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NLC Kicks Against Plans To Increase Tinubu, Others’ Salaries

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has kicked against the plans of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to raise the salaries of President Bola Tinubu and other political office holders.

The RMAFC stated that the decision to review the salaries of the aforementioned is due to the fact that their current earnings are outdated and do not match the present economic realities.

RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, made this disclosure at a Press Briefing in Abuja, when he revealed that President Tinubu currently receives about ₦1.5 million monthly while Ministers earn less than ₦1 million as basic salaries.

Shehu explained that these figures have remained unchanged since 2008, despite heavier workloads and inflation.

He further pointed out that the pay structure is unbalanced, saying that a Central Bank Governor or some Directors-General earn nearly ₦15 million monthly, which is about 10 times the President’s salary.

He added that certain Heads of Agencies take home around 20 times more than the Attorney-General of the Federation, whose pay is less than ₦1 million per month.

The Commission further explained that its Constitutional duty covers Political, Judicial, and Legislative Office holders, and not Civil Servants or Public Sector Workers.

Shehu stressed that the plan is to create fair and realistic salaries that reflect the responsibilities of public officials.

But in rejecting the plan, the NLC argued that it ignores the financial struggles of ordinary citizens and the hidden allowances enjoyed by politicians.

Labour leaders said that while the President’s official salary may appear modest, the full package, including medical, housing, travel, and security allowances, often pushes the actual cost to the public far higher.

The RMAFC however confirmed that it has begun a review of Nigeria’s revenue-sharing formula, which has been in place since 1992.

It added that the current structure allocates 52.68 per cent to the Federal Government, 26.72 per cent to states, and 20.60 per cent to local governments, with a further 4.18 per cent going to special funds.

Shehu said the review would take into account constitutional amendments, growing responsibilities of states, and the need to strengthen fiscal federalism.

Missing N54 Billion: Abia Govt. Threatens  To Sue Opposition

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government has vowed it will not hesitate to explore all available legal options to rein-in  those behind the spate of malicious and misleading propaganda, aimed at distracting it from delivering on its mandate to the people.

The authorities warned  that they will no longer sit by and watch idly as some misguided elements continue to spread deliberate falsehood in the State.

The hard stance of the Government is coming on the heels of the  seemingly unending controversy and exchange of brickbats between the opposition camp and the authorities over alleged missing   N54 billion from the coffers of the state.

For almost a year, the opposition forces have been separately and collectively demanding explanation for the whereabouts of the public schools which the Abia state Government claimed to have renovated with a whopping sum of N 54 billion.

The opposition forces said that the Abia state Government in its quarterly financial reports  of 2024, listed N54 billion as the amount spent on the renovation of about 51 public schools in the State.

However, the opposition comprising the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, All Progressive Congress APC, and many other concerned individuals have insisted that there are no  such renovated public schools anywhere in the State.

Consequently, they have continued to challenge the Government to either organize a media tour to unveil the renovated schools or return the said amount to the State coffers .

Penultimate week, the matter was taken to the national scene when the immediate past Commissioner for Information Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, at a press briefing, in Abuja called on the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to come clean on the missing N 54 billion for schools renovation.

Leading a group of concerned Abians, Chikamnayo, a chieftain of the APC , threatened to institute legal proceedings with a view to recovering the said funds.

Before Chikamnayo’s Abuja protestation, the Abia state PDP, more than any other groups or individuals,  had been leading the charge for the State Government to explain to the people what actually happened to the funds as there are no renovated schools anywhere in the state to justify the N54 billion expenditure.

The situation was exacerbated last week following what not a few people have come to perceive as the Governor’s unconvincing attempt to explain the actual circumstances surrounding the said funds .

At his monthly media chat last Friday August 15, Governor Otti noted that the said N54 billion was a mere budgetary estimate and not actual spending done by the authorities.

According to him, only about N2 billion Naira has been spent on the school renovation programme, noting that the project is still ongoing.

He insisted that the opposition  has been misunderstanding the difference between budgetary estimate and actual expenditure by the Government.

However, not a few were, and are still unpersuaded by the Governor’s explanation ,given the fact that the N 54 billion is contained in the budget performance report and not the 2024 budgetary estimate.

But addressing the media late Monday evening after its weekly Executive Council meeting ,the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kalu said the state Government is now ready to mount legal proceedings against any further misinformation and false narratives.

According to him, while the present administration in the State, welcomes constructive criticisms, it will? however, no longer remain silent in the face of orchestrated plots to create unnecessary disaffection and confusion among the populace.

“The State Government is using this opportunity to say that it will no longer fold it’s hands ,and watch while deliberate attempts are being made to publish falsehood and outright falsehood against the Government” Prince Kalu stated.

However, he emphasized that much unlike what was obtainable during past regimes ,the Governor Otti”s administration will not resort to illegal and unconstitutional means ,but will explore legal options in addressing the situation.

“We will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on those peddling baseless falsehood and misleading information against the Government.

This is as he appealed to citizens and residents seeking information on the activities of the Government to avail themselves the appropriate channels rather than relying on misinformation and false narratives.

According to Kalu, the present administration in the State has been religious in its policy of making information accessible to the public , insisting that the Quarterly financial reports is being published in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act ,as well as to ensure transparency and accountability.

Such measure, he noted, is not compelled by law, but was voluntarily done by the State Government to underscore its commitment to good governance .

” We publish these results out of the need to ensure transparency and accountability in the way Abia is run  . But what we are saying is that some people should not abuse the privilege. While we appreciate the fact that every Abian deserve the right to freedom of expression,we will not tolerate any acts of deliberate falsehood and misleading publications .

” This Government will not tolerate any attempts to mislead members of the public through unnecessary propaganda. .

“The Government will take recourse to the laws of the land . A word is enough for the wise”. Prince Kalu warned .

Ekiti Gov Oyebanji Recalls  One Of His Sacked Commissioners

By
The Source
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has recalled his former Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun to the State Executive Council, SEC.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, in a statement on Tuesday explained that the development came barely a week after the Governor announced the dissolution of the SEC.

Olatunbosun, according to the recall letter, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habaibat Adubiaro, and dated August 18, 2025, is to continue to function as Commissioner for Information. The recall is with immediate effect.

Olatubosun, in a Facebook post expressed gratitude to the Governor for recalling him and assured continued support.

“I have resumed back to work today. I am deeply grateful to the incredible people who have shown me love and support through messages and various gestures. We will not fail you.

“To His Excellency,  Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who has entrusted me with this confidence, I give my assurance that I will not let you down. The time is now, and the work has begun.”

There are indications that Governor Oyebanji might have been misled by some interested individuals into sacking the 15 commissioners, who were accused of divided loyalty to the administration.

The individuals, that have control over the governor had made attempts last week to force him to drop his deputy, Mrs Monisola Afuye, from the second term project.

The timing, which is less than two months to the governorship primary and the contributions of the affected commissioners to the gale of endorsements of the governor for second term, were not considered before their sack.

Olatubosun, is an active member of the committee, headed by a former deputy governor, Abiodun Aluko, which is currently rallying support for the second term bud of Oyebanji.

There are indications that more of the sacked commissioners may be recalled as they are needed for Oyebanji’s second term project.

President Tinubu  Reduces Cost Of Kidney Dialysis Cost To N12,000

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Disturbed by the exorbitant cost of Kidney Dialysis, President Bola Tinubu has approved a flat charge of  N12,000 only in all  Federal Hospitals.

This is coming less than 24 hours after Nigerian Music Video Director and Cinematographer, ThankGod Omori Jesam, better known as TG Omori, decried the high cost of dialysis in the country.

President Tinubu, in a statement issued on Monday, slashed the price of the procedure by 76%, thus, reduced the fee from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Policy Information, Daniel Bwala, Tinubu noted that the intervention slashes the cost of each dialysis session from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000, offering relief to thousands of Nigerians living with kidney-related ailments.

Bwala stated that the move is expected to bring immediate financial relief to thousands of Nigerians battling kidney disease, a condition that often requires multiple treatment sessions per week.

He also added that the subsidy is already in effect at major Federal Hospitals across the Six Geopolitical Zones in the country.

The Hospitals are: the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos; Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja; University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan; and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.

Others include: the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri; the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos; Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare; University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin; and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar.

Bwala further revealed that additional Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals will be included in the scheme before the year ends, to expand access to affordable dialysis nationwide.

Don’t Allow DSS Screen New SANs”- Akinboro, SAN Warns NBA, LPPC, BOB

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro

By Adesina Soyooye

A former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has warned against a new decision which requires the Department of State Security, DSS, to screen new senior lawyers  already cleared by the appropriate Legal Bodies and Association for the conferment of the  Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, rank.

Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, who expressed worry over such a move described it as a dangerous precedent.

In a statement he issued on Monday he urged the NBA, the Legal Practitioners Privilges Committee, LPPC and the Body of Benchers, BOB, to resist it. He dismissed it “as an intrusion into the independence of the legal profession.”

His strong reason: “The conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is not a political appointment, nor is it an executive privilege. It is a professional recognition rooted in the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act and administered solely by the LPPC.”

He posited that to subject SAN-designates to another external vetting after the appropriate legal organ, the LPPC had already carried out rigorous scrutiny would undermine due process and erode the sanctity of the legal profession.

He said: “The strength of the Bar has always been its autonomy. If we allow institutions outside the profession to insert themselves into its core processes without legal basis, we open the door to a precedent that may one day compromise not only the rank of SAN but also the independence of our Courts, our appointments, and ultimately, our ability to dispense justice without fear or favour.”

Akinboro, therefore, urged the NBA, the LPPC, and the  Body of Benchers to resist the dangerous development. To keep silent, he said,  amounts to  saying yes,  and agreeing to a dangerous concession.

Akinboro: “The legal profession must resist every attempt to muscle the Bar. To remain silent is to acquiesce, and acquiescence today may cost us the profession we hold dear tomorrow.”

Outrage Greets Alaafin’s Ultimatum To Ooni Over Okanlomo Chieftaincy Title

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo

By Ayodele Oni

Anger is gradually rising to high heavens in Yorubaland over the 48-hour ultimatum given to the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, by the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade  to revoke the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo bestowed on Jubril Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni.

The Ooni had, last week, installed Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yoruba land. But it is an installation  which the Alaafin has viewed as illegal and a usurpation of his power.

The Alaafin, therefore, demanded, from the Ooni, a revocation of the title so conferred on Sanusi.

In a strongly-worded statement, he gave the Ooni, a 48-hour ultimatum  to revoke the title. He, however, did not say what would happen if the Ooni ignores his ultimatum.

He wrote:

“The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has been drawn to the purported conferm

ent of chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

“The conferment of chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland, and on whom holds exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.

“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order and because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s’ back including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.

“The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three Local Governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.

”The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test and the reality of our time makes it very obligatory for the Alaafin to call the Ooni of Ife to order and demand revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 HOURS or face the consequences.”

But outrage has greeted the  Alaafin’s public  ultimatum to the Ooni. Not a few people find it embarrassing and an utter disrespect to the throne that the Ooni occupies.

“Alaafin, Your Authority Does Not Go Beyond Oyo” Oba Akinyele

In an angry reaction  to the Alaafin’s  48 hours ultmatum to the Ooni, the Olukosi of Iiukosi-Ijesa, HRM, Oba Omotooyosi Bayo Akinleye, told the Alaafin that his powers do not go beyond Oyo. He made a case for why the Ooni of Ife was right to confer the chieftaincy title on Jubril no matter what the Alaafin thinks or feels.

In a post on X, Oba Akinyele said: ‘‘Alaafin authority ends on Oyo land. Owa Obokun authority ends on Ijesa land. Awujale authority ends on Ijebu land. Alake authority ends on Egba land.

“No child is older than who fathered them, we are all children of Oodua, and Ooni is sitting on our father’s Throne.”

A prominent Mogaji in Ibadanland, Abass Oloko describing the opposition of Alaafin to the conferment as absurd and a clear demonstration of misunderstanding regarding Yoruba traditional authority.

Oba Owoade had demanded the revocation of Sanusi’s chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

In a statement, the Ibadan Mogaji asserted that the Alaafin is ill-informed about the historical hierarchy within Yoruba traditions, where the Ooni of Ife holds a superior position over the Alaafin.

He maintained that the ultimatum issued by the Oyo monarch, not only lacked merit, but also revealed a troubling disregard by Alaafin for established customs that have governed the Yoruba people for centuries.

According to him, the title conferred on Sanusi had received the full backing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, five years ago, reinforcing its legitimacy and the respect it commands within Yorubaland.

He affirmed that Alaafin’s attempt to challenge this title is not only unwarranted, but also deeply disrespectful to the traditions that underpin Yoruba leadership.

Oloko passionately highlighted the invaluable contributions of the Ooni of Ife, a paragon of tradition and progress, whose leadership has been a transformative force for the Southwest.

They stated,

“The Ooni is not just a traditional ruler; he is a visionary architect of unity and development. His initiatives have fostered economic revitalisation, cultural renaissance, and social harmony across the region.

“The Ooni’s influence extends beyond borders, positioning the Yoruba nation as a formidable force in Nigeria and on the global stage.”

He contrasted this with the current Alaafin, questioning the tangible value that Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade has added to Oyo town and Oyo State since his enthronement.

“While the Ooni leads with purpose and direction, we must ask: what legacy is being built in Oyo?” they remarked.

Oloko expressed that traditional rulers should remain focused on issues within their domains and not interfere in matters beyond their invitation.

He stated, “We urge Oba Abimbola Owoade to do his worst if the ultimatum he issued elapses. Inferiority is a major problem for any monarch who dabbles into issues that are beyond his domain.”

He reiterated the need for unity and respect among Yoruba monarchs, emphasising that the Alaafin should embrace his role as a leader and diplomat rather than engage in petty disputes that threaten the unity of their heritage.

“We implore all leaders to avoid unnecessary conflicts and instead channel their energies into fostering harmony and cooperation among our people.”

Abass Oloko further praised Jubril Dotun Sanusi for his integrity, character, and significant contributions to the Yoruba community, highlighting his dedication to growth and development.

“Chief Dotun Sanusi is a man of vision, committed to fostering unity and progress among our people.

“His unwavering commitment to the advancement of Yorubaland deserves not only recognition but also admiration

“Sanusi’s leadership has been instrumental in various developmental initiatives,” and the group underscored that his title is a testament to his service and dedication.”

Ooni Ignores Alaafin, Says he deserves no response

But the Ooni seems too busy to respond to Alaafin’s ultimatum. He is focused on more serious issues than what the Alaafin says. His Spokesperson, Otunba Moses Olafare, dismissed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin over the title issue.

In a Facebook reaction on Monday, his Spokesperson, Otunba Moses olafere, dismissed Alaafin’s 48 hours ultimatum.”48 hours my foot!”

He disclosed that the Ooni asked him not to dignify “an empty threat with a formal press release.”

His words: “My Principal has directed me against issuing a press release on the empty threat of the Alawada Babasala.

“I beg to disappoint you gentlemen of the press; we cannot dignify the undignifyable with an official response.

“We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated. Let us rather focus on narratives that unite us, rather than the ones capable of dividing us. 48 hours ultimatum my foot.”

Zenith Bank Marks 35yrs Anniversary, Appreciates Pioneer Customers, Long-Serving Staff

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Zenith Bank 35th Anniversary

Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank Plc marked its 35th year anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025.

In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff, who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above.

The ceremony brought together key stakeholders of the bank including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate 35 years of excellent and innovative banking services that has propelled the banking giant to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry.
Among the eminent personalities who graced the occasion were the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir. Monday Onyeme; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (also an alumnus of Zenith Bank).

In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution. She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through sheer tenacity, foresight, and uncompromising integrity transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today”.

In his goodwill message, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a proud alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital. According to him, “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking industry. He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet. For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution. His greatest investment has been in human capital – in transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generation after generation of bankers and investors forged at Zenith Bank”.

Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR expressed its immense appreciation to all guests for joining the bank in celebrating this momentous occasion. He thanked the bank’s esteemed customers and shareholders for their trust, confidence and shared vision; the regulators, for their guidance over the years; his friends and partners, for being a constant source of strength; the Zenith Bank family led by the exceptional Group Managing Diector/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with branches across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja as well as subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE and a representative office in China.

Alaafin Threatens Ooni Over Chieftaincy Title

By
James Orji
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Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo

Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo has clashed with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi over a chieftaincy title awarded to businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

The businessman also known as Ilaji, the magazine recalls was recently conferred with the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Ife traditional monarch, a decision that appears not to bode well with the Alaafin, who has protested, and demanded the revocation of the title to Sanusi.

In a statement issued on Monday Oba Owoade’s Director of Media and Publicity gave the Ooni 48 hours to revoke the title to Sanusi, saying he lacked the powers to confer such tile on any one.

According to the Alaafin, who cited a Supreme court judgment, he’s the only traditional ruler in Yorubaland who has the powers and authority to confer such chieftaincy on any worthy person, saying the Ooni overstepped his boundaries.

Oba Owade stated that the Ooni’s authority does not go beyond three local governments in Osun  state; Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South, warning that failure on the part of the Ooni to immediately  revoke the title will be met with severe consequences.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has been drawn to the purported conferment of chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

“The conferment of chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland, and on whom holds exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.

“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order and because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s’ back including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.”

Adding that “The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three Local Governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.

”The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test and the reality of our time makes it very obligatory for the Alaafin to call the Ooni of Ife to order and demand revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 HOURS or face the consequences.”

The magazine reports that the rivalry between the Alaafin and Ooni dates back to the time of their forebears who tried to assert their positions as the foremost traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

Okowa: Tinubu Has Restored Hope, Stability

By
James Orji
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Ifeanyi Okowa

Ifeanyi Okowa, a former governor of Delta state has scored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu high in his performance, saying he deserves another shot at the presidency.
Okowa made the remark on Monday in Abuja, the nation’s capital at a National Summit organized by a group affiliated to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the Integrity Group of Nigeria, IGN.

Recall that Okowa was among the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leaders, including the governor of Delta state, Sheriff Obovrewori, who in April this year, surprisingly, defected to the ruling party, citing the need to bring the state to the mainstream of politics in the country.
The former governor had since become the president’s ally, campaigning for his re-election.
According to Okowa, the president has delivered on his Renewed Hope Agenda, describing Tinubu as an action leader who has taken difficult decisions for the betterment of the country.
The former governor who was represented at the event disclosed that President Tinubu has brought hope and stability to the country by taking the bull by the horns, saying the president deserved to be supported for re-election.
“Tinubu’s decisions might be tough or rough, but they are yielding positive results,” Okowa said.
“Tinubu is bringing stability. He’s bringing back hope. He’s taking the bull by the horns. He’s not referring to issues in the past or how the past was governed.
“He promised Nigeria that he will come to the saddle and take responsibility. That is what he has done.
“We have come, not with liability but assets, to make what you have built better.
“We are coming with our experience, with our knowledge of the terrain. We are coming with love. We are coming with resources to better the lot.”

Speaking four months ago after defecting to the ruling party, Okowa said the state has lost so much by being in the opposition for a longtime, the state, according to him, needed to connect with ‘Abuja’ where the “goodwill and resources’ are being shared, adding that his decision and other leaders of the state to join APC is not personal but for the interest of the state.

He said: “People wondered why, but one thing is very important: in the history of a people there is always a time to change their path for the common good of the people, and whatever decision we took was based on that common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state.
“As I did tell people that day (when I defected), it was not about me; it was not about the governor, but about the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja.
“That goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja, of which Delta State is a large contributor — there was a need to connect to it.
“I was governor for eight years; I was in opposition. I did my best, but we lost a lot, and I did not believe that the governor needed to stay working very hard without the needed support. We are very supportive of Governor Sheriff because he’s doing a lot, but as the governor is doing a lot for us, he also needs to connect to the greater source of power, resources, and goodwill in Abuja. When we sat down after stakeholders’ meetings, we thought it was necessary to make this move.
“We must defend our state. Our state stands far beyond us, and I believe that this decision is in the best interest of all. It is time for us to embrace each other — our brothers and sisters who were already in the APC and those of us that have come into the family. We need to embrace each other and work with oneness of heart.
“It is time for us to stand together in great support for Mr President and Mr Governor, because together we can truly dominate the politics in Delta State. I believe there will be no other party, with this move that we have made.”
The former governor ruled the oil bearing state for eight years between 2015 and 2023.

NGE Warns Against Attempt To Weaken Media, Urges FG To Address Economy, Insecurity, Governance

By
The Source
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Eze Anaba - NGE President

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation, particularly in the areas of economy, insecurity, education, governance, and the media industry.

While noting the federal government’s efforts to respond to these challenges through reforms, the NGE stated that the impact of these reforms is becoming unbearable for the poor.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its Standing Committee Meeting in Owerri, Imo State, the Guild urged the federal government to put in place more safety nets to address hardship, inflation, and poverty.

The Guild also called for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, including enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing, and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

‘The NGE noted the recent major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism, including the arrest of leaders of two militant groups on Nigeria’s most wanted list, the heads of Ansaru, an al-Qaida-linked group, and Mahmuda,” the communique said.

It however emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address insecurity and restore confidence in farmers to return to producing food.

The professional media group also raised alarm in the  education sector, noting the sorry state of education in the country and urged governments at all levels to prioritize education by improving funding, infrastructure renewal, and welfare for educators.

According to the Guild, “education is essential for economic growth and development, fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.”

The NGE also called on governments at all levels to be more committed and transparent in addressing the needs of citizens, especially the rural populace.

Speaking on the state of the media in the country, the Guild condemned growing hostilities against media organizations and professionals by some security agencies and non-state actors, calling on governments to partner with the media to deepen and protect democracy.

The editors warned against attempts to weaken the media, stating that “a weak media may fail to hold those in power accountable, limit access to information, and create a disconnect between the public and reality.”

The Guild thanked the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his efforts at delivering the dividends of democracy to his people and urged him to continue partnering with the media towards nation-building and promotion of peace and unity.

For: Nigerian Guild of Editors

Eze Anaba

President

Onuoha Ukeh

General Secretary

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