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“Fubara Bribed NBA With N300m To Back Him” – Wike

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Siminalayi Fubara and Niyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, is backing suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, because the Governor bribed the Association.

Wike made this allegation on Thursday when he addressed some Journalists in his  office.

The allegation stemmed from the demand by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, rtd, that the NBA returns the N300m given to it by the State to host the Association’s Annual Conference.

The NBA has granted the State the hosting right for the 2025 Annual Conference but withdrew it last week over the suspension of democratically elected officials – Governor Fubara, his Deputy, Dr Ngozi Ordu, Members of the House of Assembly – and the appointment of a  Sole Administrator who  was the Chief of Naval Staff, by President Bola Tinubu.

The NBA had condemned the declaration of a State of Emergency in the State by President Tinubu on 18 March, 2025, and asked the President to reinstate the democratically elected officials of Rivers. The Association had, also, earlier, condemned the sacking of elected Local Council Chairmen and Councilors by the Supreme Court.

For withdrawing the hosting rights, and giving same to Enugu State, the Rivers State Government asked the NBA to return the N300m. But it is a demand the NBA is not prepared to grant.

In a response, the NBA argued that the money given the Association by the Fubara Government was not for hosting rights but a gift just as other States and Organizations had given it to help with sponsorship.

Speaking to Journalists in his office, Wike, himself, a member of the NBA, said Ibas has exposed the NBA. But for the withdrawal of the hosting rights, and the demand by Ibas, Wike said, nobody would have known of the N300m to NBA. He asked the NBA to return the money to the Rivers State Government.

Wike submitted that Fubara bribed the Association with the sum of N300m, and said that explains the NBA’s condemnation of the State of Emergency and the sack of Local Council Officials. Worse, Wike said, the money was not appropriated.

Reminded that he did the same a couple of times when he was the Governor of the State, Wike said the monies he gave out were captured in his budgets as “grants”.

Among the several millions Wike gave out include the N500 million he gave to the Benue State Government under his friend, former Governor Samuel Ortom, the N300m he gave to the Lagos State Association of Wives of Government Officials and much more.

“This is like the kettle calling the pot black”, noted a Rivers State Elder.

Update: One Dies 12 Rescued From Rubbles Of Collapsed Building

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Equal Rights Resturant Buidling Collpased in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

One person has been confirmed dead at the collapsed building at 9, Oremeta Street, Ojodu. The building houses Equal Rights Restaurant.

The person confirmed to dead is an Occupant of the three-storey building. 12 others were rescued by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, from where they were trapped under the rubbles.

The rescued victims include staff of the Equal Right Restaurant who were inside the building when it caved in.

The body was recovered and the others were rescued by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, LASEMA and others after the ill-fated building under construction caved in on them.

The Lagos State Government is yet to issue a statement on the ill fated incident.

More details Later.

Reps Speaker, Abass, Doles Out N5 Billion To 30,000 Students In North West

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abbas Tajudeen - Speaker House of Representatives

By Ayodele Oni

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, disbursed a total of N5 billion as scholarships to 30,000 students from the North-West geopolitical zone, studying at various tertiary institutions.

Out of 30,000 beneficiaries, 7,000 were drawn from Kaduna State, while the rest were from the six remaining states from the North West.

Spokesman of the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi in a statement on Saturday stated that the scholarship ranges from N200,000 to N800,000 depending on the students’ courses of study.

The statement added that the scholarship is to facilitate the students’ tuition fees, and the provision of books and stipends.

Beneficiaries were drawn from the seven north-western states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

The disbursement was facilitated through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in collaboration with Microvis Micro Finance Bank.

This is even as the Speaker announced the establishment of a modern orphanage in Zaria, which he said is “a project that is very close to my soul.”

Speaking at the occasion, Abbas, described the event as “an ambitious education intervention programme that will touch thousands of lives across the North-West geopolitical zone, noting that it is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

“This is an unprecedented initiative in our region’s history. These scholarships will benefit bright young men and women from Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, every corner of the North-West.

“This is a truly grand endeavour, covering all seven states of our zone and uniting us in the pursuit of knowledge and progress.

“What makes this scholarship programme special is not just its scale, but its focus. We are directing support to students pursuing courses in critical fields like Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Technology, among others.

“By doing so, we are investing in Nigeria’s future doctors, engineers, lawyers, and innovators. Our nation urgently needs more professionals in these fields.”

On the modern orphanage, the Speaker said: “In our community-driven efforts, we could not forget the most vulnerable among us: the orphans and abandoned children.

“We will construct and equip an orphanage that will provide shelter, education, and love to children who have no parents or guardians.

“The orphanage will not merely be a building; it will symbolise our collective compassion. It is said that in Zaria, every child has a home. These children will have access to education and healthcare, and a caring environment to grow up in so that they too can have hope for a bright future.”

Let’s Use Easter Time To Pray For Compassionate Leaders – Obi

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 poll, Peter Obi, has asked Nigerian Christians to use the Easter period to pray for  Compassionate leaders who will share in their pains.

Obi, in an Easter message on Saturday, said that Compassionate leaders always think of the people in the consequences of their actions and inactions.

“At Easter, what Christians celebrate is the huge sacrifice Jesus Christ made for mankind.

“Therefore, there is no better time to pray for tender-hearted and caring leaders for our country than at Easter when we saw in Jesus a remarkable, compassionate leader.

Obi noted that “what is apparent in Nigeria today as insecurity and myriads of problems engulf the land is a visible abdication of responsibility by insensitive and indifferent leaders.

Nigeria deserves better leadership than they are getting to turn the natural and human capital gifts from God to the benefit of the populace.

Finally, Obi urged fellow Nigerians and obedient families across the globe never to despair in the face of any tribulations because our Redeemer is living and active, assuring us that a New Nigeria is possible.

Happy Easter.

Nasarawa Govt Pledges Support For Vulnerable Persons During Emergencies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa

By Ayodele Oni

The Nasarawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly in times of emergencies.

Newly appointed Director-General (DG) of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), Benjamin Akwash stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lafia.

The DG explained that the state government has taken steps to enhance the resilience of its citizens to disasters through various initiatives to mitigate the effects of disasters.

He added that the government aims to provide livelihood support, food security services, and grants to poor and vulnerable households.

Akwash emphasised that the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations since its inception in 2019 and is committed to sustaining this support.

He added that the government has taken proactive measures to prevent emergencies and ensure timely and effective responses when they occurred.

“In the event of an emergency, the government, through our agency, provides timely and effective support to those affected to enable them to recover from the situation.

“This commitment underscores the government’s dedication to protecting the well-being of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.”

Akwash also appreciated Governor Sule for appointing him to serve the state in this capacity and promised to deliver on his mandate with the utmost sense of responsibility.

He explained that the mandate of the agency is to coordinate emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts within the state.

“This encompasses preventing, mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from various types of disasters, whether natural or human-induced.

“In essence, our role is to ensure the safety and well-being of Nasarawa State residents in the face of emergencies.”

Kogi Set To Begin Mining Operation, Acquires 15 Licences

By
Ayodele Oni
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Usman Ahmed Ododo - Governor of Kogi State
Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.

By Ayodele Oni

Kogi State Government has acquired 15 mining licenses preparatory to go into full scale mining business.

Special Adviser on Media to Kogi State Governor, Ismaila Isah, who disclosed this, assured local communities in the state that they will soon experience major economic transformation with the commencement of mining operations and new infrastructure development projects in the state.

Isah, who spoke in Abuja, revealed that with the recent acquisition of 15 mining licenses, the Kogi state government is poised to reinvigorate the economy in local communities across the state.

The Governor’s spokesman said youths will take the lead in the emerging solid minerals economy in Kogi state.

“Kogi has over 32 mineral deposits, all in commercial quantities. The state government has floated a special purpose vehicle (SPV), under the solid minerals development company, to open up the mining sector to foreign and local investors.

“We have acquired 15 mining licenses and ready to go into full mining business.

“Our approach is to make these mining activities community-owned. We are encouraging communities to float cooperatives that will allow them become critical stakeholders in the mining sector.

“Aside the usual corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that companies present to our people, we want communities to have a say in the running of mining activities in their lands.

“We will also ensure our youths play critical roles in the mining operations. The state government has unveiled plans to train 25,000 youths to take the lead in the mineral exploration we are embarking upon.”

Isah said that Governor Ododo is currently in China where he is holding discussions with the international community on investment opportunities in Kogi state.

According to him, aside from direct investment, Governor Ododo is also discussing about platforms for technology transfer and manpower exchanges towards enhancing skills and technology that will enable development of critical sectors like mining, agriculture, healthcare, education, power and transportation.

He confirmed that Governor Ododo is willing to open up the state’s mining sector to investors that are genuine and willing to align with state’s development agenda.

“We run a very smart government with smart people on board. Some of them have been in government for well over eight years and are grounded in the business of governance.

“We are selling the vast potentials of our state including our large expanse of fertile lands and mineral resources.

“Kogi is home to some of the most brilliant human beings in the world. We are reputed as a state where most of our human resource exports have done very well, both from the pre-independence era up to this time.

“We have readily available human resources to support investors interested in Kogi state.”

BREAKING: Many Feared Dead, Others Trapped In Rubbles As Restaurant Collapses In Lagos

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Equal Rights Resturant Buidling Collpased in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

The building housing Equal Rights Restaurant located at Oremeta Street, Ojodu, Lagos, has collapsed. This happened Saturday morning.

Many people are feared dead while many others are trapped in the rubbles of the uncompleted storey building.

The Restaurant is Located at the Lagos-Ogun border, Ojodu-Berger, the gateway to Lagos for travelers coming from Benin City or Ibadan axis.

Rescue mission is ongoing.

Details Later…..

For Declaring Her Wanted,  ABC Transport Owner’s Daughter, Petitions IGP, Demands Apology

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Frank Nneji and his Daughter

By Adesina Soyooye

For declaring her wanted, Ihuoma Julia Nneji, daughter of Frank Nneji, owner of ABC Transport Company, has demanded an apology from the Nigerian Police Force, NPF and a retraction of what they put out.

A few days ago, not a few people were perplexed when the news broke that Ms Nneji has been declared wanted by the  National Cyber Crime Centre, Abuja.

But in a strongly worded petition to the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, Ms. Nneji has given the NPF-NCCC 48 hours to retract and issue a written public apology to her or she would head to the Court to seek legal redress.

The demand for a written apology and retraction was made  through her Solicitors, Pillar-Rest Attorneys. It asked the IGP to direct the NPF-NCCC to  remove the Special Police Gazette Bulletin declaring their client “Wanted”.

The NPF in the bulletin said it declared Ms. Nneji wanted over alleged cybercrime, criminal defamation, and cyberstalking. This was released late Tuesday.

Shared on the NPF’s official Facebook page, the notice directed that Ms Nneji be arrested and handed over to the nearest police station or the NPF-NCCC headquarters in Abuja.

The petition by Nneji’s Lawyers, dated April 16, 2025, was entitled: “Report of Unlawful Public Declaration of Ihuoma Julia Nneji “Wanted” by The Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre Unit In Breach of Her Fundamental Rights”, and

signed by Oyaje James Oyigoga Esq.

Addressed to the IGP through the Director, NPF, National Cyber Crime Centre, Abuja (NPF-NCCC),

the solicitors, said the declaration of Ms Nneji as a Wanted Person, constitutes a breach of her fundamental rights protected by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The petition pointed out  that the  notification of same has been widely published in all platforms and media outlets and therefore, demands a retraction anywhere it may have been disseminated.

Other demands by the solicitors include a written apology to Ms Nneji “for the reputational damage, emotional trauma and unlawful declaration by the police.”

A demand that “a written undertaking that our client’s rights shall no longer be infringed upon” was also made. However, “failure to comply with the above within the stipulated time will leave us with no option than to initiate appropriate legal proceedings to enforce our client’s fundamental rights, including, but not limited to, a claim for exemplary and general damages, and a motion for public retraction and injection. This, we will do without further recourse to your office”.

The letter described the action of the police in declaring her wanted as reckless. The lawyers pointed out that that before the widely circulated publication, Ms Nneji “was neither invited for questioning nor informed of the allegation against her in detail, nor given any opportunity whatsoever to respond to any petition or complaint allegedly made against her.

“Our client is a public figure who hails from a well-respected home and can be reached via her contact details, family or legal representatives.

“This action taken by your office is a direct violation of our client’s constitutionally-guaranteed rights and is both unlawful and reckless”.

Ms Nneji, the Lawyers also noted, “had filed an action against the petitioner, Barr. Henry Uzochukwu,  on October 29, 2024, for defamation of her character, which suit is currently pending before the court.”

Ms Nneji’s lawyers, however, pointed out that the petitioner had “likewise initiated a civil suit against their client, which is currently pending before the court, to which Nneji has also responded.

“Our client is a decent properly raised and law-abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has continued to conduct her personal and professional affairs with utmost decorum.

“We are aware that the action of the Nigerian Police Force declaring our client wanted without inviting her or availing her an opportunity to be heard and respond to the allegations contained in the petition is a violation of her constitutional rights as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.”

There has, so far, been no response from the Police or IGPs office.

Shettima Not Blocked From Aso Villa-Presidency

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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VP Kashim Shettima
VP Kashim Shettima

In recent times, there has been deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood against the Vice President’s person and office in many multidimensional forms. These mischievous and fabricated reports are all in a bid to cause confusion and insinuate a total clash in the Presidency. These reports seek to mislead the public into believing there’s discord at the highest levels of government.

The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice President has been refused entry to the Villa. This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON. For the record, NOTHING OF THE SORT EVER HAPPENED.

The recent publication by some obscure blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the Vice President from accessing the Presidential Villa is not only the wildest expression of wishful thinking but a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination. It is a story so far removed from reality that it can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.

Earlier this week, the Presidency dismissed similar fake news regarding responsibility for the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. These stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and our constitution. Let it be known that those pushing these falsehoods do so in vain.

It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President. However, their questionable sources or habitual reliance on misinformation have once again led them astray. These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.

The Vice President remains focused on his duties and on supporting the President in achieving the aspirations of Nigerians. He does not have the luxury of time for distractions, particularly those born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire. He’s not and will never partake in their media circus. It is a futile pursuit, even by the standards of the morally indifferent.

We commend Nigerians across all divides who continue to express goodwill towards this administration and who have taken it upon themselves to fight the spread of fake news. Your trust and support are deeply appreciated. The covenant between this government and the citizens of Nigeria was made possible through a legitimate and constitutional process. No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of that democratic mandate. Not under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

We encourage the public to disregard such malicious publications and the media to continue seeking information from credible sources and to approach sensational claims with the caution they deserve. This we owe ourselves collectively as a nation.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
19th April, 2025

Court Awards Diezani N500m In Damages

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Diezani Alison-Madueke

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Nigerian Minister for Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been awarded the sum of N500 million by a Bayelsa High Court.

The whopping sum was awarded  to her in damages  for a documentary  Is It Your Money? where she claimed she had been libelled.

The defendants in the case are Chude Jideonwe, Judith Audu, Eromo Egbejule, YNIIJA Limited and Capital Film Productions Limited.

Mrs Alison-Madueke had asked for the sum of N5 billion in damages for the libellous production.

She had asked the Court to order the defendants to retract the libellous documentary and to tender an unreserved public apology to be published in three national newspapers in Nigeria and another which is widely circulated in the United Kingdom, where she lives, as well as in the United States of America.

She, also, asked the Court to grant a perpetual injunction  restraining the defendants or anybody associated with them in whatever capacity from running any part of the documentary.

Alison-Madueke was Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum, and the first woman to hold that office,(till date) during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration. Before she was appointed to a Cabinet position in Nigeria, she was an Executive Director in Shell Petroleum. She left Nigeria in 2015 when Jonathan lost his second term bid for the Presidency.

Since then, she has been living in the United Kingdom where she has been under the searchlight of Nigeria’s anti-graft Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for  offences bordering on alleged corruption. She, strongly, denies all the allegations.

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