AFCON 2024: Super Eagles Adopt “Let’s Do It Again Mantra” For Trophy Quest

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October 12, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Confederation of African Football, CAF, draws for the 2024 African Cup of Nations In Abidjan, Côte d’ Ivoire, takes place, the Super Eagles, three-time champions, have adopted the catch-phrase ‘Let’s Do It Again’ as their battle cry towards winning a title in Cote d’Ivoire early 2024.

The proposition was tabled and unanimously endorsed before the final AFCON 2023 qualification match against the Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo last month. It was the basis for players and officials donning a tee-shirt with the inscription after the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. The Eagles won that match 6-0.

Nigeria won the 1980 AFCON that she hosted, and also won the 1994 edition in Tunisia and the 2013 finals in South Africa.

Team Captain, William Ekong, says the playing body and crew have taken to the new mantra like bees to honey.

“We like the phrase because it gives us confidence and the go-go push. We have done it before so we can do it again. Winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire is our goal and we have the team to do just that.”

Defender, Kenneth Omeruo added: “I look around and I see players who have the capacity to make it happen. We are all ambitious. The team is a blend of old and wise heads and exciting new talents. We will go for the trophy in Cote d’Ivoire.”

The song continues on Friday when the Super Eagles take on Saudi Arabia in a friendly game at the Estadio Municipal de Portimão in Portugal, with the bulk of the squad that blew away Sao Tome and Principe on ground.

It is only the second time both countries will be clashing at senior international level. The only previous encounter was also a friendly, played in the Alpenstadion, Wattens in Austria on 25th May 2010 as part of final preparations for the Eagles for the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. Nwankwo Kanu, one of only two players to have featured for Nigeria at three different editions of the FIFA World Cup, captained the Super Eagles in that scoreless encounter.

Incidentally, current Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, was Coach of Saudi Arabia that day.

The Eagles have another friendly encounter on Monday, against the Mambas of Mozambique at the same venue, before 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.

World ruling body, FIFA has appointed officials for next Monday’s senior international friendly match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Portugal.

Portuguese official Miguel Nogueira will serve as match referee while compatriots Paulo Bras, Ana Loide and Bruno Viera will work as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

The encounter at the Estadio Municipal de Portimão will be the fifth for both countries at senior level.

In a friendly match, the Super Eagles edged the Mambas by the odd goal in Maputo, before two memorable clashes in 2009, in the race to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.

In Maputo, both teams settled for a scoreless draw, and in Abuja in October 2009, it was heading for the same scoreline before Obinna Nsofor headed powerfully into the net for the three points to save Nigeria’s blushes. A draw that evening would have automatically eliminated Nigeria from the race.

When both teams faced off at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010, in the group phase, the Super Eagles thrashed the Mambas 3-0 in the city of Lubango.

Monday’s encounter in Portugal will start at 4pm Portugal time (same time as in Nigeria).

The Eagles are expected to start arriving at their Penina Hotel and Resort, Portimao on Tuesday, with a first friendly against the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia coming up on Friday.

NADECO Slams BBC’s Report On Tinubu’s CSU Certificate, Says Attempt To Perpetuate Colonialism In The Offing

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 12, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, has frowned at the British Broadcasting Corporation’s report on the Chicago State University, CSU, academic records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It described the move as an attempt to perpetuate colonialism in Nigeria.

The Pro-Democracy Group which gave hell to former Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha, said the international broadcasting firm is gradually losing its ethical and journalism pedigree in its apparent “attempt to launder the image of President Tinubu”, and it was shocking the British media outfit has chosen to engage in, “this image-laundering project, despite irrefutable evidence pointing to the authenticity of the allegations.”

Lloyd Ukwu, Executive Director of the Group based in the United States of America said that the BBC Disinformation Team is just laundering the image of President Tinubu and it is unacceptable.

It stated that the BBC move shows that it is an enabler of fraud and is fast losing its pedigree.

The BBC Disinformation Team had, on Wednesday, stated that there is no evidence to back the claim that President Tinubu forged his Chicago State University certificate, and so it was wrong to have labeled him as such.

NADECO in the statement stated that, “ In a world where integrity and honesty are increasingly becoming rare commodities, it is our solemn duty to shed light on deceit and manipulation, even when it is executed by influential figures. Today, we stand resolute against the latest reckless display of disinformation by the British Broadcasting Corporation in its apparent hired attempt to launder the tattered image of President Bola Tinubu.

“In recent times, we have witnessed a relentless campaign to salvage the image of President Bola Tinubu, which has been badly tarnished by the CSU certificate forgery saga. The latest effort in this image laundering project comes from none other than the BBC’s Disinformation Team. It is disheartening to see an organisation that has long been trusted by the public engage in such biased and mischievous reporting.

“What astonishes us is not the attempt to whitewash President Tinubu’s image, as he recently hired another team of media aides for this very purpose, but BBC’s motive and consideration for this hatchet job. On one level, what baffles us is the BBC’s blatant disregard for facts that are already in the public domain.

“The CSU’s registrar, under oath, unequivocally stated that the certificate submitted by Tinubu to INEC was not issued by the University and that it was not legitimate, strongly suggesting forgery. Yet, the BBC has chosen to spin its version of the story to deceive the discerning Nigerian public.

“Again, it is not surprising that Tinubu, recognising the damage to his reputation due to the Chicago State University certificate forgery saga, has recently employed a fresh team of media aides to rehabilitate his public image. On another level, what is truly shocking, however, is the extent to which the BBC has chosen to engage in this image-laundering project, despite irrefutable evidence pointing to the authenticity of the allegations.

“Could it be that what Tinubu’s money cannot buy does not exist or that the old colonial mouthpiece is at work?

“If the CSU’s registrar, under oath, unequivocally affirmed that the certificate submitted by Tinubu to INEC is not from their institution, signifying the unequivocal act of forgery, so what would the BBC call that? Astonishingly, the BBC chose to disseminate its version of the story specifically designed to deceive the enlightened Nigerian public.

“Documents obtained from CSU further reveal a litany of irregularities and paint a clear picture of deception:

“Mr Bola Tinubu did not meet the required admission criteria and was asked to retake exams.

“His admission document listed his gender as female.

“He used another individual’s female social security number.

“The document he submitted claims to be from a school established in 1970, whereas the school was founded in 1974.

“What is truly confounding and perplexes NADECO USA is the BBC’s apparent failure to fact-check these glaring discrepancies before presenting its report to the Nigerian people, thus knowingly and maliciously doing a disservice to journalism and to the very people they are meant to inform.

“Furthermore, the BBC has shown a marked reluctance to investigate whether Tinubu was involved in a drug case in the United States or whether he manipulated the general elections in Nigeria with his cohorts. While the world expects impartial, investigative journalism from the BBC, it appears that they are more inclined to twist what is already known. The BBC’s selective reporting further tarnishes its already fading credibility and the trust of the Nigerian people who already know the truth.

“The British Broadcasting Corporation is gradually losing relevance and trust among the Nigerian people and the world at large who seek truth and integrity in reporting. The suffering Nigerian masses cannot tolerate the nuisances of a British colonial mouthpiece or the colonial arrogance displayed in the form of such unverified and misleading stories.

“NADECO USA strongly condemns the BBC’s media report, which can only be characterised as a reckless disregard for the truth and a disservice to the Nigerian masses. We call on the BBC to cease such practices henceforth”.

Tinubu was a very strong member of NADECO during the Abacha repressive regime.

“Obi’s Outburst On President Tinubu’s Identity Shameless” – Onochie

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Ayodele Oni

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October 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, (LP), Peter Obi, has come under attack over his outburst on President Bola Tinubu’s certificate and identity. A couple of his kinsmen and women have accused him of embarking on a senseless mission.

Obi had on Wednesday, called on President Tinubu to come clean by “telling Nigerians who he is.”

According to him, in a statement, “Nigerians deserve to know the true identity of their president. Obi made the remarks at press conference in Abuja.

Obi pointed out that the recent controversy generated by the Chicago State University, (CSU) was unnecessary, stressing “only president Tinubu can put to rest the controversy surrounding his identity.”

But in reaction to Obi’s statement, a former presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, in an open letter, pointed out that “This is like a drowning man grasping at grass. It’s time to stop taking instructions from people who are bitter, angry, envious and who have lost their minds, years ago.

“You have shamelessly just gone on national TV to call on the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reveal his identity to Nigerians and the world.

“This is the most idiotic request, Nigerians have had the misfortune of hearing from one whose advisers are people with mental health issues.

“Nigeria parades some of the most intelligent people on earth and you disrespect our intelligence in this way? Manipulation is a skill and you are unskilled when it comes to manipulation.

“If you do not know who President Tinubu is, you have been probably locked up as a prisoner in your warped mind, or you have been living in cuckcoo land.

“How can you allow yourself to be used to question the identity of a man, who has been in the limelight since his youth?

“How can you come low to the level of your gullible followers to begin this late in the day, to question the identity of a man who was checked by our security operatives and cleared twice to govern the most successful and cosmopolitan State in Nigeria, Lagos?

“If you can come on national TV, to question the identity of a man who was cleared by all our security operatives to become a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that’s enough justification and validation for your resounding rejection at the polls in 2023.

“We watched carefully, to see if a gun was pointed at you as you demand for the identity of a man who was scrutinized and cleared by the Security operatives in Nigeria to run for the highest office of the land. But there was none. You did it on your own.

“Your temperament and disposition are not the attributes needed to lead a diverse nation such as Nigeria. You failed Anambra. You can’t even lead the South East!

“Under your nose, South East became a war zone. A once vibrant economy built on hardwork, destroyed. Lives and properties, ruined. Shelf your desperation. Your ambition is beyond what you deserve. It will never come to pass.

Also, one Michael Chibuzo stated that Obi is a man, who has found it extremely difficult to accept the reality that he lost the 2023 Presidential election and simply wants to continue dancing even when the sound of music has ceased.

“Mr. Peter Obi, obviously taking a cue from his ‘elder brother’ and PDP candidate Alhaji Atiku (or Siddiq/Sadiq) Abubakar assembled local journalists to continue the certificate fishing expedition that has so far yielded nothing other than frustration and anguish for the expeditioners.

“Mr. Peter Obi regurgitated the now boring refrain of alleged certificate forgery, bizzare identity theft, citizenship, academic trail, family history and other mundane topics.

“He then asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to reintroduce himself to Nigerians and to the international community. This is obviously the dying kick of a drowning horse.”

According to him, President Tinubu does not need any reintroduction to Nigerians or any political party as his foray into politics has distinguished him and his identity.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is no longer campaigning to be President neither is he an unknown figure who needs to reintroduce himself to those who have already elected him to govern.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also not jobless like Mr. Peter Obi and the serial election loser, Siddiq Abubakar, therefore, he does not have the luxury of time to indulge in a nursery school game of ‘composition about myself’.

Recall that this is not the first time Onochie, sacked recently by President Tinubu as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has used very strong derogatory words against Obi. A few weeks back, she called for Obi’s arrest.

As a former Presidential Aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, she was notorious for her very acidic tongue. One of such attacks on the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, earned her a suit filed by Atiku against her. The suit is still very active.

President Tinubu is yer to reappoint her to any office after the NDDC Board which she led for a few months was sacked.

BOOK REVIEW: ‘Politics, Pussy & Power’ By AIT’s Adaora

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James Orji

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October 12, 2023

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Popular broadcast journalist, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, has released a new book, with an intriguing title, ‘Politics Pussy & Power: The demystification of social aberrations that have hindered the greatness of the human mind’.

Adaora, a co-anchor of Kakaki, a daily talk show on the African Independent Television (AIT), who is also a fervent gender advocate and founder of WEWE Network Afrique, said she chose the provocative title for her latest book, in order to unpretentiously unravel the transformative power of authentic connections and the destructive potential of exploitative pursuits.

According to the review of the book on Amazon books, Adaora in Politics, Pussy & Power, “Challenges conventions, providing fresh insights into politics and power. Her book empowers women and men alike by redefining the roles of power and femininity. Adaora’s words resonate worldwide, making her a global literary sensation.”

In this book, the author invites her readers to

join her on this “unforgettable expedition into the heart of human existence, where we discover the interplay of politics, pussy, and power, the forces that shape our world and beckon us to embrace the transformative potential within ourselves.”

‘Politics, Pussy, and Power,’ talks about the exhilarating journey and the dark underbelly of politics, where cunning manipulations and power plays reign supreme, and the rise of charismatic leaders alongside the shadows of deceit they cast, which often blurs the lines between genuine intent and Machiavellian tactics, are also revealed.

With thought-provoking insights and storytelling techniques, this book extends the conventional realm of politics, power and self preservation. It also offers a variety of experiences which resonate with all aspects of life.

Putting together real-life examples, fictional narratives and historical accounts, this book explores the complexities of power dynamics, human relationships and the pursuit of transformational change.

This book considers the inexplicable state of the word pussy, which represents a symbol of vulnerability and subjectivity relatively, the essence of demystifying the context and weakening it as a tool of feminine subjugation.

It unravels the transformative power of authentic connections and the destructive potential of exploitative pursuits.

Amidst the shadows and struggles, this book also presents a glimmer of hope for women in different fields of life, igniting transformative prototypes that has altered the course of history for good.

Additionally, it offers a beacon of empowerment, reminding readers that they also hold power within themselves to transform their immediate environment, and the globe, at large.

From the everyday actions that create ripples of change to the collective force of collaboration, this book instills the belief that each individual possesses the power to shape the world.

“Politics, Pussy, and Power” is a captivating exploration of the human experience – raw, enthralling, and enlightening. It challenges conventional notions, transcends boundaries, and beckons readers to contemplate their own agency in life’s theater.

In a world where power is both a potent force for transformation and a seductive tool for manipulation, this book inspires readers to wield their influence thoughtfully and compassionately.

It reminds us that as we navigate the complexities of human existence, our power lies not only in the pursuit of control but in our ability to connect, understand, and uplift one another.

Adaora, who is also a motivational speaker and poet, has published a number of motivational books, such as,

Poetry for Life,

Black Girl With A White Heart and Women In The World.

She also has an 8-track spoken word compilation.

Ethiopian/Tigray War: How We Ended Conflict The African Way- Obasanjo

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James Orji

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October 12, 2023

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the problem facing the continent can be resolved by its people without external influence.

The former Nigerian leader made the admonition when students from Ethiopia and Tigray paid him a courtesy visit, at his Abeokuta, Ogun state home to thank him for the role he played in ending the war in their country.

Over 600, 000 people were killed from both sides after the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front, TPLF, took up arms against the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed-led government in the two year bloody war.

The war has been described as one of the deadliest in the 21st century by pundits.

The students under the aegis of All-African Students Union, AASU, led by Osisiogu Osikenyi said they came to thank Obasanjo for the role he played in ending the bloody war.

Speaking, Obasanjo said the Ethiopian/ Tigray war was an example of how Africans can resolve their problems in their own way.

According to him, what was achieved in Ethiopia “is what you and I will regard as finding African solution to African problem.”

He explained that no conflict in the continent is too big for its leaders to resolve, adding that this is the desire of Africans founding fathers from independence.

Obasanjo said, “It is a great lesson for us to know that yes, whatever may be our problem – political, economic, social in Africa, we can solve them if we go about seeking solutions rightly.

“What is very important and which I want you to take very very seriously is that what we were able to achieve in Tigray, the peace that we were able to achieve in Tigray between TPLF and the Federal government of Ethiopia is what you and I will regard as finding African solution to African problem. And this is what our leaders have been clamouring for even from independence in the early 1960s.

“No problem in Africa is too great for us to solve where there may be problem of peace, problem of insecurity, problem of youths unemployment, youths lack empowerment, youths lack acquisition of skills, youths frustration and of course general bad governance.

FBN Holdings: Court Begins Hearing Today; Lender To Raise N139bn Capital

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 12, 2023

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First Bank Holdings Plc, the parent company of First Bank Nigeria, FBN Ltd has notified the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX, of its plan to raise N139 billion fresh capital through a Right issue.

The development comes as a federal high court in Lagos is set to commence hearing of proceedings to determine the status of the 11th Annual General Meeting of First Bank Holdings Plc.

On July 15, 2022, the Court granted an order restricting FBN Holding Plc from implementing all the decisions taken at its 10th Annual General Meeting held on June 20, 2022, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The suit filed by a shareholder of the bank, Olusegun Onagoruwa will be heard today (Thursday).

Instructively, the shareholders of the bank had in June this year, during its 11 Annual General Meeting, AGM passed a resolution for the capital to be raised.

The resolution was backed by over 98 percent of the shareholders with voting rights, granting the management powers to increase the company’s issued share capital from N17.95 billion of 35, 895,292,792 ordinary shares to N22.43 billion.

The resolution said, “There shall be a capital raise. The capital raise transaction shall be by way rights issue, on such terms and conditions and on such dates as may be determined by the Directors, subject to obtaining the approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities.”

In the notice filed with the NGX earlier in the week, FBN Holdings said its Stockbrokers, FBNQuest Securities, has been mandated to seek approval on behalf of the Holder.

Part of the notice said, “its stockbrokers, FBNQuest Securities Limited, submitted an application to Nigerian Exchange Limited for the approval and listing of a Rights Issue of Eight Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Eight (8,973,823,198) ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N15.50 per Share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every four ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Monday, 9 October 2023.”

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the sector insist that the outcome of the court proceeding will determine what happens next in Nigeria’s premier commercial bank.

How Navy Bursted 3m Litres Capacity Refinery in Niger Delta

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 12, 2023

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The Nigerian Navy has urged youths in the Niger Delta to engage in legitimate work rather than stealing crude oil from the nation’s pipelines.

The nation’s economy is being sabotaged by some youths who steal crude in the oil reach Niger Delta, the Navy said after bursting an illegal refinery in Rivers state.

The illegal three million capacity refinery was destroyed on Wednesday by the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, in Degema Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, the refinery was burst by his men following intelligence it received on Tuesday that illegal oil refining was being carried out in the area.

Igbo said the illegal refinery comprising six refining camps is located within Cawthorne Channel 2 on the coast of the state, and is used to steal crude oil from a wellhead in Oil Mining Lease-18 operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL and Sahara Energy.

He warned the youths in the area to desist from destroying the nation’s oil wealth.
The naval commander said, “This is not the best way to earn a living. There are so many ways to earn a living instead of damaging the environment and also they are depriving the Federal Government of the needed revenue.

“Here is NNPCL OML-18 oil well head that is being tapped with a six inches hose connected to the wellhead by oil thieves.

“The hose runs for about 2 kilometres from the wellhead to their reservoir and thereafter channels it to their cooking pots. This is a clear case of economic sabotage.

“My men, the Tactical Assault Squadron of Nigeria Navy Ship, Pathfinder, on our patrol in the creeks discovered the site on Tuesday and we are here to ensure that this does not continue anymore.

28 Years After: Retirees In Edo Set To Receive Gratuities

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Ayodele Oni

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October 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Hope of better living condition and reaping gains of their labour while alive behove on pensioners in Edo State as Governor Godwin Obaseki, approved the payment of 28 years backlog of gratuity to them.

Those to benefit are pensioners in the Edo State Local Government Staff Pension Board.

Already, screening of beneficiaries is set to commence as the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Mrs. Osas-Ehigie Sandra has put them on notice.

In a statement in Benin, Osas-Ehigie explained that a screening exercise will be held for the payment of pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board between 1979 and 2008.

She said, “This is to inform Pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, who retired between 1979 and 2008 that His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has graciously released fund for their gratuity and that screening exercise will be carried out in the Local Government Staff Pensions Board Premises, King Square, Benin City.

“All confirmed Pensioners are to physically present themselves at the venue with their pension identity card, biometrics slip and pay advice between Monday 16th and Friday 20th October, 2023, from 8.00am -4.00pm daily.”

“Nigerians Know Who They Voted For As President” – APC Replies Peter Obi

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Ayodele Oni

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October 12, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has replied Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) over his remark that President Bola Tinubu should reintroduce himself to Nigerians, following doubts over his academic qualifications and identity.

The ruling party, through its spokesman, Felix Morka stated that “Mr Obi must know that President Tinubu does not need a re-introduction. He does not have any identity problem, except the one contrived by the Atikus and Peters of our political firmament.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the APC pointed out that “Unwilling to miss out in the orchestrated campaign of calumny against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his certificate from the Chicago State University, Obi jumped on the tailboard of Atiku’s bandwagon to satisfy his uncanny and insatiable thirst for cheap media attention.

“This is coming long after his Labour Party had dissociated itself from a bogus call to action by the former Vice President.

“In his drivel, Peter Obi, demanded that the President reintroduce himself to Nigerians, as though the 8.9 million Nigerians who voted him last February were all groggy when they made their free democratic choice.

“The 8.9 million Nigerians who voted him into office were, and remain, aware of his outstanding record and accomplishments as a defender of democracy, freedom, social and economic justice for over three decades.

“Nigerians know President Tinubu as a thoroughbred professional and former auditor and treasurer of Mobil Nigeria, now ExxonMobil.

“Nigerians know the President as a former Senator of the Federal Republic where he served as Chairman of the influential Finance and Appropriations Committee.

“They know him as a former Governor of Lagos State who designed and paved the pathway to the growth and prosperity of present day Lagos, the 5th largest economy in Africa.

“Nigerians know who they voted for as the 16th President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“They voted for him with full faith and confidence that his track record and wide competences would help in the re-engineering of our country’s economy for the good of the greatest number of Nigerians.

“In marked contrast, Nigerians have flatly and serially rejected Atiku Abubakar, and denied Peter Obi’s presidential bid in the last election election.

“Beyond regaling Nigerians with false and embarrassing statistics for which he has gained notoriety, Peter Obi cannot be said to be known for any outstanding performance as governor of Anambra State for eight years with no worthy legacy standing to his name.

“They voted for Tinubu with full faith and confidence that his track record and wide competences would help in the re-engineering of our country’s economy for the good of the greatest number of Nigerians.

“In marked contrast, Nigerians have flatly and serially rejected Atiku Abubakar, and denied Peter Obi’s presidential bid in the last election election.

“As for President Tinubu’s academic record at the Chicago State University, the facts are clear and settled except for those political jaundiced by the trauma of electoral defeat.

“The Chicago State University has unequivocally stated over and over again, and in a deposition, under oath, by the Registrar, Caleb Westberg that President Tinubu attended the school and graduated with Honours.

“Nigerians are now familiar with stellar academic performance of President Tinubu as evidenced by his transcript as released by the CSU with 18As, 10Bs and 3Cs grades.

“It is disturbing and utterly contemptuous of the courts of our land for the duo of Atiku and Obi to rail and pollute the public space with the very same issues that they have submitted to the court for adjudication.

“They have continued to perpetrate public deception, operating, simultaneously, as accusers and judges in their own base cause.

“We condemn the sordid and disgraceful attempt by Obi, Atiku and their cheerleaders to use the mainstream and social media to intimidate the judiciary, incite the public to violence, disparage Justices of the Appeal and Supreme Court.

“We urge all well meaning Nigerians to condemn this anti-democratic and irresponsible conduct of both political naggers.

“For the records, our team of lawyers stand advised to explore all available judicial mechanisms towards bringing Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar to justice for their ceaseless contemptuous conduct.

“In our democracy, the office of the President is not filled by intimidation, blackmail or reckless self help.

“It is filled by the people, by their lawful votes at the polls just as they did on February 25, 2023 when they elected Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Israeli-Hamas War: “Impossible To Imprison Two Million People Without Expecting A Cruel Price”

By

The Source

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October 11, 2023

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By Gideon Levy

Behind all this is Israeli arrogance. We think we have permission to do anything and assume we will never pay, nor be punished. And we think that we will continue and nothing will interrupt us. We will arrest, we will kill, we will abuse, we will dispossess, we will protect the settlers and their pogroms, we will go to the tomb of Joseph, to the tomb of Ot’niel, to the altar of Joshua, all in the Palestinian territories, and of course to the Temple Mount — more than 5,000 Jews on Sukkot alone. We will shoot innocents, gouge out their eyes and smash their faces, expel them, expropriate them, rob them, kidnap them from their beds, ethnically cleanse them and, of course, continue the incredible siege of Gaza. And we will assume that everything will continue as if nothing had happened.

We thought that with the construction of a super barrier around the Gaza Strip, whose underground wall cost three billion shekels, with that we were already safe. We trusted that the geniuses of 8200 (military intelligence listening unit) and the members of the Shin Bet, who know everything, would warn us in time. We thought we would move half an army from near Gaza to Hawara just to protect the crazy antics of Zvi Sukkot and the settlers, and everything would be fine, both in Hawara and Erez. It turns out that when there is great motivation, the most sophisticated and expensive obstacle in the world can be crossed even by a simple excavator and with relative ease. You can cross that haughty wall with bicycles and scooters, despite all the billions invested in it and despite all the experts and with their contractors getting rich.

We thought we would continue to harass Gaza, throw it a few crumbs of kindness in the form of a few thousand work permits in Israel—a drop in the bucket, and they are always conditional on “correct behaviour”—and yet we assumed we would keep them like in a prison.

We thought that by making peace with Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, the Palestinians would be forgotten, even erased, as many Israelis would like. We would continue to hold thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including prisoners without trial, most of them political prisoners, and yet we would not agree to discuss their release, even after decades in prison. We would tell them that only through force will their prisoners see freedom. We thought that we would continue to arrogantly reject any attempt at a political solution, simply because it is not convenient for us to do so, and we thought that surely everything would continue like this forever.

Once again it is proven that this is not the case. Several hundred Palestinian militants broke through the fence and invaded Israel in a way no Israeli imagined they could. A few hundred Palestinian militants demonstrated that it is impossible to imprison two million people forever without incurring a cruel price. Just as yesterday the smoking, antiquated Palestinian bulldozer tore down the fence, the most sophisticated of all fences, it also tore through Israel’s cloak of arrogance. And he also destroyed the idea that it is enough to attack and dismantle Gaza with suicide drones and sell them to half the world to maintain security.

Yesterday Israel saw images it had never seen before: Palestinian military vehicles patrolling the city, Gaza cyclists entering its gates. These images must tear the veil of arrogance. The Palestinians of Gaza have decided that they are willing to pay any price for a spark of freedom. But… Does this have any potential? No. Will Israel learn its lesson? No.

Yesterday, there was already talk of erasing entire neighborhoods of Gaza City, of occupying the Gaza Strip and of punishing Gaza “like it has never been punished before.” But Gaza has not stopped being punished by Israel since 1948, even for a moment. More than seven decades of abuse, and again, the worst is yet to come. Threats to “flatten Gaza” only prove one thing: we have learned nothing. Arrogance is here to stay, even after Israel, once again, pays a high price.

Benjamin Netanyahu bears great responsibility for what happened and must pay the costs, but the issue did not begin with him and will not end after he leaves. We must now mourn bitterly for the Israeli victims; but we also have to cry for Gaza. Gaza, most of its residents are refugees created by Israel. Gaza, which never knew a single day of freedom.

Levy, an Isreali Journalist, wrote this on Sunday, September 10, 2023, in an Israeli Newspaper, Haaretz