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Why The President And I Don’t See Eye To Eye – Bauchi Gov Bala Mohammed

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bala Mohammed and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has maintained that his disagreement with President Bola Tinubu stems from the fact that he has refused to listen to the fact that Nigerians are suffering under his administration.

Governor Mohammed added that the ongoing disagreement with the President is true. “Yes, it is true we are quarrelling because our people are suffering, and the president has refused to listen to us.”

He was speaking while receiving a delegation of Islamic scholars led by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir in Bauchi.

The Governor urged the president to listen to the concerns of citizens and take corrective action.

 Mohammed criticized President Tinubu’s policies, stating that they are causing widespread suffering among Nigerians.

“Your policies are not working, and people are suffering,” the governor said. “I am not insulting anybody, and it is not arrogance, but as leaders, it is a duty upon us to tell ourselves the truth. 

“We are saying it so that the president can correct his mistakes. Nigerians are suffering, and we, the governors, are also suffering because of the president’s bad policies.”

Citing the federal government’s tax reform policy as an example, the governor highlighted its adverse impact. “No government can survive without revenue, but if the sources of revenue are blocked, no one can run the government. This policy is making things difficult for everyone.”

The governor appealed to Sheikh Jingir to intervene and mediate with the president, noting, “You are among the few personalities that can approach the president on this issue. You are one of the people that the president listens to.”

Police Rescue 59 Nasarawa Bound Kano Trafficked Teenagers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police Rescued 59 Nasarawa Bound Kano Trafficked Teenagers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Police on Wednesday January, 8, 2025  announced the interception, and rescue of no fewer than 59 trafficked children.

The children aged between 4 and 12, were  mopped up from various families in Kano State.

At an interactive session with the Media, the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Commissioner of Police,  Tunji Disu, informed that the children were being transported from Kano to Nasarawa State under the pretext of offering them training programmes.

According to him, the children were all packed in a 15-seater bus when they were intercepted along Kano/Abuja highway

The CP noted that preliminary investigations have revealed that the children were being transported by one Idris Usman who hails from Nasarawa State.

“On.January 6, 2025, at about 15.30 hoursy ,a team led by Deputy Superintendent, of Police Sarki Umar, intercepted a white Peugeot 15- seater bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route .

“The vehicle was driven by Ali Ibrahim, a male resident of Kano state, accompanied by his motor boy, Alhassan Ibrahim, also of Kano State.

“The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between 4 and 12 years .

Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who came from different families, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa state .

“He, allegedly, travelled to Kano State to convey the children enroute to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.

“At present, the suspects ,the vehicle and all the children are in custody ,while a thorough investigation is underway.

“The police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat, SDS, to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice”, the CP stated.

Disu, insisted that the case under review is clearly that of child abuse and trafficking, being that the children were taken without the consent of their parents.

He, however, appealed to parents and guardians to be vigilant and monitor the movements of their wards to avoid such an ugly development.

How Gaddafi Slaughtered A Ram, Spilled The Blood In Abuja Hotel

By
James Orji
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Gaddafi

By Reno Omokri

Yesterday, I wrote an account of history, which was disputed by Nigeria’s former Foreign Minister, and my esteemed elders Alhaji Sule Lamido. However, when I provided indisputable data based evidence to back up my accounts, the highly esteemed Alhaji Lamido, a former Governor of Jigawa, publicly admitted that my recollection of the events were accurate.

Thereafter, I received multiple calls from the dramatis personae, asking me to expand on the history class, and expose more detail of the event hidden from the Nigerian public.

The recent breach of protocol by the Burkinabe President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, whereby he approached and met the newly sworn in Ghanaian President, John Mahama, with a weapon, once again demonstrates the difference between Nigeria and Ghana and vindicates Nigeria’s position as the regional superpower. Such a thing can never happen in Nigeria.

No less a person than Muammar Gaddafi tried that in Nigeria. Twice during the Obasanjo administration. And on both occasions, he was stopped and cut to size.

The first time was during the African Heads of Government Summit on Roll Back Malaria, which held on Tuesday, April 25, 2000.

Colonel Gaddafi’s female bodyguards tried to enter the International Conference Center, Abuja, with their weapons, but where stopped by President Obasanjo’s CSO, who had an argument with them and disarmed them at gunpoint before they were allowed into the venue with Colonel Gaddafi to join other African leaders.

The second incident was more dramatic. And was actually a set up. It was during the Africa-South America Summit which held in November of 2006 in Abuja.

Colonel Gaddafi had arrived on Tuesday, 28 November 2006, with about five huge planes which offloaded a total of fifty cars or thereabouts. The problem is that these cars were loaded with weapons.

Nigerian officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport told Mr. Gaddafi and his over 200 guards that they could not leave the airport either their weapons and would have put them back on their planes under the supervision of the Nigerian Army.

Colonel Gaddafi was incensed. He said since he was not being allowed to leave the airport with his cars filled with weapons, he would walk into Abuja.

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who was detailed  by President Obasanjo to receive Colonel Gaddafi was concerned and called the President who told him to tell Gaddafi he was on his way to the airport.

When President Obasanjo arrived, he played with Gaddafi and told him he was on his way to Lagos, but that the incident would be resolved by his personal representative, Minister Fani-Kayode.

The President then took Mr. Fani-Kayode aside and whispered into his ear in Lukumi Yoruba to the effect that ‘You are in charge. Play with him. Be polite and diplomatic. But those weapons are not entering Abuja’.

President Obasanjo then went on his merry way to Lagos, leaving chief Fani-Kayode to argue back and fourth with Colonel Gaddafi, who threatened to return to Libya, to which Chief Fani-Kayode said, ‘We would rather have you stay, but if you choose to go, we understand.’

And when Gaddafi saw how resolute Chief Fani-Kayode was, he had to blink and fold and they returned ALL their weapons to their planes under the supervision of the Nigerian Army.

That is how you show that you are a sovereign nation. Not by having a thirty six year old unelected junta leader of Burkina Faso, who has turned his country into a client state of Russia, do to you in your own country what he would never in a million years do to Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

By the way, when Colonel Gaddafi was allowed into Abuja, he was escorted to the guest house arranged for him by Nigeria. The first thing his guards did was to slaughter a ram and spill the blood in front of the door. Once that happened, Colonel Gaddafi stepped over the blood into the house (Defence House) and would not allow anyone else enter after him.

Editor’s’ Note: Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was a Libyan revolutionary, politician and political theorist who ruled Libya from 1969 until he was killed in October 20, 2011 by rebel forces in Sirte after an uprising against him.

GTCO: Agbaje Affirms ‘Investors Confidence’ As Lender Rakes In N209bn In 1st Phase Of Equity Capital Raise

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Segun Agbaje - GTCO

Nigeria’s leading Financial Institution, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO,  as announced the successful completion of the first tranche of its equity capital raise programme, following the completion of the capital verification exercise conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the approval of the Basis of Allotment of the Offer by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

The Offer, which garnered substantial interest from domestic retail investors, raised a total of ₦209.41 billion from 130,617 valid applications for 4,705,800,290 Ordinary Shares, fully allotted.

The milestone of the Organization concludes the first phase of GTCO’s phased equity capital raise programme, which is structured on a balanced allocation strategy based on an equal split between institutional and retail investors.

This balanced approach aligns with GTCO Plc’s commitment to fostering a well-diversified and robust investor base.

Commenting on this phase of the recapitalization exercise, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, expressed his gratitude: “We extend our sincere appreciation to our new and existing shareholders, as well as the regulatory authorities, for their unwavering support during this initial phase of our equity capital raise.

“The strong participation and successful capital verification exercise and allotment process reaffirm the confidence investors have in our fundamentals and execution capabilities.

“This sets a solid foundation for accelerating our strategic roadmap, which aims to pivot the Group for transformational growth and unlock greater value across the Group’s Banking and Non-Banking businesses.”

GTCO Plc continues to lead its peers in key profitability metrics and financial performance. Building on this successful first phase, the Group will commence the second phase of its recapitalization plan in 2025, which is strategically positioned to attract significant foreign institutional investments, reinforcing its reputation as a “Truly International” financial services brand.

Proceeds from the combined equity raise will be strategically deployed to recapitalize the Group’s flagship subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTBank Nigeria), enhancing its ability to meet regulatory requirements and further solidify its position as a leading financial institution.

Additionally, the funds will support Group-wide growth initiatives, including footprint expansion, product enhancement, and innovation across both Banking and Non-Banking subsidiaries.

GTCO remains committed to delivering sustainable value to its stakeholders and driving innovation across the financial services landscape in Africa.

Prepare For Telecoms Tariff Hike, Minister Hints Nigerians

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bosun Tijani - Minister of Communication

Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has hinted of the plan to increase telecoms tariff in the country.

The minister however said the hike will not be as high as 100 per cent as being demanded by top telecoms operators in the country, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

Tijani spoke on Wednesday in Abuja, the nations capital during a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators, MNOs amidst divisions among telecoms users in the country regarding  the timeliness of the proposed hike.

The engagement brought together relevant government agencies, MNOs, consumers right groups, amongst others.

Bismack Rewane, a business analyst says 100 percent hike is too ‘aggressive’, but stated that the increase should also be aggressive enough to cover the operations and profitability of the operators.

Rewane, the Chief Executive officer of the Financial Derivative Company said the hike is necessary as doing otherwise will have a negative outcome for both operators and users.

Tijani said the federal government considered the increase after weeks of robust debates among various telecoms stakeholders in the country, adding the the government will make its approval known to the public soon.

He said, “You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariffs. They are requesting a 100 per cent tariff increase.

“But it will not be by 100 per cent; the NCC will soon come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.”

He explained that the government will come up with a new tariff increase that will benefit the operators and consumers of telecoms services, noting that operators need to make returns on huge investments they have made in the sector.

According to him, “We want to strike the balance as a government, to protect our people, but also protect and ensure that these companies can continue to invest significantly,”

“As a country, over time, we have left these investments in the hands of the private sector. They typically invest where they can see returns in the short to medium term.

“We will not want this conversation to just be about tariff increase. What the world is talking about today is meaningful connectivity; people want to have access to quality service.

“A part of it that the consumers may not be aware of is the investment that needs to go into the infrastructure that is used to deliver these services.”

N12bn Allegation: PDP Dismisses Gov. Okpebholo As A Liar

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Monday-Okpebholo

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has come under strong criticism from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State, and has been accused of misleading the people by his allegation that the suspended Chairmen of the Local Vovernment Areas moved N12 Billion to some chieftains of the party within 15 months. The Party said the Governor lied.

A statement signed by Hon. Tony Azeigbemi, Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Party in the State, said that he only uses the allegation to justify his actions against the Elected chairmen.

He said the allegation was unfounded and a blatant lie that should be disregarded.

The statement read:

“For clarity, we want to emphasize that every comment made by the governor in the statement is false and baseless and at no point have PDP leaders received any such funds from Local Government Chairmen as ridiculously alleged by the Governor. We doubt very much that the figure blotted out by Mr. Governor-Select is actually the figure he intended to say, we know he was confused a few weeks ago when he was confronted with financials. However, we challenge him to provide proof to substantiate these unfounded claims.

“Okpebholo must understand that the Local Government is neither an appendage nor a subordinate of the State Government, but a constitutionally recognized third tier of government, whose independence and autonomy are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and stop forthwith with this executive rascality before the State descends into anarchy and chaos.

“As we have repeatedly pointed out, Okpebholo’s real challenge lies in his lack of capacity and developmental plans for the State. He is a politician out of his depth who got into office unprepared, through the back door. We, therefore, urge him to settle down, build capacity, and focus on serving the people of Edo State during his brief tenure at Dennis Osadebey Avenue, rather than jeopardize the peace and security of the State in desperate pursuit of his selfish interests.”

The Governor, using the House of Assembly, recently suspended the Local Government Chairmen and their Deputies over sundry allegations.

An order by the Court to revert to status quo has pointedly been ignored by tye Governor. Instead, he turned round to accuse them of enriching PDP Chiefs to the tune of N12b within a few months.

For the records, the suspended Local Council Chiefs are of the PDP. The Governor is of the APC.

EFCC Secures Forfeiture Of Money Linked To Former Abia State Governor, T. A. Orji

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Theodore Orji

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Federal High Court  sitting in Abuja on  Wednesday, January 8, 2025, granted  an interim order for the forfeiture of the sum over N228 million traced  to a former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji.

The Source reports that ,Orji ,who recently retired from active partisan politics after eight years at the Senate, presided over the affairs of Abia state between 2007 and 2015.

Ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC , presiding Judge , Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite ,also ordered the anti-graft agency to issue a publication on its official site ,as well as the Daily Trust Newspaper  inviting interested persons to show cause within 14 days ,why the said money should not be finally forfeited.

The EFCC,had in an application earlier brought before the court , prayed for an order of interim injunction freezing and forfeiting the sum of N 228,497 ,773 .12 ,being held in Keystone Bank .

The Commission had similarly, asked the court to authorize it to make a publication on the interim freezing and forfeiture order to be made by the court on its website and Daily Trust Newspaper.

The EFCC is of the view that the said amount, which was discovered to be in the possession of Effdee Nigeria Limited ,is a subject of ongoing investigation.

The anti-graft Commission in the motion further argued the said money in question is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

“Effdee Nigeria Ltd is alleged to have conspired with others to defraud Abia state Government to wit: conspiracy ,abuse of office ,obtaining money by false pretence ,money laundering and diversion of public funds.

“Effdee Nigeria Ltd ,in whose possession the monies were found ,is reasonably suspected to have conspired with Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, the former Governor of Abia State, some officials in the former Governor’s administration, and his family members”, the EFCC contended

The agency averred that the said Abia State Government officials were subjected to investigative processes following the receipt of credible intelligence linking them with the said money.

According to Tahir Ahmed, a litigation officer with the Commission, the reports linking the former Governor and others with the illegal transaction were received between 2016 and 2017 .

He contended that “Effdee Nigeria Ltd ,a sewage and waste disposal outfit ,was used as a conduit by former Governor Orji, some officials of his administration ,and family members for the illegal diversion and laundering of Abia State Government funds, during the tenure of the former Governor.

“The Company was used to siphon funds and divert monies with the aid of some officials of Keystone Bank.

“The intelligence report was assigned to the Economic Governance Section. of the Commission for investigation.

“The team in the course of the investigation arrested Austin Akuma ,the Divisional Head of Keystone Bank PLC Umuahia ,who was the middleman between the contractor ( Effdee Nigeria Limited ) and Erondu Uchenna Erondu ,the Special Adviser, General Duties to the former Governor”, Ahmed deposed.

The matter has been adjourned to February 3 ,2025  ,for the hearing of the report on compliance with the order.

Uzodimma To Engage Nigerian Legion In Protecting Government Assets In Imo

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has expressed readiness to engage the services of members of the Nigerian Legion in the State in protecting the government assets.

He believes that though they are retired, but they are not tired.

The Governor dropped the hint Wednesday at the State’s launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day/Emblem Appeal Fund, at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers Government House Owerri.

In appreciation of the role the retired soldiers played in securing the country and still ready to play in their retirement, Governor Uzodimma proceeded to hand over a Brand New 18 seater Executive (VIP) Bus to the officials of the Legion, in keeping with the request they made to him for a means of transportation.

Besides, the Governor also made donation of undisclosed cash to support their work, the families of their departed members and for conducting themselves properly in the way they assist in keeping the peace of Imo State.

The Governor congratulated the Imo State President of the Association, Comrade Alphonsus Anyanwu, the Coordinator of Military Widows in the State, Mrs. Joy Moses and their team, as well as the Nigerian Army, for setting aside a day to remember their colleagues who paid the supreme prize for Nigeria to be one.

He advised that the emblem appeal Fund raising day should be taken seriously, if possible, held same time as that of the federal government, to enable the members raise enough funds to manage their organisation.

“The peace we have in the county today is a supreme prize by our past heroes, hence we need to reciprocate the gesture by showing care to those they left behind, the main reason Government of Imo State takes it seriously to support all their programmes,” the Governor said.

He commended their contributions to the society, insisting that they have shown a great deal of commitment in helping to maintain peace in Imo State and elsewhere.

At the same time, he also commended the entire security agencies for always being on their toes to defend the State against insurgency and terrorism.

The Governor assured that Government will meet with the leadership of the Nigerian Legion to work out how best to engage the members, “to protect the civil space, government and private assets that are being grossly vandalised.”

He encouraged them to continue to keep fit and to do what they know how to do best, and assured them that they as partners in progress, they should never be tired of helping to protect the society.

In her welcome remarks, the Hon Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu thanked the Governor and his wife for the numerous ways they have supported the widows of the fallen heroes in the past years through different funding modes and other largees.

She said the appeal fund launching was a way of showing solidarity and support to the Legion, the wives of fallen heroes and their families, as well as carry out projects that will benefit them.

Mrs. Ugwu then appealed to the audience for generous support.

In his address, the President of the Nigerian Legion, Imo State Chapter, Comrade  Anyanwu, also thanked the Governor and his wife for their support and special assistance to the union in general and the military widows in particular.

He appealed to the Governor to consider the re-engaging the veterans in security matters in the State.

He had earlier appealed to the Governor to give them a vehicle, a permanent site to erect their secretariat as well as enhanced donation to the fund to help them take care of their numerous problems.

The Coordinator of Military Widows in Imo State, Mrs. Moses captured the generosity of the Governor and his wife in a sentence, “we have never had it so good.”

Highlights of the ceremony were the decoration of the Governor, his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru among others with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem, and the presentation of a VIP bus to the Legion by Governor Uzodimma.

Present at the launching were the Senator representing Imo West,  Senator Osita Izunaso, and members of the State Expanded Executive Council.

Others were the Service Chiefs – Army, Navy, Air Force, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, the Commandant of the Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps and representatives of other security agencies in Imo State.

Uzodimma To Deliver Key Note  Address At Davos ’25

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has been nominated as a keynote speaker at this year’s Africa House  Future Forum at Davos, Switzerland.

Africa House is an Action Platform where forward-thinking global leaders convene annually to co-create solutions, foster collaboration, and drive impactful initiatives towards the development of the continent.

In a letter to the Governor  inviting him to Davos for this year’s event, the Co founder of Africa House, Mamaodu Toure disclosed that Uzodimma was selected as a speaker because of his “dedication towards fostering transparency, accountability and progress through his leadership of Imo State.”

“With a strong background in politics, governance, and international studies, you bring a visionary approach to advancing economic and social development,” the letter further read.

Toure also reflected on the qualities that recommended Uzodimma for the role of a keynote Speaker at the Conference, saying that the governor is a “resilient leader whose commitment to unity and growth of Imo State reflects your passion for building a prosperous and inclusive governance in Imo State.”

He added: “Your leadership as the Governor of Imo State showcases your dedication to fostering transparency, accountability and progress.”

The Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Agreements,  Wamkele Mene, was announced as one of the prestigious co chairs at the Conference.

The theme of the conference  which kicks off on January 20 is “Africa: The future lives here, leading generations into a new era.”

The co-founder explained that “the theme

reflects our mission to foster collaboration, build partnership and accelerate Africa’s trajectory towards a prosperous future.”

He said Uzodimma’s “expertise and partnership as a speaker and panellist would help shape the future of sustainability, economic development and entrepreneurship on the continent.”

He said that as a lead speaker,  Uzodimma will also share his transformative experiences in Imo State so as to encourage other African leaders to toe the same path.

This international recognition for Uzodimma for his developmental initiatives in the State, especially in driving accountability and transparency in governance, is coming barely two months after the World Bank, similarly awarded him four million United States Dollars ($4m) for running an accountable administration.

Kano: Political Appointee Dies Few Days After

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

It was grief in Kano State as an appointee died few days after and before his inauguration.

The State Governor,  Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Engr. Ahmad Ishaq Bunkure, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Works, who died Wednesday in Egypt.

This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

In his condolence message, Governor Yusuf described the death of Engr. Bunkure as a tragic and irreplaceable loss to Kano State, his family, and the wider political community. He prayed for Allah’s mercy on the deceased and strength for his family to bear the painful loss.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for us as a government. Engr. Bunkure was a dedicated professional whose expertise and contributions were expected to drive our administration’s vision for development. His loss is deeply felt.”

Engr. Ahmad Ishaq Bunkure had only been apointed as Special Adviser on Works, making his sudden death a shock to many.

Condolences have continued to pour in, including from His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and members of the Kano State Government.

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