Home Blog Page 318

How Can 58 Year-Old Wike Call Fayose His Younger Brother? – Prof Odinkalu

0
Chidi Anselm Odinkalu
Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

By Adesina Soyooye

Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Lawyer, Activist, has mocked the speech made by the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, during the 65th Birthday Anniversary of his friend, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose.

At the celebration attended by some who-is-who in politics, a number of people, including the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, made speeches in honour of the celebrant.

Yet, the speech which stood out was the one delivered by Wike, not for its content, but for the confusion it caused.

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

Heaping praises on the celebrant, Wike referred to Fayose as his “younger brother”.

Eyebrows were raised as soon as he referred to Fayose as his younger brother. Why?

The celebrant, Fayose, is officially 65, which was what he was celebrating, and Wike, officially, 58 years old.

That was the riddle and the confusion which everybody – present or absent-  faced and noted, but uttered not a word.

But not Professor Odinkalu.

Commenting on that in a post on his X page, Odinkalu wondered why a 58- year old would  refer to a 65-year old as his younger brother.

He wrote: “So, @GovAyoFayose turns 65 &@GovWike, who is officially 58 yrs, calls Gov Fayose his ‘dear younger broda….’? Am I the only person who heard that?”

Not a few people wondered if Wike made a mistake, or was just jiving.

But a few have speculated that his speech, coming a couple of hours after he was expelled from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by a faction of the Party, along with Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and a few other heavy weights, Wike’s thoughts were in Ibadan, the venue of the National Convention of the Party where he was expelled and not on the speech he was making.

Wike Describes Those Who Expelled Him From PDP As “Intoxicated”

0
Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has mocked those who expelled him from the Peoples Democratic Party as “intoxicated”.

The recognised PDP faction which gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, November 15, expelled Wike, Ayo Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary, Mao Ohuabunwa, factional Board of Trustees Chairman, Chairmen of Imo and Abia State Chapters of the Party as well as Chief Obih.

They were expelled at the ongoing controversial National Convention of the Party in Ibadan which was boycotted by the Wike faction of the Party as well as a couple of other Party big wigs including former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke over Court injunctions and counter injunctions.

But in a swift response, Wike dismissed those who expelled them as intoxicated.

In a statement signed by the Minister’s Senior Special Adviser on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said those who expelled him from the party decided to start “dirty December in November.”

The brief statement read: “They went to Ibadan to start dirty December in November. One can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths.

“They gathered in Ibadan to do social party, enjoyed themselves and got Intoxicated. They are free to say anything.”

Wike, a PDP member, until this expulsion, has been a thorn in the flesh of the Party since 2023 when he failed to clinch the Presidential ticket, and was rejected by the winner, Atiku Abubakar, as his running mate in favour of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

While Wike is serving in the APC Federal Government which he worked for to win the election, Okowa has since, ironically, defected to the APC.

Obi Replies Soludo’s Mockery Of Him, Prays For God To Grant Gov. Greater Heights

0
Charles Soludo and Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has called on Governor Charles Soludo to show humility, gratitude, and compassion, following what he described as an “unfortunate and bitter” outburst by the governor. Speaking to journalists at the just-concluded Guild of Editors meeting at the Naval Base, Abuja, Obi congratulated Soludo on securing a second tenure and urged him to appreciate God’s mercies by responding to victory with grace rather than resentment.

Obi’s remarks come after Soludo provoked controversy during his certificate-of-return ceremony, where he mocked his critics by calling Peter Obi a “frustrated politician without a club,” and accused him of damaging the education system in Anambra.

“I feel compelled to respond because if I do not, I will be accused of dodging the question,” Obi said, expressing surprise at Soludo’s remarks. “On an occasion meant to celebrate his certificate of return, instead of thanking Almighty God for granting him a second tenure — a moment to demonstrate love and magnanimity — he chose to show bitterness and resentment. It was deeply unfortunate.”

Obi clarified his involvement in the recent Anambra election: “I only attended three public events with the Labour Party candidate, strictly where I was invited. At none of these events did I mention anyone by name or meet with traditional rulers, market leaders, or any other group to discuss candidates. There was nothing I said to warrant controversy or speculation,” he stressed.

Reflecting on Election Day, Obi recounted how he quietly fulfilled his civic duty, conscious of the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership. “I witnessed irregularities and disruptions that could have easily escalated into chaos,” he said. “When outsiders attempted to cast votes in our community, I stepped in and urged my people to remain calm and allow them to act peacefully. In that moment, I was reminded that integrity must always take precedence over politics. True leadership is measured not by the contest for power, but by the courage to uphold fairness, restraint, and the dignity of our people—even in the most trying circumstances.”

Addressing Soludo’s mocking remarks, Obi used a vivid metaphor from football to clarify his perspective: “On the day of the election, journalists approached me as if I were on the ballot. I reminded them that I served as governor 13 years ago and have since moved on to a higher level in national politics. In football terms, if gubernatorial candidates are in the first division, I am in the Champions League. I ran for Vice President in 2019 and for President in 2023, winning 11 states and Abuja. I play well at that level, and my record speaks for itself.”

Obi also reflected on his age and historic achievements in Anambra State. “In both the old and new Anambra, only Jim Nwobodo and I became governors in our forties. I was the first to serve a second tenure. I have no personal issue with Governor Soludo. I pray that God grants him even greater heights — if that will inspire him to show humility, compassion, and a genuine concern for the people,” Obi said.

He concluded with an appeal: “We must recognise the mercies God grants us. Leadership is not about resentment or bitterness — it is about service, gratitude, and love for our people.”

Kebbi Boycotts PDP National Convention Over Turaki’s Nomination As National Chairman

0
Tanimu-Turaki

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic party PDP has distanced itself from the ongoing National Convention of the party in Ibadan ,the Oyo state capital.

The Chapter strangely, and curiously, too, is doing so not on account of its disagreement with the legitimacy and or otherwise of the controversial gathering, but to press home its rejection of the candidacy of Tanimu Turaki for the position of National Chairmanship of the party .

The Source reports that ,the Ilia Damagun –led National Working Committee and other major stakeholders are reportedly favouring Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties, during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and a Kebbi indigene to take over as the PDP’s National Chairman.

Turaki’s perceived preference was at the root of the reason the party side- tracked other aspirants particularly those from the North West region , including former Governor of Jigawa state Sule Lamido .

But while others had since swallowed the bitter pill of exclusion from the race, Lamido one of the founding fathers of PDP has been slugging it out at the court with the party.

A statement from the spokesperson for the Kebbi State PDP on Saturday November 15,2025 Sani Dododo, said the Chapter is vehemently opposed to Turaki’s candidacy, and therefore has decided to boycott the ongoing National Convention in protest .

The party, while interrogating the legitimacy of Turaki’s candidacy, insisted that he is not a bonifide member of the PDP in Kebbi State, having been suspended alongside seven others including former gubernatorial candidate of the party in the state retired General Bello S Yaki in April 2023 over alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities,as well as failure to meet with his financial obligations to the party.

The Party further noted that it had on October 25,2025 formally communicated to the Chairman of the National Convention Committee its misgivings against Turaki’s nomination based on the grounds of his alleged misconduct.

According to the party ,the petition against Turaki’s candidacy was jointly signed by the state Chairman Usman Bello Zuru and Secretary Abubakar Bawa Kalgo,as well as other stakeholders.

The party, therefore, warned delegates from Kebbi State to stay away from the PDP National Convention, noting that anybody that attends the gathering would be doing so on his own ,and not on behalf of the state chapter of the party.

Ibadan: PDP Expels Wike, Anyanwu, Fayose At National Convention

0
Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister

By Ayodele Oni

Despite Court orders stopping the National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from holding in Ibadan, Oyo state, it still held with the  expulsion of Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State,  Samuel Anyanwu, former Secretary of the party.

Chief Olabode George, former National Vice Chairman of the party (South) moved the motion for the expulsion at the ongoing convention in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Hon Samaila Burga, Chairman of the PDP in Bauchi State, seconded the motion.

The PDP faction loyal to Wike had moved to stop the convention through the court, but the party secured judgement at a high court in Oyo to make the convention hold.

A few days to the convention, Mao Ohabunwa, chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Wike-led faction, ​said anyone going to Ibadan for the purpose of convention would just going there to relax because the exercise would not be recognized by law.

​Taunting the other faction, he said those interested in going to Ibadan should relax and have fun, describing the exercise as a “jamboree.”

​According to him, Anyanwu, had issued a circular, notifying members about the postponement of the convention.

​”We have met as the national working committee of PDP, and reviewed our activities. We have agreed to obey all the court decisions on the Ibadan convention. So, we are not part of the exercise.

​”Ibadan is a public place, people can go for anything but not for convention, anyone going there in the name of convention should consider it a jamboree.

​”We won’t tolerate flagrant abuse of the constitution by some individuals in the name of a convention,” Ohuabunwa had said.

​The faction’s acting national chairman, Abdulrahman Muhammad, also called on the delegates to stay away from the convention and wait for the right time.

​Muhammad promised to keep mobilizing members across the 36 states and the FCT for a strong and united PDP.

​”We are concerned with moving PDP forward, therefore, all delegates across the country should stay away from the Ibadan convention,” said Muhammad.

On his part, Wike had commended members of the party for defending PDP in their respective areas.

​He insisted that his camp would always uphold the rule of law and would not succumb to intimidation.

​Wike pledged not to betray those that believe in the constitution of the party.

​”I am happy with your concern about the party in your respective areas, I will continue to support you people, I won’t betray you people,” he said.

Also former Senate President Bukola Saraki had opposed the holding of the convention and called for a caretaker committee to take over affairs of the party

Impeachment: Ondo Speaker Says Lawmakers  Threatening Him Not Attending Sittings

0
Olamide Oladiji - Ondo House of Assembly Speaker

By Ayodele Oni

Amidst corruption allegations, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, on Saturday disclosed that the 12 lawmakers plotting his impeachment have not been attending sittings of the assembly.

This is coming as the Speaker revealed that the 14 lawmakers against his impeachment plot have the backings of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

He alleged that the some lawmakers in the House who accused him of misappropriating the sum of N50 million, are plotting to frustrate Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

Oladiji, who spoke on Saturday in Akure, explained that the dissenting lawmakers were deliberately attempting to destabilise government operations.

The 14 members of the Assembly on Friday passed a vote of confidence in the embattled Speaker amidst graft allegations levelled against him by 12 members of the Assembly.

Twelve lawmakers out of the 26 members of the Assembly on Thursday had accused Oladiji of diverting the sum of N50 million appropriated for a public hearing.

The 12 lawmakers, in a resolution dated November 13, 2025, also accused the Speaker of mismanaging the Assembly’s monthly operational grants.

The aggrieved lawmakers subsequently passed a vote of no confidence in the speaker, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to commence investigations into the allegations.

However, Oladiji, said that the he had continued to run the Assembly strictly in line with its Rules and Standing Orders.

“We have a Standing Order in the House of Assembly, including how we relate with the executive.

“These honourable members who claim to have passed a vote of no confidence in me have not been attending sittings. As I speak, the majority of them are outside the country.

“They said they have some demands or requests from His Excellency, the governor, but our position is that even if we have requests, we should not tie them to our legislative assignments, such as the supplementary or re-ordered budget.

“They insisted that they wanted to use the passage of the re-ordered budget to drive home their demands.

“The 14 of us told them that we are part of this government, and whatever we need should be done maturely, not by frustrating government activities.”

Oladiji said the Assembly proceeded with the reordering of the budget at its last plenary, emphasising that the anti-impeachment lawmakers had the support of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“We’re strongly together, and we have the backing of His Excellency because what we are doing is in the interest of the state.”

He begged the pro-impeachment legislators to return to the chamber, and not to boycott legislative duties.

Ekiti: Comptroller Complains Of Prison Congestion

0
Christy Okuseinde

By Ayodele Oni

The new Comptroller of Correctional, Ekiti State Command, Christy Okuseinde, has revealed that spaces meant for 343 inmates of Correctional Centres in the state now house 843.

Okuseinde disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Ekiti State Chief Judge, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, in his office.

The visit was aimed at strengthening the symbiotic relationship between the judiciary and the Correctional Centre.

During the meeting, Okuseinde highlighted the challenges facing the facility, including congestion, and called for increased use of non-custodial sentencing, such as community service, parole, or probation, to decongest the prison.

While commending some magistrates for embracing this approach, she urged the Chief Judge to encourage others to follow suit.

Okuseinde also requested an expansion of the facility to accommodate the growing inmates’ population and offered to make land available for the project, if considered.

She requested another official visit from the Chief Judge to the facility before the year ended, to assess the situation and also explore ways to release deserving Awaiting Trial Inmates.

In response, Justice Ogunmoye appreciated the visit and acknowledged the critical role of both the judiciary and the Correctional Centre in the administration of criminal justice.

He assured that Ekiti Magistrates have been utilizing non-custodial sentencing effectively and promised to further improve its application.

The Chief Judge also mentioned that the Administration of Criminal Justice committee has been set up in Ekiti State under his chairmanship, they are only awaiting a date for its inauguration

According to him, the Assistant Comptroller of the Corrections is a member of the committee, and charged her to bring before the committee any issue of the Command’s interest as soon as it begins its sitting.

Justice Ogunmoye promised to visit the Correctional Centre before the end of the year, noting that preparations were underway to inform all stakeholders and also, compilation of the lists of awaiting trial inmates is on top gear.

Military Debunks Abduction Of Brigadier General By Boko Haram

0
Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, confirmed the death of two soldiers and two members of Civilian Joint Task Force CJTF in Damboa Local Council of Borno state .

The deaths occurred when troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade were ambushed and attacked  by terrorists while on a routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government of Borno State.

A statement from the Nigerian Army Headquarters, also, debunked reports of the abduction of the Commander of the 25 Force Brigade Brigadier General M Uba by the terrorists.

According to the statement, troops were able to fight back after coming under a sudden and heavy fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of the dreaded Sambisa Forest.

The patrol team, compromising troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the CJTF fought back courageously through the ambushing insurgents” with superior firepower, forcing them (terrorists) to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission”

“However, during the encounter, two brave soldiers, and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price, while on active service to the nation'” the Army stated.

This is as the Military High Command while lauding the troops for their resilience and gallantry  commiserated with the families , relations and friends of the fallen heroes.

The Army authorities urged the public to disregard false and misleading information suggesting that the Commander of the Task Force Brigade was captured and taken away by the insurgents.

“The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.

“Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant service men and women to keep Nigeria safe” the Army authorities stated.

Air Peace Scammed Of $15m, Operations Disrupted Nationwide

0
Air Peace

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace Airline, has finally revealed why its Operations, schedule-wise, have been anything but satisfactory.

Thousands of its passengers had expressed frustration over the Airline’s penchant for delays that, atimes, last for five hours.

However, the Airline, obviously, embarrassed by the complaints has opened up to explain it was Scammed to the tune of 15 million US Dollars from a company it leased four aircrafts from.

At a Press Conference addressed by its  chief Commercial Officer, Nobel Ngala, the Airline explained that its Lessor, Smartlynx, suddenly, without notice, withdrew four aircrafts wet-leased from it.

Air Peace said it was forced to wet-lease because 13 on its fleet were currently abroad, undergoing scheduled maintenance.

Air Peace: “To avoid service gaps and ensure Nigerians could continue to travel conveniently, Air Peace leased aircraft from SmartLynx in a bid to support Nigerian passengers during peak travel periods.

“The disruptions were caused by the abrupt and unjustified withdrawal of four aircraft we wet-leased from SmartLynx Airlines. This withdrawal was done without prior notice, a clear violation of industry standards, and of the agreement between both parties.

“What makes this even more concerning is that SmartLynx had collected money upfront from Air Peace, fully aware that the rightful owners of those aircraft would be withdrawing their aircraft from them because they have been in default of payments to the said owners.”

Ngala revealed that over $5million of Air Peace money including over a million dollars paid as security deposits for the withdrawn aircraft are still with the Lessor Company which is about to allegedly run away from Nigeria.

The sad situation, he said,  has caused Air Peace over 15 million dollars in damages.

His words: “What makes this even more concerning is that SmartLynx had collected money upfront from Air Peace, fully aware that the rightfully owners of those aircraft would be withdrawing their aircraft from them because they have been in default of payments to the said owners.”

The four aircraft had, before their sudden withdrawal,  already been rostered for scheduled flights.

He, also revealed that this sad tale is not exclusive to Air Peace, as other airlines which leased aircraft from SmartLynx from other parts of the world are similarly affected in this unprofessional conduct by SmartLynx.

“We consider this action by smartlynx to be serious breach of contract, fraudulent, and a premeditated scheme that has inflicted financial loss and reputational damage not just to Air peace but indirectly to Nigerian traveling public, whom we serve with pride.”

This is not the first time Air Peace will be scammed by a foreign company.

Air Peace: “SYPHAX Airlines of Tunisia vanished with over two million USD from Air Peace and never returned, claiming they were taking their aircraft for maintenance. The aircraft was never returned, and the funds remain unaccounted for till date as the airline went into bankruptcy.

“These actions, unfortunately, reflect the challenges Nigerian carriers often face in international leasing arrangements. We cannot allow that to happen again.”

The good news, however, is that some of the Airline’s Aircraft, sent out for maintenance are ready.

“Two aircraft have already arrived. Starting next week, we expect to resume full operations across all our routes as more of our aircraft return”, Ngala said.

MFM Confirms Arrest Of Ex-Worker, Jimoh,  Exposes Falsehoods

0
MFM
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, has finally responded to a recent online claims made by Femi Jimoh, a former worker of the Church, who alleged that the Ministry and its General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, orchestrated his arrest and imprisonment for nearly two decades ago.
The Church has categorically dismissed these claims as false, deliberate, and malicious attempts to misrepresent history.
In a statement signed by MFM’s Chief Legal Adviser, Davidson Adejuwon, the Church clarified that the narrative promoted by Jimoh is “completely untrue, without basis in law or fact, and contradicts police records, court findings, eyewitness testimonies, and Jimoh’s own confessional statements from 2007–2008.
Adejuwon said:  “Mr. Jimoh, the Church explained, was not a pastor but a temporary worker in the Press Department, who was dismissed for repeated misconduct, including theft of Church property, financial irregularities, and acts incompatible with the ethical standards of the Ministry.
“After his dismissal, Mr. Jimoh conspired with accomplices to rob the Church of its First-Fruit offerings—a sacred collection made at the beginning of the year. Eyewitnesses, including Mr. Fatai Adebayo and Mr. Akeem Asalu, confirmed that Jimoh personally recruited them to participate, boasting that his insider knowledge would make the robbery seamless. When participants hesitated, he threatened to find “help elsewhere.”
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Nigeria Police Force, under the supervision of then DPO Yaba/Iwaya, Mr. Kayode Samuel (Retired Commissioner of Police), placed Jimoh under surveillance. Covert monitoring led to the arrest of Jimoh and his collaborators before the crime could be executed.
“Retired DPO Samuel affirmed that he had no contact with Dr. Olukoya or any MFM official during the investigation, stating that the operation was strictly police-led.
“Reports published in The Nation, The Guardian, and other national newspapers in 2007–2008 also documented Jimoh’s voluntary confessions.
“He admitted to coordinating a four-man gang, intending to divert Church funds and acquire weapons, citing financial desperation and abuse of his former position.
“The Church emphasized that it never influenced the arrest, detention, or prosecution of Jimoh. Criminal proceedings were carried out entirely by the Nigeria Police Force and Lagos State Judiciary. Court records show that the defendants were granted bail but failed to perfect the conditions, a fact repeatedly ignored in Jimoh’s recent claims.
“The Ministry never demanded payment, ransom, or bribes, leaving the responsibility squarely on Jimoh and his sureties.
“An archived 2007 Crime Watch report further corroborates Jimoh’s criminal past, confirming his confession to theft and robbery.
“Recent attempts by Jimoh and his associates to rewrite history, falsely claiming the incidents occurred in 2017, were described by the Church as deliberate misinformation designed to mislead the public”, the statement reads.
MFM also addressed allegations of spiritual intimidation or manipulation, reaffirming that its doctrines are rooted in holiness, prayer, deliverance, and adherence to the Word of God.
Clearing the air, Adejuwon added that the Ministry does not engage in practices intended to harm individuals, and such claims were described as baseless attempts to exploit public sentiment.
“Under the leadership of Dr. D.K. Olukoya, MFM has expanded to over 100 nations worldwide, maintaining its mission to propagate the gospel, deliver souls from spiritual bondage, and promote righteous living.
“The Ministry reiterated that Jimoh’s recent efforts to tarnish its image are a failed attempt to generate sympathy through falsehoods”.
The Church also highlighted Jimoh’s pattern of misconduct while being an employee, including repeated warnings, reassignments, and transfers from Warri back to Lagos due to theft and immoral behavior.
“His own confessions to Police investigators confirmed that he masterminded a robbery plot to exploit the Church’s offerings'” the Church said.
“Today, he presents himself as a victim, attempting to blackmail a Ministry that once invested in his spiritual and personal growth”.
MFM however reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation with law enforcement.
It also warned that legal action would be taken against any individual or media outlet that deliberately spreads falsehoods about the Ministry or its leadership.
The Church leadership further stated that inspire of efforts to malign it, truth and integrity will always prevail.
It added that the Ministry remains a citadel of prayer, purity, and power—committed to raising end-time soldiers for Christ and defending righteousness in a corrupt world.