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Owerri Stands Still As APC Flags Off Uzodimma’s Re-election Campaign

October 11, 2023

Owerri, the capital of Imo State, literally stood still on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) formally presented Senator Hope Uzodimma as its candidate for the November 11 Governorship Election, with Lady Chinyere Ekomaru as his running mate.

The Leadership of the APC did not only turn out in their numbers for the flag off, but other members of the Party in Imo and adjoining States showed physical presence at the Dan Anyiam Stadium such that the 45,000 capacity Stadium could not accommodate the crowd at the event.

Those from the leadership of the APC who graced the flag off include Vice President Kashim Shettima ( who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, the Chairman, National Campaign Council for Imo State Governorship election, Sen. Bassey Otu, (Governor, Cross River State), the Deputy National Chairman, South, Chief Emma Enukwu, among other key leaders.

Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum/ Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdufatai Abdulrahman, Governor Babajide Sanwolu (Lagos), Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Governor Alia ( Benue), Governor Francis Nwifuru ( Ebonyi), Governor Mai Mala-Buni (Yobe) and Governor Ahmad Aliyu ( Sokoto).

Two former Governors of Imo State – Chief Ikedi Ohakim and Sen. Rochas Okorocha were also present.

Among other APC chieftains in attendance were Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Senator Nkechi Nworgu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of States Labour and Employment, Rt Hon Nkiruka Onyejiocha, Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anoka- Anite, former Minister of Labour, Dr. Emeka Wogu, former Minister of State, Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, to name but a few.

In their different remarks, speaker after speaker – Dr. Macdonald Ebere (Imo State Chairman of the APC), Governor Bassey Otu (Chairman, Imo State Governorship National Campaign Council), Senator Adams Oshiomhole (on behalf of National Assembly members), Governor Dapo Abiodun ( on behalf of APC Governors), the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima, harped on the good work Governor Uzodimma has done in his almost first four years in office and urged Imo people to reelect him.

Ebere recalled the metamorphosis in the infrastructure in Imo State courtesy of Governor Uzodimma as well as other tangible and intangible programmes associated with his government and noted that Imo people are resolved to reelect him so as to enable him consolidate on the sound foundation he has laid for a better Imo State.

While Oshiomhole reminded the Imo people that he did not make a mistake presenting Senator Uzodimma as APC Governorship candidate four years ago, he advised them to still stick to him and vote massively for him since they are now witnesses to the good job the Governor has done in Imo.

Both Governors Otu and Abiodun appealed to the Imo electorate not to make the mistake of changing a winning team.

They said the joy on the faces of the people and the way they turned out in their numbers to be part of Governor Uzodimma’s presentation and flag off of his campaign, are indications that the Governor does not have opposition to contend with in the November 11 governorship election.

“We can see that Imo is APC and APC is Imo. We hope to come back here on November 11 and join all of you to sing victory song on Governor Uzodimma’s reelection,” said Abiodun, while Otu suggested to them to “vote massively for Uzodimma’s reelection.”

According to Dr. Ganduje, only a fool will not reckon with the turn out of Party faithful which he said is an indication that Governor Uzodimma has worked so hard to win the hearts of Imo people through his programmes in education, agriculture, health, security, roads and more.

He did not only congratulate the electorate in advance but urged them to show that Imo State is APC through and through by coming out en mass to vote for the man they love so much.

In his remarks, Vice President Shettima said that Governor Uzodimma has proven that he has capacity to deliver on the mandate the people gave to him some years back and that the respect the Governor enjoys at the national level actually has its origin from his locality. He appealed to all members of the APC in Imo State to join hands with the Governor to ensure that the opposition is properly trounced come November 11.

The Vice President who said his boss holds Imo in high esteem assured that he will report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Governor Uzodimma has done marvelously well for the APC in Imo and that there is nothing to show that Imo State is not APC.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the man of the moment, Governor Uzodimma thanked his visitors and party faithful from across the country for coming to honour him and more importantly, for believing in him.

Governor Uzodimma told them that Imo State has witnessed massive turn around in different areas since he assumed office barely four years ago and that it is the desire of the people that he seeks reelection, not just because of what he has been able to do so far but because they believe in him.

He promised not to let down the Party or to disappoint the expectations of the people of Imo State if by God’s grace they renew his tenure on November 11.

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the APC flag to Governor Uzodimma and his running mate by Dr. Ganduje assisted by Vice President Shettima and other leaders of the Party.

Earlier, Vice President Shettima had paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of Imo State Council of the Traditional Rulers, HRM, Eze EC Okeke where the APC leaders told all the Imo monarchs why they came to Imo.

Eze Okeke while welcoming them urged the Government to find a role for Traditional Rulers, which they said, will be in the interest of the society.

Also, before the Vice President and his entourage attended the APC flag off of Governor Uzodimma’s reelection campaign, he went to commission the newly reconstructed MCC- Toronto road by the Governor Uzodimma administration.

HURIWA Tackles Governor Mba, Condemns Enugu Assembly’s Approval of N170 Billion Loan Request

The Source

October 11, 2023

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has vehemently denounced the recent approval of a massive N170 billion loan request by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, stating that the suspiciously swift passage of this request through the state House of Assembly has raised serious concerns, depicting a clear violation of the rights of Enugu State’s citizens to transparent governance and fiscal responsibility.

In a statement released Wednesday, signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator, HURIWA expressed deep alarm over the Enugu State House of Assembly’s unanimous endorsement of Governor Mbah’s substantial loan request. “This request encompasses a staggering N100 billion in bank guarantees, N10 billion in term loans, N10 billion in overdraft facilities, and N50 billion in credit facilities. These colossal figures demand rigorous scrutiny, and the absence of transparency surrounding this decision is deeply unsettling.

“It is apparent that the people of Enugu State have been left in the dark concerning the specifics of this loan and how it will serve the state’s betterment. The dearth of transparency surrounding this decision raises critical questions about who truly stands to benefit from these funds”.

Consequently, HURIWA called upon all Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the honorable residents of Enugu State, and opposition political leaders, including Senators and House of Representatives members, to unite and establish a coalition dedicated to safeguarding the proper utilization of this substantial sum.

The rights group also stressed that it is imperative that the citizens of Enugu State are informed about how their hard-earned money will be employed and what safeguards are in place to prevent corruption and misappropriation of these funds.

Furthermore, HURIWA expressed deep concern regarding the hurried nature of the approval process within the state Assembly, stressing that it is imperative that significant financial decisions undergo thorough scrutiny, debate, and public discourse to guarantee they are in the best interest of the people.

“The approval process within the state Assembly was astonishingly rushed, devoid of the requisite due diligence and public discourse essential for decisions of such financial magnitude. This hastiness has left the people of Enugu State in the dark regarding the loan specifics and its intended benefits for the state. This lack of transparency and accountability undermines the principles of good governance.

“Responsible governance should prioritize the citizens’ welfare. Leaders must ensure that public funds are employed for the people’s benefit and that decisions of this magnitude are characterized by utmost transparency and accountability.

“Governor Peter Mbah and the Enugu State House of Assembly must be held accountable for their actions and decisions. The people of Enugu State deserve leaders who prioritize their welfare and are committed to responsibly managing public funds”.

HURIWA’s statement concluded by urging all concerned parties to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that the funds secured through this loan are used for the development and improvement of Enugu State, and not to enrich a select few. “Transparency, accountability, and the protection of the rights of citizens must be paramount in all government actions.”

This Is Sensitive Period For Nigeria Says British High Commissioner As He Holds Meeting With PDP NWC

The Source

October 11, 2023

British High Commissioner Meeting with PDP NWC

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday, under the leadership of the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, recieved the British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery and his entourage at the Party’s National Secretariat.

According to a release signed by the Publicity Officer, Office of the National Publicity Secretary, Adiele Nwosu, Richard Montgomery in his remark acknowledged that this is quite a sensitive time for Nigeria, making reference to the transition of the current Presidency, and further stated that his visit is intended to help the British High Commission understand via the NWC the Party’s priorities, point of view on Nigeria’s challenges and also the evolution of the nation’s democracy, laying emphasis that one of the duties of the Commission is to explain to the UK government properly and in detail the current state of the nation.

The Acting National Chairman, Damagum in responding welcomed the delegation and highlighted the Ideology and guiding principle of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Damagum speaking on the 2023 general election registered that the party registers strongly it’s concerns and has unreservedly challenged the credibility of the Presidential elections and outcome via constituitional means which has also led to the unveiling of more points of concern as seen in the embarrassing matter arising from the Chicago State University. He also stated that the obligation of the PDP is first to the country, then to the party and reaffirmed that the party will continue to push for the right things to be done.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party Hon. Debo Ologunagba in his contribution said “Legitimacy of any government is established first by the participation of the citizens freely in the electoral process which must be void of form of violence / intimidation.”. He further made reference to the report of the February 2023 general election which questions the legitimacy of the present government of the APC.

Hon. Ologunagba lamented that ignoring reports and concerns registered by the PDP would sadly plunge Nigeria into a one-Party state. He challenged the International Community to show more interest in the electoral process and all matters arising and further called for the activation of the process of ensuring that INEC which is saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections does so and in accordance with all laid down and spelt out rules. Making reference to the upcoming November 11 governorship election in three (3) States namely; Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states respectively, he said it provides good incipiency for the International Community to to assist by ensuring that concerns raised by the PDP and Nigerians at large does not repeat itself and to also see to it that INEC be held to account stressing that the engagement of the British High Commission in the next 4 weeks is very critical to help ensure that “Legitimacy, Democracy Rule of Law, and re-establishment of the credibility of our electoral process must be established via actual participation of citizens and making sure that votes casted counts.

The meeting ended with resolutions being put forward.

BBC Backs Tinubu, Says There Is No Evidence President Tinubu Forged CSUS Academic Records

Akinwale Kasali

October 11, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu has received a rare and unexpected backing from the British Broadcasting Service, BBC.

Contrary to allegations of Certificate forging of the Chicago State University, CSU, made against him, the BBC says there is no evidence to show that he engaged in such criminal activity.

This was revealed by the British Broadcasting Corporation’s, BBC, Disinformation Team Reports.

The BBC said that there is no evidence that the Chicago State University’s academic records of President Bola Tinubu, submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the 2023 Presidential election were forged.

It, also, reported that aside from the gender discrepancy, the birth dates in some of the released documents differed from the official birth date of President Tinubu, which is March 29, 1952.

According to it, Tinubu’s transcript from the CSU has his date of birth as March 29, 1954 while his undergraduate admissions application form had his date of birth as March 29, 1955.

Meanwhile, the BBC report claimed that Atiku Abubakar’s lawyer questioned the date of birth on the certificate during Westberg’s deposition on the forms submitted to INEC because Tinubu was said to have given his date of birth as March 29, 1952.

Westberg, during cross-examination, the report said, responded that the discrepancies could have been due to a human error.

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi had tagged Tinubu’s academic records as fake, calling the President out to defend them.

Justice Peter-Odili Charges New Lawyers To Fight For What Is Right, Help Less Privileged To Get Justice

Ayodele Oni

October 11, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

A new set of lawyers were added to the law profession as 1,097 were called to the Bar at a ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Call to Bar ceremony is for Lawyers that have completed the mandatory one year sojourn at the Nigerian Law School.

At the ceremony, the Chairman, Body of Benchers, Hon Justice Mary Peter-Odili, JSC, rtd, told them to use the Law profession as a sword to fight all forms of injustices in the country so as to make it more peaceful and habitable.

Justice Odili specifically asked the new wigs to fight for what is right and for the downtrodden Nigerians who cannot fend for their own rights.

The former Supreme Court Justice said that as lawyers, they are uniquely positioned to provide not just random acts of service but world-changing, life-changing and view-shapping service.

“As lawyers, you have the capacity to change the world whether you go into private practice, government service, to put up a business or whatever your heart leads you to do.

“Your law degrees and call to bar certificates are not just pieces of documents you will hang on your wall or boast with to others. These are credentials that you can wield as your sword to fight against injustice.

“They are shields that you can raise up to protect the innocent and uphold the rule of law. As lawyers, you have the capacity to change the world for the better.

“Wherever you decide to apply your talent as a lawyer, you will be required to act with utmost professionalism and wisdom as your legal advice, your professional actions and even, your inactions affect the lives of your clients and the society at large.

“In your service as a legal practitioner, you must not forget to put into practice, the ethical and moral obligations of a lawyer that has been imbibed in you by being civil and ethical.

She challenged the new lawyers to always seek the counsel of experienced senior colleagues whenever they are faced with any challenge or difficulty.

“Having mentor will greatly assist you in moulding your career and position you effectively to help in maintaining confidence input justice delivery system.

She cautioned them against the negative use of social media as it could bring them and the legal profession into disrepute.

Earlier, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma had said that the new lawyers were found worthy in academic performance, moral and ethical standard, hence, their presentation to the Body of Benchers for call to bar and inauguration as legal practitioners.

On Fr. Obayi’s Outburst Against His Bishop

The Source

October 11, 2023

By Valentine Obienyem

“Bishop Onah mandated me to build a museum where I would keep the deities I remove from villages. I spent 2.8m to build the museum upstairs inside the Cathedral and reported to my Bishop. The only ‘thank you’ I got from my Bishop was that he asked me where did I get the money to build it when he has banned me from selling olive oil. Yet, I endured it.”

While perusing the social media posts where Fr. Okunelere voiced his grievances against Most Rev. Dr. Godfrey Onah, his Bishop, I came across the quote above. This quote shed light on the underlying issue at hand. I do not need to address other issues one after another. Even when I have not heard our Lord’s side, it appeared that the Bishop’s intention was to encourage conformity, and in this inadvertent revelation, it became clear that Fr. Obasi had shown a propensity to deviate from established Catholic practices rooted in the Bible, tradition, and consistently expounded upon by the “Magisterium.”

One could infer from his complaint that the Bishop prevented him from selling the olive oil. The question is: are Priests supposed to sell olive oil? In the Catholic tradition, only three oils hold canonical significance: the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the Sacred Chrism. I am sure the Priest knows this better than we do, so why abuse it? While there may be special cases, did they encounter any unique circumstances that warranted the production of liters of “blessed olive oil”?

Interpreting the Bishop’s perspective, it appears he has been disheartened by actions he believes Father has taken. Just as our faith is upheld and guided by proper direction, the Bishop, in his role as the Father of the Diocese, is diligently overseeing and steering Father’s apostolate in the right direction.

For those of us who have closely observed the Bishop of Nsukka, it’s evident that he embodies the essence of Catholicism at its finest. He has been making every effort to ensure the church’s well-being. We are not taken aback by the possibility of embarrassment befalling him. Instances like this serve as a reminder that some of the most significant challenges faced by the Church since she was founded by Christ, have originated from within. Figures like Arius, Nestorius, Luther, Jan Hus, Thomas Cranmer, and more were either Catholic priests or bishops who caused disruptions within the Church. Lest you are disturbed that such take place in an institution Christ Himself founded, may I remind you that her affairs are piloted by the fallible sons of Adam.

Numerous priests excel in their apostolic work. Do we not pay attention to Fr. Blessed Njumeh from Cameroon? Do we not applaud the apostolate of Fr. Oluoma that is canonically guided? Do we not tune in to Fr. Ehusani’s teachings? These priests, along with many others, set remarkable examples of what it means to be a Catholic priest. However, whenever I witness priests delivering sermons with their bank account details prominently displayed on the screen, it fills me with embarrassment.

Clearly, Bishop Onah is intent on preventing the resurgence of figures like Luther and his followers.

Obinyem, a Lawyer, is a prolific writer and political analyst

Umahi Reads Riot Act, Says Only Competent Contractors Will Handle Road Projects

Akinwale Kasali

October 11, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

After a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has disclosed that only competent contractors will subsequently be engaged in handling road projects across the country to reduce delay in completion.

Umahi revealed that some contractors have been identified with collecting several road projects at once without the capacity to handle such projects.

“The delay of contractor completion has been identified as the propensity of contractors to take on several road projects that they do not have the equipment to tackle.

“This has led to delays and sometimes abandonment of projects nationwide. This needs to change so that the renewed hope of the Tinubu-led administration can reach and benefit the people,’’ he said.

He added that President Tinubu also approved the contract for various roads across the country that needed urgent attention, including the Benin-Sapele, Third Mainland bridge rehabilitation, and the East-West road, among others.

On the use of asphalt, the Minister said that contractors are allowed to use it with certain conditions attached so as to ensure quality jobs.

“The Ministry is only providing an alternative to asphalt by introducing the use of concrete in road constructions. But if any contractor wishes to continue with the asphalt, then he must meet the conditions.

“The conditions are that you will guarantee Nigerians that when you finish this asphalt road job, you are very sure it will not fail within at least 15 years. The design shelf life is 20 years, but assure us in writing from a reputable insurance company and from their own company that this road will not fail within 15 years.

“So we are saying that concrete is very friendly with water, and so we want you contractors to have an alternative. There is a catalyst in the use of concrete pavement. It will create jobs for our people. Everything about the construction is local.

“10 manufacturers of cement have indicated an interest in building cement factories. That is good for our economy. It will reduce pressure on the Naira. The road is going to be much more durable,’’ he said.

Umahi called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to the various reforms by the administration to create a new economic prosperity for Nigerians, adding ”no gang up by anybody or group” will deter this determination.

How My Husband Facilitated Emergence Of Seven LG Chairmanship Candidates In Ekiti – Gov’s Wife

Ayodele Oni

October 11, 2023

Olayemi Oyebanji - Ekiti State First Lady

By Ayodele Oni

Wife of Ekiti Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, is celebrating over the emergence of seven female chairmanship and 16 vice chairmanship candidates in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for December council polls.

Local government election is due to hold December 2 in the State, with selection of candidates, described as primaries concluded last Saturday.

The governor’s wife expressed her feeling when she hosted the APC female candidates, who visited her to appreciate the support they enjoyed from her and her husband.

”Having seven Candidates for Chairmanship positions, 16 for vice chairmanship and 33 for councilorship from the womenfolk by any party is unprecedented in the history of the state.

“Having seven women Chairmanship candidates and sixteen vice chairmanship candidates from the APC primaries is unprecedented in the LG election in Ekiti and this has confirmed Ekiti as the state with the highest number of women representation with Kwara following us in second position.

“I told my husband to assist many of our women candidates to emerge from the primaries for the LG election and God has made it possible for us. The standard set by my predecessor, must not be allowed to drop.

”With the tickets won by the APC female candidates in the forthcoming local government election in the state, Ekiti now has the highest number of female representation for political offices in Nigeria followed by Kwara.”

She paid tribute to her predecessor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, for working hard to ensure the three APC female chairmanship candidates and 14 vice chairmanship candidates won their election during the last local government poll in the state.

Oyebanji urged the APC candidates for the Local Government Election not to disappoint the party and the people of the state when elected, adding that good performance in office would pave the way for more women to win elected and appointive positions in the future.

The governor’s wife charged the candidates to come out with a credible manifesto and incorporate the empowerment of women, orphans and widows into their programmes which should be implemented if they emerge victorious at the poll.

“I want to urge our female candidates for the LG election that you must not disappoint the electorate if you eventually win the election, let there be more development in your areas and try to replicate what we are doing at the state level.”

“CSU: Tinubu Should Save Himself And Nigeria This Embarrassment” – Peter Obi

Akinwale Kasali

October 11, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

In the wake of the unending controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu, especially, over his educational certificates, which has taken the world stage, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on the President to save himself and Nigeria the embarrassment.

In a strongly worded statement he issued on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, Obi said the time has come for Tinubu to save the Nation by doing what he called a “simple thing.”

According to Obi, the simple thing is for the President to mount the rostrum and re-introduce himself to the Country he currently governs.

The reintroduction, Obi said, should include his name, the story of his birth and the schools he attended with dates. If, and when, he does this, Obi said, Tinubu would have saved Nigeria’s image.

Said Obi: “In my opinion, Chief Bola Tinubu should have saved the nation and himself from this protracted embarrassment and undue anxiety. Even this late in the day, however, Chief Bola Tinubu still owes the nation and the world a simple debt of obligation that only he can discharge. I call on him to immediately, and personally mount the rostrum of his present high office to perform a simple task once and for all time. He should reintroduce himself to the nation he governs and to the world for the avoidance of further doubt. He should let the world know his name, nationality, his place of birth, his parentage, the Primary and Secondary Schools he attended, with dates, as well as the actual Universities he attended and certificates obtained. He should indicate, clearly, where and when he did his National Youth Service. In addition, if at anytime he had a change of name, he should clearly state the circumstances. That, in itself, is no crime.”

Following is the full text of Obi’s statement, personally, signed by him.

STATEMENT ON BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S IDENTITY ISSUES

Having followed the prolonged identity crisis that recently played out in the American Court System and the controversy surrounding the authenticity of the Chicago State University credentials of Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I must confess that I am distressed as a Nigerian. In addition to the barrage of media frenzy that the matter has triggered at home and abroad, I have had the unwholesome burden of responding to embarrassing questions about Nigeria’s overall credibility as a nation to privileged audiences and individuals both at home and abroad in different parts of the world where I have traveled lately.

To outsiders, the entire Chicago State University matter as well as Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s many other lingering identity question marks has further worsened Nigeria’s less-than-glorious image internationally. Uninformed outsiders now see every other Nigerian as a potential fraudster, certain forger, or identity thief. The controversy is unnecessary just as the implicit global embarrassment could have been avoided.

In my opinion, Chief Bola Tinubu should have saved the nation and himself from this protracted embarrassment and undue anxiety. Even this late in the day, however, Chief Bola Tinubu still owes the nation and the world a simple debt of obligation that only he can discharge. I call on him to immediately and personally mount the rostrum of his present high office to perform a simple task once and for all time. He should re-introduce himself to the nation he governs and to the world for the avoidance of further doubt. He should let the world know his name, nationality his place of birth, his parentage, the primary and secondary schools he attended with dates as well as the actual universities he attended and certificates obtained. He should indicate clearly where and when he did his National Youth Service. In addition, if at any time he has had a change of name, he should clearly state so and the circumstances. That, in itself, is no crime. This simple task should take no more than a few minutes. It requires no a+davits, prolonged court processes, spokespersons, agents, or surrogates. This task is one that only Chief Bola Tinubu himself through a direct personal statement can perform. He must perform this task urgently in order to lay to rest, once and for the last time, the many lingering doubts and valid speculations about his true identity.

A leader cannot outsource a clear unambiguous personal statement about his identity to political surrogates, social spokespersons, lawyers, or any other persons no matter how highly placed. A matter of the personal identity of a leader is too sensitive and central to the functions of the office he currently occupies to be tried with, outsourced, or disguised under the cloak of officialdom. It is also about integrity, morality, values, and the rule of law that denies the character of the Nation and its people. In his present capacity as a leader of a nation of over 200 million Nigerians, his true identity is a matter of grave national and international interest.

The people deserve to know for a certainty the true identity of their leader and this overrides whatever rights he may have to personal privacy. In addition, the international community deserves to know the true identity of the person with whom they will engage in Nigeria. Having stood for an election to the elevated public office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Bola Tinubu has implicitly undertaken to cede the rights of a private citizen in favour of a life of open disclosure of his true identity, and other circumstances that may be of public interest. His personal integrity demands no less. The legitimacy of the office he currently occupies demands that much and even more. Respect for the integrity and esteem of the Nigerian nation within the community of nations makes it even more incumbent and compulsory.

It is time to do the right thing.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Peter Obi

AFCON 2024: Super Eagles May Face Morocco In Group Stage, As Draw Holds In Abidjan

Akinwale Kasali

October 11, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria could face Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup semi finalist, Atlas Lion of Morocco at the 2024 African Cup of Nations Tournament in Côte d’ Ivoire when the draws for the Continental showpiece will be done in Abidjan.

The Coach Jose Peseiro tutored team had booked a place at the showpiece having topped their qualifiers Group that consist of Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone and São Tomé and Principe.

There is also speculation that the Super Eagles could face their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers opponent, Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the tournament if the mock draw that was done is anything to go by.

Though Nigeria could have been seeded in Pot A for the tournament following its recent FIFA Ranking that has seen it dropped to Sixth position in Africa behind Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria.

Nigeria, a three-time winner of the premier African football competition, and former champions, South Africa, were unlucky not to be seeded higher.

But host countries not only automatically qualify for the two-yearly tournament, they are also always among the first seeds. To accommodate ninth-ranked Cote d’Ivoire, sixth-placed Nigeria had to give way and now share second-seed status with Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Democratic Republic of Congo.

South Africa had been ranked above DR Congo for some time but, in the rankings that decided the seedings, they were placed one place below the Congolese.

It was an ironic change of positions as South Africa defeated DR Congo in a friendly match just a couple of days before the rankings were released.

The other third seeds are Cape Verde, Guinea, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania, while the fourth seeds include Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, Gambia and Tanzania.

Zambia, who were 2012 champions thanks to a penalty shootout victory over Didier Drogba-inspired Cote d’Ivoire, are back at the Cup of Nations after three straight failures to qualify.

Zambia and Mozambique, whose last appearance was in 2010, are the only qualifiers who have not featured in at least one of the last two tournaments.

Despite a poor Cup of Nations record, Morocco is set to be installed as favourites to win the January 13 to February 11, 2024 competition.

It has been champion just once in 33 editions — topping a 1976 group in Ethiopia in one of only two editions where a mini-league determined the champions.

Putting all this factors into consideration, there is tendency for the Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Morocco and Gambia to Grouped alongside, as Gambia is among the teams in the fourth pot.

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