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“In 2023, Tinubu Fought Institutional Forces Stacked Against Him” – Ajuru Ngalale

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Bola Tinubu and Ajuri Ngelale

By Adesina Soyooye

“The last man standing does not merely describe a man who heroically campaigned across all nooks of our Federation against Institutional forces who conspired to deny our population its currency and fuel”

In a revealing tribute to President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd Birthday, Ajuru Ngalale, his pioneer Presidential Spokesman, has hinted at the obstacles placed against then Candidate Tinubu’s road to victory by State Institutions.

The conspiracy against his success, Ngalale revealed, ranged from the denial of Nigerians their currency and the scarcity of fuel. Yet, Ngalale said, Tinubu heroically triumphed.

Ngalale, from Ogoni, Rivers State, was former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s Spokesperson. Given that Osinbajo, also, contested against Tinubu in the Presidential Primaries, not a few people wondered how he still emerged as President Tinubu’s main Spokesperson.

However, it is, also, a job he lost within a year in circumstances yet to be properly explained. While he said in his letter that he was stepping aside to deal with an undisclosed health emergency within his  family, the story out there is that he was shoved aside by a combination of powerful forces in the Presidency and alleged incompetence.

The alleged incompetence bit is debatable given that while still the Presidential Spokesperson, the President added another high profile  assignment for him to head – Presidential Envoy on Climate Action/ Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. If he was incompetent, many queried, why heap another job on him.

Since he left, he and his wife have welcomed another baby to the family. Ngalale’s mother is German while his father is from Ogoni, Rivers State.

Following, his tribute to President Bola Tinubu.

The Last Man Standing

“My Father, My President, Happy Birthday.

“On my first day serving in the present government, I only knew H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as my President. My Boss. The leader of our great nation, Nigeria.

“I had not had the privilege of being around him, except on two brief occasions before that day, despite a very active campaign effort on his behalf.

“I could not have known then that I would find in him my most profound mentor and nothing less than a father in the truest sense of the word.

“The President has been nicknamed the Last Man Standing.

“The last man standing does not merely describe a man who heroically campaigned across all nooks of our federation against institutional forces who conspired to deny our population its currency and fuel.

“The last man standing does not also merely describe Daddy as the perpetual winner, triumphant over perpetual candidates, who has won every election he has ever participated in dating back to his school days.

“For those who have the rare privilege of knowing him, he is the last man standing in your corner when all odds are stacked against you; rooting you on and guiding you to success.

“Daddy taught me that the cost and value of rigorous mentorship is the price of a glorious future and that it is only paid back once it is paid forward to the next generation.

“Daddy taught me that appropriate patience and strategic restraint will defeat hard power.

“Daddy taught me that consistent persuasion born out of sincere conviction will break the coercive grip of those who beguile and bully others into submission.

“There are too many invaluable morsels of wisdom and expertise gleaned in the presence of my father to share in this short recognition, but I am and will always be honoured to be associated with our nation’s greatest reformer.

“On this special day, I turn to my Father:

“Daddy, I thank you for making the selfless and deliberate choice to use your life’s candlelight to kindle the candle flames of those who will illuminate this dark world for generations to come.

“May God Almighty strengthen you with divine wisdom, peace, health, and all that is required of you to deliver the country of our dreams.

“Happy Birthday.”

Insecurity In Edo: PDP Urges President Tinubu To Declare State Of Emergency

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Following the gruesome murder of some Hausa travellers in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency.

The opposition party, described as mindless the killing of seven people by an angry mob in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of the State.

The party made the call in a statement on Saturday by its caretaker Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi.

While strongly condemning the action of the mob, the party alleged that the mob was led by the newly reorganized state vigilante operatives of the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration.

“Having suffered repeated killings, abductions, and rape of their women, children, and men in the past few months, the indigenes of the State have become paranoid due to the lack of intervention by the state governor and the security apparatus and out of frustration, have now resorted to extrajudicial killings.

“Also, it is necessary to state that citizens often mirror the character of the government with authority over them.

“Having sensed that Okpebholo’s government does not follow the established rule of law, or obey court judgements, the tendency is there for the civil population to mirror such behaviour.

“With seven people burnt alive in just one day and several other killings numbering over 100 in the past few months, the PDP is therefore calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make the necessary call and declare a state of emergency in Edo State.”

PDP was of the view that the mayhem currently ongoing in Edo far exceeds the skirmishes that happened in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency there.

The party sympathized with the families of the victims of the unfortunate and mindless killings and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He noted that kidnapping, killing, maiming, and other violent crimes have now become a daily occurrence in the state under the Okpebholo administration, claiming no fewer than 100 lives in the last few months.

GTCO Profit Hits Record N1.2trn

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Segun Agbaje - GTCO

…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO, have released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.266trilion, representing an increase of 107.8% over ₦609.3billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2023. This performance reflects not just strong earnings but also the quality and sustainability of our earnings, underpinned by a well-diversified revenue base, robust risk management practice, and disciplined capital management.

The Group recorded growth across all financial and non-financial metrics, and continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified balance sheet. The Group’s loan book (net) increased by 12.3% from ₦2.48trillion in December 2023 to ₦2.79trillion in December 2024, while deposit liabilities grew by 37.8% from ₦7.55trillion to ₦10.40trillion during the same period. Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦14.8trillion and ₦2.7trillion, respectively. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 39.3%, likewise, asset quality was sustained as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.5% at Bank Level and 5.2% at Group in December 2024 (2023: Bank, 2.5%; Group, 4.2%) and cost of risk (COR) closed at 4.9% from 4.5% in December 2023.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our strong performance for 2024 underscores the resilience and depth of our business, driven by a well-diversified earnings base across our banking and non-banking subsidiaries, all of which are P&L positive. Our capacity to generate sustainable high-quality earnings, maintain strong asset quality, and drive cost efficiencies reflects the soundness of our long-term strategy and disciplined execution. We have also prudently provided for all our forbearance loans, well ahead of the June 2025 timeline, whilst fully accruing for the windfall tax, further strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing financial resilience.

He further added; “The total dividend of N8.03k for the 2024 FYE is underpinned by the quality of our earnings and is in line with our long tradition of increasing dividend pay-out year-on year. Looking ahead, we remain committed to building a Financial Services Group that thrives on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable profitability. We will continue to deepen our relationships with customers, leverage technology to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions, and accelerate the growth of all our business verticals—Banking, Funds Management, Pension, and Payments—to unlock new opportunities and create more value for our shareholders.”

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 60.5%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 10.3%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 39.3% and Cost to Income ratio of 24.1%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, GTCO Plc provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets.

Anger Rises As EFCC Invades Achimugu’s Residence, Allegedly Harasses Mum

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Aisha Achimugu

By Akinwale Kasali

An Arewa Group  of Lawyers has risen in anger over the invasion of the home of prominent socialite and businesswoman, Aisha Suleiman Achimugu, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Achimugu’s Abuja home, located on Number 51, Hassan Katsina, Asokoro, was, reportedly invaded by Operatives of the EFCC hours after the Commission declared her wanted.

She had been invited through a letter dated February 4, 2025, by the EFCC to appear in its Port Harcourt Zonal Headquarters on March 5, 2025.

It is an invitation she did not honour and instead, allegedly, travelled out of the country.

That prompted the EFCC to declare her wanted, and thereafter, reportedly, invaded her home in a fruitless search for her.

In her absence, the Operatives met her aged mother, whom, it is alleged, they harassed.

It is the alleged harassment of   Achimugu’s aged mother which has irked the Arewa Group and Lawyers.

In a statement which condemned, in strong language, the alleged harassment of Achimugu’s mother, the Groups said: “Just when we and other Nigerians thought it was over having declared Achimugu wanted over yet unsubstantiated allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, the armed men of EFCC have invaded her house.

“Despicably, at Aisha’s house located onto 51, Hassan Katsina in Asokoro, Abuja, the Operatives resorted to the harassment of her old mother who may not be aware of the allegations.

“We condemn this brazen act of assault in its entirety and call on relevant authorities, civil societies, the media and the public to rise up and protect the innocent old woman and other members of Alisha ‘s family.”

“Linking Achimugu’s Investigation With Atiku, Sanwo-Olu, Mischievous” – EFCC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Atiku Abubkar and Aisha and Babajide Sanwo-olu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has described as mischief, any connection with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to its investigation of socialite and businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu.

The EFCC had invited Achimugu in connection with an investigation of fraud and money laundering where her name featured. The invitation was to its Port Harcourt Zonal Headquarters  against March 5, in a letter dated March 4, 2025, which they delivered to her Abuja residence.

However, she did not honour the invitation. Instead, said reports, she travelled out of the country forcing the EFCC to go to Court for a warrant of arrest with which she was declared wanted.

But out of the blues, reports surfaced and connected Achimugu’s EFCC problem to politics. They said it was discovered that during the 2023 General Elections, Achimugu, a friend of Governor Sanwo-Olu, was given money by the Governor for onward delivery to Atiku. Meaning that Sanwo-Olu, an APC Governor, funded Atiku as well. The consequence, the report said, is that Tinubu’s anger has descended on Sanwo-Olu whose job and political future, they say, are now on the line.

An infuriated Atiku,  while denying that he received even a kobo from the Governor, alerted that President Tinubu was after him and Sanwo-Olu. He pointed out that he had never met before with Sanwo-Olu.

However, Atiku’s allegation has been strongly denied by the Presidency which advised him to get serious.

On Friday, the EFCC weighed in and rubbished reports which linked its investigation of Achimugu with any political relationship between her, Atiku or Sanwo-Olu.

In a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the Commission explained that its investigation of Achimugu for conspiracy and money laundering began since 2022.

The statement said that Achimugu had, earlier, obtained a Court injunction  which restrained the EFCC from arresting, investigating or detaining  her. But it is an injunction the EFCC said it successfully challenged and vacated on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, which prompted its invitation to her. The Court, also, upheld an interim order of forfeiture of Achimugu’s assets suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Said the statement:

“We wish to state, unequivocally, that the investigations of Achimugu have no correlation of any kind with the two political actors. She is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has since been declared wanted by the Commission.

“The foregoing clearly establishes that the EFCC’s case against her has no immediate or remote nexus with any politician or any veiled or open reference to any political engagement or transaction.

“The EFCC is non- partisan and non-sectarian. We enjoin the public to continue to keep faith with the professionalism of the Commission without inputting any extraneous consideration to its works.”

President Tinubu Directs Security Agents To Be On Trail Of Killers Of Hausa Hunters In Edo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Killing Of Hausa Travelers In Edo

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has directed Police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations with a view to punish  suspected killers of Hausa hunters in Uromi, Edo state.

The president, on Friday condemned the murder of travelling hunters intercepted by local vigilantes in the Uromi community of Esan North Local Government of Edo State.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement he signed Friday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement is titled, “President Tinubu directs manhunt for killers of hunters in Edo.”

At least seven persons, now identified as hunters, were set ablaze and killed in a mob attack in Uromi, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has confirmed.

Initial investigations revealed that the victims, northern Hausa hunters, were mistaken for kidnappers and killer herdsmen after local security stopped and searched the commercial truck conveying them.

However, local security discovered guns, triggering a mob attack by residents.

Tinubu, who expressed shock at the dastardly act, commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians in vain.

“The President noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country.”

President Tinubu commended the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, and community leaders in Uromi for their swift response to avert the escalation of tension.

Stop Dragging Govt To Personal Issues – Presidency Tackles Atiku

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar and Bayo Onanuga

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of dragging government into his personal problems.

It added that the former vice president should address any issue he has with the Economic, Financial and Crime Commission, (EFCC), directly rather than dragging government into unfounded accusations.

This comes after allegations surfaced that Atiku received funds from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 2023 election through a syndicate, who was on Friday declared wanted by the EFCC.

Atiku had through his media office, denied the claims and accused President Bola Tinubu of masterminding the allegations.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency dismissed Atiku’s counter accusations as “false and diversionary.”

The statement noted that the EFCC operates independently and urged Atiku to engage the anti graft agency if he has concerns, rather than dragging the Presidency into “fabricated controversies.”

“The President is focused on governance, not political gossip,” the statement read, criticizing Atiku for “resorting to baseless claims” since his 2023 election loss. It called on the former Vice President to prioritize national unity over “reckless allegations.”

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability. The President has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.

“Atiku’s allegations are infantile and a transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks.

“His repeated attempts to drag the Presidency and now the Lagos State Government into fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention amid his fading attempt to cobble a coalition.

“Since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former Vice President has failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman.

“Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.

“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—qualities Nigeria urgently needs.

“Lastly, the former Vice President should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law.”

Tinubu, Soludo, Otti, Ihedioha, Obi, Pay Final Tribute To Prof. Humphrey Nwosu

By
The Source
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Humphrey Nwosu Burial

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, joined other distinguished Igbo leaders and prominent Nigerians to bid farewell to the late Prof. Humphrey Nwobu Nwosu at Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Prof. Nwosu, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), conducted the historic June 12, 1993, election, widely regarded as one of the most credible in Nigeria’s history. He was laid to rest in his hometown, Ajalli, Orumba North LGA.

The funeral service, held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ajalli, was attended by an array of distinguished personalities, including the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi, the Host and Governor of Anambra State, H.E. Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor of Abia State, H.E. Dr. Alex Otti, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, H.E. Mr. Peter Obi, former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives and former Governor of Imo State, H.E. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Emmanuel Okewulonu (Ikeoha); Nze Charles Onwunali, and several other notable figures.

The gathering was a testament to Prof. Nwosu’s enduring legacy in Nigeria’s electoral history and his contributions to democratic governance.

Sadly, the Senate of the Federal Republic turned down a motion to honour Professor Nwosu.

Myanmar Earthquake Claims 144 Lives, 730 Injured, Many Still Under Rubble

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Myanmar Earthquake

By Akinwale Kasali

Myanmar has been thrown Into mourning and  devastation following the death of, 144 persons  and more than 730 were injured in a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday. It was the worst in about 80 years.

This was disclosed by the Head of the Country’s Military Government.

A strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude also hit Myanmar, with tremors felt across Thailand and China.

According to the Military Government officials, the quake triggered the collapse of buildings hundreds of miles away in Thailand.

At least three people have died in the nation’s capital, and authorities are racing to free 81 people believed to be trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise in the city, officials said.

The earthquake prompted tsunami alert in Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, reeling from a civil war sparked by a 2021 military coup.

Weak infrastructure makes it ill-equipped to deal with major natural disasters.

Swathes of the country are run by a patchwork of militias, making it extremely difficult to gather reliable information. The military also regularly cuts communications in conflict zones.

El Rufai Yet To Be Recognized As Member SDP – Party Scribe

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai  may still need to go further in his decision to relinquish membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and join the Social Democratic Party (SDP)

This follows a declaration by the SDP that his membership is still just a hearsay as the party is not aware of the decision.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), on Friday disowned the former Governor stating that he is not yet a recognised member of the party.

El Rufai, a  founding member of the APC recently dumped the ruling party for the SDP.

The former governor cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for the decision.

However, at a press conference in Kaduna, SDP Assistant National Secretary, Northwest Zone, Idris Inuwa, emphasised that El-Rufai’s entry into the party remained a rumour because he was yet to follow due process.

“It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Malam Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumored to have joined the SDP.

“However, neither the Chairman of the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter in Kaduna State, nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward, has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa said.

Inuwa advised El-Rufai and his cohorts to follow proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party.

“We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party.

“While we recognise the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasize that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission.

“The State Executive Council (Exco) remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures.”

Inuwa also rejected the purported dissolution of the Kaduna State Working Committee of the SDP, stating that it is unconstitutional and an affront to the principles of due process and internal democracy.

“The Kaduna State Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) categorically rejects the purported dissolution of the State Working Committee as contained in a letter from the National Secretariat dated 25 February, 2025.”

Inuwa emphasised that the Kaduna State Executive Committee is a product of a duly conducted State Congress and holds a four-year mandate that remains valid and binding.

He added that the SDP constitution clearly outlines the process and procedure for dissolving a State Executive Committee, which includes initiating an investigation, setting up a committee, and providing fair hearing in a transparent manner.

“The Kaduna State Executive Committee is the legitimate outcome of a duly conducted State Congress, reflecting the will of the party members and adhering strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions. This body holds a four-year mandate that remains valid, binding, and legally recognised throughout its tenure.

“The SDP constitution state very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco; which includes but limited to initiating an investigation, setting up committee, providing fair hearing in a transparent manner before a decision is taken; none of this was done-only the resort to the illegal unilateral letter of dissolution.”

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