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AGN Addresses Misinformation, False Reports, On Senate President

October 20, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The suspension of Nollywood Actress, Halima Abubakar, by the Actors Guild Of Nigeria, AGN, has generated controversy, with speculations brewing that the actress is allegedly having a relationship with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.

It was gathered that following the rumour about Abubakar’s affairs with the former Akwa Ibom State Governor led to her making defamatory statements about some of her colleagues leading to her suspension by the leadership of the AGN.

Making clarifications on this development, AGN President, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, has however issued a strong statement clarifying the organization’s internal memo dated October 17, 2024, which has been grossly misinterpreted by certain bloggers.

Rollas in the statement personally signed by him, noted that the memo, which was never intended for public dissemination, addressed the suspension of a member who had spread false information about other members, including alleged relationships with the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Halima Abubakar, a Nollywood — Halima Abubakar

According to Dr. Rollas, “The sole aim of the reference to the Senate President was to establish that we are also trying to unearth the purveyors of the falsehood similar to the one that resulted in the suspension of one of our members.”

However, bloggers notorious for publishing fake stories twisted this information to report that the AGN had placed Senator Akpabio’s alleged side chicks on a watchlist.

Rollas emphasized that this was a “deliberate distortion of the facts” aimed at embarrassing and bringing into disrepute the person of the President of the Senate, whom the AGN holds in high esteem. He stressed that the memo focused on the suspension of a member who had tarnished the reputation of esteemed members, not on Senator Akpabio or alleged relationships involving him.

The AGN President identified The Whistler and Opera News Bloggers as the primary sources of this false story and has categorically stated that there is no truth to their reports.

He clarified that the individuals on their watchlist are those spreading damaging rumors, not alleged “side chicks.”

Rollas further urged these bloggers to retract their misleading reports immediately and issue an apology for misappropriating and misrepresenting the AGN’s internal communication.

He also warned other news media against spreading this false story, advising them to desist from doing so in their own interest.

He concluded by reaffirming the AGN’s commitment to protecting the reputation of its members and promoting a culture of truth and accountability within the organization.

Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos Cruise Into Quarter Finals

Akinwale Kasali

October 20, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Coach Bankole Olowookere- tutored Under-17 Female National Team, the Flamingos, has cruised into the quarter finals with a decisive 4-0 triumph over Ecuador in their Second Group A match at the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Dominican Republic.

The Flamingos continue to prove to the world that their third-place finish at the last edition of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup finals in India was no fluke, having earned a 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first match.

The Flamingos have scooped maximum six points in their first two matches, with eight goals for, and only one against. They are surely in the last eight, ahead of their final group phase encounter against host nation Dominican Republic on Tuesday night.

Energetic playmaker Shakirat Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, sent the very busy goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, after Captain Taiwo Afolabi was impeded in the box.

Pacy forward, Peace Effiong, who had seen her shot thwarted by the right leg of Rodriguez in the 18th minute, was disconcerted to see her effort again foiled by the big goalkeeper on the half hour.

Harmony Chidi, scorer of 13 goals in the qualifying series, rocked the crossbar just before the half-time whistle as Nigeria, once more, broke forward.

In the second half, Chidi finally found her first goal of the tournament, picking her spot cleverly in the 54th minute to score after a pass by Aishat Animashaun.

Peace Effiong took the cue, to also score her first goal of the competition, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo.

Nigeria got its fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to lash home after Chidi found her from the right.

The Flamingos will take on the host, Dominican Republic on Tuesday night for their Third Group match.

War With Biafra Was ‘Unfortunate”- Gowon

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 20, 2024

Nigeria’s former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), says the nation’s Civil War was not meant to defeat the Republic of Biafra, saying it was necessary to preserve the unity of the country.

The former leader said this on Saturday at his 90^th birthday thanks giving service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Gowon spoke amidst the threat posed by secessionist groups to Nigeria’s unity, prominent among which are the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and Yoruba Nation group.

The two groups are demanding separate countries for the Igbo and Yoruba people living in the south east and south west parts of the country.

The magazine reported that one of the leaders of Yoruba Nation, Sunday Igboho recently submitted a letter demanding the south west separation from Nigerian to the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

The event was attended by some prominent Nigerians including President Bola Tinubu, represented by his wife, Senator Oluremi; former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, state governors amongst others.

The Civil War was fought for three years, 1967 and 1970 between the Nigerian government and secessionist Biafran Army led by late Gen Odumegwu Ojukwu.

It ended with the total surrender of the Biafran Army.

Speaking yesterday, Gen. Gowon who was accompanied by his wife, Victoria said the war was necessary to unite the country, stressing that his government was able to bring the was to end with the support of Nigerians. .

Gowon: “We fought an unfortunate civil war to keep the country together and, in the end, we did it as one. Yes, it is not a question of a defeat of any part of the country, but to ensure that, yes, they are back in the country.

“And it’s Nigeria that really won in the end: Nigeria was the victor and not any part of Nigeria over the other. I thank God for that. We must continue as one Nigeria and make Nigeria great.

“I thank you for the support given to me, the prayers, and for the peace and stability of the country. And for the good people of Nigeria, we did our best and I can assure you as l said that the support of the people encouraged me to go ahead.”

Fayose Says Oyebanji’s Second Term Unstoppable

Ayodele Oni

October 20, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor Fayose, at the weekend commissioned an electrification project started by his administration and just completed by the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

At the project commissioning, Fayose again reiterated his unalloyed support for the second term of Oyebanji, not minding political difference between them.

Fayose said he was enthralled with the way Oyebanji completed some projects started by his predecessors, which he said further testified that there is unity of purpose among all Ekiti leaders.

Speaking about 2026 Governorship election, Fayose posited that all the former Governors of the State have endorsed Oyebanji for second term and that they will back him up to succeed at the poll.

Damning the consequences of his steadfast support for Oyebanji, Fayose, a PDP chieftain, said: “I don’t care what people say about me, I am with you and whoever that is not pleased should take their party away. The people are speaking for the governor, they love him, they want him back and I can’t be against my people.

“I can see you are leaving a legacy that will outlive you. All of us former governors will adopt Oyebanji for second term, because he has done well.”

Counting achievements of his administration in the last two years, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that he has connected over 40 towns to the national grid since assumption of office with intention to upscale local economy and add modern touch to the grassroots.

Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor — Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State

Speaking at the event attended by former Governor Ayodele Fayose, Oyebanji said he decided to construct the road with solar lighting to increase nightlife in the area and bring an upswing to the economic development of the populace, adding that putting electricity along new road remains his standard practice.

“This road was started by Governor Ayodele Fayose, but I completed it. That is why it is good for a leader to perform while in office. By my assessment, all our past governors have done well, they deserve our respect.

“In the last 24 months, I have connected over 40 towns to national grid. Some were reconnected back after decades of power outage, while some never had light at all.

“No town can develop without electricity and to develop the local economy, we are focusing on grassroots electrification to boost our economy at the rural level.”

The governor assured that the local government Chairmen will be backed fully by his administration to reciprocate the good projects being offered at the state level at the grassroots.

“Light and road are very central to development and we will continue to connect as many as possible towns with electricity and roads. Any town without good road and light will be in darkness and no development can take place.

“I am not going to abandon any sector or stratum. All of us must enjoy the dividends of democracy because our votes are of equal value. I will continue to serve you as your servant.”

In their submissions, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo and his counterpart in infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, charged the residents to protect the facilities provided by mounting security surveillance against vandals and thieves.

Applauding Oyebanji on behalf of all the benefiting communities, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi , said the project will change the face of the economy of the axis, promising that they shall reciprocate the gesture with massive votes in 2026.

Arrest Of LP SE Top Officials: Abure’s NWC Kicks, As Gov Otti Accuses Them Of Impersonation

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 20, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Julius Abure- led leadership of the Labour Party has raised alarm over the arrest of its National Vice Chairman, South East Zone, Comrade Ceekay Igara, and the potent threat posed to the lives of its officials in Abia state.

The Party, on Saturday night, October 19, 2024, claimed that Igara who was the immediate past Abia state LP Chairman, was arrested at a meeting in Aba, and whisked away by Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad RRS.

This is just as the Governor Alex Otti-backed LP leadership in the State informed that Igara and others are guilty of impersonation and extortion.

The Abure-led NWC alleged that the invasion of the meeting venue, Enitona Hotels, Aba, and subsequent arrest of the South East Vice Chairman was allegedly on the orders of the Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti.

In a viral video, the party alleged that over 20 masked Security Operatives invaded the meeting venue, and arrested several party faithful who were deliberating on the forthcoming Local Government Election in the State.

The armed masked security personnel were said to have ordered every one inside the meeting hall to remain silent while they proceeded to arrest Prince G.O. Ndubueze, the Secretary of the Party’s Local Government election Committee.

However, apprehensive party members were said to have resisted the move preferring instead to accompany Ndubueze to the Police Area Command, Aba, where the Operatives came from.

Speaking with the Media Ndubueze ,who is also the Chairman of the Interim Committee leadership of the Party in Abia, recently appointed by the Abure led National Working Committee, NWC, accused Governor Otti of being behind the disruption of the party’s meeting ,and the arrest of its officials.

He, however, vowed not to be cowed by the Governor or any other persons .

” I didnt get any warrant of arrest from anywhere. I don’t even know whether they are real Policemen or not. But as a law abiding citizen, I am going with the Police.

However, I will not bow to intimidation from Governor Alex Otti. We won’t allow him to impose candidates in this Local Government election.” Prince Ndubueze said.

But reacting to the development the Emmanuel Otti-led Abia SWC accused Igara of impersonation, and acts of extortion.

In a statement on Sunday, October 20, Otti claimed that the arrest of Igara stemmed from a petition to the Police and other security agencies against his alleged extortion of party members and impersonation.

“Mr Igara’s arrest stems from a petition we wrote to the Police against him, and others over their acts of extortion and impersonation of the State Chapter of the party.

“Igara, by the constitution of our party, has no legal right to usurp or impersonate the office of the chairman, having ceased to be the State Chairman after his election as the South East National Vice Chairman March this year.

“No law court has invalidated the existence of the Acting Chairman Emmanuel Otti and his Executive members ,hence it was wrong and illegal for Mr Igara to impersonate the Chairman and his executive by carrying our their legally recognized functions without their consent or approval ..

“We are also aware that following the petition, he had been invited by the police to which he refused to honour.

“While we recognize and respect the judgment which recognized Barr Julius Abure as the National Chairman ,Abure’s faction which Igara is part of has no right to flagrantly ignore the appeal and the motion for a stay of execution that had been duly filed against them by purportedly dissolving and imposing a new Caretaker leadership on the Abia state chapter, against the provisions of the law and Constitution of our party.

“Again the Abia State Chapter has gone further to secure a validly issued order of court which restrains Abure. Igara and others from those activities which prompted our petition to the police”, part of the statement reads

It will be recalled that the Abure led NWC after its victory at the Abuja Federal High Court last last week ,which validated the controversial Nnewi Convention , dissolved the Governor Otti backed Emmanuel Ezenwa Otti led LP leadership in Abia state .

In its place ,Abure appointed an interim SWC headed by Ndubueze.

But while ruling in an ex- parte application filed by the Emmanuel Otti led SWC ,Hon Justice T Eruba of an Abia state High Court sitting in Umuahia ,on Thursday October 17,2024 restrained Ndubueze and others from further parading themselves as SWC members of the party in the state until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice .

The Court also restrained the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission ABSIEC and Inspector General of Police from having any dealings with the Dr G O Ndubeze led SWC.

The Enitona Hotel Aba meeting by Ndubueze and Igara may have been perceived by the opposing side as running foul of the restraining order of the court.

A fierce battle over which group has the legal authority to submit list of the party’s candidate to the ABSIEC has been raging between the Abure led faction and the Governor Otti backed Esther Nenadi Usman led 29 member interim NWC.

As at the time of reporting, the two groups were still having separate list of candidates with the electoral body as regards the local council polls

In fact, there are unconfirmed reports that Governor Otti is about to adopt the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, as the new platform for his preferred candidates for the November 2, Local Council Polls.

There are very strong indications ,that the Governor may be borrowing a leaf from Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state who, owing to the leadership struggle within the fold of PDP in the state, used the Action Peoples Party APP to cut off Nyesom Wike during the just concluded Local Government election in Rivers State.

The Abure-led NWC in a statement issued by Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, Deputy National Chairman expressed shock and disbelief on why Its South East Vice Chairman who played a pivotal role in the 2023 elections, will be arrested on the alleged alleged orders of Governor Otti.

“Labour Party is at loss over what may have caused the same Governor who a few months ago stood by the party during our convention, but suddenly turned to launch the worst offensive at the leadership.

“He hosted extended Stakeholders meeting in Abia state and thereafter formed a Caretaker Committee hoping to wrest power from our leadership.

“He, unsuccessfully, shopped for courts to grant him some frivolous demands ,all to no avail

“It is surprising that he has resorted to introducing brute and anachronistic form of political intimidation .

“The arrest of our Zonal Chairman is the height of his political savager and an indication of the kind person Governor Otti really is.

“It is often said that power does not change a man, rather power brings out the true nature of a man….

“We were fooled by his humane posture, not knowing that he was just masquerading his tyrannical true person.

“We are therefore ,demanding the immediate release of Comrade Ceekay Igara from the. custody of the police or charge him to court within the next twenty four hours as specified by the law”, part of the LP statement reads.

NUJ Honours Obi Alongside 18 Other Media Icons For Roles In Reshapening The Industry

Akinwale Kasali

October 20, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Body of the Chris Isiguzo led Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has bestowed the prestigious Media Icon Award on Dame Comfort Obi, OON, Publisher/ Editor-in-chief of The Source (Magazine) for her outstanding and remarkable impact on the growth and development of Journalism in Nigeria.

Obi, alongside other awardees withstood the test of time in the midst of daunting challenges, to invest their time, talent and treasures in the nation’s media industry.

Her indefatigable prowess in the industry made her the first Winner of the high profile Reporter of the Year, Nigerian Media Merit Award, NMMA.

The National Award Recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger, has mentored dozens of Media Practitioners that have made indelible impact in the industry and in Nigeria’s political stage.

The event took place at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Thursday October 17, 2024 and was attended by both the high and low in the Society including, the Governors of Katsina and Akwa Ibom States, Their Excellencies Mallam Dikko Ummaru Radda, PhD, and Pastor (Dr) Umo Eno respectively.

Dame Obi was awarded alongside Dr Tonie Iredia, Nosa Igiebor, Dare Babarinsa, a former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Oblong Moses Ekpo, MFR Yakubu Mohammed, Felix Adenaike, Lade Bonuola, Bisi Amagada, and HRH Eze Joe Anika.

Others were: Pa Jola Ogunlusi, Shuaibu Liman, Dan Agbese, Ini Ememobong, Comfort Umanah, Eddie Iroh, Prof. Umar Pate, Okewale Sonaya and Yemi Farounbi.

In his welcome address Isiguzo, the NUJ National President, said the Media Icons were carefully chosen as they have eked their names and shaped public discourse.

He said this Third Edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons was targeted at honouring top flight media enterpreneurs, who have invested enormously in the industry.

Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom was named as the 2024 Media-Friendly Governor, while Governor Mallam Dikko Ummaru Radda of Katsina State was awarded the 2024 Workers/Media Friendly Governor.

Present also, were Chief Segun Osoba, the President of the Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, a Professor of Communications, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, Dr Queen Obi, a top flight Eye Doctor/ Educationist, among scores of top flight Media Practitioners.

In a response on behalf of the Recipients, Dame Obi decried the level Journalism has been reduced to due to the activities of quacks. She, also, lamented the incessant harassment of Journalists for doing nothing but their jobs. She, also, extended the condolences of the awardees to Governor Eno, through his Deputy who represented him, over the passing of his wife, Patience Umo Eno, First Lady, Akwa Ibom.

Atiku Says Wike Good In Gutters As Minister Mocks Him Over Presidential Defeats

The Source

October 20, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

Reno Omokri to Atiku: “By responding to Wike, you are diminishing yourself. It is like a lion chasing after a rat”

The war of words between former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who was, also, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 Presidential Election, and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, is still raging.

The two have been at each other’s neck from the months running to the PDP Presidential Primaries. It worsened when Atiku defeated Wike to pick the ticket, and rose to high heavens when he rejected Wike as his running mate and picked then Wike’s Governor-colleague, Delta State’s Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. That prompted Wike and his loyalists and supporters to work against Atiku in the Presidential election. They openly worked for the then Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, now President Bola Tinubu.

The sour relationship between the two also affected the PDP badly. The Party is literally in disarray. Wike is a serving Minister under the APC Government, has refused to quit the PDP and, no thanks to a number of Court orders, tied PDP’s hands from either suspending or expelling him.

A few days ago, both men crossed each other’s path after Atiku hailed Rivers people for ignoring threats to participate in the State’s Local Government Elections held on October 5, won by loyalists of the Governor, who contested under an otherwise unknown Party, Action Peoples Party, APP. The PDP and APC factions, controlled by Wike, citing a Federal High Court Order, refused to participate.

Atiku: “It has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.”

Apparently, the, “godfathers” being referred to here by Atiku are Wike and co., especially Wike. He was the political godfather of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and, almost, single-handedly, installed him as a the Governor of Rivers State.

So, Wike, not one to be outdone, took on Atiku on Saturday when he hosted members of the Rivers State. He mocked Atiku for the number of times he contested for the Presidential seat of Nigeria and failed. Having been rejected by Nigerians, Wike told Atiku, he should pack and go home.

Wike to Atiku: “If you say for an election we did not contest, never participated in, that it shows Nigerians have rejected us, fine. You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you. So, pack up and go.”

Atiku has contested for the Presidential seat three times and failed.

Stung, Atiku, through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed Wike as one very comfortable in the gutters and said he wouldn’t descend to Wike’s level. Wike, Atiku said, is selfish and only interested in himself, not the people. The former Vice President also dismissed Wike as one full of bile and bitterness over his defeat in the PDP Presidential Primaries.

Atiku to Wike:

“Mr Wike’s comments are nothing more than a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances. If he truly believes that Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the Government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself.

“This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his Ministerial responsibilities.

“While he may seek to divert attention with his baseless rants, we remain focused on the genuine issues affecting Nigerians. It is clear that Mr Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation. In contrast, our commitment remains unwavering, centered on the welfare and progress of the people.

“Mr Wike appears to delight in conjuring fantasies indulging in his imagination, and paying for live TV coverage to launch tirades against whomever he pleases. However, we shall not descend into the gutters where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.

“His recent remarks are another of his theatrical outbursts. Nigerians are well acquainted with his antics, a lingering symptom of the bitterness he habours from his defeat to the Wazirin Adamawa at the 2022 Party Presidential Primaries.”

But weighing in, Reno Omokri, controversial Socio-political and a former Presidential aide under former President Goodluck Jonathan, chided Atiku for descending to Wike’s level. He said it is like a “lion chasing after rats.” He said Wike was just a Local Council Chairman when Atiku was Nigeria’s Vice President.

Omokri: “If I were Waziri, I would allow Wike to say whatever he wants about me and absorb it. It does not diminish Waziri. What diminishes Waziri and gives Wike muscles is Atiku responding to him or attacking him.

“If Atiku engages in a media exchange with Wike, it is a promotional advert for Wike and a demotion for him. Even if there must be a response, Waziri could consider delegating it to his running mate in the 2023 election, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. And if Ifeanyi is unwilling, then he should request another surrogate to do so.

“But to personally throw jibes at Wike, or respond to Wike’s own quips should be considered a low-hanging fruit by Waziri. Even Governor Simi Fubara does not respond directly to Wike, how much the former Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“If a lion chased after rats, it may be mistaken for a domestic cat.”

“Kenneth Okonkwo Is an Unstable Character” – Labour Party

The Source

October 20, 2024

By Charles Igbo

The Court and Independent National Electoral Commission – recognized Labour Party, LP, has dismissed Actor-turned Politician, Kenneth Okonkwo as one with an unstable character.

In a post, the faction which National Chairman is Julius Abure, a Lawyer like Okonkwo, dismissed Okonkwo’s opinion on political issues as nothing, and advised him to consider a career in skit-making to boost traffic to his page.

It referred to a Nollywood Home video “Living in bondage” , acted in the 1990’s, where Okonkwo was the main character, and concluded that Okonkwo was still living in bondage.

The Party’s reaction was in response to Okonkwo’s statement which held that the Abure-led LP is working with, and for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

But it is an allegation the Part seriously denies, and said it ordinarily should not waste its time reacting to the utterances of a characters like like Okonkwo.

Following is the full text of the Abure-led statement on Kenneth Okonkwo as posted in its official page.

“It has become imperative for the leadership of the Labour Party to quickly respond to the handiwork of our adversaries and those who desperately frustrate the leadership of the Labour Party at all cost.

“For Kenneth Okonkwo, we have decided that we won’t join issues with him because it is very clear he is still ‘living in bondage’. We are very sure that ‘living in bondage’ film he acted some decades ago is still having very great in his life. Today, he says one thing with one side of his mouth, tomorrow, he says another thing from another side of his mouth. We will not waste out time to discuss people with unstable character. We can only advise him that there is a huge difference between politics and skit making, and that he should consider concentrating on the later, to boost his followership.”

Okonkwo was an APC member. He defected to the LP a couple of months to the 2023 Presidential Election. He was, to the surprise of not a few, appointed a Spokesperson to LP’s Presidential Campaign Committee, and by extension, it’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate.

However, in recent months, Okonkwo has been attacking Obi, including calling him weak, a situation that has perplexed not a few people.

COAS’ Health: “In Absence Of COAS, Major General Bagudu Is Standing In” – Nigerian Army

Adesina Soyooye

October 20, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

The Army Headquarters on Saturday moved to douse the anxiety over the health status of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja.

In the past couple of days, anxiety over his health status had been raised high considerably.

It was SaharaReprters which first broke the news that Lagbaja was very ill and has been flown out of the Country by his family members.

While many doubted the angle that it was his family that flew him out, and asked: why not the Federal Government, Defence Headquarters or the Army, it is now confirmed that, indeed, the COAS is ill and the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu, is standing-in for him.

Reports had insisted that the COAS was so ill he no longer had any sense of hearing. There was also the insinuation that a number of things, including promotions were at a standstill and, therefore, triggered a brewing discontent. There were also hints of alleged quiet struggle and lobby for Lagbaja’s high profile office among senior Army Officers.

But the Nigerian Army, in a statement, made light of the health status of the COAS, and dismissed, as utter rubbish, the insinuations that nobody was in charge; that Senior Officers were in a struggle for Lagbaja’s office; that activities, and especially, promotions, were at a standstill.

In the statement signed by Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, it said the COAS is on a medical vacation, and revealed that until he returns, Major General Bagudu is standing-in for him. The COAS is, afterall, a human being, the statement noted.

Following, the full text of the Army’s statement as put out by Major General Nwachukwu.

“Recently, the media space, especially social media, has been awash with stories, rumours, and innuendos about happenings in the Nigerian Army(NA).

“While some of these are laughable and deserve no further reference, others have bordered on pure mischief calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.

“Specifically, many insinuations about personnel postings, promotions, and even training activities have been raised vis-a-vis the official leave of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.

“This is not peculiar to the NA as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence.

“Claims of leadership vacuum in the NA presently is, therefore, mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the Service are on course.

“Indeed, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure.

“Subsequently and in line with extant procedures, the Commander Traning and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, announced the result after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently answers for the Chief of Army Staff in his absence on leave and medical checkup abroad.

“Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos.

“This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna.

“The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management.

“Contrary to the insinuation that the absence of the COAS occasioned by his leave, has caused undue delay in the release of the result of the WO-MWO promotion exercise, the NA wishes to clarify that it has never been the practice for the COAS to sign postings or promotions for both officers and soldiers in the NA.

“The appropriate Departmental Chiefs perform these functions routinely. These Departmental Chiefs, demonstrating their unwavering commitment, are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

“The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the NA and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.

“Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him.

“The Army Headquarters assures Nigerians and the international community that all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities are on course and that the COPP(A) is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the COAS.”

The absence of the COAS from official duties became public when he was nowhere to be seen during the activities which marked Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

President Tinubu Returns After Two week Working Leave

Ayodele Oni

October 20, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu returned to the country on Saturday evening after a two-week working leave.

A report monitored on the NTA News indicated that the president was received at the Abuja airport by top government officials and aides.

President Tinubu commenced a two week working leave on October 2, and departed Abuja for the United Kingdom. The presidency had explained that the two week leave is, part of the President’s yearly leave.

Bayo Onanuga, special Adviser on Information and Strategy, stated that the president will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.

The president, during the working leave had reported to have left UK for France with the presidency defending that he was free to choose where he would spent his leave.

The vice president, Kashim Shettima also traveled out of the country to Sweden during the week for an official engagement.

The absence of the two leaders had generated reactions from opposition especially Peter Obi, of the Labour Party (LP) who faulted the absence of the two leaders from the country.

Obi, knocked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their simultaneous foreign trip, leaving numerous domestic issues unaddressed.

He stated that “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa , there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.

“The President had told us he would only be gone for 14 days. The 14 days have passed now, and we are waiting to see him in the country.

“One would have expected him to return earlier than expected, considering the volume of work that needs to be done in a troubled nation like ours.

“The untold hardship that has been unleashed on our people as a result of some of his administration’s policies is unimaginable and we need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation.

“Again, since the President is reportedly in Paris, France, which is just about 833 nautical miles from Stockholm, Sweden, one wonders why he did not just attend the 2-day working visit to Sweden. He could simply have done it on his way back from France with his new powerful jet, which would have taken him a little over 2 hours.

“This would have saved time and the very scarce national resources we need critically at this time. Instead, he delegated the Vice President, who needed to travel 3055 nautical miles, over nine hours, and (about 4 times the travel time from Paris) Abuja, Nigeria, to Stockholm, Sweden, to represent him at the event. It would take about 4 times the time and distance it takes to travel from Paris to Stockholm to travel from Abuja to Stockholm.

“This does not represent the kind of fiscal responsibility and common sense that is expected of leaders whose people are facing severe hunger and poverty.

However, special adviser to the president on media and strategy, Bayo Onanuga had argued that government activities were ongoing despite the absence of the president and his vice.

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