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“Tinubu Told Me He Was Unaware How Bad The Economy Was When He Became President” – Akpabio

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

By Akinwale Kasali

“Under Buhari, Nigeria Was On Life Support” – Akpabio

Amid Economic woes, Senate President Godswill Akpabio is pleading with Nigeria to support President Bola Tinubu.

Akpabio said that Nigeria’s economic woes did not begin with Tinubu. The country, he revealed, was on life support when Tinubu took over as President. For the records, Tinubu’s predecessor was President Muhammadu Buhari of same All Progressives Congress, APC, as  Tinubu, and a man he helped in no small way to put in office, and praised to high heavens till he handed over to him (Tinubu) on May 29, 2023.

Akpabio appealed that Tinubu needs all the support as he continues to work tirelessly to address the economic challenges bedeviling the country.

Speaking at his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio, who is representing Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District at the Senate, told his listeners the country was  on “life support” when President Tinubu assumed office.

He recounted a conversation with President Tinubu about the state of the economy inherited from the previous administration.

He said: “Nigeria was on life support when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took over. I once asked him, ‘Are you excited about being President after seeing the economy left behind by Emefiele?’ He replied, ‘Small President, I must tell you, I didn’t know it was this bad.’”

The Senate President expressed optimism about ongoing economic reforms, noting that while they may be painful, they are necessary for sustainable growth.

“You did it in Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time. We are praying for you, and God will grant you the wisdom to lead us to El Dorado.”

Senator Akpabio flagged off the distribution of empowerment items, including: 1,000 bags of rice per local government in his senatorial district; deep freezers and generators for traders and fishing businesses; cargo tricycles for cassava and oil palm farmers.

Others include: Motorcycles for rural mobility; keke Napep (tricycles) for wealth creation; vehicles were distributed to Paramount Rulers to aid mobility and governance,with Students receiving N200,000 education grants each.

Religious Tolerance: “ I Love Christians, They Helped Me When I Was Deposed – Emir Sanusi

By
James Orji
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Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano has called on all religious groups in the country to live in harmony, saying there is no cause to fight each other.

His remark comes amidst the controversies that have trailed plan by some elements to imposed Sharia Court, in South West Nigeria, and its rejection by the predominantly Yoruba people in the region who have described it to be alien to their history and tradition.

The Muslim legal code is currently operating in some parts of Northern Nigeria,

Its imposition in other parts of the country could lead to religious war, according to those versed in religion.

The traditional ruler made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at the 50th anniversary of the visit of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass to Jos, Plateau state.

Nyass, the late President of Senegal visited the country when General Yakubu Gowon was Nigeria’s military head of state.

Sanusi, a former Nigeria Central Bank Governor, said what the country needs at the moment is development rather than religious violence.

He said what happened to him in the past has taught him that there are good people in both Islam and Christians, with some bad eggs who give the religions bad image.

Referencing his predicaments after he was deposed as Emir of Kano, Sanusi said it was ‘Christians’ who got him out of the state, by providing an aircraft that flew him out from Kano, following his banishment by the Governor Ganduje’s administration.

He said what the country needs at the moment is serious investment in infrastructure and agriculture, urging western countries to assist in these areas rather than ‘bringing religion’ to the country.

“ We already have religion. Let them come and invest in agriculture,” he said.

He added“If you really love the North, come and give us information technology, build hospitals and build schools. Don’t preach hatred. Don’t preach enmity. We do not want it.

“We have been Muslims and Christians for hundreds of years. We do not need anybody to come and tell us how to be Muslims and Christians.

“My character was formed by CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria). Yusuf Pam, here, is my good friend and classmate. We went to school together and we went to ABU Zaria together and Lagos together successfully.”

He added: “I have Muslim friends and I have many Christian friends. When I was asked to leave Kano in 2020, it was Christians who made available for me a plane to jet out. Why should I not like Christians and Christianity?”

Sanusi stated: “The Quran said that you must be close to those who you love most, and Christians are there. Why are we interested in preaching hatred?

“Allah does not prevent you from being kind to those who love you. What stops you as a Muslim from saying ‘Happy Christmas to a Christian? Allah only trusts you on account of your faith. Everyone has the freedom of speech, belief and worship their way.

“Fight those who wage war against you, but you should not be on the aggression. As I have said, Christianity and Islam don’t preach hatred. So, anybody who preaches hatred should be arrested and prosecuted, whether Muslim or Christian.”

On May 9, 2020 former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje deposed Sanusi, accusing him of political interference.

But on May 23, he staged a comeback to the throne of his forebears after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated him as emir of Kano.

DHQ Vows To Neutralize Terrorists In New Year, Says Turji A Dead Man

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bandits Leader Bello-Turji

By Ayodele Oni

The Defence Headquarters, (DHQ) has vowed that time is up for leaders of terrorists groups as they will all meet their Waterloo in the new year.

DHQ described notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, as a “dead man walking,” following his recent threats against the military and communities in Zamfara State.

Turji, in a viral video, had challenged the military, accusing it of targeting elderly people and demanding the release of a detained associate, Baka Wurgi.

He had further threatened to unleash terror on Zamfara residents in 2025 if his demands were not met.

Reacting during the end-of-year briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba dismissed Turji’s threats as empty rhetoric, vowing that the bandit leader would meet the same fate as other terrorist commanders.

Buba said: “Bello Turji is merely a dead man walking. It would be insulting to engage in a war of words with a terrorist. Before him, others who dared to boast against security forces have all been neutralised. The same fate awaits Turji and his likes.

“These so-called terrorist leaders who think they are untouchable will eventually meet their end. Many have been buried on the battlefield, and 2025 will see the same fate for others. Their time is up.”

Poor Service Condition:  Resident Doctors In Ondo Medical University Begin Indefinite Strike

By
Ayodele Oni
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo, will welcome the new year with an indefinite strike over poor condition of service.

Members of the association had on Monday protested following refusal of the management of the hospital to heed to their demands.

They demanded a stop to illegal deductions from their salaries, stop huge payment of taxes, non-payment of hazard allowance amongst others.

Branch President of ARD, Dr Olaogbe Kehinde, said the workload was too much for doctors in the hospital which has forced some of the doctors to resign, while others left without prior notification due to poor conditions of service.

Dr. Olaogbe pointed out that despite pleadings that the hospital management should review of their working conditions, nothing has changed.

Olaogbe stated that the strike action  was a difficult decision to take, but due to failure to address critical issues affecting its members, decayed infrastructure, and non delivery of quality healthcare services, members have not option.

According to him, doctors could no longer work under conditions that undermine their well-being and compromise patient care.

He urged the state government to expedite action on payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances, improve working conditions in the three centres across the state, and ensure prompt implementation of their demands.

“We demand the correction of irregularities and discrepancies in salary payments, the implementation of the new minimum wage scale, and parity in salary payments with other tertiary hospitals as stipulated in the teaching hospital constitution, among other issues.

“We deeply regret any inconvenience this strike may cause to patients and the public.”

Immediate past President of the union, Dr. John Matthew, revealed that the disparity between the salary of doctors in Ondo State and other states is huge due to illegal deductions and taxes.

He said many doctors in the state have left to take up appointments in other states.

“We will not return to work until our demands are met. Money is the core issue because that is what is driving doctors away.

“There is a huge disparity in payment between Ondo and Ogun States. Doctors will go to states which are giving doctors good welfare packages but the conditions are terrible welfare here.

“The issues are Illegal deductions from our salary and the humugous taxes we are paying. It is killing the system and driving doctors away.

“The hospital was disconnected from the national grid and we were sleeping and working in the dark.”

Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Gbala Micheal, pleaded with the striking  doctors for more time to enable management address their grievances.

Anambra Killings: Former IPOB/Kanu’s  Lawyer Asks Anambrarians To Rise And Confront The Devils

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ifeanyi Ejiofor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Anambra residents have been urged to get fully involved in the fight against criminality, terrorism and sundry criminal activities in the State.

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, former Lead Counsel to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its detained Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who made the call on Tuesday December, 31, 2024, expressed serious concern that Anambra state has fallen under unprecedented  siege.

Ejiofor called on Governor Charles Soludo to shift focus from Media narratives to the real business of tackling the  unprecedented security challenges currently besetting the state.

Ejiofor’s admonishment is coming against the backdrop of the gruesome killings of two security operatives and five others on Monday, December, 30, at a funeral ceremony in Ihiala Local Council of the State by gunmen .

The Anambra State Police Command which disclosed the unfortunate incident in a statement late Monday, however, was not specific as to which of the security agencies was involved in the incident, which occurred at about 11.30 am.

Spokesperson for the Anambra State Police authorities,Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, who issued the statement, noted that the hoodlums who stormed the venue when the burial programme was already in progress, started shooting sporadically, and killed seven victims.

According to him, several others were also injured, when mourners were scampering for safety.

“Also, while escaping the scene, the armed men shot at two security operatives at a security observation post close to the Ihiala Local Government Headquarters by the express road.

The unfortunate attack resulted in the death of seven persons ,among which were two unarmed passersby”, Ikenga stated.

Instructively, Monday’s attack, remains yet another in the plethora of violent and criminal activities that have dogged the landscape of Anambra State in the last few months.

The attacks have, also, resulted in several mindless deaths of innocent persons and wanton destructions of both private and public facilities, worth several billions of Naira.

A few days before the Ihiala attack, the state and security agencies had been hard put ,trying to resolve the riddles behind the abduction of Hon Justice Azuka, Labour Party,  LP State Lawmaker  in the State House of Assembly and the gruesome killing of a Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo

While Rev Okonkwo was felled by gunmen on December, 26, along Onitsha/Owerri road, Hon Azuka was abducted on Ugwunpampa road Onitsha on the eve of the Christmas.

The former IPOB lawyer, while reacting to the Ihiala attack, described as tragic and unspeakable atrocities the mindless killings of unsuspecting Nigerians.

According to him, the latest unprovoked attacks and murders are a sad reminder of the siege Anambra State is presently under .

“Watching those harrowing clips, I am filled with grief and outrage. My heart bleeds”, he stated.

He insisted  that the State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, should, as a matter of urgent, necessity, frontally confront those who have been spilling innocent blood in the State .

Similarly, he tasked residents, to take the bull by the horn and join hands with the authorities in protecting lives and properties.

“The call is a call for decisive and collective action. The weakened state security apparatus alone cannot bear the burden .

“Every able-bodied son of Anambra must rise to the challenge, joining forces in a determined effort to eradicate these predators who exploit every opportunity to terrorize and retreat into their dens .

“As we close the year on this heart-wrenching note, our resolve must be unwavering and resolute. It is unacceptable to continue tolerating the political compromises that endanger the lives of our people.

“These criminals are no strangers. they are shielded by those within our communities.The state must deploy every available resources to protect its citizens.

“Anambra state cannot remain a safe haven for such heinous acts .The time for lip service is over. Enough is enough.” Ejiofor stated

Borno Flood Victims Get Relief Packages, Cash Worth N18.08bn

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Borno Flood Victims Get Relief Packages

By Ayodele Oni

Succour has come to some victims of flood disaster which occurred in Borno state four months ago, as they have started to receive relief packages donated by governments and prominent individuals within and outside the country.

The Chairman of the Relief Disbursement Committee, Mr Baba-Bukar Gujibawu, disclosed in Maiduguri that not less than 101,330 households affected by the Sept.10, 2024 flood disaster in within the state capital, and its environs have received food and non-food items, including cash payments of N18.08 billion.

Gujibawu, made this known  while presenting the committee’s report to Governor Babagana Zulum.

He explained that more than one million people were affected by the flood disaster which displaced 101,330 households, and resulted in the destruction of public infrastructure, farmlands, and loss of lives.

According to him, the committee received N18.2 billion in donations through a basket fund supported by the federal and state governments, corporate organisations, and individuals.

Gujibawu explained that the N18.2 billion received by the committee included the contribution of N10 billion from Borno State Government.

“The committee allocated N987 million to assist 7,716 traders in affected markets; N313 million to 814 worship centres; N213 million to 267 private schools; N89.4 million to 1,788 youths who contributed during the flood, and N12.5 million to 22 private clinics.

Gujbawu revealed that in addition to that, the committee received donations of drugs, medical supplies, food, and other essential items worth billions of naira.

“The committee recommended that the remaining N4.45 billion in its account be used to rehabilitate roads in flood-hit areas of Gongulong and Old Maiduguri roads while the remaining food and non-food items should be distributed to host communities.”

Gujbawu expressed gratitude to Zulum for giving them freehand without interference in carrying out the assignment and commended his members for their dedication.

Responding, Governor Zulum assured the committee of implementing the committee’s recommendations.

The governor directed the immediate activation of a permanent disaster response structure at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) as recommended by the committee’s report.

He also directed the Secretary to the State Government to devise modalities for properly capturing street names and house numbers in all communities within the state capital and its environs.

The governor also charged the Ministry of Works to immediately reconstruct the road networks destroyed by floods in different communities.

Zulum commended the Federal Government for its support to victims of the Maiduguri flood disaster and, specifically, President Bola Tinubu, for the love and care he displayed to the people of Borno during the disaster.

He thanked the committee for a wonderful job, saying: “Let me commend the members of this important committee for your meticulous work. Insha’Allah, posterity will judge you positively.”

Until I Paid N1m For Logistics, Police Refused To Rescue Abducted Priest – Father Ebube Muonso

By
The Source
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Father Ebube Muonso

By Charles Igbo

A Roman Catholic Priest,  Rev. Father Ebube Muonso Obimma,  has shockingly revealed how the Police in Anambra State refused to rescue an abducted Priest, unless he paid for logistics.

To save the Priest who came back home from abroad where he had been, Father Muonso paid the Police that sum and pushed the Police to take action and rescued the abducted Priest and another business man.

The popular and highly revered Priest told the story while presenting the abducted but now rescued Priest to his congregation. He introduced the shaken Priest as Rev. Fr. Nonso.

Muonso, who is the Spiritual  Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, lashed the Police for such shameful behaviour. He said Fr. Nonso was in the den of kidnappers for one week. And even when his location was tracked by the Police from a nearby State, the Anambra Police, he revealed, refused to lift a finger and told him they do not enter forests. He said it was when he told them that he would lead the operation with his Church’s Security men that they agreed to do something, but still needed mobilisation for logistics.

He wondered what Governor Charles Soludo was doing with the Security Votes he collects and also wondered what happened to the Trackers bought by Soludo’s predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano.

Fr. Ebube Muonso told the story following the abduction and murder of another Priest in Anambra State. His verdict: “Security in Anambra has broken irretrievably.”

Rev Fr Nonso  was kidnapped on December 17, 2024 in Anambra State, a few days  after his return for the Christmas holiday from out of the Country where he is undergoing a course.

According to Fr. Muonso,  “For a week, Father Nonso was in the hands of kidnappers. Government could not do anything, it got to a point where I had to use my arsenal to rescue him.

“I approached a State outside Anambra and begged them to use their tracker to find my brother- priest. They tracked him and sent the full location to me. I sent it to security people and they asked me what I wanted them to do with the information. I told them to go after the kidnappers and rescue our priest, but they told me they usually don’t go into forest.

“I opted to lead the operation. I called the Chief Security of Adoration and told him to assemble his men, let those who have cutlass bring their cutlass and those who have guns should bring it. I will lead the operation. When they saw that I was serious, that was when police told me I should not worry that they can rescue him, but they lack logistics.

“I had to send N1 million to them. This is a State where we have a governor who receives security vote, but it is individuals that are now funding security.

“I called former governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and asked him where the trackers he bought during his tenure were, and he said they were all there. What it means is that we do not have security in this state. May God continue to protect his people.”

What shocked Fr. Muonso most, he disclosed  was that for the period the abducted Priest was in the hands of his abductors, his mobile  phone line was open. The kidnappers neither switched it off, nor disposed of it. They were not afraid of being tracked.

His words: “They knew that there is no security in this State. That is why I said they is no security in Anambra State. Imagine using a tracker from another location to trace kidnappers, yet security refused to act until I opted to use my own security to rescue the victim, and later they accepted and I still paid them N1 million for mobilisation. Only God will lead us.”

In recent months, Anambra has become the real centre of the abduction of innocent  citizens.

2025: Nigeria, US Must Work Together For Global Peace- Obasanjo

By
James Orji
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0
Donald Trump
President Donald Trump

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for better diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States, US in the new year.

The former Nigerian leader made the remark on Monday during an Interview on Arise TV, barely three weeks before a new administration takes over from President Joe Biden.

Donald Trump, who was overwhelmingly elected last month will be sworn in on January 20, 2025 to succeed President Biden as the new occupier of the White House, US seat of power.

During his first term as US president,  Trump relation’s with Africa and Nigeria was not too rosy, and diplomatic analysts insist that the situation may continue in his second term due to his Make America Great Again, MAGA mantra.

Obasanjo however said that the federal government must find a way to solidify diplomatic relations with the world’s largest economy.

The former Nigerian leader also urge the new administration in the US, to treat Africa’s with respect and make the continent top priority in pursuance of her global diplomacy and peace.

He said the American people have elected Trump who once described Africa as a ‘shithole’ and Nigeria must find a way to work with him for both country’s progress and prosperity, adding that the continent is too important for the US to ignore.

Obasanjo said, “Whether anybody likes it or not, the American people have decided that Trump will be their leader, and Trump, being the American people’s leader, will lead America for the next four years and will be the leader of the world,” he said.

“America is the greatest country in the world for now. It may change in a few years.

“Maybe China will take over and become the largest economy or surpass America in terms of technology or military power, but for today America is that country, and we cannot say we have nothing to do with Trump.

“We have to find a way of letting Trump know that what he calls a ‘shithole’ is not it, and we have to make him understand that.

“I believe that there will be policymakers around him that we can reach and talk to.

“America has an enlightened interest in Africa, and we must tell him, ‘This is your interest, and don’t ignore it. We’re ready to work with you; give us the respect and dignity that is due to us, respect our citizens who are in your country, and let us work together for a peaceful world.

“A world that is secured, stable, and where prosperity is shared, and security will be common for everybody’. I believe Trump will understand that,” the ex-president said.

First Bank Ends Top Staff Career; Over 100 Sacked 

By
James Orji
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0
First Bank Alebiosu

Barely a month after First Bank Nigeria Limited, FBN, sacked Folake Ani-Mumuney, the Head of its corporate communications department, some top executives has been removed from their jobs by the management of Nigeria’s premier bank.

At least 100 senior staff members, including some top executive staff are affected in the latest shake-up, Nairametrics reports.

The newspaper, quoting sources in the bank, reported that the decision to throw the staff into the job market as 2024 winds down  may not be unconnected with the ongoing restructuring in the bank.

According to the sources, the bank’s game plan is to replace the old staff with new ones, in line with the direction set by Femi Otedola, the Chairman of the bank as he plans to restructure the commercial bank for the new year.

Recall that Otedola on December 9, spearheaded the sack of Ani-Mumuney, the bank’s Global Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, after blaming her for the lavish party organised by the bank for erstwhile Managing Director, Adesola Adeduntan in November.

Adeduntan, the magazine recalls was sacked in a very controversial circumstances following a N60 billion fraud that took place under his watch as the commercial bank’s chief executive.

The business mogul,  had, following Adeduntan’s removal in June been instrumental to the appointment of Olusegun Alebiosu as FBN managing director, a move described by keen analysts in the banking and financial sector as his quest to fully consolidate his position and protect his interests as the largest shareholders in one of Nigeria’s commercial banks.

In June this year,  Otedola took the position of the commercial bank’s largest stockholder after increasing his shares in FBN Holdings -direct and indirect-to 3,380,462,950 — from 2,517,282,140 shares.

He had, by that action, displaced  Oba Otudeko, which through his company, Barbican Capital had the controlling shares of  3,110,400,619.

CNPP Worries Over President Tinubu’s Financial Disclosure, Calls For Transparency on Crude Oil Sales

By
The Source
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0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu = President

The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) expresses mixed feelings over the recent disclosure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his maiden Presidential Media Chat in Lagos. President Tinubu claimed that his administration has met its financial obligations without resorting to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) for funding. This statement, while seemingly positive, raises several critical questions that demand immediate and transparent answers.

In his media chat, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to believe in his government, stating that the administration, which is “just 18 months” old, is on the right path and marks “a glorious dawn” for Nigeria. He boasted, “Push me to my brag mode, in the last three months, I’ve not taken a penny from NNPC before I meet my other obligations. To me, that is excellent.”

While the CNPP acknowledges the President’s efforts to manage the nation’s finances, we are deeply concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding this development.

Specifically, we question why the President has been borrowing to finance the 2024 budget when there is revenue from crude oil with NNPC Limited. It does not make any business sense to resort to borrowing, especially given Nigeria’s increasing debt profile, when oil revenues are reportedly left in the coffers of NNPC Limited. This is particularly troubling at a time when Nigerians are suffering from severe hunger and struggling to access basic necessities while some are dying in their quest to access free food by spirited individuals.

The CNPP demands a detailed explanation from President Tinubu on this matter. We urge the President to clarify why he prefers borrowing over utilizing available oil revenues. Furthermore, we insist that the administration come clean on the earlier revelation that Nigeria’s crude oil has been sold in advance. The details of this transaction, including the duration of the crude oil sales and the terms of the agreement with the buyers, must be disclosed to the public.

Nigerians deserve to know the full extent of these financial decisions to appreciate the President’s efforts towards economic recovery, stability, and growth as we approach the year 2025. Transparency and accountability are paramount in ensuring that the government’s actions align with the best interests of the Nigerian people.

The CNPP, therefore, calls on President Tinubu to provide comprehensive information on these critical issues. Only through such transparency can the administration build the trust and confidence of the Nigerian populace.

E-Signed,
Comrade James Ezema
Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP)

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