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FCMB Named Nigeria’s Best SME-Focused Bank

By
James Orji
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FCMB MD Edun

First City Monument Bank, FCMB, has been named Nigeria’s Best SME Focused Bank for 2025 by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN. This recognition comes as FCMB holds a leading 24% share of the banking industry’s N1.8 trillion total SME disbursement for 2024. The award was presented at the 60th Annual Bankers Dinner in Lagos on November 28, 2025, highlighting First City Monument Bank’s strong role in supporting small and medium-sized businesses.

FCMB’s financing targets the true engines of the Nigerian economy. According to the November 2024Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report Q3 2024, these investments align with the nation’s highest-performing sectors, including Crop Production (26.51%), Trade (14.78%), and Telecommunications (13.94%), alongside Real Estate (5.43%) and Food, Beverage and Tobacco (4.06%). The award selection was based on industry-wide lending data provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which monitors financial sector contributions to the enterprise ecosystem.

FCMB also supports entrepreneurs through training programs, advisory services, and partnerships that help them navigate business challenges and grow sustainably.

Yemisi Edun, First City Monument Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, was represented by Obaro Odeghe, Executive Director of Wholesale Banking at the Annual Banker’s Dinner. She said:

“We are truly honoured to be recognised by the CIBN, based on data from the Central Bank of Nigeria. This recognition affirms our purpose as an institution committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Nigerian entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of our economy. We will continue to support SMEs with the accessible finance, technology, and expert advice they need to grow. By strengthening these businesses, we drive productivity and contribute directly to national development.”

Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the main professional body for bankers in Nigeria, organised the awards to showcase progress and resilience in the country’s financial sector. FCMB’s achievement was also highlighted by Tooritsemoshe Ojei, a staff member, receiving the Next Generation Class of 2025 Award for outstanding performance and leadership potential in the banking industry.

FCMB, part of FCMB Group Plc, is committed to supporting inclusive growth by connecting people, capital, and markets in Nigeria and among Nigerians abroad. This new award adds to previous honours, such as the Excellence Award for Promoting Financial Inclusion for Grassroots Entrepreneurs in Nigeria (The Mastercard Foundation), SME Financier of the Year (Africa) from the Global SME Finance Forum/IFC, and Best Bank with the Highest Impact on MSMEs Accessing Credit for the First Time in Nigeria from the Development Bank of Nigeria.

Ambassadors: Ex-Senate Leader Applauds Tinubu For Appointing Late Ajimobi’s Wife

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Sen Abiola Ajimobi and his wife Florence

Former Senator Leader, Teslim Folarin, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Florence Ajimobi, a former first Lady of Oyo state as an ambassador -nominee. The former senator described the nomination as a well deserved for the wife of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The former First Lady was among the recently appointed ambassadors, who named have now been forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Senate for approval.

In a statement signed by Folarin and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the former Senate Leader said he was not in doubt of the capacity and character of the former First Lady to function effectively if approved by the Nigerian Senate.

According to him, Mrs Ajimobi is well prepared to represent Nigeria wherever she sent to , saying President Tinubu made the right decision.

Folarin: “Her Excellency Florence Ajimobi is well-travelled, well-exposed, and richly equipped with the intellectual depth and diplomatic capacity needed for ambassadorial service.

“She is a woman of substance, grace, and unwavering commitment to public good. I sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making such a right and deserving choice.”

President Bola Tinubu had on Saturday, nominated 32 Nigerians as Ambassadors and High Commissioners. He had, a few days ago, nominated three people whose names he forwarded to the Senate for confirmation. The new nominees bring the total to 35.

Among those nominated are Reno Omokri, a former Tinubu hater-turned-lover, Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister, former Peoples Democratic Party’s Governors of Abia and Enugu States, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ikpeazu, respectively, both loyalists  of the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In the list are 10 women. They include former First Ladies of Ekiti and Oyo States, Angela Adebayo and Florence Ajimobi six are non-career Ambassadors.

Kano Govt Assures Residents After Bandits Attack

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

The Kano State Government has assured the people of the state to the effect that the state is not under imminent security threat, contrary to some reports in the media.

The Governor Abba Yusuf-led government had on Sunday held the State Security Council Meeting, where all the top security brass were present, to assess the security situation in the state, according to the state government, saying it was concluded at the meeting that the state is not under immediate security threat.

According to  a statement issued on Monday by Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa , the state government urged the residents to go about their duties, as there are no indications of threat to public peace, and that security agencies have been directed to neutralize any dangers posed by criminals elements.

“There is no valid or actionable information pointing to any significant security risk in Kano,” the statement said, stressing that the circulating claims were false, sensational and deliberately crafted to cause panic,” the statement said.

The state government’s assurance comes on the heels of last weekend’s bandits attack on  Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State, killing an elderly woman and abducting three residents.

The incident had thrown the community into panic as many residents were asleep when the armed men stormed the area.

Confirming the attack, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said security agencies were already on the trail of the bandits who are currently on the run.

“We are doing everything possible to rescue the kidnapped victims and restore calm to the area,” Kiyawa said.

According to the details supplied by eyewitnesses, the gunmen reportedly arrived on motorcycles, parking at the outskirts of the village before proceeding on foot to avoid early detection.

The attackers, it was learnt  also raided another house, abducting two women, including the sister-in-law of the ward councillor.

The state, however, experienced panic on Sunday  after the bandits  threatened to kill the 10 residents they kidnapped if their family failed to pay ransom.

Father of one of the victims told a local radio in Kano, yesterday, that the bandits were using him as a channel to reach other families, asking them to pay certain huge amount as ransom.

“They on daily basis call me thrice or even four times warning me to abide by their requests or they would kill our family members.

“I told them that the money they are asking for, we have never seen that kind of money, and what we only have is our farmlands with small animals,” he said.

He appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to come to their rescue as any time from now they might lose their loved ones.

“We asked you our Governor, in the name of God, please help us, they are killing our sons,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives were said to be combing nearby forests in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the assailants.

Until recently, Kano state has managed to escape bandit attacks, while other neighbouring states were not so lucky.

But security experts insist that the crack among top political players in the state, for its soul may have opened the door for the bandits, who, from all indications are bent on making the state a nightmare for residents.

Presidency Knocks Obasanjo: Stop Grandstanding, Boko Haram Started Under Your Watch

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Olusegun Obasanjo

The Nigerian Presidency has faulted former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his remark that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has failed in its responsibilities to protect Nigerians from bandits and terrorists. The menace of banditry and terrorism was incubated under your watch as president, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, said in his posts on his verified X handle on Sunday.

Dare while responding to the former president harsh condemnation of the incumbent’s handling of the threat posed by terrorists and bandits to the country, said it was “reckless” and ironic that Obasanjo who failed to stop Boko Haram at its inception is now pontificating and condemning President Tinubu’s handling of the problem.

While speaking at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival held in Jos, Palteau state last weekned, the former Nigerian leader accused President Tinubu of abdication of his duty to protect the country, saying the incumbent must seek external assistance because the matter seems to be beyond its capacity to handle.

Obansanjo had called on Tinubu to apologise to Nigerians and stop making excuses for its failures to rein in insecurity in the country, instead of negotiating and pacifying terrorists. .

“Our government must stop apologising and negotiating with terrorists. No matter what religion you belong to. No matter where you come from. No matter your profession, we Nigerians are being killed, and our government seems to be incapable of protecting us,’ Obasanjo said.

Reacting in a series of posts on his X, Dare said it’s a histortical fact that Boko Hram insurgency started under Obasanjo, who he said failed to nip it in the bud, allowing the terrorist to transform to a full blown insurgency that now threaten the peace of the country.

He said while Nigeria is opened to support from the United States and the International Community to combat the menace, she will not surrender its sovereignty to outsiders in trying to achieve this aim.

He said former President Obansanjo should owned up to his failure to contain terrorists while in power, adding that he has lost his position as a statesman by openly rebutting the Tinubu’s administration, which he said is committed to ending insecurity in the country.

“It is historical fact that the ideological foundations and early cells of Boko Haram were incubated during Obasanjo’s civilian presidency. While they recruited, indoctrinated, built camps, and flaunted authority, the state failed to act decisively,” Dare said.

“What began as a preventable extremist sect transformed into: a violent insurgency; across-border terrorist franchise; a regional menace aligned with global jihadist movements.

“For the leader under whom the first seeds of terrorism were allowed to germinate to now issue public lectures is not just ironic, it is reckless.”

“The suggestion that Nigeria should effectively subcontract its internal security to foreign governments is not statesmanship; it is capitulation. Before recommending surrender, the former President should reflect on what he failed to do when these terrorists first began organising under his watch.

“Nigeria will cooperate internationally, yes, but it will not outsource its security or raise a white flag because someone who once had the chance lost his nerve. Yes. Nigeria needs the support and understanding of the United States and that is already ongoing. And of course  the collaboration of other allied nations.

“The crime at hand is transnational. Every ungoverned space must come under scrutiny.”

He urged the former president to use his international connections to assist the country instead of openly critising ongoing efforst to combat the menace of banditry and insurgency, assuring Nigerians that President Tinubu will not renege in his resolve to end the problem by bringing down the full weight of state power on the criminals.

He said: “If Obasanjo wishes to help, he should acknowledge the past  failures that allowed terrorists to gain a foothold, and then support ongoing efforts, not undermine them. Let him put his position and connections at Nigeria’s disposal like he has done for other Countries. Not seek to put down an administration that is fully engaging in many fronts : Economic Turnaround, Providing Security and Building key Infrastructure.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to securing every inch of Nigeria by confronting terrorists with strength, unity, and a whole-of-government strategy. Let all patriots join hands now and not raise alarms.

“This administration will not be distracted by selective amnesia wrapped in elder-statesmanship, nor will it allow those who midwifed Nigeria’s early security failures to rewrite history.”

“When former leaders disparage the nation’s capacity, they hand psychological victories to the very terrorists murdering, kidnapping and extorting Nigerians – terrorising Nigerians in plain language. A real statesman offers support, not soundbites.”

Atiku’s Media Office Questions N17.5 Trillion Pipeline Security Expenditure

By
The Source
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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

The report that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) spent a humongous ₦17.5 trillion in just 12 months on “securing fuel pipelines and others” stands as one of the most brazen financial scandals in our nation’s history.

For clarity, Nigeria spent roughly ₦18 trillion on fuel subsidy over a period of twelve years — a national programme that directly cushioned millions of Nigerians, stabilised the transport sector, and helped keep food prices manageable.

Yet, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country has now expended nearly the same amount in a single year on same subsidy and opaque pipeline security contracts awarded to private firms tied to associates and cronies of the President. Indeed, the action of the President is akin to robbing Peter (Nigerians) to pay Paul  (cronies).

This is not governance. This is grand larceny dressed as public expenditure.

The Tinubu administration justified the removal of fuel subsidy by claiming the country could no longer afford it. Nigerians were told to tighten their belts, endure hardship, and “make sacrifices.” However, the same administration has now channelled ₦17.5 trillion — an amount that could transform Nigeria’s power sector, rebuild our refineries, or fund universal healthcare — into opaque security contracts whose beneficiaries are conveniently linked to those in power.

In some places in the country, a litre of PMS goes for over N1,000 and the justification for this by the Tinubu administration is the wholesome removal of subsidy, yet according to the records provided by the NNPCL, this same administration has spentN7.13tn on what it calls, “energy-security cost to keep petrol prices stable”; another N8.67tn on what it calls “under-recovery.” These two balablu nomenclatures: energy-cost and under-recovery are a new coinage of the Tinubu administration to deceive Nigerians on the government’s fraudulent claim that it was no longer paying subsidies on petroleum products.

This raises fundamental questions of public trust and national integrity:

*Who are the companies paid under these contracts?

*What specifically justifies a 38.7 percent rise in the amount of energy-cost from N6.25tn in 2024 to N8.67tn in 2025?

*Why is pipeline security now more expensive than a decade-long subsidy that served over 200 million Nigerians?

*Where are the audit reports, parliamentary oversight findings, and cost-validation documents?

No administration that presides over this level of fiscal recklessness has the moral authority to demand sacrifice from its people. The Nigerian public cannot continue to suffer crushing inflation, punitive fuel prices, an unending collapse of the naira, and widespread hunger — only for a select circle of political allies to pocket trillions under the guise of “pipeline security.”

This scandal confirms what Nigerians already know: the Tinubu administration did not end subsidy — it merely redirected public wealth from the entire nation to a privileged cartel anchored around the Presidency.

The government must, without delay:

  1. Publish the full list of companies awarded these contracts;
  1. Disclose the scope, deliverables, and duration of each contract;
  1. Subject the entire ₦17.5 trillion expenditure to an independent forensic audit;
  1. Halt further disbursement until accountability is established;
  1. Explain to Nigerians how this expenditure aligns with national priorities at a time of unprecedented economic strangulation.

Nigerians deserve transparency, not deceit. They deserve leadership, not cronyism. And they deserve a government that places national interest above private enrichment.

This ₦17.5 trillion pipeline-security expenditure is not merely a financial anomaly — it is a moral indictment on the Tinubu administration and a clarion call for full accountability.

Signed:

Atiku Media Office

Abuja

November 30, 2025.

Killers Of Delta State Judge Must Face Justice – Police

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Delta State Police Command on Sunday November 30,2025 vowed that nothing will be spared in the efforts to hunt down suspected masterminds of the gruesome murder of a retired High Court Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu.

The Source reports that the lifeless body of Justice Okogwu was on Monday November 24, discovered at her residence in Asaba ,the State capital. She was bound hands and legs when her body was found.

Her brother, who made the discovery after visiting her residence, drew the attention of the Police to  the unfortunate incident.

A statement from  Bright Idafe ,the spokesperson for the State Police Command on Sunday, informed that following the receipt of the report, operatives from the A Division Asaba responded swiftly ,and subsequently moved the corpse to the mortuary,.

According to Idafe, preliminary investigations have so far led to the arrest of a suspect,one Lucky Mathew, the morning guard in the Judge’s house. He had resumed for work in the morning, and according to him, met the gate open, without any sign of the night guard. He said he never went inside to find out why the gate was open and why the night guard was not there.

Concerted efforts are underway to track down the prime  suspect, the night guard, Godwin Vanem, who is presently at large .

The Police spokesperson said that  findings also revealed that Vanem may have fled the lateJudge’s residence shortly after the killing of the Judge.

Idafe stated that the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department on the directives of the Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda for a thorough and discreet investigation.

While conveying the  Command’s condolences to the  family , relations and friends of the deceased ,CP Abaniwonda also affirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the fleeing prime suspect and all those remotely and or directly involved in the unfortunate development.

Bandits Raid Church In Kogi, Abduct Pastor, Wife, Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

Bandits have again struck in Kogi State, abducting a Christian cleric, his wife and other congregants.

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The attack on Ejiba, a town in `Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, came on Sunday morning according to local sources.

Eyewitnesses told a community news outlet that the assault occurred during a church service at a new Cherubim and Seraphim Church.

Adegboyega Oguns, who was present at the church during the daring assault, explained that congregants fled in panic as the attackers struck.

Oguns reported that the church cleric, popularly known as Orlando, his wife, and several other individuals were abducted during the raid.

He said, “It’s a new Cherubim and Seraphim church. The pastor popularly called Orlando, and his wife, with some others have been kidnapped,” he wrote on Egbe Mekun Parrot platform on Facebook.

“It is serious, we all ran out of the church.”

The incident underscores the growing security challenges facing communities in Kogi State.

Similarly, on Saturday, a group of terrorists launched an attack along the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin corridor in the Yagba East Local Government Area of the state, leaving residents and travellers in a state of fear.

Eyewitnesses said that the attackers struck suddenly on Saturday afternoon, causing people in the area to scamper for safety.

Meanwhile, the exact number of victims abducted during the incident has not yet been confirmed, as details remain sketchy.

Military Rescues 12 Borno Teenage Girls  Seized By Terrorists

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soliders recued 12 Teenage Girls in Boko Haram

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, announced the safe rescue of 12 kidnapped teenage girls in Borno State

The Source reports that the girls aged between 15 and 20 years,were on November 23 ,2025 abducted by suspected members of Boko Haram/IWAP while working on family farmlands in Mussa District of Askira-Uba local council of the State.

A statement on the official site of the Army informed that the victims were rescued by troops.of the Operation Hadin Kai on Saturday November 29, during an intelligence-driven exercise.

“The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira-Uba Local Government Area ,Borno state.

“They were freed on Saturday, 29th November, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Southern Borno axis”, the Army stated.

According to the military authorities, the freed girls have been relocated to a secure facility where they are currently receiving medical attention, psychological support and also being debriefed.

The statement  noted that the victims will be reunited with their families  immediately after the completion of the rehabilitation processes.

” Upon completion of these processes, they will be formally reunited with their families. Their recovery has brought immense relief to the community which had been gripped by fear following the abduction”. the Army added.

The names of the rescued  are Fatima ,Shaibu ,( 17) , Fatima Umaru (15) , Hauwa Abubakar ( 18) ,Saliha Muhammed (15) , Sadiya Umaru (17) ,Amira Babel ( 15 ) ,and Zara Adamu (17) .

Others are Nana Shaibu (15) , Zainab Musa (18) , Zainab Muhammed (17) Jamila Saidu (15) and Hauwa Hamid (17)..

The military, while lauding the troops for their resilience, doggedness and swift response, also appreciated the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, and locals whose timely intelligence accounted largely for the successful operation.

This is as the military authorities reaffirmed the determination of troops to continue to provide adequate protection for residents ,as well as ensuring the prevention of further attacks on civilian population by terrorists.

PDP Asks Tinubu To Withdraw List Of Ambassadorial-Nominees, Says It Contains Those With Tainted Political Profiles

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the new ambassadorial list released at the weekend as containing those with tainted political profiles.

President Tinubu on Saturday sent a list of 32 persons to the Senate for confirmation as career and non-career ambassadors.

The party specifically questioned the inclusion of the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu in the list.

The PDP’s concerns were contained in a statement by the party’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, who described the list of 32 ambassadorial nominees as scandalous.

The party conveyed its strong disapproval of Yakubu’s nomination, stating:

“Specifically, we convey the disappointment of many right-thinking Nigerians on the nomination of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate-past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose administration of our electoral umpire was characterised by countless double-speaks, flip-flops, and undelivered promises, which ultimately resulted in the birth of this administration, which is struggling in all areas of governance.”

It strongly opposed the appointment as a form of political compensation, saying: “To offer him an ambassadorial appointment at a time like this is an excellent exemplar of a skewed reward system, which we suspect is designed as an incentive to the new INEC Chairman, to also deliver flawed elections in 2027, in expectation of future rewards.

“This is absolutely scandalous and completely unacceptable.”

The list includes, apart from the ex-INEC chief, others who made the nominees’ list included a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri and a one-time Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode.

Also included were Ex-governors of Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu and a former governor of Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, along with the ex-First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi; former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, and an ex-ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State among others.

However, the PDP criticized the entire list, describing it as “containing names of many disgraced propagandists, characterless politicians, and public officials who are widely perceived negatively by Nigerians and the global community, for their integrity deficit and notable anti-democratic activities.”

It claimed the list is very reprehensible and scandalous, and asserted that the nominees are a reflection of Tinubu’s values.

“By making these nominations, the President has shown Nigerians that these are the best people he has to represent our country in the countries where they will be posted.”

The party also criticized the time taken to compile the list, stating: “That it took the President almost three years to produce this list speaks to the paucity of excellent people within his reach.”o

The PDP believes Nigeria deserves better representation and said appointing and sending ambassadors with tainted political profiles is not only a great disservice to Nigeria but a setup for a diplomatic all-time low.

The party therefore insisted: “we demand that President Bola Tinubu withdraw the said list and renominate only those with stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing, capable of commanding global respect for the ambassadorial assignments.”

Ambassadorial Nominees: Let The Disgrace Continue

By
The Source
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Valentine Obienyem
Valentine Obienyem

By Valentine Obienyem

 

 

“Mediocrity has become national policy”

 

The ambassadorial nominees I read this evening (Saturday evening) have once again exposed how utterly disgraced our country has become. Nigeria is a nation sick unto death – gasping for life – yet its leaders show no interest whatsoever in resuscitating her.

 

By appointing this calibre of men, we are telling Nigerians that virtue no longer matters. We are openly declaring that integrity, merit, and moral standing have no place in public service. We are saying, without shame, that the country may sink further, as long as political bargains are honored and personal loyalties are rewarded.

 

Some have praised these nominees as if their selection  would particularly favour them. If truly capable and qualified individuals were nominated, would it disproportionately benefit certain people? This is nothing but incestuous reasoning.

 

It is, in fact, true that a nation’s representatives reflect its moral condition. A country cannot heal when its leadership glorifies mediocrity and discards character. Nigeria cannot rise when those chosen to represent her abroad are themselves emblematic of everything that has weakened her at home.

 

Which names did you see? As I read Reno, Fani-Kayode, Yakubu Mahmoud, and others, I had to scratch my head in disbelief. I felt like an uninitiated reader opening Maimonides’ “Guide for the Perplexed”  and ended up getting more perplexed than guidance. At this rate, he might as well have nominated some of the criminals he recently pardoned, or figures like MC Olumo and Asari Dokubo, to complete the spectacle.

 

As for Reno, I am genuinely curious about the country to which he will be posted. All I ask from Nigerians is help in identifying the official social media platforms of that country’s President and Minister of External Affairs. From time to time, we shall forward to them Reno’s own description of our President during the elections – so they can grasp the calibre of envoy they are receiving and the President that sent him. Nonsense!

 

Meanwhile, let the disgrace continue.

Obienyem, a Lawyer, writes from Awka, Anambra State.

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