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Fake Vatican Photos: Obi’s Media Adviser Sets the Record Straight

May 20, 2025

Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi at Pope's Inauguration

“It is deeply regrettable that a spiritually significant occasion – graced by the moral voice of the Pope – is being misrepresented and reduced to a tool of political mischief”

The Media Office of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has dismissed as fake and doctored, images currently circulating on social media purporting to show Obi kneeling before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a recent event at the Vatican.

In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, the circulating photographs were described as “clearly photoshopped” and not reflective of the actual proceedings at the solemn occasion attended by global dignitaries.

“If such an event had occurred, it would doubtless have made the front pages of major newspapers,” the statement noted, adding that no credible media platform reported such an incident.

Also dismissed as false was an image suggesting a handshake between Mr. Obi and Pope Francis.

The statement clarified that the Holy Father extended personal greetings only to Heads of State, their official representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Mr. Obi, the release emphasised, did not fall into any of those categories and was not part of that protocol segment.

The media office further questioned why Obi had become the sole focus of online attention, despite the presence of several other Nigerian attendees at the Vatican event.

“It is deeply regrettable that a spiritually significant occasion – graced by the moral voice of the Pope – is being misrepresented and reduced to a tool of political mischief,” the statement read.

Obienyem underscored that the core of the event was the Pope’s powerful message, which called for justice, peace, care for the poor, and ethical leadership. “These are timeless values that transcend partisan interest and speak to the conscience of humanity,” he said.

The statement concluded by urging Nigerians, especially those in leadership, to internalize the Pope’s message and reflect it in their actions, rather than be distracted by fabricated narratives.

Protest In Ibadan As Stray Bullet Kills WASCE Student

Ayodele Oni

May 20, 2025

Protest In Ibadan As Stray Bullet Kills WASCE Student

By Ayodele Oni

Sympathisers in Ibadan, Oyo state have dumped the body of of a student hit and killed by police stray bullets at the State Government secretariat to demand justice.

The tragic incident unfolded in Ibadan on Tuesday morning as a West African Examinations Council (WAEC) candidate was fatally struck by a stray bullet fired by a police officer during a high-speed chase.

The incident occurred along Gbagi Market Road, where police officers were reportedly pursuing a vehicle suspected to be occupied by internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Boys.”

In the course of the chase, a bullet fired by one of the officers missed its target and hit the student, who was on a motorcycle with his twin brother, en route to sit for his WAEC examination.

The boy was rushed to Welfare Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

In response, traders and sympathisers gathered in protest, carrying the boy’s body to the Oyo State Government Secretariat to demand justice.

The protest drew a large crowd, prompting security forces to be deployed at the Secretariat’s entrance to maintain order.

What Fidelity Bank Is Doing Right

James Orji

May 20, 2025

By Udeme Etukeyen

Leading up to the recent superlative annual reports showcasing one of the most significant growth experienced by a Nigeria Financial Institution in recent years I was forced to ask “what is Fidelity Bank” doing right?

My banking and financial sector experience got me digging deeper into the statistics of the report-Fidelity Bank recorded a substantial 210.0% growth in PBT, reaching N385.2 billion in FY 2024. Deposits increased by 47.9 percent, from N4.0 trillion in 2023FY to N5.9 trillion in 2024FY, Gross earnings shooting by 87.7 percent to N1,043.4 billion which was primarily caused by a 106.9 percent increase in interest and similar income. Was I impressed? Absolutely

Now to the scary part, they opened the year with a bang implying that 2025 year end results was going to be nothing but spectacular; check this out-Fidelity reported a whooping 167.8% increase in PBT (Profit Before Tax)to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025, compared to N39.5 billion in Q1 2024. Gross earnings from January to April had reached some N315.421 billion signaling a 64.21 percent increase year-on-year.

These results were nothing short of astonishing and with great hope I sat my team to review our Investment Strategy to accommodate taking up equities in Fidelity and advising our portfolio investors to do same.

We quickly appraised the fundamentals and Key Success Factors to include their focus on the strategic youth economy that the Creative and Digital Transformation sector promises, the banks bullish inroads in MSME promotion and financing, their glowing penchant for Gender inclusion without abandoning the core sectors of Mining, Renewables and other key industries

Then came the dissecting of Leadership, my team of analysts mostly female went on about Fidelity MD being one of the most experienced and affable Amazons in the industry; done this, achieved that and all the entreaties you’d expect from smart ladies who feel mentored from a distance. I didn’t hesitate to draw their attention to the experience of the menfolk within the organization like I had any measurable data to establish that mix…truth remains you can’t but admire the Banks Leadership and strides

A deeper look at the banks expansion globally could reveal a strategic and noiseless acquisition of Union Bank,London and their planned incursion into African and other European financial markets, you just can see that such daring strides and impact would give competition and detractors sleepless nights. Not in an era where sleeping pills are sold strictly by prescription and no thanks to the high cost of medication for peddlers of cheap propaganda

Within barely 30days of announcing such magnificent results little wonder how pundits would cook or spin a narrative to suggest a bank that has announced herself as First Tier with shoulders leveled up with other Banking giants would shudder over a judgement against her customer G.Cappa or even the contribution they would be required to cough out over that said Sagecom saga. With that judgement not going the way of pundits a contemptuous attempt at calculating interest at unclassified rates from an initial N14b to cause an unnecessary scare or negative press on the bank speaks volumes of how we unrepentantly strive to destroy value in our economy.

One would think that interpretation of the judgment and computation of due figures which will understandably come with a payment plan be awaited instead of the usual bad blood generated and envisaged by toddler media characters.

It is not in doubt that the discerning public sees through the cruise and flat falling attempt of dramatic clout chasers ever ready to stain Fidelity’s white apparel which savvy Investors and analysts are filled with bridal admiration

Like Joseph Campbell hinted in his famous quote “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” We cast our treasures and bets on Fidelity Bank as the Nigerian treasure house to beat in the years ahead!

Etukeyen is an Abuja-based Pan African Investment Advisory Expert

Abia Traders Petition Police, Allege Extortion Intimidation By Market Leadership

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 20, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Registered Trustees of one of the foremost Malls in Aba, the Commercial nerve centre of Abia State, have urged the Abia state police authorities to call the Interim management of the Eziukwu Road Market to order, to avoid a possible breakdown of law and order.

The traders who operate from a private shopping Plaza accused the new Interim Management of the Eziukwu Road International Market of extortion, harassment, intimidation, sabotage, as well as overstepping their bounds.

This is just as the Market Leadership insisted on the legality of its actions over the sealing of the said Mall for refusal to pay its security fees.

Their appeal is coming against the backdrop of the sealing of all the shops within the Mall by the Eziukwu Road Market authorities over alleged non-payments of security fees.

The traders, in a petition dated May 19, 2025, addressed to the Aba Area Command of the Police, and copied to the Abia State Commissioner of Police, the AIG Zone 9, and the Inspector General of Police, also urged the police and other relevant authorities to carry out a comprehensive inquest into their disagreement with the Eziukwu Road Market leadership to avoid the breakdown of law and order.

According to the petition, a copy of which was made available to this Magazine ,the Alphareg Mall traders expressed shock and disbelief that their business premises could be sealed, even when they have been paying their statutory taxes and levies to the Government as at, and when due.

In the petition written by their Counsel, U. E. Nwogu, the traders alleged that the Eziukwu Road Market Chairman, Oba Moses, and one Ikechukwu Igwe, had, on May 18, 2025, in company with some suspected hoodlums, invaded and sealed the Mall ,while insisting that it will only be reopened on the payment of N350 ,000 security fees by the traders.

But the traders have vowed never to enrich the private pockets of individuals by paying illegal levies.

“Our clients are the Registered Trustees of Alphareg Mall Traders Association which is a private Mall situate at No, 102 Asa Road Aba.

“That since one of the registered trustees of the Plaza, Chief A E Udeigbo, left office as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Eziukwu Road Market, the persons mentioned above namely Moses Oba and Ikechukwu Igwe, have made serious attempts to sabotage the said plaza which belongs to Chief A E Udeigbo.

“That the said plaza has always been religious and prompt in the payment of taxes and levies which are known and payable to the Government.

“Unfortunately, the new leadership of the Eziukwu Road Market had on one occasion with some gun wielding bakassi boys come to forcefully take products belonging to customers of which the matter is pending.

“Apart from the above incident, the same Oba Moses and Ikechukwu Igwe, with a group of thugs with arms came to our clients Mall and sealed all the shops with a demand to pay a non-existent security fee of N350,000.

“The sole reason for this uncouth behaviour is to cause a breach of public peace at the Mall which, in turn, might lead to a breakdown of law and order at the Market.

“Those men came without demand notices and against the rules governing collection of levies, gave the Manager of the Mall a private account belonging to Oba Moses and Ikechukwu Igwe to pay the purported levy.

“The Conduct of Oba Moses and Ikechukwu Igwe amount to actions capable of breaching peace ,and extortions and stealing.

“We have our clients’ instructions to appeal to you to use your good offices to conduct an investigation in to the matter with a view to bringing offenders to book, as well as enabling the traders have access to their shops”, part of the petition reads.

Further explaining the development to this Magazine, proprietor of the Mall and immediate past Interim Chairman of Eziukwu Road Aba, Chief Udeigbo, alleged victimization, and sabotage by some unseen forces.

According to him, it is a fact known to all and sundry that the said Mall is an independent enterprise from the Eziukwu Road Market.

Although at a point ,the Mall was considered part and parcel of Zone 16 ,of the larger Eziukwu Road Market ,It was however excluded in 2021 according to Udeigbo, who is also the President General of Abia state Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA.

The separation of the Mall from Eziukwu Road Market, he stated, was sequel to a letter from the traders, requesting to be independent of the operation of the larger market.

At the time of reporting, Igwe was a guest to the Aba Area Police Command ,and as such could not be reached for comment, while Moses ,the new helmsman at the Eziukwu Road Market, was said to be away on an official trip to Umuahia the State capital.

But reacting to the allegations, the Interim Chairman of the Eziukwu Road Market ,Moses ,in a an interview with this Magazine,noted that the said Mall has been, and still remains under the supervision of the Market.

He explained ,that the Plaza, over the years, has been part of Zone 16 of the larger market, and has been paying all relevant levies to the Eziukwu Road Market.

He claimed ignorance of any letter or any arrangements that exempted the mall from the supervision of the Market.

“The Mall in question, over the years, has been under the supervision of the main Market. Honestly, I am not aware of any arrangements that removed the Mall from the control of Eziukwu Road Market.

“The said owner ,of the mall was the one I took over from as the Chairman of the Market ,and he is busy saying that the place ( Mall ) is a private enterprise, independent of the Market.

“To the best of my knowledge, the mall is under Eziukwu Road Market and what ever we do there is legal ,and within our jurisdiction”, Moses stated.

He, however, acknowledged that the Market leadership has been invited by the Police to explain the circumstances surrounding the sealing of the Mall.

“Yes, the police invited us to appear today (Tuesday May 20,2025).But, I sent my men ,because iam not around.

“But as soon I am back, I will honour the police invitation”, he further noted.

Imo: Clampdown On Vandals Of Government Assets Begins

The Source

May 20, 2025

Following reports of criminal vandalism of Government assets in different parts of Imo State, the authorities have directed the immediate clampdown of the suspected vandals.

Thus, all the 27 Local Government Chairmen in Imo State, the Councillors, the Supervisory Councillors, the Town Union leadership and other critical Stakeholders, have been directed to put machinery in motion aimed at fishing out the criminal vandals of government assets in their environment.

At a meeting the Local Government officials had with Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monday night, the issue of destruction/ stealing of government assets such as solar light panels/other fittings, transformer components, hospital/health centre fittings and equipment, school laboratories equipment and libraries ICT facilities, among others, by vandals across the State, dominated attendees discussions.

Also worrisome was report of ongoing damage to some of the newly constructed roads across the State where citizens have, now, resorted to using the roads to set borne fires during one celebration or the other in their domain, or as slab to mix cement, sand and concrete for construction purposes in such areas.

After a critical assessment of the ugly development; the damage the acts pose to the facilities, the security hazards such acts constitute to the generality of the citizens, government directed that immediate step be taken to correct the anomaly.

Consequently, all persons found to be vandalising government assets, directly or indirectly, either in the cities or in the communities, are to be arrested immediately and dealt with according to the law.

Those involved in vandalism of government assets, the contractor/owner of the house using the roads as slab for purposes of construction and those found to be encroaching and stealing government assets, are to be meted with the punishment befitting their misdemeanour according to the law.

To achieve the desired result, Governor Uzodimma has tasked the Local Government Areas authorities to work collaboratively with requisite offices in the State, including the office of the Commissioner for Vigilante Services, Special Advisers – Security, Vigilante Services, Monitoring and Compliance, Rural Development – among others, to ensure that the right things are done.

” My job is to help you offer something tangible to your people,” Governor Uzodimma told the Local Government Chairman, Councillors, Supervisory Councillors and Secretary of Local Government Areas as he harped on the need to protect the citizens, their Schools, Hospital/ Health Centres and all government facilities that make life meaningful in Imo State.

The Governor also spoke extensively about the need for collaboration between the Councils and the State authorities in the interest of the people.

Awka: Catholic Priest Playing Lawn Tennis Slumps, Dies

The Source

May 20, 2025

By Charles Igbo

Tragedy struck in Awka, Anambra State, when a Roman Catholic Priest slumped and passed on while playing Lawn Tennis.

Until his passing in the early hours of Monday, Rev. Father Anthony Udogu was the Priest in charge of St Francis Parish, Awka, as well as the Dean of Awka 11 Deanery.

The sad news of Fr. Udogu’s passing was disclosed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Catholic Secretariat, Awka, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi.

In a statement, Fr. Ndubisi said: “With faith in the resurrection of the dead, the Catholic Diocese of Awka announces the demise of our brother Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu whose sudden death occurred in the early hours of today (Monday), May 19.

“He slumped while playing lawn tennis, and was quickly rushed to the nearby hospital.

“All efforts to save his life proved abortive. Until his demise, he was the Parish Priest of St Francis Parish Awka and Dean of Awka 11 Deanery”.

The late Priest was born on December 24, 1964 and was ordained Priest on August 19, 1995. He passed on May 19, 2025.

Katsina: Village Head Removed For Kidnapping

Ayodele Oni

May 20, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

For allegedly being linked to series of kidnappings, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar-Faruq, in Katsina State, has announced the removal of Iliya Dakaci, the Village Head of Mantau, in Yam-Maulu community in Baure Local Government Area.

The decision, announced in Daura by the Emir, followed a protest by the residents of the area, demanding for his removal over his alleged involvement in kidnapping.

Residents of the area had on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest, calling for the removal of Dakaci, who was also the representative of the District Head of Yan-Maulu.

According to them, Dakaci was arrested about eight months ago, after his name was mentioned by suspected kidnappers that abducted and raped the family of a philanthropist in the area, Alhaji Sidi Usman-Waziri.

The protesters accused the dethroned village head of playing a direct role in the abduction of a married woman, Zulaihatu, and her infant child in 2022, until N20 million ransom was paid.

The emir reiterated that the Daura emirate would not tolerate any form of abuse against the common people, emphasising that the council remains open to all the citizens who wish to file complaints or report injustices.

“If anyone feels wronged, even if it’s my own child who is responsible, they should come forward and present their complaint to the Emirate. This is an Emirate of the people.”

Umar-Faruq added that the emirate had previously removed a traditional leader it had appointed, adding, ”even Sarki Abdurrahman once ordered the imprisonment of his own son over wrongdoing.

“That is why we will never condone the abuse of anyone.”

Effective from Monday, the emir announced that Dakaci ceases to be the village head of Mantau, and a new representative would be appointed to ensure a leadership based on justice and integrity.

Faruk-Umar also warned the public against spreading rumours and encouraged them to continue abiding by the law and to channel their grievances through the appropriate legal avenues.

Oby Ezekwesili Appointed Advisor To Club De Madrid

Adesina Soyooye

May 20, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s former Minister for Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has been appointed an Advisor to an International Body.

In a post on her X page on Tuesday, Mrs Ezekwesili announced that she has been appointed an Advisor to Club de Madrid. She accepted the appointment.

Club de Madrid, according to her post, is “the world’s largest forum of democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers”.

The forum, she explained, leverages on their individual and collective leadership experience and global reach to strengthen inclusive democratic practice and improve the well-being of people around the world.

Her post read: “I accepted the invitation to become an Advisor to @ClubdeMadrid – Club de Madrid, the world’s largest forum of democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers, who leverage their individual and collective leadership experience and global reach to strengthen inclusive democratic practice and improve the well-being of people around the world.

“As our global context becomes even more complex, the leadership vacuum delays solutions to ‘global public Bads.’

“I, therefore, deeply appreciate how these former leaders of democracies around the world continue to dedicate themselves to helping solve our global challenges and amplify opportunities for cooperation.

“Delighted to support.”

Ondo: PDP Tackles Aiyedatiwa On Use Of Security Vote, Gov Says Party Ignorance Of Governance

Ayodele Oni

May 20, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State have staked their positions on how the monthly security vote of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa should be judiciously spent.

The PDP put the amount at a whopping N1.2Billion accruing to the Governor constitutionally monthly to tackle rising security challenges.

In a press statement, the State Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP, Mr Leye Igbabo however stated that despite the huge amount, “the Peoples Democratic Party Ondo State Chapter continues to express deep worry over the unabated insecurity situation in Ondo State.”

The party has therefore urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to be compassionate, considerate, and passionate about the welfare and security of lives and property of the citizens, which he swore to protect.

“It will not only be cruel, heartless and ridiculous but equally lazy and insolent of the Governor Aiyedatiwa-led administration to conclude that the general insecurity being experienced in the whole country is the cause of the escalating insecurity in Ondo State and thus, folds its arms and expect the Federal Government to come and fight kidnappers and bandits in Ondo State.

“We hold very tenaciously that human life is inviolable and that its sanctity and dignity to live such life without being unduly cut short remains the chief duties of the government.

“We posit therefore that if proactive steps are deliberately taken by the Ondo State Government, like a stitch in time that saves nine, these banditries and kidnappings can be completely eradicated before they grow to become hydra-headed.

“Our Party expresses strong confidence in the professional expertise, training and capacity of the security personnel in Ondo State who have indeed made tremendous feats in busting crimes, smoking criminals out of their hideouts and effecting their arrests after diligent and discreet investigations, even when they are not at the scenes of such crimes when they were being perpetrated.

“We believe very fervently that if these security operatives are given the right equipments needed to address and arrest these ugly trends, the right frame of mind and genuine motivation through constant attention to their welfare, payment of their salaries and allowances as at when due, they would surely deliver on the mandate to end the growing menace in the State, earlier than envisaged.

“Assuming without conceding that the N1.2b monthly security vote belongs solely and entirely to the Governor and his family, would it not be godly of a public-spirited leader to exhibit affection, compassion, empathy and sympathy towards the people he claims to be governing and thus, make available, without any prompting, the monthly security vote in the overall security interest of the populace? After all, the said monthly security vote is removed from the same taxpayers’ treasury.

“Our Party challenges Governor Aiyedatiwa to make public the expenditure of the huge security votes that are being withdrawn monthly for no justifiable reason other than being an entitlement of the governor.

“We can no longer pretend that all is well in Ondo State or rely on the usual rhetoric of government-is-on-the -top-of-the-situation empty narratives, even when bandits and kidnappers strike almost immediately after such empty boasts.

“The kidnapping and subsequent gruesome murder of an APC chieftain in Ose Local Government Area of the State, exposes yet again, the vulnerability of the members of the ruling party like any other citizens, to avoidable tortures and ignominious deaths, and the obvious need for all of us to demand actions from the Ondo State Governor.

“We unequivocally submit that before this cancerous menace grows to become insurmountable and irremediable in Ondo State, the time to act proactively is now!”

Reacting to the PDP press statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan described as “irresponsible for the PDP to say security is worsening in Ondo State. Yes, there may be pockets of incidents but the general outlook of our security has improved in the last two months.

“In the past few days, the Amotekun has arrested suspected kidnappers, same as the police and even local hunters are securing their environs, especially in Owo.

“There is a joint patrol funded by the government that is working day and night and more security posts have been created in flash points. Forest guards are now being recruited.

“These are what security vote is meant for. Security vote is not a personal money that can be donated somewhere.

“Those who are ignorant of how government works should stop raising unnecessary issues to gain attention.

“Let the party mention one PDP State in Nigeria where there are no security challenges. The PDP in Ondo State should stop politicising security issue in their desperate bid to gain attention.”

“Dafinone Is Sleeping Senator, We’ll Recall Him” – Group

Adesina Soyooye

May 20, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Ede Dafinone, the Senator representing Delta Central District in the Senate is in trouble. His tenure at the Senate is being threatened by a group from his Constituency for alleged non-performance.

The group, the Delta State Chapter of the Nigeria Polling Unit Forum, is threatening to recall him from the Senate.

The Leader of the group, Nicholas Evwienure, at a Press Briefing in Asaba, recently, asked for the resignation of the Senator.

He said: “We, the eligible registered voters across party lines of Delta Central’s Electoral District, are appealing to the Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, to resign honourably or face recall.”

He has the support of a member of the group, Abel John-Gold, who spoke to News Central TV.

Abel-Gold told the station: “Ede (Dafinone) is sleeping in the Senate. Ede has failed us. I strongly support the recall of Ede Dafinone.

“He has failed in every ramification. He even forgot those who worked for him. He forgot all his supporters.”

However, not everybody agrees with the call for Dafinone’s resignation or recall.

For instance, a Consttuent, Josephine Omo-Dion, who differed said: “I don’t think it is necessary at this stage (to recall him) because he still has like two more years to go. He should be given time to bring in more things. At the end of these two years, if he is seen not to have made much impact, the electorate, which includes me, will decide whether to send him back there or not.”

Dafinone was elected into the Senate in 2023 to represent Delta Central under the banner of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

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