“I Am Not Gay, Stop Pulling Attention Away From Nigeria’s Problems”

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August 22, 2025

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has dismissed a viral online photo depicting his son, Oseloka Obi as a gay.

By Oseloka Obi

Peter Obi’s son, in a letter to Nigerians, addresses the issue of his sexuality, reveals he is an actor, asks Nigerians to face, headlong, the many problems confronting the country instead of indulging in beer palour gossip, barefaced lies, and says his father has his vote, not because he is his father, but because he is very capable of fixing Nigeria

Dear Nigerians,

I have refrained from engaging in the vitriol, scorn, and suspicion directed at me online, because I was not raised to trade in lies, or to indulge in false narrative.

I did not do so as a child, and I will not begin now as a grown man.

Because of my Father’s involvement in Nigerian Politics, there has been a persistence curiousity and, atimes, malicious obsession with me. Why? I do not know.

I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But Perheps, it is time to address them.

I understand that gossip follows those connected to public life. But let me remind you: my father is the one in politics and not me. To assume that my life or choices are somehow political statements is a flawed and childish calculations.

It reveals more about the pettiness of those spreading such narratives than it does about me or my father.

This pattern has become all too familiar. Individuals opposed to my father, seized ordinary photos of me- Images that are neither hidden nor secret- and repackage them with false stories.

These are not revelations, they are not “exposes”. They are simply misrepresentations; fiction, spun from pictures. I have seen this happen to others but experiencing it myself repeatedly is deeply unsettling. Still, I want it to be known clearly: that what is being circulated is gossip.

I am an actor by profession. Many are surprised, given the businessman, entrepreneur, an economist my father is. I’m sure he imagined I might follow that path-yet though my career is far from what he envisioned, he supports me fully.

Unlike many Chidren of Nigerian politicians, I have never relied on nepotism. I was raised to know that my father’s wealth is not mine, and that I must build my own life.

My chosen path is in Theatre and film-making, so far from the world he inhabits – an industry he embraces, diversity of class, race, sexuality, and identity. I portray Characters vastly different from myself, yet, some online use these roles against me and my father, presenting fiction as facts.

I trust any rationale person can see how absurd this is.

More importantly, Nigeria has far greater issues than idle speculation about what Peter Obi’s son is doing. Our nation still struggles with insecurity, a weakened economy, crumbling infrastructure, failing health care and politicians who steal from the people they swore to serve. And yet, for some, the priority is to spread gossips about who Peter Obi’s son appears with in a photo.

This is a distraction from the real crisis that matters to all Nigerians.

The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears on photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly, knowing they are spreading lies.

Nor I or my father are perfect men, and as father and son, we have our differences. But, I can attest to his integrity and his relentless desire to lead Nigeria out of its current hardships. In our home, as a child, the lesson was always clear: face your work, do it honestly,and contribute to the good of others.

That is what I will continue to do.

So, to those who attempt to distract us with lies, I beg you, stop pulling attention away from Nigerians urgent problems.

My father has my vote, not because he is my Father, but because he is the right Man for the Job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so.

But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.

With love, Oseloka.

LP: Pay Raise For President, Others Insensitive, Insults To Nigerians

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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August 22, 2025

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The Labour Party, LP, has described plans to increase the salaries of Nigeria’s political office holders as provocative and insult s to Nigerians.

The party said what should be paramount to the federal government is to increase the salaries of Nigerian workers, who are suffering under the current economic problems facing the country.

According to the party, in a statement released on Wednesday, and signed by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration seems not to be sympathetic to the plight of ordinary Nigerians, and does not care about what they are going through as a result of the economic policies foisted on the country.

LP spoke few days after the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC commission, Mohammed Shehu, disclosed that the salary of political officers holders in the country needed to be raised in line with the economic realities in the country.

The RMAFC remark has elicited serious condemnation form not a few Nigerians who said political office holders are being over-pampered by the country at the expense of other Nigerians.

Critics of the government insist that government functionaries are living in opulence while other Nigerians are swimming in poverty.

The United State, US government had recently criticized the N70, 000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers, saying the wage is incapable of addressing the poverty problems in the country.

The wage, recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is less than $3 per day, falling short of global standards which requires the workers wage to be more than $3 per day, analysts say.

For the Commission to have considered salary raise for public office holders at this time, Akeni contend, is insensitive and unconscionable on its part.

He warned that Nigerians will be forced to revolt against the government if the commission went ahead with the plan, describing the chairman’s remark that the salary of political office holders in the country to be very meagre, as false and misleading.

For instance, Mohammed had claimed that the President earns less than the Central Bank Governor and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to justify the need to raise the salary of political office holders in the country.

“Mr Shehu, at a press conference, insulted the intelligence of Nigerians by claiming that the President receives a paltry N18 million per year—N1.5 million monthly—as salary, while ministers earn N1 million monthly or N12 million annually,” Akeni said.

“This is a lie, as a report from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the President already lives in affluence, aside from his monthly salary,” the Interim National Publicity Secretary.

“If anything, the RMAFC’s campaign should be directed towards increasing the minimum wage of Nigerian workers beyond the current meagre N70,000 per month, which even the United States Government, in a recent statement, urged should be improved.

“If a foreign nation could demonstrate such empathy toward our suffering citizens, then the RMAFC chairman and commission members have no valid excuse not to do more.

“Fellow Nigerians, the fight to dismantle the structure of corruption in our country is not Peter Obi’s fight alone, nor is it that of the Labour Party. It is the fight of all 200 million Nigerians—a fight for our children and generations yet unborn.”

Checks reveals that Nigerian political office holders are one of the highest paid in the world. For instance, Nigerian Senators earn at least N45 million per month, while their counterpart in the House of Representative earns more than N30 monthly.

Fat pay for government officials, critics of the administration insist, is a big drain on the country’s meagre resources at this time she’s faced with serious economic challenges.

CBN: Why Foreign Reserves Rose To Over $41bn

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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August 22, 2025

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Nigeria’s external reserves have hit over $41 billion, the highest since Yemi Cardoso, the Central bank Governor was appointed into office on September 15, 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN showed that the external reserves rose steadily to $41.046 billion from $37.21 billion at the end of June.

According to checks, it’s also the first time the country’s external reserve has risen to that figure in four years, after suffering serious depletion under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Under the administration, the nation’s forex reserves fell to as low as $3.7 billion as at the end of 2022, according to JP Morgan, the renowned global financial services firm which claimed that the federal government had been economical with the actual state of the nation’s external savings under the Buhari administration.

The reserves however picked up under the Tinubu’s administration after the government said it has paid some backlog of foreign and promised debt, owned by the Buhari’s government to creditors including JP Morgan.

Last year, following a steady decline in the reserves, some analysts claimed that the CBN was using the reserves to defend the naira, saying the action was responsible for the stability that the currency has enjoyed.

Reacting, Cardoso denied the claim insisting that the apex bank’s key monetary policies salvaged the naira from devaluation, compared to other foreign currencies.

The CBN governor who spoke at the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Bank, said the naira is performing independently and not because the foreign reserves were being used to defend it.

Cardoso said, “Defending the Naira, from every indication is an elephant in some rooms. I will make this as clear as possible. It is not our intention to defend the Naira. Much as I have read in the recent few days some opinions about what has happened in terms of our reserves being drawn down, and the CBN Defending the Naira, if you take your mind to our philosophy and policy, you will see it will be counterintuitive.

“We want the Naira to perform independently as long as we have a vibrant forex market.

“Initially we needed to keep the BDCs going. So it is important for people to get forex for school fees, travel and the like.”

The CBN governor stressed that the depletion of the foreign reserves was due to the settling of some of the country’s obligations.

“The shift you see in our reserve is not to defend the Naira but for things like settling obligations that fell due. Mind you, that is the reason for keeping foreign reserves, in the first place,” he said.

Meanwhile, business analysts insist that so long the CBN continues to tighten the monetary policies, the forex reserves will be on a rising trajectory.

OPINION: Putin As the President’s Medicine

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The Source

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August 21, 2025

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By Azu Ishiekwene

European leaders often portray Russian President Vladimir Putin as a tyrant, a land grabber, and a Russian bear. And following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War three years ago, the deadliest in Europe since World War II, Putin has gone from being a bad guy in Western European eyes to being something worse: a war criminal.

Yet, the biggest enigma across many Western capitals is why US President Donald Trump, the leader of the free world, is eager to embody everything that the West despises about Putin. Trump is enamoured with Putin. His admiration for the Russian President was once again evident during their August 15 meeting in Alaska.

Waiting for Putin

As Trump waited for Putin on the red carpet, you could almost sense the butterflies up and down his stomach, like a lover waiting for a date. He squinted and pouted nervously.As Putin alighted and approached him, the dam of his affection for the Russian president burst into irresistible applause. Quite remarkable.

Since his second inauguration in January 2025, Trump has hosted many world leaders in the White House, from British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Canada’s Mark Carney to South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa.

Except in Trump-tionary, the new playbook where uncertainty and bullying have replaced rules and courtesy, the engagements in the White House would qualify more as encounters in the predator’s lair than diplomatic meetings.

Encounters in the lair

In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was pinned to the wall and hammered for dressing improperly at the White House, and daring to offer a different view of the war in his country from that of President Trump.

Canada was slammed with more trade tariffs after Carney’s visit, and the same, even worse, treatment was meted out to India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Where outside the Trump world does a major trading partner get slammed with an additional 25 percent trade tariff, as was the case with India, for buying Russian oil, whereas Putin, the man in the middle of the war, got a reprieve on the eve of the Alaska summit for showing up on his terms?

During his visit, Ramaphosa was treated to an unsolicited movie of the so-called graves of white South African farmers allegedly stripped of their land – fabrications by the White House.

But when Putin came, it was different. Not only did Trump wait for him on the tarmac, applauding as the Russian president walked the red carpet to meet him, they both travelled in the Beast, a rare privilege that bypassed a carefully planned last-minute attempt to prevent a one-on-one summit.

For Putin, the special one, Trump wangled a one-on-one.

The world waits anxiously to see how the combined effort of seven European leaders will save Trump from himself.Moscow is also watching closely.

The thing about Putin

What is it about Putin that fascinates Trump so much? Several articles examining their complex relationship suggest that Trump’s soft spot for Putin dates back nearly 40 years. Referencing a widely quoted statement that “Putin went through a lot of hell with me,” a Le Monde article said Trump’s words “echoed the persistent allegations of collusion between the billionaire and the Kremlin that have intensified since Trump entered politics a decade ago.”

In a bid to expand the Trump business empire, in the late 1980s, the young billionaire reportedly explored the possibility of building the Trump Tower in Moscow, with unverified reports that he was even recruited as a KGB agent with the code name “Krasnov.”

In a broadside against US politicians in 1987 that highlighted his interest in Russia, Trump reportedly paid for an advert in The New York Times, saying “The world is laughing at American politicians as we protect ships we don’t own, carrying oil we don’t need, destined for allies who don’t help.”

Therefore, it is unsurprising that he has treated NATO contemptuously and insisted that the US would not pay for Europe’s security.

Lovefest

Almost 20 years ago, when Russia was still grappling with the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union, Trump told CNN that Putin was doing “a great job of fixing the country”, and then in 2013, the billionaire playboy moved heaven and earth yet failed to court the Russian president to attend the Miss Universe Pageant in Moscow.

Five years later, Trump had his first meeting with Putin in Helsinki, a meeting at which the US president publicly questioned US intelligence agencies, and agreed with Putin that, contrary to what was reported in America, there was no Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

“I have great confidence in my intelligence,” Trump said after the Helsinki summit, “But I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong…I think the United States has been foolish. We’ve all been foolish.”

It’s the kind of thing a philandering spouse says, paying no heed to the remotest redeeming grace of the partner they are betraying. But it doesn’t bother Trump. Heis happy to trash America and shaft allies to be in Putin’s good books.

Understanding Trump

Experts have made several efforts to understand this special, complex relationship. Why does Europe and much of the world walk on eggshells to appease Trump (Starmer recruited King Charles by taking along a special invitation to the US, while Ramaphosa dragged two golfers to the White House) when Putin calls onceand Trump answers twice?

Explanations range from Trump’s personality trait, especially his love of flattery and desire for validation, to his transactional worldview, aversion to conflict with strongmen (think of China’s Xi Jinping), and his scepticism of multilateralism.

Comparing the Trump-Putin bromance with the relationship between President Richard Nixon and the Chinese President Mao Zedong, or between Ronald Reagan and Russian Mikhail Gorbachev, doesn’t quite explain it.

‘Trust but verify’

While Nixon and Reagan, for example, had personal chemistry with their counterparts from China and Russia, apart from sharing some common goals and being in control of their domestic affairs, Trump’s fascination with Putin appears to be fueled mainly by the strongman’s vanity. Whereas Trump seems to take Putin at face value, Reagan famously described his relationship with Gorbachev as “trust but verify.”

The August 15 Trump-Putin summit ended exactly as many analysts predicted it would end: Trump dumping the responsibility for ending the war on Zelenskyy’s doorstep. Sensing the looming danger, European leaders are mustering the tact of Talleyrand and the guile of Churchill to keep Trump on a leash, and it all boils down to this: what do “security guarantees” mean for Ukraine – and Russia?

Notwithstanding his erratic nature, Trump is right about one thing: any security guarantee that demands Russia give up all territory taken so far or leaves a window for Ukraine to return to NATO will be futile. Beyond the Trump-Putin lovefest, Zelenskyy’s brinkmanship, and Europe’s indifference to genuine Russian concerns about being encircled, something must give for peace to take hold.

Still on the Matter of Bayo Ojulari

I underestimated the interest in the controversy over the rumoured resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari. More things came to light after my last week’s article, “What Happened in the Matter of Bayo Ojulari?”

If, like me, you were wondering why Ojulari can’t easily shake off Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, there’s a little more to it than Haske’s long-standing business relationship with NNPCL. A source confided that Ojulari once consultedwith Mars Production and Exploration Limited, a Haske-owned company. When fate brought them together again in NNPCL, old ties prevailed.

Another matter is how the current NNPCL structure is stoking internal problems. The company currently has a Group Chief Operating Officer, Rowland Ewubare, but that position doesn’t exist in the PIA.

The GCOO insists that the Executive Vice Presidents should report to him. They ignore him and report to the GCEO, as Section 59 of the PIA provides, worsening administrative chaos.

With the delicate, triangular Adamawa power play amongst in-laws – Atiku-Ribadu-Haske – and now, the court freezing the accounts of former NNPCL GCEO Mele Kyari in Jaiz Bank, the whole thing gets curiouser.

The more you look…

Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It.

CNPP, CSOs Demand Extradition of Mele Kyari, Describe EFCC Freeze Order First Step in Oil Wealth Loot Probe

By

The Source

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August 21, 2025

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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have dropped a bombshell on the ongoing probe of the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari.

The political parties and the civil society coalition said the court order freezing four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to the ex-NNPCL boss is “a welcome first step” but warned that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must not reduce the scandal to another round of media sensation.

The coalition, in a statement jointly signed by the CNPP’s Secretary-General, Comrade James Ezema, and the National Secretary of CNCSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, insisted that the EFCC must go beyond freezing accounts and activate INTERPOL to trace Kyari, arrest him, and extradite him back to Nigeria to face questioning and prosecution.

“For years, we raised the alarm that Mele Kyari’s management of NNPCL was fraudulent, riddled with looting, and protected by the Buhari presidency. Our calls were ignored, our warnings suppressed. Today’s EFCC action has vindicated us,” CNPP and the CSOs declared.

The coalition reminded Nigerians of its past alerts: “trillions of naira lost in subsidy fraud exposed in August 2022, shady crude oil swap deals revealed in February 2023, subsidy removal scandals unearthed in July 2023, withheld crude oil earnings flagged in January 2024, and crude oil theft operations under Kyari denounced in June 2024 after his sack by President Bola Tinubu.”

“Now, ₦661,464,601.50 has been tracked into suspicious Jaiz Bank accounts, disguised as NGO funds and book launch donations. That is only the tip of the iceberg. The real looting runs into trillions,” CNPP and the CSOs thundered.

The groups of over 75 allied civil society organisations hailed President Tinubu for allowing the EFCC to act, contrasting it with the “shielding of sacred cows” under the late Muhammadu Buhari. But it cautioned: “Mr. President must not stop here. Nigerians will not forgive half measures. All stolen funds and assets must be recovered. Anything less will be a complicity.”

CNPP and the CSOs reiterated their demand for a forensic audit of NNPCL’s finances during Kyari’s reign and the establishment of an independent judicial commission to investigate both pre-commercialisation and post-incorporation dealings of the government owned oil company. It also pressed for immediate publication of EFCC’s findings, warning against selective leaks and media suppression.

“This is a litmus test for Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The oil wealth of this country has been stolen while citizens suffer hunger and poverty. If this government is serious, Mele Kyari and every accomplice must be extradited, prosecuted, and stripped of their loot. Nigerians demand justice, not excuses,” the statement concluded.

Drug Addiction: Nigeria Ranks Topmost – UNODC

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Ayodele Oni

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August 21, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has identified Nigeria as one of the countries with highest rates of drug addiction globally.

Country Representative of the UNODC, Nigeria Office, Cheikh Toure, who announced the rating, stressed the need for preventive strategies, including education at primary and tertiary levels, community-based interventions, and stronger inter-agency collaboration to address drug abuse, human trafficking, and financial crimes.

Toure, spoke in Akure, Ondo state on Thursday, when he led his team on courtesy call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The UN official commended the efforts of the Ondo State Government in the areas of security, economic development, and youth empowerment.

He explained that UNODC’s mission is not only to engage at the national level, but also to work directly with states and local governments to ensure grassroots impact.

He assured that the UNODC would explore more partnerships with Ondo State to strengthen youth resilience, enhance prosecution capacity, and reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and other crimes.

“Ondo State has shown commendable commitment, and we are here to see how best to consolidate our work at the grassroots level, especially in empowering young people and strengthening institutions to curb crime.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa, had earlier explained that his administration is deeply committed to the fight against drug trafficking, cybercrime, cultism, kidnapping, and other related offences, stressing that security and the rule of law remain the cornerstone of his government’s development agenda.

The governor emphasized that Ondo State places premium importance on order, security and the rule of law, which form the first pillar of his administration’s seven-point agenda.

He noted that the state has consistently supported security agencies through intelligence gathering, prosecution, logistics, and technical backing to strengthen the fight against crime.

“In recent times, we distributed about 75 hybrid vehicles to our security agents to aid their operations, especially in flashpoint areas across the state.

“We have also given massive support to the NDLEA to tackle illicit drug cultivation and trafficking, particularly cannabis, which grows freely in some parts of the state.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa further highlighted Ondo State’s youth-focused initiatives, such as the One Youth, One Skill programme, which trains and empowers young people with vocational skills and startup grants, aimed at discouraging them from crime and fostering peace and productivity.

“Our ultimate goal is to build a resilient society where our youths are positively engaged and our communities live in peace and dignity.

“That is why we are ready to partner with the United Nations and other stakeholders to tackle crimes collectively,” he added.

Law Professor Rejected As Commissioner-nominee Over Alleged Manipulation Of Student’s Results, Non-Possession Of Primary School Certificate

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 21, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely 24 hours after complying with their earlier resolution for the suspension of some Government officials, Benue State House of Assembly Lawmakers on Thursday August 21,2025 screened and cleared six out of the eight Commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The Legislators, however, rejected the nomination of Prof. Timothy Yangien Ornguga over petitions written against him by some individuals , particularly his former students at the Benue state University.

The Source reports that the Benue State House of Assembly had earlier declined the screening of eight Commissioner-nominees citing Governor Alia’s failure to implement its resolution calling for the suspension of three Government officials at least for a period of six months.

The officials included the Executive chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area , Maxwell Ogiri ,the Chairperson of the state’s Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Mrs Grace Adagba,and the Executive Secretary of the Benue state Lottery Commission Michael Uper.

However ,after an initial refusal, Governor Alia on Wednesday August 20, asked the affected officials to proceed on a month-long suspension

A statement from Kula Yersoo ,the Governor’s media aide informed that the suspension of the officials were in line with the resolutions passed by the law makers .

” In line with the resolution passed by the House His Excellency affirms the following:

” The suspension of the Executive chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area Mr Maxwell Ogiri for a period of one month effective today Wednesday ( Wednesday August 20)

” The suspension of the Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Mrs Grace Adagba,for a period of one month effective today.

” The immediate suspension of the Executive Secretary of the Benue state Lottery Commission Michael Uper for a period of one month” the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary stated.

In an interactive session with the media after plenary, on Thursday, the Chairman ,House Committee on Information Alfred Berger, informed that the Lawmakers rejected the nomination of two person, including Prof Ornguga.

According to him, there are about four strong petitions against the Law Professor mostly from his erstwhile students at the Benue state University.

Professor Ornguga ,the House noted, was also rejected for not having a Primary 6 certificate.

The House spokesperson explained Prof Ornguga and another nominee, James Dwen, could not convincingly debunk the charges contained in the various petitions against them .

Subsequently, the House ,Berger added has asked Governor Alia to forward replacements for the two rejected nominees .

However ,in his defence ,when confronted with petitions against him , particularly the one dwelling on his alleged tampering of the results of a student, Prof Ornguga while insisting on his innocence, blamed the Dean of Faculty of Law of the University for the alteration

His blame game, coupled with his inability to explain the absence of the First School Leaving Certificate in his comprehensive resume ,was said to have forced the legislators to reject his nomination.

Tension As Gov Oyebanji Warns APC In Ekiti Not To Entertain Any Other Governorship Aspirant

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Ayodele Oni

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August 21, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Dismisses Kayode Ojo as a desperado

Ahead of the governorship primary election, Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has shut the door of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contest against any other aspirant as he warned ward chairmen and members of the party against entertaining aspirants such as Kayode Ojo, among others in their wards and localities.

Oyebanji, who described Kayode Ojo, who is presently pro Chancellor, chairman governing council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), as a desperado who has never contributed to the growth and development of the party and Ekiti, condemned him and his supporters who, he accused of not working towards the development of the state, but to refill their personal vaults in the forthcoming 2026 governorship election.

He equally warned members of his cabinets who dance around highest bidders, assuring that they would be caught and be flushed out from his government.

The Governor had last week sacked 15 commissioners from the state executive council, given no reason, but later recall one of them early this week.

Oyebanji stated this on Thursday when the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU) Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO, presented the nomination form purchased for him.

Recall that EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO on Monday visited the APC Secretariat in Abuja to purchase both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the governor.

His words, “They have been giving money to some people to collect form so that after their defeat, they will go to Court, but God who did it then, would do it again.

“The people following the person (Kayode Ojo) are not APC members, he has not contributed anything to the development of the party, he has never added to the welfare of the party.

“Can you work in Glo and take salary in MTN? I’m still waiting to see any party members, chairman, to open his door to these people, I’m still waiting.

“I want to see the local government chairman and ward chairman that will open their door for such a person. I’m waiting.

“Those of you that are on the platform and collecting money from the government but still supporting oppositions because of the money you are collecting from them, we are coming for you. We are not tolerating any nonsense again in this party, it is what you do you will eat from, no more sentiments.

“These desperados are not interested in Government, they are not interested in you, they are only interested in their pockets. If they are popular, they should go to another party and contest. I live in peace but I’m not going to allow anyone to take this platform for granted”

Also, the Senate Leader of the National Assembly, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele condemned critics of dilapidated condition of federal roads in Ekiti, describing them as mischievous oppositions with a mission to throw Oyebanji under the bus.

Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District backed the efforts of the Governor towards making sure that the roads are immediately fixed, stressing that he has physically contacted all relevant Ministries at the federal level to fast track the process.

The Senate Leader, who stated this via a virtual call, said “Politics has begun, you should be waiting for anything, they can tell you that the Governor has been flown out of Ekiti on health ground, that he’s fighting his wife, be prepared.

“Social media practice is largely unregulated in Nigeria. Those people holding him responsible for the state of federal roads, as far as the Governor is concerned, he came to Abuja several times and led us to the office of relevant stakeholders to discuss the state of federal roads.

“Some doesn’t know this, some know this but they are just being mischievous as a result of the moving train in the state. We are coming to that to reduce the threat of social media and the Senate will do something about that, it’s become a threat to the peace of the country”.

In his remarks, the Director General of EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO, Engr Dipo Bamisaye described the event as a vast and aggressive fulfilment of the vision of the creation of the Alma Mater.

Bamisaye attributed the decision of the alumni to purchase the form for the Governor to his giant strides in his political performances which transcends across education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, among others.

He noted that Oyebanji’s contributions to education has strengthened and refilled the confidence of the sector, through the payment of salaries, increment of Universities’ convention, building and renovation of infrastructures, among others.

Bamisaye stressed that his vision has enhanced the healthcare, making his commitment to the development of the state to stand out among others, adding that he has rewritten the script of leadership with empathy and sympathy for the advancement of Ekiti.

“We are glad that one of the alumni of the school is making us proud. The reason for this gathering is vast and aggressively fulfilling the vision of the creation of the University.

“This is not a campaign, we have decided to raise funds not only for the nomination form but to encourage him in ensuring his second term bid is sealed.

“We have reviewed his political performance in the last 30 months, his giant strides have made way for growth and development of the state.

“He has increased Subvention to all tertiary institutions, which is the reason we have a stable calendar in EKSU and other institutions.

“It’s noteworthy to say that Oyebanji is rewriting the script of leadership with empathy and sympathy for the development of the state.”

ACF Urges North To Remain Vigilant, Says Group Remain Non Partisan

By

Akinwale Kasali

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August 21, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

As insecurity remains unabated in the North, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has called on Northern leaders and citizens to remain vigilant and united in the face of escalating insecurity, political treachery and environmental disasters threatening the stability of the region.

Mamman Osuman, Chairman of the Forum, made the call on Thursday in Kaduna during the 78th National Executive Committee meeting of the body, where he warned against complacency and misinformation within the ranks of the North’s socio-political leadership.

Speaking, Osuman said: “This is not the time to sit on the fence or like the Ostrich, hide its head in the sand under the delusive pretext that it sees nothing. We must remain united and resolved against imperfections, avarice, misgivings, deceit, misinformation, misdirection and incongruities,”

He noted that the North has continued to grapple with insecurity ranging from terrorism to banditry, alongside natural disasters such as flooding, insisting that the Forum was deeply concerned about the toll on human lives.

“We have lost children, middle-aged men and women, and the aged to natural causes, flood, drowning, and to evil criminals, psychopaths, gangsters, bandits, marauders and terrorists. Our pains as a region is therefore a major concern to ACF for which I ask for introspection and prayers,” he lamented.

He listed a number of prominent Northern leaders and ACF stalwarts who recently passed away, including former Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Deputy Secretary-General, Alhaji Umar Moriki; former Minister, Professor Jubril Aminu; elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammad Uwais; and immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“Just last week, the cruel hands of death snatched away our former Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh. We also lost Professor Jubril Aminu, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Justice Uwais, and Muhammadu Buhari. These are painful losses,” Osuman said.

He used the occasion to reaffirm the Forum’s non-partisan stance, stressing that while members were free to hold personal political beliefs, the ACF would not align with any political party.

“At this juncture, I must remind all members that ACF is not partisan. While we each have our individual beliefs, ideologies and idiosyncrasies, ACF, to all intents and purposes, absolutely remains aloof and does not belong to any political party but is nonetheless, stoically, unapologetically, unreservedly and passionately attached to the mission of the salvation of the North and its people—without prejudice to the indivisibility and sovereignty of Nigeria,” he emphasised.

The Forum, he explained, would however continue to collaborate with organisations with similar objectives, disclosing that the “Forum for National Restoration” had been invited to address members during the NEC meeting.

He further warned members against spreading unverified or radical views on its Rapid Response Platform, urging them to rely on state chapters and the headquarters for guidance.

Oyo Govt Releases N45 Million To Fight HIV/AIDS Scourge

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 21, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the sum of ₦45 million for the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) to further curb the spreading of HIV/AIDS across the state.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement, said the governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Bayo Lawal disclosed this at the inauguration ceremony of OYSACA Ambassadors in Ibadan.

He explained that the funds alongside the recent approval of the purchase of HIV test kits are targeted at strengthening Agency’s capacity to combat the epidemic.

The Governor, while inaugurating the ambassadors, including, Chief (Dr.) Saka Balogun; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Ladoja; Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke; Wale Saminu and Shina Peller, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving public health and reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state.

He said that the ambassadors, who were carefully selected will assist in raising awareness and support the government in its efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the state.

He congratulated the newly appointed Ambassadors and admonished them to lend their influence and networks to the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

“The inauguration of these ambassadors marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health threat.

“As an ambassador, you are not just a representative; you are the champions of change, you are the voices for those who have been silent, the beacon of hope for those in darkness, and the catalyst in a more inclusive and compassionate society.

“Your roles will inspire truth, promote education, and ultimately save lives.

“I commend OYSACA for these initiatives, which underscore the importance of community engagement and leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Your efforts will undoubtedly contribute to reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and ensuring everyone has access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

“The governor put a man of experience, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, in charge of this agency. We sought him because of his tremendous experience in the area of healthcare deliveries, not only in Oyo State but in Nigeria.

“And to give effect to the assignment given to him, the Government has recently approved the purchase of HIV/AIDS test kits so that it will aid or assist the ambassadors we are inaugurating today.

“Secondly, the Government has just approved the release of 45 million naira to the agency for furtherance of the activities of the agency.

“As we embark on the journey together, let us work tirelessly to ensure that our efforts yield tangible results that will leave no one behind.

“Let us strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to make informed decisions about their health and where those living with HIV/AIDS are supported and embraced.

“The present administration has made health one of the pillars since the first term and also as part of the sustainable development program in the Omituntun 2.0.

“The ambassadors are carefully selected; it is not just a random picking to be our ambassador to drive this project, and I thank you for accepting to serve.

“They are eminent personalities who have impacted our society positively, and we want them to barely give more to the society.

Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of OYSACA, Dr. Gbola Adetunji commended the governor’s proactive approach, stressing that the funds would enhance the agency’s capacity to reach high-risk populations and deliver life-saving services more effectively.

He said the inauguration of the Ambassadors was a new chapter in the annals of the agency to seek further cooperation between the government and distinguished individuals to enhance the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.