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Sultan Decries Religious, Ethnic Bigotry, Commissions Islamic Centre Named After Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abubakar Sa’ad III - Sultan of Sokoto
Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III: Sultan of Sokoto

By Ayodele Oni

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, has advised that for Nigeria to be great, the people must  de- emphasize religious and ethnic differences.

The Sultan applauded President Bola Tinubu’s religious promotion and tolerance in Nigeria, saying the move was responsible for the economic gains recorded across the country.

The Sultan made the remark on Saturday at the commissioning the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Darul’Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in Kaduna, built and donated by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajayi for orphans and the privileged.

The Sultan, who stressed that Nigerians must de- emphasize religious and ethnic differences, said it was the ability of other economically successful countries to overcome these differences, that led to their greatness.

He commended President Tinubu  for appointing Mr. Ajayi as DSS DG, saying the appointment has helped the president build several bridges of cooperation across the country.

The Sultan described the resolve of Mr. Ajayi, “a Christian, to build an Islamic school for orphans and the less-priviledge” as “a legacy project which would outlive most persons present.”

He further described the project as a laudable one, and urged Nigerians to emulate, stressing that “Doing things like this will make Nigeria a better place.

“The coming together of people of different faiths and ethnicities will help bridge the gaps of disunity and de-emphasize the problems of this country.

“The presence of heads of sister security agencies here today shows the synergy amongst our security services and the trust they have in  Tosin Ajayi.”

Speaking, the DSS boss, who was represented by a retired director of the Service, Alhaji Ahmed Zalmar, said he began nursing the idea to build the school during his years of service in the state.

The law setting up the DSS, he said, empowers the secret police to prevent five major threats to internal security, including espionage, insurgency, sabotage, subversion and terrorism.

The DSS boss added that as a trained security officer, he identified reducing discontent in the populace as a powerful counter-subversion strategy.

He said he equally identified education as a key method of dousing discontent.

“The latest of such is the building and donation of the well-furnished modern Islamic school with support from my friends and associates, which also reflects the core mandate of President  Tinubu.

“It is also part of my policies to improve the nation’s internal security architecture through conventional and non-conventional engagements.”

The DG explained that he chose to channel the support for the well-being of vulnerable and needy groups through several social projects, including building of schools, places of worship and sport centres, among other centres.

Ajayi clarified that he had never used operational funds or budgetary provisions for the philanthropic gestures aimed to win the hearts of the vulnerable population towards defeating insurgency and terrorism.

“I have always channeled parts of Corporate Social Responsibilities and other financial support from stakeholders for such purposes.”

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, who was accompanied by his Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, emphasised the importance of education to Nigeria’s future.

He praised President Tinubu’s support for faith-based education initiatives and school feeding programmes.

“By 2050, 25 per cent of the global workforce will be African, with many from Nigeria,” noted the minister, stressing that, in spite of challenges, progress was evident in economic growth, increasing foreign reserves, stabilising inflation, and decreasing food and energy prices.

Osun Communal Clashes: Gov Adeleke Relaxes Dusk To Dawn Curfew

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

Following the return of peace to warring communities of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin,  Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has relaxed the curfew imposed on the communities.

The new curfew hours will now be from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am, effective from Sunday.

The curfew was imposed following weeks of tension and communal clashes in the affected communities.

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, announced the decision on behalf of the Governor on Saturday.

Governor Adeleke expressed satisfaction with the current peace and urged the communities to maintain it.

Adeleke warned traditional rulers of the three towns to ensure peace is sustained or face the law.

According to the release, the governor directed security agencies to continue to monitor the communities around the clock.

The Governor commended stakeholders and community leaders for their efforts toward restoring harmony.

The Government emphasized that the curfew will remain until full peace is achieved.

The statement by Alimi reads: “Following near total return to peace in the warring communities of Ifon-Ilobu- Erin Osun, it gladdens my heart, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State to direct that the hitherto 6 pm-6 am curfew will now be between 9pm to 5am of the following day. This is with effect from tomorrow, Sunday, 25th May, 2025.

“I commend the three towns and other stakeholders for the peace and harmony currently taking shape, I urge that you should please keep it up.

“However, I hereby direct that a contingent of all security personnel, comprising the Army, Police, DSS and Civil Defence should accordingly continue to keep a 24 hours surveillance in the three communities.

“Finally, I am using this medium to wish our dear Muslim and non Muslim brothers and sisters in the three towns of Ifon Ilobu and Erin Osun as well as Osun State in general a happy Eid El Kabir festival in advance.”

Military Storms Katsina Banditry Enclave, Kills 21

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Governor has lauded the profound professional  acumen and dexterity exhibited by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group of the Nigerian Army in responding to insurgency threats in the State.

His commendation comes on the heels of the neutralization of no fewer than 21 banditry elements on Friday, May 23, 2025 by troops in Shawu Forest, Ruwan Godiya  Ward of Faskari Local Council of the State.

A statement at the weekend from the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu, informed that some of  the bandits were felled directly by troops bullets during coordinated raid on the strong hold of the hoodlums at about 8.50 am of Friday,while others drowned in a river in a bid to escape the firepower of troops.

He explained that the military exercise was part of the new measures put in place by the State Authorities and security agencies to decimate the operational capabilities of the terrorists

“As part of the ongoing kinetic phase of Operation Forest Sanity III, OPFS, troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group ,Nigerian Army, successfully carried out a deliberate attack on a terrorist enclave in Shawu Forest ,Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari LGA.

“The operation resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists and the decimation of their operational capacity.

“At approximately 08.50 am on 23rd May, the crack troops assaulted the terrorists positions engaging them in a fierce gun duel.

“The intensity of the attack forced the terrorists to abandon their camps and flee into the dense bushes and rocky terrain ,using their livestock as a shield for their escape.

“Undeterred ,the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists ,engaging them relentlessly ,including those attempting to escape by crossing a river.

“In the course of the operation ,21 terrorists were killed ,including those swept away by the river while trying to escape . Interestingly ,there were no casualties on the part  of the military team”, part of the statement reads.

“During the operation, several weapons, ammunition, and other items including about forty motorcycles and a large number of rustled cattle were recovered from the bandits’ camps according to the Commissioner.

Some of the hostile equipment recovered were five AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun, a pump-action rifl, 21 AK-47 magazines, and 17 Motorola Communication radios.

“A large quantity of ammunition ,and other vital items ,including 64 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO belted ammunition  ,448f rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four pump action cartridges ,two RPG-7 chargers ,one RPG-7 bomb and five CS 48mm hand grenades were also  recovered .

“Further recoveries included a motorcycle manual pump ,an empty wallet ,three jungle bags containing various charms, and a sum of fifteen thousand two hundred ,and sixty naira ( N15,260)” Muazu stated.

Governor Radda, particularly, attributed the series of successful operations against terrorists in the state to the exceptional level of professionalism, bravery and commitment shown by troops.

While urging the Military to sustain its present efficient operational measures, he, also, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards supporting security agencies in their bid to stamping out all forms of security challenges in Katsina State.

Fidelity Bank Denies Allegation Of Insider Abuse Against MD; NGX Gives Lender Clean Bill

By
Bayo Bernard
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Fidelity Bank Plc

By Bayo Bernard

Fidelity Bank Plc has debunked reports that  its Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe abused her position by allegedly involving in an insider trading over the 18 millions shares she acquired recently from the bank.

The commercial bank described the report by Sahara Reporter as patently false, misleading, and intended to malign its integrity and that of its Chief Executive Officer.

The rebuttal is contained in a statement issued by the bank and made available to the magazine on Saturday, titled “Share Purchase Transaction of the MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc In Compliance With Regulatory Guidelines.”

Instructively, the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX has responded by giving the bank a clean bill on the allegation that its Chief Executive breached any rules by purchasing the shares.

The magazine reported that Dr Onyeali-Ikpe recently purchased 18 million shares of the bank valued at approximately ₦366 million, a move described by key stakeholders as her demonstration of leadership by example. Her action, according to keen stakeholders have further boosted investors confidence in the commercial bank.

The acquisition is not an isolated gesture, according to those keenly watching the bank. Between November 21 and 22, 2024, she purchased 15 million shares worth ₦239.4 million, and subsequently added another 10 million shares valued at ₦157.9 million on November 26 and 27, 2024. These cumulative investments reflect a consistent pattern of personal commitment to the bank’s long-term success.

According to the lender, its Chief Executive was not involved in any insider trading by purchasing the shares, her action conformed with regulatory extant rules, and in tandem with happening in other quoted companies in the country, noting that the shares were funded using her personal funds and not the bank’s resources, considering that she did not, at any material time, take “a loan from the Bank, or used its funds to purchase the shares” as was reported  by Sahara Reporters.

The bank further described the report published on May 21 by the online medium as not only false but  “fabricated allegations”, saying the suggestion that the Managing Director took personal advantage of material price, sensitive information, to engage in insider trading is “blatantly false” and “misleading”.

The bank noted that the transaction was conducted strictly in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, having been well advertised on its floor, adding that under its  Insider Trading Policy, ITP, the bank  ensures that its “Insiders” and their “Connected Persons” transact in the Company’s shares only when trading in its securities is permitted.

The bank further stated that the NGX has cleared Onyeali-ikpe and granted a clean bill after carrying out a thorough investigation over the issue.

The NGX had, in a response to the bank’s inquiry on whether its Chief Executive breached extant rules, said “the share purchase transaction referenced by Sahara Reporters which occurred on 19 May 2025 was transacted during an open trading window” and no insider abuse involved.

Below, the bank’s statement:

“We are constrained to respond to a patently false, misleading and malicious publication against Fidelity Bank Plc and its MD/CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, by Sahara Reporters.

“The misleading article, which was published on May 21, 2025 contained fabricated information about the Bank and its MD/CEO including blatantly false allegations that our MD/CEO took personal advantage of material price sensitive information to engage in insider trading and used the Bank’s funds to purchase 18 million units of its shares.

“Based on the fact that Fidelity Bank Plc is a public quoted company regulated by the NGX and subject to the Listing Rules of the NGX as well as the Regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), we unequivocally confirm that:

“(a)   Neither the Bank nor its MD/CEO has ever engaged in insider trading at any time.

“(b) The MD/CEO funded the referenced share purchase transaction (the transaction) from personal sources. She neither took a loan from the Bank nor used its funds to purchase the shares.

“(c)   The transaction was conducted strictly in accordance with the Listing Rules of the Exchange and the regulations guiding insiders’ dealings in the shares of public quoted companies.

“(d)   The transaction was duly disclosed and published on the trading floor of the NGX in accordance with the Listing Rules.

“(e)Similar transactions are undertaken by the insiders of various public quoted companies virtually on a daily basis and published on the Disclosure Portal of the NGX.

“(f)In addition to the SEC and NGX Rules and Regulations on insider trading, the Bank has a documented internal Insider Trading Policy that ensures that its “Insiders” and their “Connected Persons” transact in the Company’s shares only when trading in its securities is permitted (i.e. Open Periods).

“In this regard, we confirm that the trading window for dealing in the Bank’s shares was declared open to insiders on May 4, 2025, sequel to publication of its Q1 2025 unaudited accounts on the trading floor of the Exchange on April 30, 2025.

“(g) The trading window for insiders to deal in the Bank’s shares remains open. We shall continue to publish details of their dealings in the Bank’s shares until the trading window is declared closed, as required by extant regulations.

“Given the gravity of the false allegations in the malicious publication by Sahara Reporters, which were not only maliciously intended to impugn the hard-earned reputation of the Bank and its MD/CEO, but to also mislead the investment community and general public.  We by a letter dated May 22, 2025, formally requested that the NGX carry out an independent review of the referenced share purchase transaction based on extant trading rules by insiders and revert with its findings.

“In response to our request for an independent review, the NGX by a letter dated May 22, 2025, confirmed unequivocally that:

‘Following the filing of the Bank’s 2025 Q1 UFS on 30 April 2025, the Directors and other insiders of the Bank became eligible to trade on the securities of the Bank after twenty-four (24) hours. Therefore, the share purchase transaction referenced by Sahara Reporters which occurred on 19 May 2025 was transacted during an open trading window and NGX RegCo is not aware of any other price sensitive information that the Bank is required to disclose which should hinder trades on the securities of the Bank by insiders.’

“We believe that the above clarification by the NGX would be reassuring to the domestic and global investment community, our domestic and foreign regulators/counterparties and the general public, while ensuring sustained confidence in the operations of the Nigerian capital market.

“Fidelity Bank Plc remains a very strong, profitable and responsible financial institution and amongst the most capitalized banks in Nigeria today with international operations.

“As a responsible financial organization with a history of strong corporate governance standards, we wish to assure all our customers and stakeholders of our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest level of ethical standards in all our dealings.

“Furthermore, we shall pursue all legal remedies available to us in relation to these malicious and sponsored publications which were clearly intended to defame the character of our Managing Director/CEO and cause reputational damage to the institution.”

Ondo Probes Fraud In Recruitment Process of School Teachers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The recent recruitment of teachers into primary and secondary schools in Ondo state is generating furore following allegations that the process was compromised.

Already, the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) has commenced an investigation into allegations of buying and selling employment slots by the officials of Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Candidates which were eventually picked during the exercise allegedly paid between ₦200,000 and ₦750,000 to secure teaching positions at both primary and secondary school levels.

It was learnt that some of those that were dropped during the exercises had questioned the process alleging some officials of the two boards of compromise.

This development, it was gathered, has raised concerns about the quality of education in the state, as unqualified individuals, that could meet the payment condition, may have been employed based on their ability to pay rather than their qualifications.

During the exercise, not less than 1000 teachers for primary school and a little well over the figure were employed into the secondary school.

Stakeholders in the education sector in the state have raise issue that the alleged corrupt practice in TESCOM and SUBEB recruitments may contribute significantly to the decay in the educational sector.

“Many schools lack qualified teachers, and the teaching profession seems neglected. Qualified teachers who graduated over 14 years ago are still waiting for employment opportunities, while others may have bribed their way into teaching positions without being committed to the system.

The SPFACC’s secretary, Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, who confirmed an intervention by the state anti corruption agency, assured that the investigation would be thorough to protect the integrity of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

“The commission’s probe is a step in the right direction, and the governor must take decisive action to address this anomaly and ensure that the teaching profession is valued and respected.

The stakeholders expressed support for the probe saying  “SPFACC’s investigation into the alleged sale of teaching jobs in Ondo State is a welcome development. If proven true, the allegations highlight a deep-seated problem in the state’s education sector.

“The state government must take concrete steps to address this issue and ensure that qualified and dedicated teachers are employed to improve the quality of education.”

NPF Extradites, Arraigns Suspected Fraudster From UAE

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Abubakar Aboki Mohammed

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police Force, (NPF), has recorded a major breakthrough in a case of obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering against a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Mohammed.

The suspect has already been extradited into the country from United Arabs Emirates, (UAE) to face legal process.

NPF Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday explained that: “The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL, NCB Abuja, has successfully extradited a Nigerian fugitive, Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates on Friday, 23rd May 2025.

“Muhammed, a male suspect, was subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by NCB Abuja following an extensive investigation into a case of Obtaining Money by False Pretence, Forgery, and Money Laundering.

“The case originates from a report filed in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman, who was defrauded by Muhammed under the guise of been a shipping agent.

“Investigations revealed that Muhammed misrepresented himself to the complainant, securing a contract to facilitate payments and freight of ten high-end vehicles, valued at $307,500.00, from the UAE to Nigeria via designated registered shipping companies.

“After establishing trust, Muhammed fraudulently received the full payment through a third-party account at FCMB belonging to Anas Usaini, a Kano resident, which was subsequently used for money laundering activities in Dubai.

“Upon receipt of the payment, Muhammed provided the complainant with a forged bill of lading for the vehicles and subsequently became uncontactable.

“He was apprehended in Dubai on April 15, 2025, and has been extradited to Nigeria to face prosecution at the Federal High Court, marking a significant success in the ongoing fight against transnational financial crime.

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the steadfast leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, recognises the invaluable assistance of the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai in facilitating the extradition of Abubakar Aboki Muhammed, and extends its sincere gratitude.

“The NPF will continue to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies to pursue and bring to justice individuals who seek to exploit and defraud citizens through cross-border criminal activities.”

EFCC Boss To Atiku: I Had No Meeting With Gov Obovrewori, Okowa Before Defection

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC says it Chairman did not have a pre-defection meeting with Governor Sheriff Obovrewori of Delta state, and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The anit-graft agency denied the claim on Friday, few days after Paul Ibe a spokesman to the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar claimed that  the meeting held in the state Government House.

The magazine reporst that Governor Obovrewori and Okowa dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in April this year causing mixed reactions from not a few Nigerians.

Before the defection, Okowa was  being investigated by the EFCC for an alleged over N1 trillion fraud. Not a few therefore considered his defection to the APC as having a political undertone and for self-preservation to escape the agency’s onslaught.The former governor said his defection was not based on either.

Reacting in a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale the EFCC said there was no meeting between the two politicians and its chairman.

According to Oyewale, the EFCC boss is apolitical and that the commission’s operations are purely professional without any political undertone.

The statement reads, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is outraged by the unfounded claims of Mr. Paul Ibe, spokesperson to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, alleging that Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman, held a secret meeting with an unnamed politician.

“Ibe, who was a guest on Seun Okinbaloye’s Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, May 22, 2025, bared his mind on sundry theories, conjectures and assumptions relating to opposition politics and defections.

“However, his allegations of the Executive Chairman EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede and Solicitor General of the Federation’s alleged meeting with an unnamed governor forty -eight hours before his defection to the ruling All People’s Congress, APC, are patently fabricated and in bad taste.

“Olukoyede has stressed at several fora that he is apolitical and the EFCC totally wired against partisan tendencies.”

IMHA Amends, Passes Imo Security Bill

By
The Source
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Imo State House of Assembly

By Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha

 “The one-line Amendment Bill is aimed at combating insecurity in the state with vigilante group”

In a bid to reorganize and strengthen the security architecture in the State, the Imo State House Of Assembly has Amended the Imo State Security Organization (IMSO) Law No. 2 of 2021.

This became necessary in order to boost the security of the State, and  achieve the needed result in the fight against insecurity.

This was the outcome of the House Plenary activity on Tuesday, May 20, 2024.

Coming as an Executive Bill, it was presented by the Majority Leader and Member Representing Owerri-west State Constituency, Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi. It passed through First Reading, Second Reading and finally, Third Reading.

During the Second Reading, the Majority Leader explained that the security challenges in the State have made it imminent for the House to take another look at the Imo State Security Organization Law No. 2 of 2021. According to him, the One-Line Amendment was in the inclusion of VIGILANTE GROUP in the amended law which was not captured in the Original or Principal Law of 2021.

The Amendment tagged “Imo State Security Organization (IMSO) Amendment Law, has an insertion of a new subsection 5 to section 6 of the Principal Law, which empowers all the Autonomous Communities in the the State to set up Vigilante Group.

Hon Onyemaechi further explained that by virtue of the Law, each of the Autonomous Communities in the State will set up a Vigilante Group, and with the new Law, will combat security challenges, as well as form a unifying factor with Traditional Rulers, President Generals, Community leaders etc, joining hands together to nib insecurity in the bud.

Speaking further, Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi commended the State Governor,  His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, who as the Chief Security Officer, has continued to place the security of lives and properties in the State above every other consideration. In his words, the Majority leader: “Governor Uzodimma knows what it takes to fight insecurity, he has not relented in achieving this zero security threat. By the time every community forms Vigilante Group, insecurity will be curtailed. With the law, welfare of the would-be Vigilante Group would be taken care of, and their work entitlement justified by law”.

The Bill was supported by the following Lawmakers who made very inputs :

*Hon Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre).

*Hon Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal).

*Hon Okey Ernest Udeze (Ideato-North).

*Hon Emeka Kingsley Ozurumba (Isu).

*Hon Johnleoba Iheoha (Ikeduru).

*Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji (Isiala Mbano).

Following the Second Reading, the Bill was committed to the Committee of the whole, which was chaired by the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, where it was further scrutinized. Thereafter, it was passed into Law following a unanimous vote in its favour by Honourable Members.

Installation  Of Pope Leo XVI’s: How Seyi Tinubu Saved A Man

By
The Source
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0
Bianca Ojukwu

By Bianca Odumegwu -Ojukwu

The Vatican has a way of setting everyone on an even keel. I remember how dazed I was when on my last trip during the funeral mass of Pope Francis some weeks before, when President Donald Trump had walked into the Basilica and was led to his seat at the square.

A number of dignitaries lined up to go to exchange pleasantries with him, causing a bit of a stir and a crowded scene. To my surprise, a middle aged prim looking priest walked up to them and addressed them rather tersely, ‘scusi,(meaning Excuse me). This is St Peter’s, Not the White House. Kindly take your seats please’. He clearly didn’t give a hoot who was likely to be offended but was more concerned that the order and solemnity of the event was not torpedoed by boisterous politicians.

The Nigerian delegation for the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Square led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived early enough when there was ample time for exchange of pleasantries.

As we entered, I sighted former Governors Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi already seated, and I went to greet them after the President was seated. Being patriotic citizens, they both decided to come up with me to pay their respects to Mr President.

The President very warmly and graciously received them both in a relaxed and humorous mood after which they both returned to their seats (Thankfully, no ‘Scusi’ from any ushering priests like the scenario during the funeral mass of Pope Francis. Our delegation kept things nice and orderly!) I was, therefore, taken aback by all the buzz and flak that something as simple as a polite greeting to one’s elder, not to mention President, an intrinsic part of our African culture generated across social media space with all manner of innuendos and interpretations.

Let’s just agree that many people just had the casual urge to create a giant mountain out of a mini mole hill, so let’s let this one chill.

Like I mentioned before, the Vatican, most specifically, Mass, at St Peter’s Basilica is a leveler. No matter who you are, you are sitting out in that square under the scorching sun. No special luxury tents or canopies for dignitaries. No airconditioners or fans.

People routinely faint and pass out from sunstroke/ heatstroke and have to be evacuated in stretchers or wheelchairs.

In fact, the man seated in front of me slumped during the mass. It was Seyi Tinubu who saved the day.

The bottle of water he had ‘travelled’ all the way to the vestibule to procure was what he then offered to the man, who we were trying to hold from hitting the ground until the emergency medical team arrived with a wheelchair to evacuate him.

What is instructive is that unlike what obtains in our climes of recent, nobody rushed to whip out their phones to record an individual in distress to start posting all over social media. Folks were just busy trying to help stabilize the man.

I found it amazing  that President Tinubu effortlessly sat and stood through the entire mass, observing every rite as it should sans partaking in holy communion for close to three hours under that flaming sun, even declining a sun shield when we offered to search for one.

After the Mass, he chatted and took selfies with several young Nigerian priests and seminarians who came to greet him, refusing to turn any of them away even as his aides felt he needed a break.

The main deal, of course, was the power suit which the President wore to the Papal Installation Ceremony. Many Nigerians who saw him in Rome, normally used to seeing him mostly in our native attire, exclaimed that he looked so dapper and debonair. As he walked so stridently to meet with the new Pope, it was clear that this was a pivotal moment.

A Muslim being present at a historic mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Home of the Catholic Faith; a symbolic demonstration of the values of co-existence and a potent demonstration of the fact that religious differences do not necessarily lead to conflict.

Well, I am pleased to note that my humble phone camera took some of the most iconic images of that momentous occasion, being that entry into the venue was so severely restricted on that day. It was a stellar outing for Nigeria. It’s great to be back home.

In those good days, the familiar caption used to scream at the end of those M videos ‘ Clarence shot it !’On this beat, it’s ‘ Ms B shot it ’! Vatican’25 has been a profound experience. I am truly blessed to share in these sacred Papal events. Veni, Vidi.’

H.E. Odumegwu-Ojukwu is Nigeria’s Minister of State, Foreign Affairs

“South East Too Important To Ignore” Saraki, Chair, PDP Reconciliation Committee

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Bukola Saraki
Dr Bukola Saraki

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday, May 23, 2025, emphasized the pre-eminence of the South East region in the  trajectory of the party.

Rising from a trouble- shooting meeting with Peter Mbah, the Enugu State Governor, at the Enugu state Government House, Chairman of the Special PDP Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki, underscored the imperativeness of carrying the region along in the renewed efforts to heal the party.

The Source reports that the South East Zonal leadership of the PDP and its major stakeholders, including Governor Mbah and other former Governors, had warned the PDP national leadership against any attempt not to ratify its nominee Hon Sunday Ude-Okoye as a replacement for Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.

At the end of the emergency meeting held at the Enugu State Government House penultimate week, the Zone pointedly threatened to quit the PDP en-masse should its decision on the festering National Secretaryship tussle is not respected.

At an interactive session with the media, after the meeting ,Saraki informed that the visit  to the Governor was part of the wider efforts being made by the committee to ensure a smooth and peaceful National Executive Council meeting NEC and Convention  coming up soon.

According to him, the Enugu meeting is the beginning of a series of parley scheduled with all  stakeholders of the party across the country to lay the foundation for an all inclusive and peaceful NEC and Convention.

“We are here (Enugu) as members of the PDP Reconciliation ,and Strategy Committee set up by the PDP Governors’ Forum to ensure that the forthcoming NEC and Convention are smooth and rancour-free.

“In keeping with that mandate, we are here in Enugu State to consult with one of our leaders, Governor Peter Mbah who is also the leader of the party in the South East Zone.

“This is the first state we are visiting because we appreciate the importance of the South East in the PDP family.

“As you all are aware, the South East is one of the bedrocks of the PDP. The Zone has played a significant role in popularizing and strengthening the PDP in  the country.

“So in recognition of that, we are here to consult with the Governor and also to commend him for his sterling leadership role in stabilizing the party in the region.

“More importantly to commend him for what he is doing in Enugu State which is a mirror for Nigerians to see what happens when you have a PDP Government”, Saraki stated.

Further speaking, Saraki a former Governor of Kwara State, and former Senate President, informed that the meeting afforded them the opportunity to discuss how to carry everybody along in the task of ensuring a hitch free NEC and Convention.

He expressed the optimism that a rancour-free NEC and Convention will inevitably signpost a resurgence PDP.

” We had a sincere and fruitful discussion with His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State.

“We are happy that we are going away with some useful suggestions that will help us in our work as a Committee.

“It will not be out of place to say that with this visit, we have laid the foundation for a greater and rejuvenated PDP.

“In fact, what we have also seen today is a glimmer of hope that the problems we are having in the party are, afterall, surmountable if we can all unite”, Saraki noted.

Other Committee members that were in attendance during the parley include former Bayelsa Governor Senator Seriake Dickson, and former Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwabo and more.

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