prosecution, Benjamin Aina, has told jurors at the Chester Crown Court, UK, during the player’s ongoing re-trial case on two rape-related charges.

Opening the trial, Mr Aina testified the footballer told a girl whom the World Cup winner met at a UK bar, “It’s fine, I’ve had sex with 10,000 women,” when he allegedly raped her in his room.

The France international is on trial for one rape charge and an attempted rape charge.

In January, the 29-year-old who last featured for Man City in August 2021 was found not guilty of seven counts of charges of rape, kidnapping and sexual assault by Judge Steven Everett of the same court.

However, the jurors could not reach a verdict on one count of rape and attempted rape of two women. Matthew Conway, representing the prosecution, sought for re-trial on those two charges, which eventually began earlier this week.

The footballer denies both charges.

Mr Mendy is accused of attacking an unnamed woman aged 24 at his home in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, in October 2020 and another 29-year-old woman the player attacked and attempted to rape in the same house two years earlier.

I Invoked Ogun Spirits Against Emefiele Naira Scarcity That Threatened My Presidential Ambition: Tinubu Boast

President Bola Tinubu says he invoked the “spirit of freedom” in Ijebu land against President Muhammadu Buhari and former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, when they appeared to be threatening his political ambition.

“Your monies were confiscated. The cash swap didn’t work. It was terrible then. I realised that I came to Ogun State to invoke the spirit of freedom for which we are noted for,” Mr Tinubu said.

“I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba (referring to Awujale). The spirit of Baba – Emi l’okan (it’s my turn), that’s Baba. The spirit for being blunt and that is him. And the second spirit is that of money (naira scarcity), ‘ama dibo ama wole’ (we will vote and we will win) even if there is no money. And that, ever since, has been the spirit that is driving me to serve.”

Mr Tinubu disclosed this at the Palace of Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, when he paid a courtesy visit on Thursday.

Speaking with All Progressives Congress delegates in June 2022 in Ogun state, in the run-up to the party’s primary, Mr Tinubu declared that ’emi lo kan’, while narrating how he helped former President Muhammadu Buhari to clinch the presidency in 2015.

“He tried the first time and failed. He tried a second time and failed. He tried a third time and failed. He even cried on television that he would never run for president again,” Mr Tinubu said. “I went to meet him and told him this is not a crying matter: ‘we will support you and you will be president’.”

Again, in January 2023, during APC presidential campaign in Ogun state, Mr Tinubu accused the Buhari regime of using the raging fuel scarcity and naira redesign and cash handling policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to blunt his chances at the ballot box at the February polls.

“You’re hoarding fuel and hoarding the naira,” Mr Tinubu said in Abeokuta. “Still, we will vote, and we will win this election.

“Whether you change the ink of the naira or spend money till you are in debt, things won’t turn out as you hope, we are the ones who will win the election, and our opponents will fail,” he had boasted.

Petro May Soon Sell For 700 – IPMAN Announce

 

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has projected that the pump price of petrol could rise above N700 per litre in some states in the country starting from July.

IPMAN’s National Controller Operations, Mike Osatuyi, who disclosed this during an interview with Punch, said they’ve projected that those living in northern states could pay as much as N700 and above for one litre of petrol, those outside Lagos would pay around N610, while residents of Lagos would pay about N600 for a litre.

Osatuyi said the price review was necessitated by the exchange rate. He said;

What I am seeing is around N600 and above, depending on the exchange rate, the current crude price at the international market and the landing cost. Those in Lagos will pay around N600, those outside Lagos around N600 plus, while those in the north would be paying anything from N700 and above.

“We are expecting the roadmap from the Federal Government following the meeting with labour. Labour has said they are giving the government two months to come up with the roadmap. We are also expecting the roadmap on how to deepen the use of Compressed Natural Gas.

“Already, three marketers have been confirmed to start bringing in products starting from July. That’s when we would know the real price of products because it would definitely increase. This current price is just a transitional price.”

Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Olufemi Adewole, also told the publication that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is currently licensing more importers.

Adewole also said that arrangements are on full speed for fresh products from July, adding that prices of products would depend on market fundamentals.

He said;

“Where do countries like Ghana, Benin, and Cameroun get their products from? Is it not from Nigeria?.

“Prices of products will depend on market fundamentals, and as we speak, the Nigeria Customs Service is delaying some AGO (diesel) vessels because of the 7.5 per cent VAT.

“And don’t forget, any cost incurred by marketers would be added to landing cost

Veteran Nollywood Actress Iyabo Oko Is Dead

 

Veteran Nollywood actress, Sidikat Odunkanwi professionally known as Iyabo Oko, has reportedly passed on.

Her daughter, Bisi Aisha, announced on Facebook today, saying that the actress died on Wednesday evening.

“May ur soul Rest In Peace mummy”, she wrote.

Actress Foluke Daramola-Salako also confirmed her death.

On her Instagram page, Daramola-Salako wrote: “and finally we lost her.. rip Iyabo Oko, we did our best but God knows best”

Before her demise, the 61-year-old actress battled with ill-health which caused her to take a long break from the movie scene

She was born on the 15th of November 1960 in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State.

Sidikat had stage names such as “Iyabo Oko” “Apoti Aje” Sisi Mama”.

Last year, one of her daughters, Olamide, disclosed that her mother was diagnosed with ischaemic stroke about five years ago but kept her health issues away from the public.

Yoruba Nollywood stars including Foluke Daramola, Iyabo Ojo, Bolaji Amusan, Mercy Aigbe and Biodun Okeowo, others assisted financially in the past

I’m Pregnant For Davido — French Lady Reveals

 

French lady, Ivanna Bay has called out DMW boss, Davido of impregnating her.

This is coming hours after an American lady went public with her pregnancy for Davido with “receipts”.

Ivanna also shared a chat with the singer to clarify her pregnancy claim.

French lady, Ivanna Bay has called out DMW boss, Davido of impregnating her.

This is coming hours after an American lady went public with her pregnancy for Davido with “receipts”.

Ivanna also shared a chat with the singer to clarify her pregnancy claim.

Dapo Abiodun Hasn’t Forgiven Me For Supporting Tinubu – Ex-Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel Says

 

Ex-governor of Ogun state and senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Gbenga Daniel, said that the relationship between himself and incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun has not been amicable after he supported President Bola Tinubu’s bid for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the presidential election primaries in 2022 against the governor’s wish.

“For me, it is difficult not to support Asiwaju’s presidency because he is our overall boss. That is different from the position of my governor. But I understand where he was coming from, he was not really one of us at the beginning of the transition in 1998/1999. The contest did not go the way my governor wanted,” Mr Daniel said.

In an interview with This Day published on Sunday, Mr Daniel revealed that speculations on his relationship with Mr Abiodun stemmed from differences in which aspirant they supported for the presidential primary election.

He disclosed that Mr Abiodun did not initially support Mr Tinubu’s bid for APC’s nomination which despite efforts by the governor to conceal would be referred to as an audacious retaliation for derogatory comments Mr Tinubu made when he claimed credit for his emergence as governor.

Mr Tinubu had on June 2, 2022, visited the party’s stakeholders as part of his final push for support to win the APC’s nomination. During the event, he referred to Mr Abiodun, as “eleyi”, a term many described as derogatorily.

He also claimed that Mr Abiodun could not have been elected governor without his help. Mr Abiodun, visibly humiliated by the comments, later tweeted that he holds public office in trust and not as an emperor, a comment which was seen as a response to Mr Tinubu.

Mr Daniel added that Mr Abiodun’s win, which is currently being contested, was narrow because of the many administrative challenges that beset the state under his leadership.

“The people of Ogun state were also complaining. I am in position to know because I have my network across the state. I know a lot of people were not particularly excited about his election. Civil servants have the issue of unpaid allowances. Teachers too have their own issues with him. Pensioners have issues with the governor,” he added.

I Don’t Have Degree, Yet Pay Salaries Of 100 People – Davido’s Manager Asika Brags

 

Davido’s manager Asa Asika recently revealed that despite not having a degree, he pays monthly salaries of over a hundred staff.

The 32-year-old artist manager disclosed this in a recent interview with social media influencer Smartmoneyarese.

Asika dropped out of university.

“Everyone’s story is different, everyone’s path is different, people always feel as if you have to go a certain way to get a certain goal” he said.

“One of my companies pays 45 people’s salaries a month and that’s only one of the companies I run. If I do the maths, I probably pay about 100 people salaries a month and I have no degree” he added.

Asika said he has no regret as most of his close friends earn “peanuts” despite being Ph.D holders.

“Without being condescending or trying to sound cocky, I have friends who have gone to school and have PhDs now and they are working a 9 to 5 and making peanuts,” he said.

Asika has been managing Davido since 2012, although the duo fell out in 2013 and reconciled in 2017. Today, the ‘Dami Duro’ crooner is approximately worth 27 million dollars and has been managed by Asika from 2017 till date.

Popular Nigerian Skit Maker, ‘Trinity Guy’ Remanded In Prison For ‘Sexualising Female Minor’ In Video

 

A Magistrate Court at Iyaganku, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has ordered the remand of skit maker, Abdullahi Maruff Adisa, popularly known as Trinity Guy, in prison for allegedly sexualising a minor in a viral skit video

The police had arraigned the comedian in court on Monday.

According to the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, last Friday, Trinity Guy would be charged on Monday (today) as the police had received “several complaints against him, and many groups, NGOs, and CLOs are interested in the case”.

“There is no sentiment in law, like I always say. Others should be able to learn from his actions and inactions,” the police spokesperson had said.

Last week, the Oyo State police command said the popular prankster and content creator had reported to the command for questioning.

The state police command on Thursday in a tweet said it had invited Trinity for questioning, adding that the invitation of the comedian was in connection with the disturbing viral skit content involving a female minor.

“Popular content creator, Abdullahi Maruf Adisa AKA Trinity has been contacted and invited at the Oyo State Police Command in connection with the disturbing viral skit content making the rounds across the Social Media space concerning a Female Minor. Updates would be provided soon,” the police said.

But on Friday, the command said the comedian reported at the command at exactly 10 am.

“Good Morning Fam! Abdullahi Maruf Adisa AKA Trinity reported at the Oyo State Police Command at exactly 1000hrs today. Recall he was invited yesterday over a video depicting the sexualization of a female minor. Updates would follow in sequence, please,” the command said.

It later gave an update that Trinity would be “meeting shortly with the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department for his invitation”.

The state police command last Friday said it had arrested and was quizzing Isiaka Ahmed and Rofiat, the parents of the minor allegedly sexualised by Trinity Guy.

“Preliminary Investigations revealed that the obscene video which was a clear violation of Sec. 32, 35 and 36 of the Child Rights Act of 2023 depicts explicit sexual exploitation of the minor who was compelled to give disturbing descriptive details of a Male genital.

“In addition, the Skit Maker during the course of the interview provided shocking revelations about the involvement of the minor’s parents before, during and after the production.

“He particularly emphasized that the consent of both parents was sought before uploading the skit on the internet. Consequent on the above, Isiaka Ahmed and his wife, Rofiat, both biological parents of the minor are presently being quizzed by the gender and juvenile related offences desk of the SCID alongside Trinity,” the command said on Friday.

I Regret Getting Married – Actress, Ini-Edo Reveals

 

Veteran Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, says she was forced into marriage but ended up regretting it.

Recall that on November 29, 2008, Ini Edo married American-based businessman Philip Ehiagwina, but the marriage only lasted five years.

In an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, the diva said she had second thought about getting married.

According to her, her family forced to go into the union with Ehiagwina.

She added that she regretted her marriage, adding that it was a wrong decision for her to take.

“I regretted my decision to get married because it wasn’t just the right move to make.” she said.

Speaking further, Ini Edo revealed that she decided to have her child through surrogacy because she suffered many miscarriages.

In 2021, the actress welcomed a child via surrogacy, revealing that she chose that route due to miscarriages.

“I chose surrogacy because I had a couple of miscarriages. And I just got tired of trying.

“I don’t have a husband. So, I’m like, I want a child for myself, whether I have a husband or not. So, what other options would I have? And I wanted it to be my child. My eggs. Thankfully, my eggs are good. So I did that.”

I’m Your President Whether You Voted For Me Or Not – Tinubu Boast

 

President Bola Tinubu has called for unity to stabilise the country, while reminding Nigerians that he is their leader regardless of the party they voted for during the February 25th presidential election.

“We must promote unity and stability for all. Whether you voted for me during the elections, or not, I am your President. I will work on your behalf to ensure a turning point of prosperity,’’ Mr Tinubu said.

The president, according to a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake, on Saturday, said this at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community living in France, where he attended a two-day economic summit hosted by the French government.

Explaining his immediate removal of fuel subsidy, Mr Tinubu said “we have transport challenges, electricity challenges, infrastructural challenges and others. I let out the giant elephant of fuel subsidy without bringing down the house.”

Mr Tinubu assumed office on May 29, after emerging from an election which stretched the country’s ethnic and religious division to its limits.

His decision to run with a fellow Muslim, Kashim Shettima, as vice president attracted fierce criticisms from the Christian community who claimed Mr Tinubu was towing the path of Islamisation of the country.

Many Nigerians, especially young persons, who despised the political establishment’s long years of misrule, sided with former Anambra governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party in the February 25 presidential elections. They still believe the election was rigged in favour of Mr Tinubu.

I Never Took Oath Of Allegiance In US To Renounce Nigerian Citizenship – Lagos State Deputy Governor, Hamzat Says

The Lagos Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat has debunked a viral report claiming that he took an oath of allegiance in the United States to renounce his Nigerian citizenship.

Hamzat media team described the claim as misleading and a plot of the opposition party to discredit his candidacy for the last general election.

It was earlier reported by the News Agency of Nigeria that a U.S. Immigration lawyer, Olubusayo Fasidi, claimed Lagos Obafemi Hamzat had renounced his Nigerian citizenship.

It was claimed that Olubusayo Fasidi mentioned this before an election tribunal claiming that Hamzat, the third respondent in the petition, also applied for naturalisation as contained in Forms 8CFR/337 and N400.

However, in a press statement released by Hamzat’s camp, the claim was debunked.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to inaccurate reports of the proceedings of the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, circulating on various online platforms to the effect that – ‘Lagos Deputy Governor, Renounced Nigerian Citizenship’

“The aforestated is not what transpired at the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on 21st of June 2023.

“In a bid to advancing the course of the Labour Party outside of the proceedings of the Election Tribunal, the reports have deliberately set out to mislead members of the general public and to whip up sentiments against the incumbent Governor of Lagos State, and his Deputy,

“The truth of what transpired at the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which is verifiable from the Records of the Tribunal, accessible to the public, is detailed below:

“On the 21st of June 2023, the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal took the evidence of one Miss Olubusayo Fasidi, a U.S immigration lawyer who admitted to practicing in the United States of America. She was subpoenaed by the Petitioner [Labour Party] to give evidence as to the status of the 3rd Respondent [Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat] as a Nigerian Citizen before the Tribunal. However, Objections were raised as regards her status as a subpoenaed Witness, given that she had no Written Statement on Oath before the Tribunal; moreover, her Written Statement on Oath, filed out of time was eventually withdrawn by the Counsel to the Petitioner.

“Notwithstanding the Objections, the Tribunal in her overriding wisdom allowed the Witness to proceed to give oral evidence and reserved its ruling as regards the Objections raised till the final judgement. Thus, during the Examination-in- Chief, the said subpoenaed witness tendered two documents namely, a blank Form of Application for U.S Naturalization and a blank Oath of U.S Allegiance Document, tagged Forms 8CFR/337 and N400 respectively which were admitted and marked as Exhibits.

“When the witness was cross examined by the 1st Respondents (INEC) Counsel- the witness was asked whether she was a Nigerian citizen, and she answered in the affirmative. With respect to the question of whether the witness is a citizen of the United States of America, she equally answered in the affirmative; having naturalized prior to that time.

“When the counsel further asked the witness whether she has renounced her Nigerian Citizenship, the witness responded in the affirmative. The witness confirmed she was familiar with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution however she declined responding to questions bordering on the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution regarding dual citizenship and renunciation of citizenship (as provided for in sections 28 and 29 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), on the premise that her evidence is limited to her knowledge of the Immigration law of the United States of America, without more.

“During cross- examination by Counsel for the 2nd and 3rd Respondents (the incumbent Governor and Deputy Governor of Lagos State), enquired from the witness whether she entered the country with a Nigerian visiting visa, given her claims of renouncing her Nigerian citizenship, but the witness said she did not need a Nigerian visiting visa because she still retained her Nigerian passport.

“The witness was asked of the nature of her relationship with one Anna Nweke, to which she responded that Anna Nweke was the person who attested to the documents (Forms 8CFR/337 and N400) that she tendered as exhibits, as to where the attestation was done, she said that the attestation was done upon her arrival in Lagos State, Nigeria.

“When the witness was confronted with the fact that the only two documents, she was basing her claims on, were merely downloaded blank documents, the witness stated that she had downloaded the blank documents from the official website of the US Embassy. The witness was thus unable to produce the actual documents, the specific jurisdiction of the United States and the particular date when the 3rd Respondent [Dr. Hamzat] applied for naturalization or took the purported Oath of Allegiance. She equally admitted that she had not attended the ceremony admitting Dr. Hamzat as a citizen of the United States of America.

“During her cross examination by Counsel to the 4th Respondent (APC), the witness admitted to the fact that the American Constitution recognizes dual citizenship with particular reference to 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States ratified on July 9, 1868. The witness was challenged further that the documents she tendered supports the process of application for naturalization which ultimately culminates in the issuance of an American passport and nothing more.

“The witness in reaction to additional questions confirmed that she did not need to obtain a Nigerian Visiting Visa because she entered the country with her Nigerian Passport.

“With respect to the question whether the witness was aware that the 3rd Respondent [Dr Hamzat] fully disclosed the details of his American Citizenship in the Form EC9 submitted to INEC, the witness answered in the affirmative. When the witness was again asked whether she had ever sighted the Oath of Allegiance of US Citizenship Form of the 3rd Respondent, the witness responded in the negative.”

The statement, therefore, urged the general public to disregard the claim, describing it as “the deliberate falsehood being bandied about regarding the status of the citizenship of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State.”

Why I Suspended Emefiele – President Tinubu Finally Reveals

 

President Bola Tinubu says the former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, was suspended because of how he messed up the financial system of the country.

Nuella's New had reported that the president had on June 9, suspended Emefiele to allow for investigation into some allegations levelled against him concerning his activities as the CBN governor.

President Tinubu who broke silence on the arrest and detention of Emefiele on Friday, during an interactive session with Nigerians residing in France and neighbouring countries, said the financial system was rotten under Emefiele.

He said “Then the financial system was rotten. Few people made bags of money and then you yourself, you stopped sending money home to our poor parents. Several windows. But that is gone now. It’s gone.

“The man is in the hands of the authorities. Something is being done about that. They will sort themselves out.”

Federal Government Approves 114% Salary Increase For Tinubu, Shettima, Governors

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has approved a 114 per cent increase in the salaries of elected politicians, including the President, vice president, governors, lawmakers as well as judicial and public office holders.

RMAFC is saddled with the responsibility of determining the remuneration appropriate for political officeholders including the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Legislators and the holders of the offices as mentioned in Sections 84 and 124 of this Constitution.

The commission urged the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly to hasten efforts on amendment of relevant laws to give room for upward review of remuneration packages for political, judicial and public officers.

According to NAN, the RMAFC Chairman, Muhammadu Shehu, represented by a federal commissioner, Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, made the call at the presentation of reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State governor, Dr Nasir Idris, on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

He said the implementation of the reviewed remuneration packages was effective from January 1, 2023, adding that the move was in accordance with the provision of paragraph 32(d) of part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 constitution of the federal government (as amended).

He said the last remuneration review was conducted in 2007, noting that it culminated in the “certain political, public and judicial office holders (salaries and allowances, etc) (Amendment) Act, 2008”.

Shehu said, “It empowers the revenue mobilisation, allocation and fiscal commission to determine the remuneration appropriate for political office holders, including the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, ministers, commissioners, special advisers, legislators and the holders of the offices mentioned in sections 84 and 124 of the constitution of the federal government.

“Sixteen years after the last review, it is imperative that the remuneration packages for the categories of the office holders mentioned in relevant sections of the 1999 constitution (as amended) should be reviewed.

“Pursuant to the above, your excellency may please recall that on Wednesday, 1st February, 2023, the commission held a one-day zonal public hearing on the review of the remuneration package simultaneously in all the six (6) geo-political zones of the country. The aim of the exercise was to harvest inputs/ideas from a broad spectrum of stakeholders.”

He said the commission had objectively and subjectively reviewed the salary packages in the reports, adding that it adheres to the rules of equity and fairness, risk and responsibilities, national order of precedence among others.

“The subjective criteria reflected the various expression by stakeholders through memoranda received, opinion expressed during the zonal public hearings and responses to questionnaires administered.

“The objectives of the criteria were obtained from analysis of macro-economic variables particularly the Consumer Price Index (CPI),” he noted.

The chairman added that the commission was also guided by some principles, including equity and fairness; risk and responsibilities; national order of precedence; motivation and tenure of office.

Shehu said that having considered the impact of the review on the economy, the remuneration of the political, public and judicial office holders in the country was adjusted “upward by 114%.”

The chairman explained that with respect to the judicial office holders, the commission considered the introduction of three new allowances.

He listed the allowances to include, “Professional Development Assistant: This is to allow for the provision of two law clerks to all judicial officers in the country.

“Long Service Allowance: This is to guarantee seniority/hierarchy between officers who have been on the bench for a minimum of five years and those that are appointed newly.

“Restricted or Forced Lifestyle: This is to take care of the nature of the lifestyle of judicial officers while in active service.”

Update: We Increased Tinubu, Shettima, Governors’ Salaries By 114% After Reviewing Nigerian Economy – Revenue Allocation Commission

 

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has said it approved the 114 per cent increase in the salaries of President Bola Tinubu, vice president, Kashim Shettima, governors, lawmakers as well as judicial and public office holders, after reviewing the Nigerian economy.

The RMAFC justifying its directive said that “having considered the impact of the review on the economy, the remuneration of the political, public and judicial office holders in the country was adjusted upward by 114%.”

RMAFC is saddled with the responsibility of determining the remuneration appropriate for political officeholders including the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Legislators and the holders of the offices as mentioned in Sections 84 and 124 of this Constitution.

The commission urged the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly to hasten efforts on amendment of relevant laws to give room for upward review of remuneration packages for political, judicial and public officers.

The RMAFC Chairman, Muhammadu Shehu, represented by a federal commissioner, Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, made the call at the presentation of reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State governor, Dr Nasir Idris, on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

He said the implementation of the reviewed remuneration packages was effective from January 1, 2023, adding that the move was in accordance with the provision of paragraph 32(d) of part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 constitution of the federal government (as amended).

He said the last remuneration review was conducted in 2007, noting that it culminated in the “certain political, public and judicial office holders (salaries and allowances, etc) (Amendment) Act, 2008”.

Shehu said, “Sixteen years after the last review, it is imperative that the remuneration packages for the categories of the office holders mentioned in relevant sections of the 1999 constitution (as amended) should be reviewed.

“Pursuant to the above, your excellency may please recall that on Wednesday, 1st February, 2023, the commission held a one-day zonal public hearing on the review of the remuneration package simultaneously in all the six (6) geo-political zones of the country. The aim of the exercise was to harvest inputs/ideas from a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

“The subjective criteria reflected the various expression by stakeholders through memoranda received, opinion expressed during the zonal public hearings and responses to questionnaires administered.

“The objectives of the criteria were obtained from analysis of macro-economic variables particularly the Consumer Price Index (CPI).”

Shehu said that having considered the impact of the review on the economy, the remuneration of the political, public and judicial office holders in the country was adjusted “upward by 114%.”

The chairman explained that with respect to the judicial office holders, the commission considered the introduction of three new allowances.

He listed the allowances to include, “Professional Development Assistant: This is to allow for the provision of two law clerks to all judicial officers in the country.

“Long Service Allowance: This is to guarantee seniority/hierarchy between officers who have been on the bench for a minimum of five years and those that are appointed newly.

“Restricted or Forced Lifestyle: This is to take care of the nature of the lifestyle of judicial officers while in active service.”

Stop Lying, Excessive Alcohol Damaged Your Internal Organs, Not Poisoning – Atiku Replies Ex-Governor Wike

Atiku Abubakar has said that the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, was a victim of self-inflicted alcoholic poisoning.

Atiku spoke through Phrank Shaibu, who is his Special Assistant on Public Communication, said Wike should go for confession and not thanksgiving, given his ignoble role in the election in Rivers State.

Wike had opened up and alleged that he was poisoned at the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2018.

The former governor had disclosed this at a special Thanksgiving service organised in his honour at the St. Peters Deanery, Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor, on Sunday.

He had said the poison ravaged his internal organs, affecting his liver and kidneys and almost killed him but for God’s interventions.

However, Phrank Shaibu, in a statement on Monday advised Nyesom Wike to reduce his consumption of alcohol following a revelation that his liver and kidneys failed due to “poisoning.”

He stated, “Governor Wike has always been open about his intense and indubitable love for whiskey. He even said back in March that he was sipping a 40-year-old whiskey with his friends while watching Atiku and others protesting on TV at 11am.

“Governor Wike has also been seen drinking and dancing in video, including one he did with former Governor Rochas Okorocha. If Wike was indeed poisoned and his organs failed, he ought to be a teetotaller by now and reduce his drinking.

“I am not a medical doctor but it is general knowledge that excessive alcohol consumption leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems; and cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, voice box, liver, colon and rectum.

“Other ailments associated with excessive drinking include: weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick; learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor sexual performance. Wike should look inwards. Let us assume that he was poisoned by food. Was his hoarse and husky voice also caused by food poisoning?

“Governor Wike ought to be doing confessions rather than thanksgiving. Psalm 51:17 says God does not despise a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Wike has not shown any remorse for the many electoral malpractices he has committed.

“Under Wike’s reign, Rivers State – which was famously known as the treasure base of the nation – became Rivers of blood. That is the legacy of Wike. His thanksgiving cannot be acceptable to God unless there is first repentance”, Shaibu said.

“Governor (Seyi) Makinde aptly referred to his master, Wike, as a naked wire. Everyone knows that all a naked wire does is to kill people by electrocution. May we never fall victim to such a cantankerous man.

“Governor Makinde should, however, focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Oyo. He is the only G5 member who currently holds political office. The other four are jobless spent forces who are running helter skelter seeking appointment and protection from the EFCC”, he said.

Don’t Make Us Hungry We Need Urgent Help – President Tinubu Tells U.S

 

President Bola Tinubu says the Nigerian economy is lagging behind while begging the United States of America to urgently help the country to prevent the most populous African nation from eating enemies’ dinner.

“Nigeria is an oil-producing nation and a developing economy that needs revenue from fossil fuel for growth and development,” Mr Tinubu said.

“We cherish our partnership with the United States. My concern is whether United States is giving us enough as much as we need. The U.S. should not make us hungry to the point we will have to eat the dinner of our enemy.”

The President made this plea at a meeting with United States assistant secretary of state, bureau of energy resources, Ambassador Geoffrey Praytt, at the State House, Abuja on Monday, according to a statement by Mr Tinubu’s spokesperson, Dele Alake.

He further begged the U.S. saying “we need the funding support to help us drive and accelerate our energy diversification. There are bottlenecks that must be unbottled in terms of how the U.S. bureaucracy responds to our needs. Help must be given when it is needed.

“We are ready to learn and develop to join 21st century economy. Please take it home that we need help and very quickly too. I am honoured with your recognition of the baby steps we have taken so far. I want to assure you that Nigeria will honour her obligations on climate change and renewables,” Mr Tinubu said.

Mr Praytt was quoted in the statement to have said, “we are opening a new page in U.S. relations with Nigeria. Nigeria is taking important steps in growing the renewable energy to meet the need of her citizens.

“We are very happy with our work with NNPCL and your team. Your new special adviser on energy is already doing very well.”

Ex-Governor Matawalle Left Only N4million In Treasury – Governor Dauda Cries Out

 

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said he only met about N4 million in a single account since the assumption of power on May 29.

The governor said this has forced him to be operating the affairs of the state on debt as the four months’ salaries of workers are yet to be paid.

He revealed these on Monday during an interview with BBC Hausa, adding that the state is unable to pay security agencies their allowances.

“I have been running the affairs of the state on debt since I assumed office as governor of Zamfara. I met the treasury account of the state with no money. I only saw a single account with about N3 to N4 million in it,” he said.

“It is about three months now and we are yet to pay the salary of the workers. If you look at all the government agencies, the power supply to the buildings has been disconnected due to the hundreds of millions of debts incurred.

“The security agencies, for three months now, the allowance given to them for their daily operations has not been paid. Currently, students of senior secondary schools have not written their WAEC and NECO exams because the government is owing over one billion naira.”

Reacting to whether N20 billion was left in the treasury by the previous administration, Lawal said the claim was false, adding that the past government should publicly present evidence showing the amount left in the state account.

Lawal said, “When I heard that, I asked that they should come and show me the account, and make it public with evidence of the account where such an amount of money was kept,” he said.

“If I have that amount of money the previous administration is claiming they left for the state, I will pay all workers their salaries, and provide adequate funds to the security agencies for the protection of the state.

“The issue of water, there has been no water in Gusau for about four months now. I had to borrow to purchase the chemicals for the water.

“I also pleaded with some Indians who gave the state some machines for water supply. If the state is to purchase those machines, it will cost over N200 million.

“I can not say that I have permanently solved the problem of water in Zamfara but I will do my best to see that the problem is solved.”

The governor said he would ensure that civil servants in the state are paid their salaries before the observation of the Eid-l-Kabir festival.

“I want to assure civil servants in Zamfara that we will do our best to ensure all workers’ salaries are paid before Sallah,” he added.

Even In Hardship, Petrol Price Hike, Nigerians Are Enjoying Better Life Under Tinubu – Dele Alake Boast

 

Spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, Dele Alake has said In less than one month of his principal, (Tinubu) in office, Nigerians are enjoying better life.

Mr Dele was asked to assess the performance of Tinubu in the past two weeks in an interview with NTA, Mr Alake said, “It’s been exhilarating. It’s been very exciting. It’s been refreshingly different for Nigerians. In fact, President Tinubu has broken all myths in this country. This man, President Tinubu, has demonstrated that public trust and confidence can be won.”

The presidential spokesman added, “This afternoon, when we were reviewing policies — that’s what we do; that’s what he (Tinubu) does; he monitors very effectively and efficiently — we concluded that the title of his action plan, ‘Renewed Hope’, has actually come to reality because Nigerian have been given a new lease of life.”

Mr Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, announcing the immediate removal of the fuel subsidy, which saw the petrol pump price skyrocket to N540 from N195. The president did not mention plans to cushion his decision’s adverse effects on the Nigerian masses.

Nigerian Army, Navy Officers Behind Oil Theft In Niger Delta – Asari Dokubo Says

A Niger Delta militants’ leader and former agitator, Mujahid Asari Dokubo has said the bulk cases of oil theft recorded in the oil-rich region are traceable to the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy.

Dokubo told State House correspondent after he met President Bola Tinubu behind closed doors at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Friday that he had pledged to fish out the elements behind the oil theft in the region.

He said, “The military is at the centre of oil theft and we have to make this very clear to the Nigerian public that 99 per cent of oil theft can be traced to the Nigerian military, the Army and the Navy especially.”

He pledged his support to the Federal Government to bring oil theft to “zero,” believing that the Tinubu-led administration would “fish out” the culpable elements in the military.

He said “Myself and my brothers have assured the President that there will be zero oil theft and vandalisation in the Niger Delta.

“We’re going to walk with an NPPCL and the IOCs to make sure that oil tapped is brought to zero.”

On security, he faulted the narrative that the military was underequipped to take on terrorism, banditry and militancy head-on, describing it as “blackmail.”

For Dokubo, “The blackmail of the Nigerian state by the Nigerian military is shameful. They said they do not have enough armament and people listen to these false narratives. So this blackmail must end. They have enough resources to fight.”

How EFCC Uncovers N70Billion Fraudulently Realised By Emefiele, Others Through Multiple Foreign Exchange Rates

 

Nigeria’s anti-corruption body, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered N70 billion fraudulently realised by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele in connivance with others.

Report says that the money was raised by the suspended governor of the apex bank and the Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos, Alhaji Aminu Yaro and his wife through a forex differential fraud facilitated by Emefiele.

President Bola Tinubu recently suspended Emefiele from office and he was soon arrested and flown from Lagos to Abuja to face interrogations centred around corruption and abuse of office.

However, it was reported that Emefiele grossly abused the privileges of the office by making quick cash from forex differential fraud with the help of the Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos, Yaro and his wife, who is said to be an employee of the apex bank.

“This is a case of forex differential fraud involving the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele.

“The governor sells forex to various individuals at the official rate on paper. He has an understanding with the individuals that they will sell at the black market rate when the CBN credits the banks of the individuals that buy the forex.

“When they sell, the difference will be paid into the account of Aminu Yaro on behalf of Emefiele,” one of the sources said.

“So far, about N70 billion has been traced to the account in the course of the investigation.

“The wife of Aminu Yaro is an employee of CBN and a signatory to the company account where the money is paid into. She has also been invited by the EFCC for questioning.

“The case was compromised by the suspended Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa because some people close to the seat of power are involved.

“They charge the wife for SCUML (Special Control Unit Against Money Laundry) offences but the main case was left out while the differentials in forex exchange malpractice raised benefits of about N70 billion,” another source said.

I Can’t Complain About Nigerian Difficult Tasks Because I Campaigned, Begged, Even Danced To Have It – Tinubu Says

 

The president added that he was aware of how Nigerians desired instant change in economic development in order to ease the hardships they had been subjected to for years.

President Bola Tinubu has claimed that solving Nigeria’s socio-economic problems is hectic but he and his government will not relent because they begged Nigerians to choose them during the 2023 general elections.

Tinubu, who mentioned this on Thursday during the inauguration of the National Economic Council, reaffirmed his desire to work with relevant bodies and institutions to achieve the desired economic growth for Nigeria.

The president added that he was aware of how Nigerians desired instant change in economic development in order to ease the hardships they had been subjected to for years.

The president said, “It is also evidenced that the task of growing our economy is quite enormous but you and I ask for it, we campaign for it; even danced for it, we begged for it. So we have no reason to complain. We must annex the growth potentials of Nigeria and bring about serious development; to bring us from potential nation, to a pragmatic economic development rapid manner. Their expectation is on the NEC, as a verifiable source of articulating policy and programme, I cannot overemphasise that.

“It is also reassuring to note that the public, members of the public are behind us. They want reforms, and they want it quick, to have a meaningful impact in their lives. We have enormous challenges facing us,” he added.

Recall that SaharaReporters earlier reported that Tinubu inaugurated the NEC on Thursday morning and maybe Vice-President, Kashim Shettima its head.

47-year-old Man Arrested For Stealing Ugwu In Lagos

 

47-year-old man, Sunday Aweta, appeared before a magistrates’ court in Ikorodu, Lagos, for stealing pumpkin leaves (ugwu) and assault.

Mr Aweta is facing a three-count charge bordering on stealing, assault and unlawful use of a dangerous weapon.

The prosecutor, Insp Christian Okonofua, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on June 10 at about 9:00 a.m. at Oreyo in the Igbogbo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.

Mr Okonofua alleged that the defendant stole pumpkin leaves, valued at N500, belonging to the complainant, Chiwendu Uche.

He said the defendant allegedly assaulted the complainant and another woman, Oluchi Enyiko, by hitting them with a cutlass without provocation.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendant unlawfully cut Ms Enyiko’s right four fingers with the cutlass, causing her bodily harm.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene sections 287, 170 and 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, T.A. Shotobi, granted the defendant N50,000 bail with two sureties.

She adjourned the case until June 22 for mention.

After Suspension By Tinubu, DSS Pick Up Suspended EFCC Chair Bawa

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This was contained in a statement signed by Peter Afunanya, SSS spokesperson.

Mr Afunanya said Mr Bawa arrived a few hours ago at the SSS Headquarters, Abuja.

The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him.

Mr Bawa was suspended indefinitely on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu.

Peter Afunanya Ph.D, fsi

Public Relations Officer

Department of State Services

National Headquarters

Abuja

Again Court Orders Arrest Of Inspector-General Of Police For Refusing To Reinstate Officers Since 2022

The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the arrest of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali and the Force Secretary, an Assistant Inspector General, AIG Hafeez Inuwa, for contempt of the court.

Recall that the industrial court had earlier ordered the IGP to reinstate some police officers who are graduates of Courses 33, 34 and 35 of the Police Academy, who were reportedly forcefully retired by the force.

However, the court said that Alkali did not obey its order.

It had been reported that the aggrieved police officers had approached the industrial court and sought an order to nullify their compulsory retirement from the service by the police boss, and following their suit, the presiding judge, Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi, ordered that the IGP, the Police Service Commission and the Force Secretary of the Police to reinstate the forcefully retired officers with immediate effect.

But since April 19, 2022, when the court delivered the judgment, the IGP and other defendants in the suit did not obey the court order.

Hence, The PUNCH reports that in an order issued by the court on June 8, 2023, Justice Oyewumi berated the IGP for refusal to obey the court’s previous order despite advice from the relevant stakeholders in the police force.

The court stated that “It is on record of this court that the court delivered a judgment in this case on 19/4/2022 and ordered that the judgment creditors/applicants should be reinstated forthwith. It is on record of this court also that the Police Service Commission, the statutory body that is vested with the power to appoint, promote and discipline the judgment creditors/applicants had ordered the Inspector General of Police to comply with the judgment of this court.

“It is equally noteworthy that the CP, Legal, the Head of Department of the Nigerian Police Force had also issued a legal advice urging the Inspector General of Police to comply with the order of this court vide a letter dated and the Inspector General of Police received it on 27/7/2022 yet he has refused to obey or comply with the judgment of this court.

“This is an officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who swore on oath to uphold the rule of law and same law he has now failed or refused to obey. It is also of importance to state that this court has given ample opportunities to him and the Force Secretary to appear before this court and show cause why they are not to be held to be in contempt of this court, the record of the court evinces that they have both been served the enrolment of order of this court severally yet they both deem it fit to flout the order of this court and desecrated this hallowed chamber and temple of justice.

“Justice is not only for the affluent, it is indeed for the poor and vulnerable also. I pause to say that I wonder what type of head of an enforcement agency like the police, the Inspector General of Police is, if he finds it so difficult or so difficult it seems for him to obey a simple order of court. I also wonder the type of example he is laying for his officers if he as the head of the Nigerian Police Force has chosen/ elected to flagrantly take the law into his advised by the Police Service Commission and his own officer, the CP, Legal to comply. This I must say is preposterous and appalling.

“It is in the light of all stated which are in sync with the record of this court that I hold the Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba and the Force Secretary, AIG Hafeez Inuwa for being in contempt of this court, they are to be arrested and be produced before this Court for necessary action.”

The court thereafter adjourned the case to October 9, 2023.

Football Star, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Lover, Georgina Rodriguez, To Get N50m Monthly If They Split

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez reportedly have an iron-clad ‘pre-nuptial-style’ agreement should in case they separate despite not even being married.

The 29-year-old model has been with the Al-Nassr star since June 2016, and they have two children together, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda. Rodriguez is also mother to his three other children: Cristiano Ronaldo Jnr, and twins Eva and Mateo, who were born via surrogate.

The agreement is reported to hand ownership of the family’s home in Madrid – La Finca – to Georgina, and she would also receive an eyewatering £85,900 (N51,297,619.31) monthly stipend for the rest of her life.

Well, money is not a problem for Ronaldo, who was named the world’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes at the beginning of May, with his annual earnings this year said to top £109m.

This is the third time the former Manchester United striker has made the magazine’s yearly rich list, and his staggering sum is said to be the highest figure made by a footballer in history.

Rodriguez’s monthly alimony is said to be based on her being the mother to all five of Ronaldo’s children, not solely her biological daughters – in the eyes of the law.

This comes after several reports claimed they had gone their separate ways in May, after speculation that Ronaldo had grown tired of his partner’s rampant spending during their time in Riyadh this season. But Ronaldo’s mother Dolores made a public statement on her son’s relationship that branded the claims ‘lies’ and dismissed them out of hand.

‘Every couple argues, but what’s been written is a lie,’ Dolores said succinctly.

Boardroom Crisis Rocks ‘Troubled’ Heritage Bank, MD In Mass Sack In Bid To Oust ‘Owners’

 

A seeming boardroom crisis that may rock troubled Heritage Bank to its foundation is currently brewing in the bank, exclusive reports.

Competent sources within the bank told Revealed that the imbroglio involves the current managing director and chief executive of the bank, Mr. Akinola George-Taylor and some board members.

Less than one year after assuming office as bank’s head honcho, the new bank chief may have plunged the distressed bank into further boardroom crisis, compounding the lender’s many challenges.

George-Taylor, who joined Heritage Bank as acting managing director/chief executive officer on September 12, 2022, succeeded Ifie Sekibo, the bank’s founder and pioneer managing director who served out his 10-year tenure in September 2022. George-Taylor was, however, confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the substantive managing director of the lender in April 2023.

But while the bank’s shareholders may have been expecting that the new helmsman would change its fortunes and drive growth, sources say he has instead, allegedly, instigated internal crisis, in an attempt to rid the bank of those suspected to be loyalists of some board members, and employ his own people. The move, sources disclosed were unconnected with the new bank chief’s plan to oust some board members who are said to be at loggerheads with him, from the bank.

The bank’s chief is said to be enjoying the support of a top shareholder of the bank whom sources say is allegedly determined to solely take over the bank and get rid of the owners.

Top sources in the bank, which has been struggling to stay afloat in recent months, informed that not less than 70 senior staff members have been sacked, while a number of others were asked to resign. Besides those who were forced to leave, sources say that some resigned voluntarily over poor working conditions, while the once active branches of the bank are as quiet as graveyards. It was further gathered that the affected staff were disengaged without paying them their accrued entitlements and allowances.

This development comes despite an order by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) barring deposit money banks from mass sack of their workers.

“I can tell you that there is war at Heritage Bank as we speak. Over 70 persons have been asked to go, while some were asked to resign. Mind you, those who were asked to go have not been paid any compensation,” said a management staff who preferred anonymity.

“The mission of the new managing director is to ease out those who are loyal to some board members whom the managing director is not in tune with, so he could employ his own people,” one of the sources said.

The latest crisis comes amid persisting financial distress in the bank.

It was gathered that the bank has been struggling to pay workers’ salaries for some time now, even as depositors have not been able to access their funds.

The apex bank, it would be recalled, had come under pressure to withdraw the bank’s license over its alleged bankruptcy issues, and inability to meet obligations to depositors.

Many had wondered why the Nigeria’s banking regulator had not wielded its hammer on the bank despite its troubled and distressed state.

Further investigations further revealed that apart from the issues of “Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and the Liquidity Ratio (LR), the commercial bank is also grappling with many other crises that tend to threaten its survival.

One of them is its poor services which are staring its customers in the face. Already, most of its branches are awash with complaints of unsatisfied customers whose singsong is their plans to close their accounts due to long hours they experience to get services from Heritage Bank staff.

In our fact-finding mission, when contacted Ozenna Utulu, the head of Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank for the bank’s angle.

In her response, Utulu said: “These things are not true, there is no boardroom crisis at the bank. Of course, organizations everywhere restructure from time to time.”

Tinubu Signs Student Loan Bill Into Law

 ⁣

President Bola Tinubu has just signed into law Student Loan Bill.

This was made known by one of his aide, Dele Alake.

Mr Alake disclosed this in the State House.

The bill will enable Nigerian students to access loans at interest-free rates. ⁣⁣

Details shortly…

Stop Eating Ponmo, Bushmeat – Federal Government Warns Nigerians

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has raised an alarm of ponmo now being dangerous for Nigerians to consume following the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.

Nigerians have been asked to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control.

The anthrax outbreak was first recorded in northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo putting the whole sub-region at risk.

The statement read;

“The disease which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, that is a zoonotic disease. Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.

“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.“Signs of anthrax are flu- like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.”

Nigerians have also been warned against closeness to non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax as it can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax spores including consumption of contaminated/Infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk.

Fuel Subsidy: We Can’t Continue Doing ‘Father Christmas’ To Neighbouring Countries – President Tinubu

 

President Bola Tinubu has maintained that the fuel subsidy removal he announced during his inaugural speech on May 29, was the best thing as fuel subsidy was the elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees.

Tinubu, who reaffirmed his justification for the fuel subsidy removal during an interactive session with the traditional rulers under the aegis of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) at the Aso Villa on Friday, also said that the Nigeria could not continue feeding smugglers and acting as Father Christmas to neighbouring countries.

According to a statement by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, President Tinubu informed the royal fathers of his administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, improve security, create jobs, and sustain the environment as well as the forthcoming election of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

Part of the statement quoted Tinubu as saying, “I am grateful that you are paying attention to what I have been doing. You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas?

‘‘The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have the potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing.”

The president, who acknowledged Nigerians’ concerns about the need for critical infrastructure in different parts of the country, pledged that his government will remove any challenges stampeding the progress of the country and its people.

“The lamentations about the capital projects, where is the money going to come from if we don’t protect our resources and our boundaries?” he questioned, adding that “You cannot have development without capital projects.”

Also speaking on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, Tinubu urged the traditional leaders to counsel their subjects interested in elective positions on the need to manage their ambitions and create harmony within the legislative chambers.

He noted that he is ready to work with any elected representative from the National Assembly, saying that the Nigeria project is of paramount importance to him and that “Nigeria must survive. Nigeria must develop. Nigeria must make progress.”

Tinubu also reiterated his pledge to Nigerians to prioritise security in order to ensure that every Nigerian “goes to sleep with their two eyes closed,” stressing that the unity and togetherness of Nigeria cannot be compromised, and that every region of the country would get what it is due.

He said, “We are going to tackle youth unemployment. It is only when we have prosperity for the country that we can create jobs that will employ our youths.”

I’m Used To Negative Things Nigerians Say About My Late Husband– Former First Lady Maryam Abacha Says

Maryam Abacha, the wife of the late Nigeria’s military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, has said that she is used to the negative things Nigerians say about her late husband who died on June 8, 1998. In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, the former first lady says she has never missed the Presidential Villa after moving out of there following her husband’s demise.

In her words

“I am used to all the negative things Nigerians have been saying about my husband, and that is a normal thing with politicians. We are human beings, people will always say different things. Good and bad. Look at what’s happening in Kano, and even at the national level. So people will always talk. But when we were ruling, nobody was saying anything. Nobody talked. So that’s governance. Every government comes with its own pecks.”she said

Speaking further, Mrs Abacha said

“I don’t miss anything about the Villa. Because, you know, as a wife of a military man, we had been in different places. My dad was a career civil servant. So even before marrying Abacha, I had been used to staying in different parts of Nigeria. So even while with Abacha, we were always relocating to different places. So for me being at the Villa was just part of my usual life experience. Of course there was the prestige that comes with being a wife of the head of state, but there were also challenges.

You know, despite that the military aren’t politicians in the real sense, being in the Villa was part of politics. So, there were challenges we faced, just like every other government. But actually, I’ve never missed the Villa.” she said

They Broke Into My Wives’ Rooms, Stole Hijabs, My Daughter’s Wedding Clothes – Ex-Governor, Matawalle Reacts To Police Invasion

 

Former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle has accused the state government of allegedly robbing his houses, saying even his wives’ and daughter’s belongings were not spared.

Matawalle stated these in an interview with BBC Hausa adding that it was “stupidity” and “poverty” that caused his houses to be entered into by operatives.

It was reported that the Nigeria Police Force stormed the residence of Matawalle, and recovered over 40 vehicles.

Confirming the development in a statement, Sulaiman, Bala Idris, the spokesperson of the state governor, Dauda Lawal-Dare, had revealed that the police acted on a court order and a search warrant was obtained for the operation.

The statement had read in part, “Recall that the Zamfara State Government has communicated officially to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five (5) working days.

“We also lodged an official complaint with the police on overriding public interest on the wasteful looting of valuables including official vehicles.

“Consequently, the police sought a search warrant which was duly given by the court and hence raided Matawalle’s residence in Gusau, Maradun Local Government, and another unidentified hideout.”

But in a BBC interview, Matawalle fired back, saying, “I have never seen this kind of stupidity where someone’s house will just be entered without any permission as if we are in a lawless country.

“I am in Abuja and nobody told me that any court gave that order or invite me and I refused to answer. The saddest thing is that, in my Gusau house, all my wives’ rooms were broken, even hijabs have been taken away. Stoves were all put in a car and taken away.

"Instead of Dauda to face Zamfara problems, he wants to create another crisis because he knows I have my people and they will not fold their hands.

“In my Maradun house, they took away all campaign cars that people gave us as contributions, including those I bought in United States even before becoming governor, you know I was a car seller. I will not ask them to bring the cars back, everybody knows that I have cars.

“This is robbery, they entered everywhere in my houses, even my daughter’s wedding clothing materials (Kayan Lefe) were not spared.

Also, Deyemi Saka, Media and Public Relations Consultant to Matawalle, described the move on the ex-governor as an illegal invasion.

He said, “The said operations which had vehicles, foodstuff, household items and kitchen utensils stolen was under the watchful supervision of a contingent deployed by the Commissioner of Police which was led by his Deputy Commissioner Operations and one Isah Augie, who is the Chief Security Officer to Mr. Dauda Lawal.

“We will also like the general public to know that at no time was our client availed the courtesy and privileges of a former Governor by making a formal request to him or served the much-needed notice to him on the said matter.

“It is evident that this is a calculated move in a bid to malign, demarket and scandalise our client in the court of public opinion just to make him a misfit for public office in the new administration.

“We will like to advise the “interim” Governor” whose electoral victory is subject to dispute at the Election Petition Tribunal to busy himself with governance and rely on the working template of our client to keep Zamfara State safe and secure and not embark on showboating which seems more like “police and thief” prank played by kids.”

DSS Reportedly Arrest Emefiele After Suspension By President Tinubu

According to report coming in, Nigeria’s Department Of State Services, DSS has arrested former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

This is coming barely few hours after he was suspended by president Bola Tinubu.

More details later

Update: Meet Acting CBN Governor, Folashodun Shonubi

Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi is now the acting Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Shonubi was born on the 7th of March, 1962. He attended the University of Lagos from 1978 to 1983 and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Thereafter he obtained a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1985 with bias in Production Engineering from the same University. From 1988-1989 he shifted grounds to Finance and obtained a Masters’ in Business Administration specializing in Finance. He began his working experience as a Consultant Engineer at Mek-ind Associates and worked from 1984 to 1989. From 1989 to 1990, he was a Marketing Executive at Inlaks Computers Limited.

He moved to Citibank Nigeria Limited as Head, Treasury Operations from 1990 to 1993. He joined Agusto & Co. Ltd as a Supervising Consultant from 1993 to 1996 from where he moved to MBC International Limited as Deputy General Manager, Banking Operations & Information Technology from 1999. In 1999, he joined First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited as Vice-President, Operations & Information Technology and was there till 2002.

In 2003, he moved from FCMB to Ecobank Nigeria Plc as an Executive Director, Operations & Information Technology and in 2007 he became the Director, Information Technology and Corporate Services, Renaissance Securities Nigeria Limited. He was recruited by Union Bank of Nigeria Limited as an Executive Director, Operations, Technology and Services, September 2009 to April 2012.

He became the Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc from May 2012 to October 2018. October 2018 to date, Mr. Folashodun is the Deputy Governor, Operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) representing the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on the Board of FIRS since the 9th of December, 2019. He is married with children.