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Peter Obi: Clarifying The False Claims Made By Contractor

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The Source
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Peter Obi
Peter Obi

By Valentine Obienyem

Recently, misinformation has been circulating, claiming that Mr. Peter Obi, during his tenure as Governor, owed a contractor ₦36 million for a supply. This baseless allegation appears to be a calculated act of blackmail.

It is worth noting that, during Mr. Obi’s administration, over 5,000 contractors and suppliers worked with the government. Yet, curiously, only one individual has come forward with such a claim. Six months before Mr. Obi left office, public announcements were made – through newspapers and other media channels – urging contractors or suppliers with unpaid claims to come forward for resolution.

The person behind this allegation is Chief Ikem Okeke from Nri. Notably, Chief Okeke’s mother served as Commissioner for Education in Mr. Obi’s government for several years. It is left for investigative journalists to unearth what he benefitted in the Ministry under his mother and against Obi’s policy that those in government should not award contracts to their sons and daughters.

The baseless allegation of a debt of 36 Million Naira was known in government. It was a contract that was duly settled, where the contractor was just trying to be clever and has gone to court and everywhere and yet lost out.

These claims are not only unfounded but also represent a disingenuous attempt to tarnish Mr. Obi’s reputation by an individual who now aligns with an opposing political camp. As Mr. Obi has always maintained, he is not a saint. However, his record in private, corporate, and public life remains unrivalled and exemplary.

A Lawyer and Obi’s Aide wrote from Awka

AFCON 2025: Osimhen Equals Odegbami’s Goal Scoring Mark, As Nigeria Books AFCON Ticket

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles - Ademola and Victor Osimhen

By Akinwale Kasali

The 81st minute strike by Galatasaray Football Club Forward, Victor Osimhen, secured the Super Eagles of Nigeria the ticket for its 21st African Cup of Nation, AFCON, appearance at the continental showpiece.

The Coach Gernot Rohr led Benin Republic team had taken a first half lead in Abidjan, before a late equaliser from the reigning  African Footballer of the Year, put the Cheetahs’ prospects for qualification on the wire.

The game played under driving rain inside the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, produced a number of interesting moments, but the biggest was when Osimhen celebrated wildly as his 81st minute header sailed past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and not only secured Nigeria’s first place in the group, but also put him at par with the legendary Segun Odegbami in goals’ tally for Nigeria.

Both are now joint second to the top man, Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) who scored 37 goals in 58 matches.

Osimhen’s goal, in which he profited from a pinpoint cross from Moses Simon, and restored parity on the night after Mohamed Tijani’s goal for the Cheetahs in the 16th minute, was his 23rd for the senior team.

Odegbami, the former captain of the team who took the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations finals by the scruff, scored his 23 goals in 46 matches.

The downpour ushered the two teams into a game of two halves, with the Cheetahs keeping possession and running rings round the Super Eagles for large swathes of the first period. However, Tijani’s header from a cross by the vibrant Junior Olaitan that found the net by going through the legs of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, was against the run of play.

Minutes earlier, Alex Iwobi had miscued when Osimhen headed down the ball for him from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, and Osimhen himself was foiled by Dandjinou just before the Cheetahs struck at the other end.

Nwabali was alert to punch away as Olaitan broke loose three minutes later, and it was ding-dong until four minutes before the break, when Osimhen should have scored from a brilliant Onyemaechi cross, only to watch the ball roll away from goal after his header.

In the 55th minute, Ademola Lookman and Osimhen caused anxious moments at the Benin Republic rear, but Olaitan also got close after Captain William Ekong and Olaoluwa Aina fumbled with the ball down the line. Onyemaechi, coming forward a lot, saw his shot roll agonizingly away from goal just after the hour, and Osimhen headed wide away in the 74th minute as the Cheetahs began to nurse hopes of a win.

Osimhen had other ideas. His goal sent the Super Eagles to Morocco 2025 as group winners, and ensured the Eagles remain unbeaten in the AFCON qualification campaign going into their last game of the series, against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.

Rwanda, with five points from their five games after an unexpected 1-0 loss to Libya in Kigali also on Thursday, must beat the Super Eagles in Uyo and hope that Libya overwhelm Benin Republic in Tripoli on Monday, to spring to second place and collect the second ticket to the finals from Group D.

“It was a tough game and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equalizer. The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen said.

Finally, Bwala Goes Back To His Vomit, Accepts Ngelale’s Job From President Tinubu

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Daniel Bwala and Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

One year after he publicly resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, in protest against President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, a Lawyer, has gone back to his vomit.

Bwala was a visible face in the APC, and a vocal voice too, but he noisily resigned from the party in the months running up to the 2023 Presidential Election, in protest against the choice by then candidate Tinubu of  Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate. Both then candidates are Muslims.

Denouncing, very vehemently, the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Bwala said it was dangerous for the country and that it would spell doom for the APC.

Bwala, then, joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and, thinking a big fish has swam into  its net, the Party quickly appointed him the Spokesman for its Presidential Campaign Council.

But no sooner did the Muslim-Muslim ticket clinch the Presidential seat than Bwala began to sing a new song. He began romancing President Tinubu hotly, and became a strong defender of the President’s policies. He visited him in the State House, and flaunted the picture they took all over the Social Media.

Now, President Tinubu has not only taken note, he has forgiven Bwala his sins as he did for a number of people. He has blessed him with an appointment.

On Thursday, President Tinubu appointed Bwala as

his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications (State House). He is the replacement for Ajuri Ngelale who, sensationally too, resigned, citing a sudden, unexplained health issues in his family which he needed to concentrate on and take care of.

Bwala’s appointment was announced by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga also announced Tinubu’s appointment of three Directors-General of various Agencies.

They are:

■Mr. Olawale Olopade — Director-General, National Sports Commission

■ Dr. Abisoye Fagade — Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism

■Dr. Adebowale Adedokun — Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement

Onanuga: “Olopade, the new Director-General of the National Sports Commission, is a sports administrator with many years of experience in the sector.

“He served as commissioner of youth and sports in Ogun state and was chairman of the local organising committee of the 2024 National Sports Festival.

“The new Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Abisoye Fagade is a marketing communication professional. He is the founder and managing director of Sodium Brand Solutions.

“Adedokun, the new helmsman of the Bureau of Public Procurement, was the director of Research/Training and Strategic Planning at the bureau before his appointment.”

FBN Holdings Shareholders Approve N14bn Dividend, Oyedeji As New GMD

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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FBNHoldings AGM

The shareholders of FBN Holdings have unanimously approved a total of N14.4 billion as dividend for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2023.

They gave the approval at the company’s 12th Annual General Meeting which was conducted virtually on Thursday.

The approved dividend translated to 40k per share.

At the Annual General Meeting, Dr Alimi Abdul-Razaq, representing the Chairman of FBN Holdings, Femi Otedola, who was regrettably unable to attend, sought the approval of the shareholders for the appointment of Adebowale Oyedeji as the incoming Group Managing Director.

Oyedeji a seasoned professional with a proven track record in the financial sector would succeed  Nnamdi Okonkwo at the conclusion of his tenure.

The transition in leadership marks a significant milestone for FBN Holdings as the Board of Directors aims to ensure continuity and drive sustainable growth for the organisation.

Oyedeji’s wealth of experience and strategic acumen position him as a fitting candidate to steer the company towards achieving its long-term objectives while upholding its commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

Abdul-Razaq said the decision to appoint Oyedeji reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership capabilities and vision for the future of FBN Holdings.

In addition to the current N150 billion right issue, the company sought shareholder’s approval for an additional N350 billion at the AGM.

“It is important to note that these funds will be allocated carefully and strategically to support the bank in achieving its objectives and fulfilling its obligations to its stakeholders.

“The prudent use of these combined funds will enable the bank to strengthen its financial position, enhance its operational capabilities, and better serve its customers and the community at large.

“This significant capital injection reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and value creation, while also ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

“As we move forward with this proposal, we remain dedicated to transparent communication, effective governance, and responsible decision-making to secure the long-term prosperity and success of the firm,” Abdul-Razaq said.

During the meeting, the outgoing Group Managing Director, Okonkwo delivered an insightful address regarding the current trajectory of the company, emphasising the positive momentum within the firm.

He highlighted a remarkable 134 per cent surge in gross earnings over the nine-month period.

As a consequential outcome, the firm experienced an impressive 124 per cent escalation in bottom-line performance, recording an outstanding total of N611 billion.

Okonkwo underscored the significance of sustaining the growth as demonstrated in the recently concluded financial report.

He expressed unwavering confidence in the company’s capabilities and assured shareholders of the strategic initiatives already in motion.

“This commitment reflects the leadership’s steadfast dedication to driving the firm towards further success and prosperity, he said.

Okonkwo’s address not only celebrated the achievements of the past years but also laid a foundation for continued progress and excellence.

His reassurance serves as a testament to the company’s resilience and determination on the path ahead.

“Today, we have 42 million customers in First Bank flagship operation, we have 15.6 million subscribers on USSD platform, we have 6.6 million mobile phone subscribers. In agency banking, nobody comes near us, we have over 270,000 agents across the country,” Okonkwo said.

A shareholder, Mrs Bisi Bakare expressed her admiration for the exceptional leadership demonstrated by the Chairman of FBN Holdings, Femi Otedola, as well as the board and management of the company.

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She highlighted Otedola’s significant positive impact on the share price of FBN Holdings, which surged from N3.85 to N35 under his guidance.

She, however, called for increased dividend payouts from FBN Holdings Plc in the years ahead.

Also, the shareholders gave their approval for the capital raise of up to N350 billion by the year 2025.

The decision to raise N350 billion will be through various financial instruments and opportunities such as public offerings, private placements, and rights issues in both local and international capital markets.

The pricing mechanisms for these activities will be determined through rigorous valuation methods such as book building processes, ensuring transparency and fair market value

Ogun LG Elections: Fun Lovers Postpone Parties, Govt Declares Friday Holiday

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Dapo Abiodun
Governor Dapo Abiodun

Party lovers in Ogun state have been forced to postpone their events slated for Saturday November 15 due to the local government elections in the Gateway state.

The Governor Dapo Abiodun-led state has slated tomorrow for the election to elect new officers to manage the 20 Local government areas in the state. As a result residents that have earlier decided to organise parties have now moved their events to another date.

This also comes as the state government has declared Friday November 14 public holiday, which according to the government is to enable civil and public servants to participate fully in electing their representatives at the grassroots level.

Some fun lovers who spoke with the magazine said they have no other option since the government has already restricted movement of people and vehicles within the period of the elections.

“We already fixed a wedding for tomorrow. But had to shift the date because of the election. Who will attend the event when vehicles are not allowed to move. Are your guests going to fly to the event centres? One person told the magazine.

Another person told the magazine that the burial ceremony of his father had earlier been scheduled before “the government decided to conduct the election. But the government is supreme. What are we going to do when the government has already made the decision for us. We have no option than to postpone,” he said.

A circular signed by the state head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, on Thursday said the governor approved the holiday so that government workers could fully participate in the election.

The HoS said elections will take place in the 20 LGAs and 237 wards in the state, according to the guidelines provided  by the election umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The head of the workers in the state sadi the declaration of a work-free day is in line with “Governor Abiodun’s efforts to prioritise the welfare and participation of citizens in the democratic processes.”

The state is among some states in the country that recently decided to conduct LGAs elections following the July landmark judgment fo the Supreme Court affirming autonomy to the 776 LGAs in the country.

Analysts familiar with what is going on informed the magazine that the state governments are rushing to conduct the elections to avoid the seizure of allocations from the federal government.

The Tinubu administration has warned the 36 state governments in the country, that no local government elections, no allocations of funds.

Power Failure: Enough Of Rhetoric- Minister

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Adebayo Adelabu - Minister of Power

Nigeria’s power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu says the federal government is now taking concrete steps to address the nation’s electricity problems.

According to Adelabu, the government has now decided to match promise with words in order to finally resolve the incessant power outages in the country.

The minister spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the 4th edition of the annual workshop organised by the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria, PCAN.

The minsiter was represented at the event by the Director, Renewables & Rural Access in the ministry, Sunday Owolabi.

He said successive administrations in the country had promised to address the challenges even though the problems persisted, stressing that the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu will go beyond mere rhetoric to tackle the challenges in the sector.

Adelabu’s admonition comes when Nigerians are already giving up hope on the ability of the country’s authority to address the decades of power problem in the country.

For instance, the national grid had collapsed at least 10 times this year, the recent being two weeks ago when electricity customers were against thrown into darkness, while businesses suffered.

Speaking yesterday, Adelabu said the government is now ready to move from rhetoric by taking practical steps to address the problems of electricity failures, saying “we resolute in our mission to improve the power supply for every Nigerian.”

To achieve this, the minister stated that huge investments are being made in the sector to close “infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks,” apart from other reforms that the government has embarked on to turn the tide in the sector.

He said, “For many years, we have had discussions, deliberations, and strategic dialogues on the challenges facing the power sector. We have heard the calls for reform, the promises of growth, and the visions of a brighter energy future.

“Yet, it is clear that words alone will no longer suffice. We have reached a pivotal moment where the time for action has arrived. Our citizens, industries, and economy can no longer wait for promises; they demand results.

“The government remains fully committed to transforming Nigeria’s power sector through meaningful and actionable reforms. We are focused on ensuring that our policies are not only visionary but also practical, impactful, and sustainable.

“From the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks, to the vital reforms in distribution and the full implementation of the electricity market, we are resolute in our mission to improve the power supply for every Nigerian.”

The magazine reports that the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, while speaking on the problems facing the sector, said endemic corruption is to blame.

Uzodimma Mourns Justice Ogwuegbu, Says He Was Imo’s Special Gift To Nigeria

By
The Source
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Justice Emmanuel Ogwuegbu

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has described the late Justice Emmanuel Ogwuegbu as one of the special gifts Imo State gave to Nigeria.

Justice Ogwuegbu whose impact was felt in the judiciary for more than 50 years, and eventually retired from the Supreme Court (1992-2003), hails from Amainyi in Ihitte- Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.

He was aged 91.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Imo State Governor said his principal is greatly pained over the loss.

He said Justice Ogwuegbu was an illustrious Nigerian legal icon from Imo State, a respected ambassador who will be missed sorely.

He said Imo people are  consoled by the fact that Justice Ogwuegbu was one of their special gifts to Nigeria as a country and the judiciary as an institution.

Governor Uzodimma said that Justice Ogwuegbu’s enduring legacy of mentoring equally great minds in the country’s legal institution, and his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity and rule of law in Nigeria will not be forgotten in a hurry.

The Governor therefore conveys his heartfelt condolences, on behalf of his family, the government and people of Imo State, to the late Justice Ogwuegbu’s family, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the entire judiciary, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Governor Uzodimma also prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful repose.

Deji Adeyanju Begged Me For PDP Job” – Wike

By
The Source
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Nyesom Wike and Deji Adeyanju

By Gideon Njoku

The Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed Deji Adeyanju, a Lawyer and activist as a jobless man.

The Minister, also, revealed that Adeyanju, who he referred to as a boy, approached him to beg to be made the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party. But, according to Wike, he refused to grant Adeyanju’s request. Noted the Minister decisively: “That is the person who now calls himself am activist.”

Adeyanju, in company with  Martins Otse, popular as VeryDarkMan, had, a few days ago, led a protest over the Minister’s demolition of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road.

Tackling Wike, Adeyanju had noted: “There is no justification for this demolition”. He urged President Bola Tinubu to weigh in and save the people from Wike. The protesters had also asked the President to remove Wike from office as Minister.

But Wike, who hardly allows such comments pass without a response laughed at the idea that Adeyanju is an activist. He called him a jobless man just looking for attention while speaking to some Journalists in Abuja.

He told a story of how Adeyanju begged him for a chance to work for the PDP.

Wike:  “I saw one young man, they call him Adeyanju. He is from Kogi State. This young boy came to me that he wants to be the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP and I said no.

“I said he won’t be, and he was not. I have no regret about it. He has suddenly become a civil society activist.

“He has no job and that’s why he decided to turn to a civil society activist”.

Adeyanju was yet to respond at the time of filing this story.

Wike Suspends FCDA Executive Secretary, Ahmad

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Shehu Hadi Ahmad

By Adesina Soyooye

Shehu Hadi Ahmad, an Engineer, and the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, has been suspended from office indefinitely.

Ahmad was suspended on the orders of the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Engr. Ahmad’s suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced by Wike’s newly appointed Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.

The reason for the suspension is not public yet, and it is not known if the suspended top officer was issued with a query before his suspension, but the FCT has been engulfed in protests by hundreds of residents over the demolition of houses which  has destabilized families and made hundreds of people homeless.

Ahmad was ordered to hand over to the Director of Engineering Services, FCDA.

“No, It is Abuse Of Power To Hold Both Majority And Minority Positions” – PDP To Gov Otti

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed strong  reservations over the refusal of the State authorities to accord commensurate recognition to the status and strength of the party in the State House of Assembly.

The Source reports that although the PDP lost the race for the Abia state Gubernatorial race in the 2023 general elections, it still managed to maintain the majority status at the legislative arm of the Government with 12 members.

The ruling Labour, LP, until the defection of two Young Progressive Party YPP, Lawmakers into its fold, was having nine state legislators with the All Progressive Congress APC, holding one.

Curiously, the LP appropriated the Speakership, the Majority leadership position ,as well as other Principal Officers of the State legislative body.

The PDP, even with its majority status, was not allowed  to produce the position of the  Majority Leader of the House in line with its numerical strength .

But in an open letter addressed to the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Thursday November 14, 2024, and made available to this Magazine, Comrade Abraham Amah, the PDP Chairman called for the immediate reversal of the leadership positions at the legislative branch of the Government to reflect the true status of the composite parties.

According to the PDP Chairman, it is widely recognized that the PDP holds majority seats in the House and, therefore, will want to be  accorded its rightful status in the scheme of things.

“I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the current state of democratic governance in Abia State under your administration.

“As a citizen committed to the principles of democracy ,I’m alarmed by the apparent abuse of democratic ideals that that has been observed, particularly, concerning the representation and treatment of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the Abia state House of Assembly.

“It is widely recognized that the PDP holds 12 seats in the House, constituting a significant proportion of the Assembly, .

“The exclusion of the PDP from positions that rightfully belong to the majority party not only undermines the democratic process, but also sets a troubling precedent for governance in our state.

“It is essential that all parties are given equal opportunities and representation within the Assembly, especially, when considering the composition of the legislature.

“While it is understood that coalitions and alliances may be formed within the Assembly, it is crucial that such arrangements do not result in the complete disregard for the established norms of democratic representation .

“If Labour Party with its 11 members, has entered into a coalition with the APC which has one seat, it would be utterly inappropriate for Labour Party to claim all positions designated for both the majority and the minority parties.

“This kind of maneuvering threatens the foundation of our democracy and erodes public thrust in elected officials” part of the letter reads .

The PDP, therefore, has called for an immediate action to rectify the unusual situation. According to Amah, restoring fairness and sanity to the political landscape is essential in preventing further escalation and maintain peace within the state.

” It is vital that we demonstrate our commitment to democratic  values, not only for the sake of our current governance, but, also, to set a positive example for future generations who are observing our action and decisions”, PDP noted

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