₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Government has announced intentions to evacuate its citizens in Ukraine following an invasion by Russia, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.

The Federal Government of Nigeria is planning for special flight operation to evacuate her citizens from Ukraine in view of the escalating tension between that country and Russia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama in an interview with NTA said the Nigerian embassy in Kiev has been contacted to arrange those wishing to the return home from other areas including Donestk and Luhensk.

The minister assured Nigerians that the ministry is following the event since beginning and promised to do everything for the safety of Nigerians in Ukraine, particularly students.

The Russians have started attacking military installations in Ukraine amidst worries and accusations by the western world of imminent invasion which President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has detailed what it would do to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra.

Speaking in Imo state on Wednesday, Chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu disclosed that the PDP will adopt the strategies that late former President, Umar Musa Yara'dua used in handling the militants of the Niger-Delta.

He added that the IPOB struggle was largely caused by the 'Marginalization' of the Igbos/South-east region.

In his words; "Our party PDP will be taking over government in 2023. We will bring development across the nation and as well solve the ongoing agitations in south-east by the Indigenous People of Biafra over marginalisation by the current ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)".

He expressed confidence that the IPOB issue will be sorted out peacefully.

POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that IPOB, a pro-secessionist group has been agitating for the South-East to break-away from Nigeria. Its leader, Nnamdi Kanu is currently in the custody of the Department of State Security Service, DSS after was captured in Kenya in 2021.

He is facing currently facing charges of Terrorism and Treasonable Felony.

Senator Hassan Nasiha has been nominated as the new Deputy Governor of Zamfara State.

This is coming after the Former Deputy Governor, Mahdi Gusau was impeached earlier today.

At the resumed plenary, the speaker of the House, Nasiru Mua’zu, read a letter from the state Governor Bello Matawalle nominating Senator Hassan as the deputy governor of Zamfara State

Hassan is the Senator representing Zamfara Central Senatorial district.

POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that the former deputy governor enter hot water after refusing to defect with the state governor from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in 6 new commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The brief swearing-in ceremony which took place on Wednesday at the Council Chambers in the Presidential Villa had in attendance the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.

Those sworn in include; Mohammed Haruna (Niger State) Mrs Agbamuche Mbu (Delta) Okeagu Nnamdi (Abia) Maj. Gen. Abubakar Alkali (Rtd.) (Adamawa) Professor Rada Gumus (Bayelsa) Mr. Sam Elumeku (Ogun).

The president's chief of staff, Ibrahim Gambari, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd) and some ministers. Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu had this to say;

"Well, it’s a good day for the Commission, with the swearing-in of the six National Commissioners, we have the full complements of 12 National Commissioners. It’s coming three days to by-elections in four states of the Federation and as we plan for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections."

“As we continue to prepare for the 2023 general elections, we will go on firing on all cylinders now".

The Department of State Services wishes to react to a misleading publication by TrackaNG–BudgIT, self-acclaimed budget implementation monitors to the effect that the Service’s Counter Terrorism Centre, Bauchi is not under construction in spite of budget provisions for it.

"On 19th February, 2022, Tracka on its social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Twitter, posted that the construction of DSS Counter-Terrorism Training Centre, Gubi Dam, Bauchi State allegedly valued at N1.1 Billion in 2021 FG budget was “not done”.  It added that it “visited the site and discovered they only renovated a primary school and mosque adjacent to the site”. Tracka made other unsubstantiated and wild claims as part of its findings."

"To set the records straight, the DSS outrightly dismisses Tracka’s unfounded claims.  It further expresses dismay at the shoddy way Tracka embarked on its project verification exercise as well as the manner it drew conclusions without the slightest efforts to be diligent."

"DSS’ findings have shown that the Tracka Field Officer did not visit the project site where about 17 structures are simultaneously being executed by different contractors. It is instructive to note that the projects are at different levels of completion. It may also be noted that the primary school in question was a dilapidated Nomadic Education Centre located at Galga, near Gubi Dam, Firo where the CTC is located.  The Service, in conjunction with its Land School (site of the CTC), found the primary school in a bad state and decided to renovate it as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, typical of the Service wherever it has such public facility and cohabits with the community. As evidenced by attached pictures, the said school was rehabilitated and handed over to the appreciative Galga community whose children now use better facilities including desks at the school.  Surprisingly, Tracka only stopped its verification of the budget implementation at the primary school from where it drew hasty conclusions of non-implementation. What a lazy way of discharging a mandate."

"Though not opposed to pursuit of accountability and transparency by NGOs, the Service is averse to resorting to fake news and outright misinformation as a way of enlightening the public. To seek redress, the Service has brought the misinformation carried out by Tracka to its Management and in that regard sought a refutal and unreserved apology."

"For the avoidance of doubt, the CTC projects as captured in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 budgets are ongoing (See attached pictures of the site). The DSS and its Director General, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji BICHI are committed to transparency, accountability and service. It is simply for his integrity that Mr. BICHI was called out from retirement to head the foremost intelligence organization. He is not given to corrupt tendencies. So far, he has shown exemplary, purposeful and transformational leadership at the DSS."

"Accordingly, the public is hereby properly guided and should therefore disregard the initial story by Tracka, which is expected to show evidence that disciplinary action is being taken against its staff that misled it. This is how to be accountable and transparent."

"Meanwhile, the CTC is open to anyone who may wish to visit it to verify the level of work there. Going forward, the Service will not take lightly attempts by individuals or organisations like Tracka to defame it."

On Monday, Cynthia Ikena, the lawyer of embattled 'super cop', Abba Kyari, told Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja that her client is a diabetic and hypertensive patient.

She asked the court to release the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police on bail due to Poor health, adding that he needs to travel abroad for proper treatment.

He also asked the court to compel the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to grant him bail pending the hearing and determination of his fundamental right enforcement application.

It would be recalled that the NDLEA arrested Kyari on Feb. 14, 2022, for alleged links to drug-related crimes.

Prior to that, he was suspended for his alleged involvement in a series of illegal and unethical dealings with popular alleged fraudster, Ramon Abbas a.k.a. Hushpuppi who is currently facing charges of money laundering levelled against him by the United States Government last year.

Kyari was regarded as a patriotic policeman and was widely celebrated for his role in ensuring safety in the nation. Some of his achievements are the arrest of Chukwudi Onuamadike, a kidnapper known as Evans, in 2017 and the arrest of Taraba’s wanted kidnapper, Hamisu Wadume in 2019 among others.

For three years in a row (2012, 2013 and 2014), he got the police medal and the House of Representatives gave him an award of outstanding performance in the Nigerian Police in 2020.

Many Nigerians are, however, surprised that the same Kyari who said in 2017 that at the time of Evans’ arrest, the kidnapper gave him $2 million which he rejected got enmeshed in multi-million dollars corruption allegations.

In what appears like a norm in Nigeria, Kyari, like other top Nigerian criminal suspects, attempted to delay the 'justice system' by seeking bail on health grounds. Unfortunately for him, the court denied his request.

In this report, POLITICS NIGERIA looks at some previous cases of corruption where top officials have either collapsed or sought for bail on health grounds during the process of questioning, trial or detention.

Abdulrasheed Maina

The former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina on Dec. 20, 2020 collapsed in court while standing trial on a 12-count charge of fraud and money laundering before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The incident occured weeks after he was extradited from the Niger Republic after he jumped bail and escaped the country.

Maina’s ill-health has been a major reason for his prolonged trial. In 2019, a medical expert testified to his inability to appear before the court due to health reasons and at another instance, his lawyer said Maina was bleeding during a court sitting.

Olisah Metuh

Upon the resumption of his trial for alleged money laundering, the former national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh, collapsed in court on May 21, 2018.

The politician has since been facing a N400 million money laundering charge, and had on several occasions been on admission in various hospitals in Nigeria.

He is said to be having spinal cord ailment for which doctors recommended surgery as definitive treatment and referred him to a London hospital.

Dino Melaye

Accused of culpable homicide, Police on Jan. 5, 2019, arrested Dino Melaye, a former Kogi West Senator but on arrival at the police headquarters in Abuja, he appeared very weak and could not walk by himself.

In the blink of an eye, he slumped as he was breathing heavily. He was said to be asthmatic as a female assistant brought out an inhaler and gave him a couple of shots through the mouth.

Before then, Dino, who likened himself to the Biblical Elijah, vowed not to honour the police invitation, saying that the security operatives had perfected a plot to inject him with poison.

Diezani Alison-Madueke

The flamboyant former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has long been under investigation over allegations of bribery and money laundering.

Despite embezzling huge sums of money while serving as oil minister for Africa's biggest crude producer from 2010-2015, she is said to be having breast cancer and undergoing treatment in Britain.

Sambo Dasuki

Sambo Dasuki was charged to court with illegal possession of arms and for stealing $2 billion meant to facilitate the purchase of weapons for the Nigerian military to fight Boko Haram in 2015.

Later, Ahmed Raji (SAN), his lawyer, pleaded that his client’s passport be released to allow him to travel for three weeks for treatment of his “budding cancer.”

When the matter was closing in on him, he too resorted to illness. A columnist, Bayo Olupohunda argued in 2016 that "Dasuki’s sickness is more of a planned, coached, and rehearsed excuse than a coincidence. It’s a cock-and-bull story!"

Ibrahim Lamorde

Upon his emergence as president in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari, sacked Ibrahim Lamorde as chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Later that year, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions said it was investigating Lamorde over allegations of diversion of stolen funds amounting to over N1 trillion, recovered over a period of time from looters of public treasury.

In November 2015, he was flown abroad over an undisclosed ailment.

Killing, killing, killing in the name of Biafra! When did murder become typical of the Igbo stock? When did taking innocent lives become classic in Igbo land? In Igbo cosmology, murder, ‘Igbu oshu’ is a cardinal sin deserving of banishment. A murderer is banished from the community and the land is cleansed of the abomination.

Have the Igbo settled for this governing abomination? Have the elders been functionally vasectomised? How can murder, anarchy, and fear reign in the land uncontested? Have we become a people given to bloodletting, beheading and cannibalism? Have we gone backwards in our evolution as a humane and cosmopolitan people to become savages?

Why has this cumulus of evil persisted and remained hanging over an entire region? A region that was once prosperous, peaceful and bubbling on the growth index is now a slaughterhouse that investors are running away from. The south-east is being destroyed by the same people who claim to be fighting for the people.

Security agents have been killed. Traditional rulers have been killed. Men have been killed and women have been raped and killed by this band of parademons. A few days ago, ‘’unknown gunmen’’ attacked a police station and killed three policemen in Ebonyi. Last week, gunmen killed seven community leaders in Imo. And the killings persist.

It has now become customary for residents of the south-east to wake up to severed heads dangling from poles in market squares, roads and community facilities. An unsleeping evil has taken over the land.

On Wednesday, these ‘’unknown gunmen’’ invaded a cattle market at Omumauzor; a community in Ukwa West LGA of Abia. The market is said to be peopled by Nigerians from the north. They came not to buy cattle, but to kill. By the time they were done, eight citizens were dead. These parademons did not spare anything, they killed cattle and set the market ablaze. What sort of bestiality is this?

According to Abia state government, the gunmen struck around 11pm on Tuesday. “On Tuesday, 15th February 2022 at about 11:35pm, some yet-to-be-identified hoodlums allegedly invaded traders at the New Cattle Market located in Omumauzor, Ukwa West Local Government Area of our dear state. We are shocked and saddened by this mindless and barbaric act of violence that claimed the lives of about 8 innocent citizens of our great country and we totally condemn this dastardly act together with its wicked perpetrators,’’ the state government said.

The attack appears to be ethnically-motivated and targeted. This makes it very dangerous. These ravagers are not only threatening the lives of Igbo citizens and other Nigerians in the south-east, they are also jeopardising the safety and security of Igbo citizens in other parts of the country.

As I said in the column, ‘Ndi Igbo stand for One Nigeria’, those crusading for the secession of the south-east today are deficient students of history and sociology. Even the late Odumegwu Ojukwu, the captain of the secessionist struggle during the war, regretted that devastating episode in our history. Ojukwu said: ‘’I don’t think the second war is necessary. We should have learnt from the first one.”

There is no victory in war; only pain, blood and death. Nobody should provoke another pogrom or full-scale war in Igbo land. Ndi Igbo must not let the vocal minority drown them out. They must speak up and be heard.

The Igbo elite and citizens must take a stand to end this fast descent into utter devastation. Instead of angling for the presidency in 2023, we should work at ending the carnage in our home. Onye ulo ya na-agba oku, anaghi achu oke. Our house is on fire we cannot afford to be chasing a will-o-the-wisp.

By Fredrick Nwabufo; Nwabufo aka Mr OneNigeria is a writer and journalist.

Embattled Police Officer, Abba kyari has claimed that his health has deteriorated badly since his detention by the National Drug law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that Kyari, a deputy commissioner of Police, dragged the Federal Government to court seeking his release. it would be recalled that Kyari was arrested last week and handed over to the NDLEA over his involvement in Cocaine Trafficking.

Kyari entered hot water after he attempted to bribe an NDLEA agent with $61,000 to facilitate the release of 17 KG of seized Cocaine. He was arrested alongside four others.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22, Kyari is praying the court to compel the NDLEA to grant him bail on health grounds, pending the hearing and determination of his fundamental right enforcement application.

The request was however turned down by the Presiding Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo who noted that the suit contained some allegations that would require the government's response.

“Upon studying the process of the Applicant and averments in support thereon, I am of the opinion that the Respondent should be put on notice”.

Justice Ekwo ordered that all the relevant processes should be served on the Federal Government and adjourned the case to February 24th.

It appears that we are living in an era in which failed politicians and technocrats have taken on the role of fortune tellers, spreading false prophecies in the name of political relevance. The other time, it was the deposed Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi prophesying that the “country is on extra time”. This time also a failed technocrat, in the person of Patrick Utomi, popularly known as Pat Utomi, was quoted in the Sunday Telegraph as saying “there’ll be no Nigeria if 2023 election fails”. What a doomsday astrologer.

Utomi’s statement is not surprising, as he is well-known for his criticism of successive administrations merely for financial and political reasons. Over time, he and his likes deliberately turn blind eyes to the numerous achievements recorded by so far. His recent frustration and maligning the administration stems from his being denied an appointment despite his presumed contributions to President Buhari’s victory in 2015. Utomi ought to have known better that President Buhari is a man of integrity and does not associate with political jobbers, bad failures and despicable personalities. It is an open secret that Utomi has a jinxed and holds a world record for failure. Anything he touches dies. This is evidenced by his mismanagement of the promising Volkswagen Nigeria in the 1980s and the company's total collapse. It is also on record that Platinum-Habib Bank was bankrupt under the incapable leadership of Utomi, a supposed expert in Political Economy and Management. Expert in Failure, indeed!

Utomi in the interview quoted a Forbes article which described Nigeria as Africa's money-losing machine and added that ‘they are ashamed of where Nigeria is, compared to where it should have been in the world’. Knowing fully that the reasons the country is in the mess as he described is not farfetched. Is anyone surprised? Nigeria is where it is for people like Utomi who crumbled the country. Pat is a failed politician. At each turn of Presidential elections he is always behind a third force that will upstage the status quo. The names of the political gladiators Utomi referred to as the promoters of theso-called "Third Forces" are also laughable and pitiful. Utomi really needs a refresher lesson in Nigerian politics and should be advised to revisit his former State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan's advice “to go back to the grassroots and start his political career from councillorship level”.

To him Nigeria is a failed state. Utomi’s comments portray his cluelessness, given that he feigns ignorance of the effects of COVID even on powerful economies. Given the rise in military takeovers in West African and sub-Saharan region, Utomi's declaration that Nigeria is better off under a military regime is an open call for a coup d’état in Nigeria. Hence, Utomi should be summoned by appropriate security agencies to explain his statement, just as the late Dr. Obadiah Mailafia and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’abba, were summoned by both the police and the State Security Services (SSS). Does Utomi’s preference for Military rule stem from the patronage he received under such regimes?

Utomi and his ilk should be aware that Nigerians are enlightened and will not be fooled by political hustlers or sponsored propagandists. He and his cohorts should return to the drawing board and devise a new sailable strategy. Nigeria does not require failed technocrats and displaced politicians like Utomi to lead the country in 2023 and beyond. Leaders with impeccable integrity, pragmatic, progressive, unifier, patriotic and the best economic capabilities will remain the best for our beloved country. It is the time for Utomi to bury his face in shame for calling for a Military rule or preferring same. Shame!

Sam Chibueze is a Public Commentator based in Asaba, Delta State.

All is not well with the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the crisis between two political allies, ex-governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola deepens.

POLITICS NIGERIA reported how Aregbesola who was once a loyalist to Tinubu openly criticised the national leader of the APC at a political rally in Osun State on Monday.

He accused his former boss of silence over alleged lack of respect being displayed to him by Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State.

Aregbesola stylishly condemned Tinubu for supporting Oyetola, his nephew who seems to have highjacked the minister's political structure in Osun. He also used the Monday outburst to declare his support for Moshood Adeoti, former Secretary to the State Government who is contesting against Oyetola and Lasun Yusuf, ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The trio are the aspirants expected to battle for APC ticket during the primary election billed for Saturday, February 19, 2022. While Lasun's chance of securing the party's ticket appears very slim, it's not clear if Aregbesola's new bride, Adeoti has the influence to be the flagbearer of the APC in the coming election.

The good-old-days between Aregbesola and Tinubu

If not for the popular saying that "there is no permanent friend in politics", one would have swore that Aregbesola and Tinubu will end their lives as allies. It was a friendship cum father and son relationship. In absence of Tinubu, Aregbesola's decision was always final.

Insiders confirmed to POLITICS NIGERIA that in many instances, Tinubu usually ask his followers to take instructions from Aregbesola as far back as his early days as the Director General of Asiwaju Campaign during the 1999 election.

As the Commissioner for works for eight years in Lagos, POLITICS NIGERIA learnt that Aregbesola was the 'class captain' of Tinubu's executive council and 'de facto governor' of the cabinet. It is, however, important to note that Tinubu did not just trust Aregbesola with so much power, the minister of interior showed political dexterity and he delivered.

Perhaps that was why Tinubu went as far as hiring international experts to fault the election result that rigged Aregbesola out in Osun in 2007. After three and half years, Tinubu ensured that Aregbesola got back his mandate from Olagunsoye Oyinlola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In one of his interviews after the supreme court declared him victorious and as the legitimate governor of Osun, Aregbesola called Tinubu his "demi god." He said "after God, all power belongs to Tinubu for everything I achieve as a person."

What has changed? He has lost Alimosho which used to be his strong hold in Lagos, he has condemned Tinubu openly and declared war against Asiwaju's nephew. The answer to other major crisis between the duo remains between them. Interestingly, it seems worse than what the public can percieve.

The Implications

Just two days after embarrassing Tinubu publicly, the House of Representatives ordered an immediate investigation over the usage of over N165 billion budgeted to the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) within the last two years.

Adopting a motion under matters of national importance sponsored by Ndudi Elumelu at the plenary presided by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, the House explained that the measure was aimed at addressing the appalling state of custodial facilities and general welfare of inmates in the country.

Even though Gbajabiamila said his leadership is not targeting Aregbesola with the decision to probe spending in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), many Nigerians wondered why the development came at a time when he tackled Tinubu. For many political pundits who spoke with POLITICS NIGERIA, the probe came at the wrong time even if the lawmakers have genuine interest.

For those who are suspicious about the probe, they may be politically correct because majority of the members of the House Representatives are Tinubu's loyalists including with the speaker, Gbajabiamila who got his seat on the back of Asiwaju.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that some party leaders never wanted him to return to the national assembly for the fifth time but Tinubu interfered on the grounds that 2019 was Gbajabiamila's best opportunity to be the speaker and number four citizen of the country.

By simple arithmetic, if Tinubu refused to fight Aregbesola openly, he has a lot of people to do the job for him.

Blurry future

Meanwhile, the fight between the duo may affect their political engagement in future especially now that Tinubu is running for president. Before now, the politician has lots of controversies surrounding his ambition.

Aregbesola's open assault has also shown that his house is not in order. In what appeared like a reaction to Aregbesola's action, the House of Representatives led by Tinubu's loyalists want him probed.

The big question is: if Aregbesola could summon the courage to dare the 'political god' of the Southwest openly, he may not mind exposing some secrets he has against Asiwaju at his disposal.

The probe of Aregbesola may mean the beginning of the demystification of Tinubu.

No one would have expected major political rifts between ex-governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and one of his protégés, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola - minister for interior and ex-governor of Osun State.

The recent attack on Tinubu by Aregbesola is evidence of their 'secret but cold war’. Taking a cursory look at some of the possible reasons that might have fueled the rift between the two allies, POLITICS NIGERIA findings revealed that all of these cannot be disconnected from the moves by Aregbesola to take control of the political structure in Osun.

"Like Tinubu who controls Lagos, Aregbesola expects that he should still have power to make decisions in the affairs of Osun and the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state," a party chieftain who spoke with this newspaper under anonymity explained.

Political pundits in the state also told our reporter that Aregbesola had on several occasions reported the incumbent governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola to Tinubu over alleged negligence of 'elders' of the party including himself.

"He expected Tinubu to call his cousin, Oyetola to order but Asiwaju pretended as if he knew nothing about Osun politics. Aregbesola is really feeling betrayed by Tinubu and that would really affect Oyetola in the next election," the chieftain added.

Speaking at a political gathering in Osun on Monday, Aregbesola made reference to the case of former Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who was voted out due to a perceived disloyalty to the party.

"It is possible some share your ideals and it’s also possible some do not. This happened in Lagos recently. There was a governor, who wanted to seek re-election and the party declined and showed him the way out with their votes. So, the same way it was in Lagos then, is exactly the way it is in Osun today. What is good for the goose, is also good for the gander. It cannot be the turn of your younger brother now and you change the rules."

The above statement and endorsement of Moshood Adeoti, former Secretary of the State Government as next governor by Aregbesola must have sent a signal to Asiwaju that even in his race to become President, he should count Aregbesola out.

Many would wonder how a fight over power would make longtime allies become enemies. Aregbesola used to be loyal and Tinubu used to see him as his political son. However, Asiwaju's refusal to go against Oyetola explained the popular saying that "blood is thicker than water."

Aregbesola served as the Director General of Asiwaju Campaign during the 1999 election and was Commissioner to Tinubu for eight years. He was governor for another eight years with the political anointing oil of Tinubu and perhaps his political dexterity.

When asked why Aregbesola did not respect the good old days, the minister's loyalist Rasheed Adio told POLITICS NIGERIA that "Aregbesola committed his loyalty to his leader and demi god, Tinubu and having come to power, Oyetola should have done same and not embrace Omisore who is taking unmerited credit."

Sources within the Tinubu's camp said it is fair if the ex-Lagos governor is uncomfortable with the attacks on his nephew by Aregbesola’s men for reversing some policies of his predecessor.

Genesis of Osun APC Crisis

After the September 22, 2018 governorship election, Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led with 254,698 votes ahead of Oyetola who polled 254,345 votes.

Iyiola Omisore came a distant third with 128,049 votes but soon became the beautiful bride to help his two leading rivals after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the election inconclusive on the ground that the 353 votes margin between Adeleke and Oyetola was lower than the number of cancelled votes (3,498) in seven polling units.

INEC scheduled a rerun for September 27, 2018 and Omisore declared his support for APC. Following Omisore's support, Oyetola won the rerun with 462 votes.

By the time Oyetola was going to make appointments, he made the running mate to Omisore in the election, Lawal Olayemi, the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs. Omisore has since become a key adviser to Oyetola.

POLITICS NIGERIA understands that the appointment and many others didn't go well with the Aregbesola’s camp and they accused the governor of neglecting his predecessor.

Many other controversies

Insiders said a reversal of some policies of Aregbesola by Oyetola also made their crisis deepen. One of these is the controversial single school uniform Mr. Aregbesola introduced in 2013 for all public primary and secondary schools.

Others are the reclassification of the public school system and the abolition of single-sex schools across the state were some of the 26 issues reviewed by Oyetola.

Multiple sources also said Oyetola did not back Aregbesola’s ministerial appointment. As all of these continue, Omisore benefits more by making notable decisions in Oyetola's government.

Omisore now earns respect within Osun APC. He has a history of dominating any party he moves into and it seems Aregbesola will not tolerate this dominance. Will Oyetola secure a second term, without Aregbesola’s support?

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) – brainchild of Industrialist, philanthropist and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has formally handed 85 modern medical equipment to the Paediatric department of the Gwarimpa General Hospital in complete fulfilment of the ASR Africa Health Systems Support grant awarded to the hospital in 2021.

The scope of the grant included a fully equipped neonatal unit, equipment for 3 operating rooms, hospital ward monitors and beds as well as an ambulance.


Speaking during the formal handover, Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO of ASR Africa said that the formal handover of these items was a significant development as Gwarimpa General Hospital represents one of the largest public hospitals in the Abuja Metropolis catering to a high number of underserved communities and individuals.

According to him, ASR Africa as well as the chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, are passionate about Women and Child Health development - hence the decision to support the overhaul of the neonatal unit and provide new, modern equipment to assist healthcare delivery at the hospital. Ubon also hoped that the hospital will put the newly purchased equipment to good use in tackling maternal and neonatal mortality rates within its catchment areas. Mr Udoh also announced that ASR Africa would adopt the neonatal ward going forward.


Receiving the equipment on behalf of the hospital, Dr Mohammed Kawu, Executive Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), commended ASR Africa for the gesture. “What you have done here goes to show you are truly committed to social development and we are grateful to Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu and ASR Africa. With the quality of medical equipment donated, this is presently the most modern and best equipped neonatal unit in the FCT.”

In a similar development, ASR Africa also donated a fully equipped point-of-care laboratory, an ambulance, and some other medical equipment to the recently opened Capital Health Surgical Centre in Abuja. The surgical centre, which was recently established by Dr Ikemba Iweala, is a specialist facility also offering general medical services to the Abuja populace.

ABOUT ASR AFRICA

The brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

Embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari, may spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted of alleged drug offences, POLITICS NIGERIA's review of the law shows.

Kyari, who headed the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Police, was in 2021 suspended after his alleged involvement in the swindling of a Qatari businessman and ties with Ramon Abass (Hushpuppi), a Nigerian social media celebrity standing trial for a multi-million dollar Internet fraud in the U.S.

On Monday, the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) sent shockwaves round the country when it fingered Kyari in a trans-border cocaine trafficking ring.

The embattled policeman was caught negotiating a deal with an NDLEA officer to compromise 25 kilograms of Cocaine initially intercepted from members of a Brazil-Ethiopia-Nigeria drug ring.

With the approval of the agency, the NDLEA officer played along with Kyari and this led to a sting operation that produced multimedia evidence now being used to prosecute the senior police officer.

Kyari has since been arrested and remanded in the custody of the agency while investigations continue.

Life in Prison

Nigerians have urged the government to prosecute Kyari to serve as a deterrent to other security agents aiding and abetting crime. If Kyari’s case is followed to the latter and he is convicted, the one-time decorated police officer risks spending the rest of his life in Prison.

According to Section 11 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act of 1989, importation or sale of cocaine, heroine, or similar drugs, is punishable by life imprisonment.

"Any person who, without lawful authority-(a) imports, manufactures, produces, processes, plants or grows the drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroine or any other similar drugs shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life; or (b) exports, transports or otherwise traffics in the drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroine or any other similar drugs shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life; (c) sells, buys, exposes or offers for sale or otherwise deals in or with the drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroine or any other similar drugs shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life…"

The embattled cop, may, however, will get a lesser punishment if charged as a conspirator.

The NDLEA act stipulates a minimum of fifteen years and maximum of 25 years jail term for conspiracy to commit the crime.

"Any person who- (a) incites, promises or induces any other person by any means whatsoever to commit any of the offences referred to in this Act; or (b) conspires with, aids, abets, counsels, attempts to commit or is an accessory to any act or offence referred to in this Act, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not less than fifteen years and not exceeding 25 years," the law states.

Implication on Extradition

Festus Ogun, a Lagos-based lawyer, has said Kyari’s fresh troubles may hinder his extradition to the United State where his co-conspirators are standing trial.

Ogun cited Section 3(6) of the Extradition Act of 1966 that states that a fugitive criminal facing trial or serving a jail term shall not be surrendered for extradition.

"(a) (any fugitive) who has been charged with an offence under the law of Nigeria or any part thereof, not being the offence for which his surrender is sought; or (b) who is serving a sentence imposed in respect of any such offence by a court in Nigeria, shall NOT be surrendered until such time as he has been discharged whether by acquittal: or on the expiration of his sentence or otherwise," the law says.

"The simple interpretation of the above provision of the law in respect to this case is that any extradition application made against Abba Kyari shall be rejected if the NDLEA decides to charge him with an offence, under Nigerian law, other than the offence for which his surrender is sought in the US i.e. the crime he allegedly committed in connection with Hushpuppi," said the lawyer.

He further argued that while it is desirable that the NDLEA gets to the root of this drug cartel matter involving Abba Kyari by ensuring that those found wanting after thorough investigation are charged before a competent court of record, such an action will only succeed in hindering and frustrating his (Kyari’s) extradition.

"The law remains that no individual can be successfully extradited from Nigeria to any other country if a criminal proceeding, different from the fugitive’s extradition’s crime, is pending in a Nigerian court."

"In any case, the Honourable Attorney-General can play a huge role in ensuring that substantial justice is done in both matters. Even where the NDLEA goes ahead to prosecute Kyari for his drug related crimes, the Attorney-General has enormous powers under Section 174(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to discontinue the criminal proceeding, at any stage before judgement, to give way for his extradition proceedings.", he stated.

The recent troubles of Abba Kyari, a one-time celebrated super cop who is now in the net of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is an indictment on the Nigerian Police Force that pronounced his suspension six months earlier.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls how the deputy commissioner of police and head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) was in August 2021 suspended by the Police Service Commission (PSC) after a U.S. court fingered him as a conspirator in a $1.1 million fraudulent deal against a Qatari businessman.

The FBI investigators established a relationship between Mr Kyari and Ramon Abbas, a popular Internet fraudster standing trial also nicknamed "Hushpuppi".

The PSC said Mr Kyari’s suspension was based on the recommendation of Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba. The police chief recommended the suspension as a temporary measure while an investigation into the matter continues.

According to the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, Kyari was relieved of all his duties pending the outcome of the investigation in respect of his indictment by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States.

Kyari, however, denied any wrongdoing even though he admitted to having facilitated some 'tailoring' works for the suspected fraudster.

Fresh Troubles/Cocaine Trafficking

While calls for the extradition of the embattled officer to the U.S. have continued to gain momentum on social media, he was enmeshed in another scandal on Monday.

Kyari and his team were declared wanted by the NDLEA for their involvement in a multimillion Naira drug deal.

At the Monday briefing in Abuja, the NDLEA spokesman said the embattled Kyari was declared wanted over his involvement in a 25kgs Cocaine deal. He said that the NDLEA took the decision after all efforts to get Kyari to honour formal invitations for his interrogation failed.

He lamented that those who are supposed to support current efforts to stem the tide of illicit drug trafficking and abuse are themselves neck-deep in the menace.

“With the intelligence at our disposal, the agency believes strongly that DCP Kyari is a member of a drug cartel that operates the Brazil-Ethiopia-Nigeria illicit drug pipeline, and he needs to answer questions that crop up in an ongoing drug case in which he is the principal actor."

“His failure to cooperate forced the hand of the Agency and that is the reason for this press briefing,” Babafemi said.

Meanwhile, before the close of business on Monday, the police arrested Kyari and turned him in at the NDLEA FCT command.

Timeline: Police indictment

Checks by POLITICS NIGERIA have revealed that despite the fact that Kyari was on suspension, he was still involved in the activities of the police force. According to the NDLEA, on January 21, 2022, Kyari initiated a call to one of the NDLEA officers in Abuja and approached him with a deal.

The embattled cop said his team had intercepted and arrested some traffickers that came into the country from Ethiopia with 25kg of cocaine.

"He proposed a drug deal whereby he and his team are to take 15kg of the cocaine and leave 10kg for the prosecution of the suspects arrested with the illicit drug in Enugu. In the meantime, the purloined cocaine will be replaced with a dummy worth 15kg. He asked the NDLEA officer to persuade men of the FCT Command to play along as well." Babafemi told journalists.

On January 24, the NDLEA officer and Kyari began a WhatsApp call for the rest of the day and conveyed his willingness to play the game.

"At this point, Kyari disclosed that the 15kg (already taken out) was shared between the informants that provided information for the seizure and he and his men of the IRT of the Nigerian Police. According to him, the informants were given 7kg while his team took 8kg which was already sold. He then offered to pay the NDLEA team (that is the officer and the FCT commander) by selling, on their behalf, half of the remaining 10kg, thereby further reducing the original cocaine for the prosecution to just 5kg."

"At N7m per kilogram, the proceed from the 5kg would amount to N35m, at the exchange rate of N570 per dollar being the black market rate for the day, January 24, 2022. In effect, he would be delivering $61, 400 to the NDLEA team. He put pressure on our officer to wrap up the arrangement with the commander of the FCT Command to take custody of the drug and suspects from his men who were on ground in Abuja. At the time, he was speaking from Lagos, where he allegedly travelled for private business."

However, rather than address the question of how Kyari defied the PSC suspension to perpetrate the drug crime, the Police Headquarters said that some NDLEA officials who were reportedly involved in the drug deal should also be arrested.

The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer (DFPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, after confirming Kyari’s involvement, said in a statement in Abuja that some NDLEA officials were allegedly involved in the drug deal.

He said that the police had carried out discreet investigation when it received a request from the NDLEA on February 10.

"In line with standard administrative procedure of the Force, the Inspector General of Police ordered a high-level, discreet, and in-house investigation into the allegations. The interim investigations report revealed that two international drug couriers identified as Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus, both males, were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Jan. 19."

“The suspects were arrested upon their arrival from Addis Ababa aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET917."

“The arrest led to the recovery of substantial quantity of powdery substance suspected to be cocaine from the two narcotic couriers."

“The operation which was intelligence-driven, was undertaken by a Unit of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT),” he said.

Corruption

Many Nigerians have said that the fact that Kyari was still in the scheme of things despite his suspension exemplifies an alleged corruption endemic in the police force.

"As a suspended Officer, how did Kyari gain access to seized cocaine? What is the Police not telling us?," Henry Shield, a good governance advocate asked rhetorically.

Also, human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, stated that the saga further exposed the rot in the system.

"Kyari's continuous control of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) despite his suspension is deeply scandalous, indicting and shameful. It truly exposed the rot in our system and the insincerity of the authorities to diligently investigate the allegations against him."

The Nigerian Police Force has released the names of four other personnel arrested alongside disgraced cop, DCP Abba Kyari over their involvement in a cocaine trafficking ring.

POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA declared Kyari wanted on Monday afternoon after he was caught attempting to bribe an official of the agency in order to facilitate the release of some seized cocaine to him.

The statement read in part; "The saga started on Friday, January 21, 2022, when DCP Kyari initiated a call to one of the NDLEA officers in Abuja at 2:12 pm. When the officer returned the call two minutes later, Kyari informed him he was coming to see him, to discuss an operational matter after the Juma’at service. He appeared at the agreed venue of the meeting with the officer and went straight to the crux of the matter. This was it: His team had intercepted and arrested some traffickers that came into the country from Ethiopia with, according to him, 25kg of cocaine."

"He proposed a drug deal whereby he and his team are to take 15kg of the cocaine and leave 10kg for the prosecution of the suspects arrested with the illicit drug in Enugu. In the meantime, the purloined cocaine will be replaced with a dummy worth 15kg."

The names of the other police officers arrested alongside Kyari are; ACP Sunday Ubuah, ASP Bawa James, Inspr. Simon Agrigba and John Nuhu. Another officer involved in the case, ASP John Umoru is currently on the run.

BUA Foods Plc (“the company”) has received commendations from the National Sugar Development Council (“NSDC”) over the level of progress made at its wholly owned subsidiary, LASUCO Sugar Company Limited (“LASUCO”) which sits on 20,000 hectares of arable land in Lafiagi, Kwara State.

Over the years, BUA foods has invested heavily in the backward integration program of the Federal Government under the supervision of the NSDC. When fully completed, the over $300million integrated sugar factory will comprise of a sugar mill with a capacity of 10,000tons of cane per day, a sugar refinery with an annual capacity of 220,000metric tonnes, a 35megawatts power generating plant to fuel the factory with potential to supply the national grid, and a 20million litres per annum ethanol production plant. The plantation also has a 3km airstrip of international standard, built to support its operations.

Addressing the NSDC team in Lafiagi, the acting Managing Director, BUA Foods, Engr. Ayodele Abioye said the visit was timely as it restates the company’s drive to ensure the advancement of the food sector and the Nigerian economy.

According to Abioye, “We thank the National Sugar Development Council. We are glad you like the level of work that has gone into this plantation and remain committed to fully attaining the backward integration program. Its role in conserving foreign exchange, boosting local capacity, creating jobs, enhancing skill acquisition and ensuring that less emphasis is placed on imported raw materials is clearly understood’’
“We believe at take-off; this enormous project will make a huge impact to our business and the aspirations of the council”.

Speaking during the working visit to the plantation, the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) Zacch Adedeji, said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led Government is committed to revamping the sugar industry through the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, (“NSMP”) which has the capacity to ensure we grow what we eat, and eat what we grow while providing job opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
Adedeji who thanked BUA Foods for its resilient commitment towards the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made at the integrated sugar factory adding that Nigeria is a step closer to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.

“At the sugar council, our aim is to locally produce 70% of Nigeria’s sugar consumption which is currently at 1.7metric tons per annum. LASUCO is expected to play a pivotal role in achievement of this goal as it’s expected to contribute up to 25% of the targeted local consumption based on its capacity”.

Adedeji added that “I am impressed with the level of progress I have seen here. All that’s required is to further develop the field to which I have seen the commitment of the BUA team to meet that”.

The company is working towards supporting farmers through an out-grower scheme to increase sugar cane production and provide a springboard for expansion of its local sugar production while impacting the host community and Nigerian economy at large.

Earlier, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawa, the Emir of Lafiagi described the project as a “game-changing initiative” that will spur development of the community.

According to him, “For us, the BUA-LASUCO project is a dream come true for Lafiagi as there are only a handful of towns that can boast of a $300m dollar investment. We are proud of this project and very happy it is situated in our area. The potentials are huge, the type of transformation this project will bring Lafiagi beats the imagination. Today, we are on the world map due to the 3km runway. We are very happy and committed to this project; There is nothing BUA needs that we will not accommodate”.

About BUA Foods PLC

BUA Foods is a leading food business with well diversified and scalable operations producing sugar, flour, pasta, rice and edible oils. With strategically located plants across Nigeria, coupled with a cordial alliance with local stakeholders in host communities, BUA Foods is a resilient business built on a strong brand proposition and is an operator with reputation for delivering high-quality products.

BUA Foods continues to invest in modern technology for efficient food production, innovatively expanding with strategic partners across the value chain. The company is also well positioned to leverage significant export potentials across West Africa and the larger African continent.
Headquartered and listed in Nigeria, BUA Foods has become one of the most capitalized companies on the NGX and a leading consumer goods firm by market value.

The Governor of Cross River state, Ben Ayade has stated that Former Lagos Governor and National leader of the All Progressives, Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves to contest for President because he has worked hard for his party.

Ayade in a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, monitored by POLITICS NIGERIA, disclosed that Tinubu was right to indicate interest in the party's 2023 presidential ticket because he worked hard to install the current government in power.

When asked about Tinubu's aspirations, Ayade said; "If you ask me for Bola Tinubu, i go say e dey correct say he come out. The man work hard, e struggle, e fight, e support Buhari to put this government wey dey in place. So for man wey dey work hard like that you go expect say now wey be the turn of the south, make im try."

"God give am opportunity, e go try im best. Me i no go say e no good as e come out say e wan run or make e no run, i no go talk like that."

He added that he is waiting for the party to decide, adding that if the party decides on Tinubu, he will gladly support him but that if the party does not, he will ensure that the party goes to 'beg and pacify' the Lagos politician.

Presidential aide, Femi Adesina has disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari once trekked from the South-Eastern part of the Country to a place called Gakem near the Cameroonian Border.

Speaking when he received in audience, the Black Apple Media Group, a production outfit devoted to making movies and documentaries towards the promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, in his office in Abuja, Adesina, said the initiative is one that every Nigerian, every good Nigerian, should be happy to hear about and support.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that he narrated how the President trekked from the South-East to a place called Gakem near the Cameroon border, “all these to keep Nigeria one. Do you think somebody like that will sit idle and let some people try to dismember the country?”

“Anything that will promote our nationhood, that will promote our unity, is something that we should all support and encourage,” he said.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari had always been committed to the unity of the country.

“By age 20, he joined the army, by 25, he was already at the civil war fighting for the unity of this country. Mr President himself has always said it that for three years that the war lasted, he was there throughout, he didn’t go for any break, he didn’t ask for any pass, he was at the war front.”

The spokesperson said while some of the patriots are still alive, those who fought the civil war, wouldn’t sit back idle and watch the country disintegrate. “Our anthem says the labour of our heroes past can never be in vain. Those were the ones who have fought to keep Nigeria together.”

He reminisced that during his school days, there was no division.

"When we were in school, it used to be Ife - Modakeke Students Union.  They merged together, they had one group together, there was no difference, so when that war came, it was strange to us.

"We used to be one, that is how Nigeria was originally, and we didn’t know any difference. You are from here, you are from there, we were all together, all the ethnic groups in the country, there was no difference. To now see some things happening is confounding to us."

"That is why we must commend an initiative like this, anything that will promote unity, that will promote togetherness, that will show the evil of Fake News, Hate Speech is something that will be supported, so I want to assure you that as the Media Office of the President, we will support this initiative."

"All those who are trying to cause commotion, cause disunity, cause dismemberment, I think they just struggle in vain, it will not happen. Nigeria will be together. I want to thank you for coming and for this initiative and you can count on us for support," he added.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has issued a statement on how Adulterated Fuel was imported into the country recently.

It can be recalled that last week, several citizens complained on Social Media about their Vehicles and Generators experiencing serious problems after purchasing fuel from certain stations. In response to the outcry, NNPC immediately launched an investigation in to the matter.

According to statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday, The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari revealed that the Adulterated Fuel was brought in from Belgium

In a late-night briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, he also identified the companies that brought it in the bad fuel. He pointed out that this development was responsible for the shortages being experienced around the country.

"It is important to note that the usual quality inspection protocol employed in both the load port in Belgium and our discharge ports in Nigeria do not include the test for percent methanol content and therefore the additive was not detected by our quality inspectors."

"On 20th January 2022, NNPC received a report from our quality inspector on the presence of emulsion particles in PMS cargoes shipped to Nigeria from Antwerp-Belgium. NNPC investigation revealed the presence of Methanol in Four (4) PMS cargoes.”

 He listed the companies as Oando, MRS, Emadeb/Hyde/AY Maikifi/Brittania-U Consortium and Duke Oil.

 MRS used the vessel, MT Bow Pioneer; Emadeb/Hyde/AY Maikifi/Brittania-U Consortium imported the product via the vessel MT Tom Hilde; Oando used the vessel MT Elka Apollon, while Duke Oil imported its PMS using MT Nord Gainer.

“Cargoes quality certificates issued at load port (Antwerp-Belgium) by AmSpec Belgium indicate that the gasoline complied with Nigerian Specification.

 “The NNPC quality inspectors including GMO, SGS, GeoChem and G&G conducted tests before discharge also showed that the gasoline met Nigerian specification. As a standard practice for all PMS import to Nigeria, the cargoes were equally certified by inspection agent appointed by the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has met Nigerian specification.

"It is important to note that the usual quality inspection protocol employed in both the load port in Belgium and our discharge ports in Nigeria do not include the test for Percent methanol content and therefore the additive was not detected by our quality inspectors."

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Governor of Sokoto state, has paid a consultative visit to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Zamfara state.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that Governor Tambuwal who is consulting with leaders of PDP across the 36 states of the Federation in a bid to emerge as the Presidential candidate of PDP for the 2023 presidential election was received by

Zamfara state deputy governor, Mahdi Aliyu Gasau, as well as the state party leaders including the party chairman. While speaking, Governor Tambuwal stated that he is in the state to consult with the Zamfara PDP in his quest to become the Party's Presidential flagbearer.

Mr Tambuwal said although he's aware of the purported impeachment plan of  Zamfara Deputy Governor, he however said he won't comment on the matter as it is a subject of litigation. He thanked the PDP leaders for their receptive welcome even in the midst of insecurity in Zamfara stressing that it's imperative for leaders of PDP in the state to close ranks so as to take over power in the state come 2023.

Governor Tambuwal also condoled with people of the state over the killings, kidnapping and general insecurity in Zamfara.On his part, Deputy Governor Mahdi Gusau said he is solidly behind Governor Tambuwal's Presidential Ambition.

He urged the governor to carry not only him but also the entire Zamfara PDP along in his quest to become President of Nigeria.

The increasing publicity stunt and propaganda against the Federal Government by Fein Bruce, the American legal consultant to the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is becoming a nuisance and an embarrassment to the legal professional. Everyone that knows Fein, knows he preys on stocking conflicts in developing countries especially Africa to pursue destructive agenda. His paymasters are typically government adversaries who cheaply secure his services as a front for deleterious and destabilising causes.

Internationally, Fein is famous for being an unapologetic critic of sponsored propaganda against almost all US presidents including, Bush, Clinton, Obama and Trump. He was strongly accused by the Armenian Diaspora group in 2009 of being sponsored by Turkish government to silence the Armenian-American community to whittle down the Turkish Genocide of the Armenian people and usurpation of their homeland. Fein till date has widely and openly denied the existence of the Armenian genocide.

The proceeds of his trickery services of course, continues to burgeon his financial status and vain popularity. It is however not surprising that given his antecedents, he becomes the easiest foreign tool acquired by IPOB and other subversive interests to malign and destabilise governments. Fein’s support for IPOB, an outlawed group is expected, given that he has long being a staunch critic of President Buhari and a purveyor of anything that could instigate violence and threaten the collective peace of Nigeria. Unfortunately for him and his bankrollers, Nigerian authorities are strongly prepared this time to truncate any plan by internal or external forces to obstruct the law. Thus, his recent vituperation against the Nigeria Government is not far-fetched. Alleging that Kenyan and Nigerian governments manhandled and tortured Nnamdi Kanu after his disgraceful arrest is utter balderdash.

Analysing Kanu’s appearance with an unbiased mind since his re-arrest shows he even looks healthier and vigorous in detention. Therefore, Fein and his cohorts should take a back seat and let the law take its course. Their cheap blackmail of always crying foul about Kanu with no evidence at all to back their claims is irritating and shows their defence is weakness, thus these lies and instigations against the Nigerian government. By now, the average Nigerian is aware of IPOB’s irksome propaganda and it is for their lack of credibility as a group that Fein, a phony lawyer was hired to legally represent them. What many probably do not know is that Fein has a grudge against Nigeria. A report by Sahara Reporters had exposed that Bruce assisted one Emeka Ugwuonye to steal Nigeria’s estate tax. Ugwuonye, assisted by Bruce was found liable by the US superior court for embezzling $1.5m belonging to Nigerian Embassy. Out of shame, Fein was forced to tender and publish a public apology to Nigeria for the role he played in the scam.

Also, because people like Fein feed on crisis situations to remain relevant, he falsely accused the Hausa’s of killing Igbo children and infants in Igboland in order to spark off a religious violence and civil disobedience. The United States Chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG) had once accused him of exploring conflicts to make money without giving a damn how it affects the local population.

It will augur well for IPOB and their sympathizers to realise soonest that Fein’s rantings do not translate to the salvation of their messiah, Nnamdi Kanu. The case is in court. The law must be allowed to take its full course. The mindless killing and shedding of innocent blood by the Eastern Security Network and destabilization of the south east region must be retributed. Nigerian authorities have an obligation to tighten all loose ends to fend off all forms of meddling in the Nnamdi Kanu case by the likes of Fein to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Seun Ogundele is a Public Affairs Analyst Resident in Ikeja, Lagos State

Nigeria's Finest Cement Manufacturer, BUA Cement Plc, on Thursday, January 27th 2021, commissioned its new 3 million metric tonnes Sokoto Line 4 Cement Factory.

The event witnessed the presence of Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that the company had at the end of 2020 announced the construction of 3 cement plants in Sokoto, Edo and Adamawa states.

The Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu took the opening address where he acknowledged the presence of the President and other dignitaries. In his speech, he revealed that the company's total production capacity now stands at 11 million tonnes.

"In the past 6 years, we have completed 4 plants – two in Obu, Edo State and two in Sokoto (of which this sokoto line 4 is the fourth) with BUA’s total production capacity now standing at 11million tonnes with the completion of this plant," he said.

The plants when completed are expected to bring BUA’s production capacity to 17 m tonnes per annum.

The Billionaire businessman also expressed commitment to making cement affordable and available to all Nigerians.

“Despite these opportunities, there is no doubt that there is still a huge deficit in supply while demand continues to increase in Nigeria.”

“I would like to restate that BUA Cement remains fully committed in making cement more available, affordable, and accessible using raw materials available locally. This is important for housing and infrastructure development as well as national development and we will keep doing our own part to actualize this goal”.

"We have taken this decision to invest and build these new plants at a total project cost of 1.05 billion dollars, which will be completed by the end of 2022.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, who inaugurated the plant, hailed Rabiu's contributions to Nigeria.

He described the company as the largest private-sector employer of labour in the North-Western part of Nigeria and pledged that his administration would continue to support serious investors to set up businesses that will take advantage of huge reserves of resources in different parts of the country.

"I am pleased that through these investments, BUA Cement has created employment opportunities for our citizens. Today, BUA is the largest employer of labour in the North-West region.

"I always remind Nigerians that every region, indeed every State, in Nigeria sits on huge reserves of resources. For example, in this area, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara can boast of rice production, gold and other precious metals development and of course, heavy industries like cement manufacturing."

"As a government, we introduced policies and mechanisms to support such investments in a legal, ethical and inclusive manner.", he said.

Let it been known and clearly understood that Ndigbo are more prepared than the North when President Buhari was elected in 2015. By then Boko Haram had threatened to over run the North and the country, and the nation’s priority then was security and the issue of who will guarantee security to the country favoured Buhari, a former Head of state, a General e.t.c. The only preparation in the north was having available a man like Buhari presumed to have the capacity to confront the security challenges in the North and the rest of the country.

In the South West, how prepared were they in 1999 when President Obasanjo was elected? Infact, many people from the South West did not vote for him in that election. The people of the South West zone were deep in the crises of NADECO and displeasure over the June 12, 1993 election annulment. Here, notwithstanding, the Nigerian nation and the people through the two main national political parties zoned the Presidency to the South West in order to heal and reconcile the nation over the post 1993 election crisis.

Today, if the truth must be told, the imperative of zoning the Presidency to the South East is an idea whose time has come. Certainly, Ndigbo are prepared and look forward to it as a national priority. It is also indeed reasonable and logical that before any other zone in the country goes for a Second Turn of occupying the office of the Presidency that Ndigbo should at least have their First Turn.

As Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere, the Apex Yoruba socio cultural group said “you talk about unity, that is where you will know where sincerity lies. If you are keen about unity, will there be a unit of the country that you will deprive Presidency? What does that mean for unity? ”

“We are talking about people who want Nigeria to stay together. How can anybody who loves this country talk of the Presidency coming to the South West in 2023? Why should you exclude the South East? Is South East not part of Nigeria? “South West has had, South South has had, the North has had, why exclude the South East if you want them to be there? That is the point”.

The General opinion of patriotic Nigerians or as Ahmadu Bello would put it those with ‘Conscience Nurtured by Truth’ the “Yoruba have had a fair share of power since 1999, with eight years of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and Professor Yemi Osibanjo who would be completing eight years as Vice President in 2023 under Buhari’s presidency. It will be unfair, unjust and unpatriotic as well as against the national spirit and interest to deny Ndigbo their own opportunity and pretend as if they do not exist as part of Nigerian nation.

As one commentator on Nigerian political affairs stated “The rest of the Country may not like the feistiness of the Igbo or any of their other idiosyncratic worldviews, but there is no excuse for denying them justice, fairness and equity”. And likewise, General Alabi Isama also said’ Let power shift end but Igbo must be President first. There is an Igbo proverb that says, ‘You don’t take the tortoise wife because he has a small thing’ such injustice cry to heaven and to God who created him. Ndigbo waited patiently and cooperatively for the Southern zones-South West and South South to have their opportunities to produce the country’s Presidents. Who really wants to push Ndigbo out of Nigeria by denying them a place in history, to produce the President of Nigeria.

Also no leader in history was ever indifferent about who would succeed him and President Buhari will not be an exception. Consequently, it is expected that Mr. President must have a critical role in the emergence of his own successor. To this effect, it is important for the President not to lose sight of political developments that may be injurious to national unity and corporate existence of the country. It is the national expectation that Mr. President continues his policy of national healing and reconciliation to a logical conclusion.

We should be mindful of those who want to pursue a politically motivated strategy that treats the South East as a hostile territory which is grossly wrong and unacceptable definition of the situation in the South East. Overwhelming majority of Ndigbo do not believe in secession or separatism from Nigeria. An Igbo President will “Focus on what can be done, instead of arguing over what is impossible”.

Indeed, there is no doubt that in the history of Nigeria from Nnamdi Azikiwe to the present, Ndigbo have demonstrated the highest virtues of patriotism and genuine nationalistic propensities. By history and character, what defines Ndigbo is friendliness and peaceful coexistence with others regardless of tribe, religion or race, Ndigbo are market people, travelers, entrepreneurs or business men. We know that the Devil in Nigerian politics is Power Sharing and an Igbo President will demonstrate to all Nigerians that power sharing can be done peacefully, justifiably with equity and fairness to all and his willingness to take last. The fear of Ndigbo by other ethnic groups is equally unjustified and a fiction of the imagination of those who create distorted image of Ndigbo. We seek solution and not a blame game.

As for those Igbos like, Fredrick Nwabufo who prefer to play the Manchurian complex as in his article in January 23, 2022 page 15, THISDAY, SUNDAY NEWSPAPER, implying that Ndigbo are not prepared, or drifting into one or another political parties should leave such criticisms to the enemies or rivals of Ndigbo. Patriotic Nigerians at home and abroad who understand the fundamental issues in 2023 Presidency understand also the historic imperative of zoning the Presidency to the South East ,the last zone and only the zone left out in Southern Nigeria in the First Round of the Presidency across the country.

Consequently, indeed, it is politically wise and reasonable, morally justifiable and defensible and patriotically persuasive for all the parties to zone the Presidency to the South East. For any zone in the South to aspire to hold the Presidency TWICE while South East has NOT had it even for ONCE, will be politically and morally unjustifiable and a national political blunder as well as a clear and open case of discrimination. Above all it smacks of reckless political adventurism to despise or ignore other peoples feelings or their fundamental rights as fellow citizens. No politician in Nigeria this time should have the illusion that Nigerians don’t know what is wrong or right, Nigerians are awake.

In Igbo land today, we have many competent personalities that can confront and solve Nigeria’s perennial and endemic socio- political problems and guarantee peaceful coexistence for all the citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion or race. We are ready and with an Igbo President, Nigeria and Nigerians will experience the true meaning of a Federation with justice, equity and fairness.

Being a keynote address at Support Group Conference, organised by Support Groups Management Council (SGMC), in honour of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at International Conference Centre, Abuja, on January 17, 2022.

"I stand here today honoured by the burden of expectations upon me and, more tellingly, strengthened by the convictions of the patriots with us in this journey to make history. We are brought together by a forest of ideas, but what defines us and sets us apart from other political groups is this collective realisation that the future of this country rests on the choice of a unifying leader; a leader who panders to neither ethnic nor religious agenda, and one who isn’t bound by toxic regional solidarity and yet known for a track record of outstanding leadership. If you look round this country in search of such a noble character, the count easily falls on the subject of this gathering: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

"So much has been said about this political enigma and most of them by hacks with a poor sense of history. The path that led us to Asiwaju didn’t happen by chance. His propensity for sacrificing his comfort to save our democracy has been duly documented across time. When uncertainty loomed over the country during the military era, this was the man who disbursed his resources to fight for the return to this democracy. Even in exile, he provided sanctuaries for fleeing patriots who are still around to testify to his large heart. Our younger compatriots must be in the know of Tinubu’s memories from two decades past—when he was a backbone of the opposition and fiercely antagonized and politically ostracised by the then ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party. He even built the economic foundations of the modern Lagos State at the time the State was isolated by a vindictive federal government."

"While Tinubu’s political contemporaries were trading their principles for a place at the table in Abuja during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s era, and throwing their political allies under the bus, he took the risk to build a political alternative to the ruling party and his choices of candidates underlined his political credentials. He became, and has remained, a dependable sanctuary of victims of political witch-hunts. In 2007, he offered his political structure to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to run for President under the Action Congress (AC) banner. Four years later, he made this structure available for Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and this foresight of the Jagaban Borgu would also set the tone of the 2015 general elections. His place as a fulcrum of the All Progressives Congress re-asserted his essence, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude and deserved loyalty for prioritizing principles over personal gains."

"Asiwaju’s choices and endorsements of northerners as presidential candidates while others were masterminding ethno-regional solidarity and fuelling socio-cultural affinities readily affirm his pan-Nigerian profile. Where others see divisions to exploit, he sees collaborations. Where others chase an easy route to power, he reminds you of Geoffrey Chaucer’s immortal wisdom—that patience is a conquering virtue. And it’s this patience that has brought us together today, to remember the examples he’s set and the debt we owe him."

"The mudslinging that has trailed Asiwaju since his presidential bid took the top spot in the country is a mere acknowledgment of his political track record and inimitable influence on our political scene. The attempts at weaving ridiculous fiction to override the history we’ve all witnessed demonstrate the detractors’ utter desperation and cowardice. One of such is the mischievous fixation on his age and the wild conclusions that he’s physically unsuitable for the Office of the President. This obsession characterizes the thinking of those who have no understanding of Asiwaju’s incredible work ethic."

"A few days ago, I joined him on a trip to Zamfara state to condole with the people and identify with their realities, and the experience made a nonsense of the propaganda that he’s unfit to run Nigeria. On the eve of the trip, Asiwaju had retired at 6 am, after Subhi prayers, and was already awake and attending to guests by 11 am. We departed for Sokoto around 2 pm and had to traverse the menacing hinterland of that part of the North-West for seven hours from Sokoto to Gusau—where he made a generous donation of N50 million as he had in other places struck by tragedies—and then back to Sokoto. On returning to Abuja by midnight, his schedule was entirely a series of meetings that kept him up till 3 am. Now, excuse my curiosity, how many of us here can match or endure such a demanding schedule? Asiwaju’s alacrity, therefore, has never been a subject of scepticism for those who’ve worked with him, and even his critics are aware of this. If he were half the man in their tales by moonlight, they would’ve long succeeded in subduing him."

"The mark of true leadership isn’t the ability to lift a bag of cement. It’s the mental effort to think rationally of solutions designed to redeem one’s people and territorial jurisdiction. This was why leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States of America, stood out. Roosevelt took power in a country wrecked by the Great Depression of the 1930s and guided its economy through the Second World War, and the quality of his thoughts and ideas made the United States a superpower under his watch. Similarly, the accident that had Kenya’s Mwai Kibaki confined to a wheelchair didn’t disable his ability to produce sound ideas, and Kenyans were sold on his virtue that they chose him as their President over what some would consider a fitter option."

"I’m not asking you to tone down critical assessments of your future leaders, but redirect you to see the bigger picture. We are not here to prepare for the Olympics, but an institution that relies on the superiority of ideas to thrive. Asiwaju’s credentials aren’t only appealing, they are proof of the qualities this country needs to redeem its vast potentials and possibilities. We are here to testify to this power of ideas—one that overturned the fortunes of Lagos state and sustained its supremacy as the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and kept the opposition alive when it was more profitable to sell out. Those who seek to make us go low hope to present the presidency as a brick-laying exercise. But that’s the work of a machine created by an idea, and who else to guide us towards manufacturing the best ideas to redeem this country?"

"To derail us at this point is a futile ambition. The conversations we are prepared for aren’t pedestrian obsessions with the mundane, but comparisons of ideas and track records of service to the nation. At the top of our expectations from Nigeria’s next president should be mastery of the dynamics of the modern economy, testified leadership skills and competence, and, very significantly, sensitivity to the complexities of Nigerian sociology. Pause to reflect on the man we are here to celebrate, and what you see is a tested, accomplished, and large-hearted leader who’s invested his resources in building an extensive network of political mentees who’ve risen to the peak of their career."

"But in politics, of course, the camps with nothing to sell always choose the mud. We are not going to take the bait. We are going to keep them talking and busy with irrefutable records of Asiwaju’s suitability to lead this country to the promised land. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, for those who’ve been in the system for long understand that some character’s loyalty has a thing in common with a chameleon. What we promise, however, is to make sure that all Nigerians are presented with a side of the Jagaban Bornu other than the fiction and half-truths from political desperadoes clinging to the rigging of a sinking ship. This is why we are here—to build and mobilise a network of believers and volunteers at the grassroots to help us deliver the Nigeria of our dream."

The management of BUA Foods Plc. was on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 hosted to a closing gong ceremony on the main floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited. This was after addressing market stakeholders with a fact behind the listing presentation in a webinar held earlier in the day.

BUA Foods was listed on the Nigerian Exchange on Jan 5, 2022 and has since received significant acceptance going by the volume of demand for the shares which has boosted the market capitalization of the Nigerian Exchange Limited by over N1trillion.

The company has maintained an unbroken record of year-on-year growth and has eight ultra-modern manufacturing facilities across the country. BUA Foods currently has a refining capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes of sugar yearly from two ultra-modern sugar refineries in Lagos and Port Harcourt. As part of its expansion strategy in 2022, BUA Foods plans to double its flour milling capacity from about 500,000 metric tonnes per annum to over a million metric tonnes per annum. Similarly, that of pasta will grow from 5 lines to 11 lines.

The company’s rice mill, one of the largest in the country, has a capacity to produce 200,000 tonnes of rice per annum with work currently in progress on a rice plantation that will change the face of rice production in Nigeria.

Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director speaking on behalf of the Chairman of BUA Foods Plc. stated that the company is determined to explore the huge opportunities available in the agribusiness to promote food security and growth for Nigerians and Africans.

According to Rabiu, “Today for us is very historic and we are excited to begin the year with the listing. The population of Nigeria is over 200million and our food production capacity is still not enough to meet current demands. However, with the listing of our food business on the NGX, there is high hope for Nigeria in terms of building capacity for food sufficiency.”

“As a country we have agricultural resources coupled with human capital to harness needed raw materials to produce what we need for our consumption, and develop our nation. We are positioning our brand to take advantage of export opportunities through our strategically located plants from which foreign exchange can be generated both for the company and economy”, Rabiu added.

The Acting Managing Director, BUA Foods, Engr. Ayodele Abioye, also stated, “our fast paced and strategic investments in the food industry positions us to capture growth opportunities within the sector, create headroom ahead of demand, generate sustainable employment while promoting national food security.

Additionally, as a business we will continue to create sustainable value for our consumers and stakeholders”.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr. Temi Popoola, stated, “This listing marks a new beginning for BUA Foods Plc who plays a critical role in the FMCG industry as the company can leverage services the Exchange offers to achieve its strategic objectives. BUA Foods has experienced an upward trend in share price, market capitalization, and trading activity since its listing on the Exchange. At NGX, this milestone transaction is in line with our strategic objectives to improve listings and enhance investors’ participation in our market. As a multi-asset Exchange, NGX is strategically positioned to be the preferred listing and investment destination connecting Nigeria, Africa, and the world. I must, therefore, encourage capital market players and enthusiasts at home and abroad to pay closer attention to the plethora of opportunities available in our market both to list securities and make the most of their investments. NGX will continue to provide innovative solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of our stakeholders.”

About BUA Foods PLC

BUA Foods is a leading food business with well diversified and scalable operations producing sugar, flour, pasta, rice and edible oils. With strategically located plants across Nigeria, coupled with a cordial alliance with local stakeholders in host communities, BUA Foods is a resilient business built on a strong brand proposition and is an operator with reputation for delivering high-quality products.

BUA Foods continues to invest in modern technology for efficient food production, innovatively expanding with strategic partners across the value chain. The company is also well positioned to leverage significant export potentials across West Africa and the larger African continent.

Headquartered and listed in Nigeria, BUA Foods has become one of the most capitalized companies on the NGX and a leading consumer goods firm by market value.

The ‘Save Nigeria Movement’ has called for a full and open trial of the Leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu over what it described as unforgivable crimes against humanity.

Convener of the group, Rev. Solomon Semaka insisted that calls for a political solution to Kanu’s trial were a plot to to rubbish president Buhari integrity and dismiss the country as a “Zoo” without strong institutions.

Rev. Semaka further reacting to such calls drew the attention of Nigerians to the atrocities caused by IPOB in the last five years , noting that such could even be classified as sabotage to Mr Presidents regime.

“If your son is desruptive in utterances and actions, chances are you are complicit” As a group we are strongly inclined to state that some Igbo leaders body language and moves is suggestive of a conspiracy especially amidst growing calls for equity and fairness among regions in the country .

“We tend to believe that some people may want to politicise the legal and legitimate trial of Nnamdi Kanu” this act in itself is unpatriotic.

The group said statistics indicate massive figures of casualties who were killed during IPOB reccuring attacks accross the south east region. With no or little control over IPOB activities , Igbo elders are expected to allow a full and fair trial of their son “I believe this is what any reasonable patriot would do”

“Over(88) people killed and scores of properties destroyed by IPOB could not be downplayed on the alter of politics” While some individuals may be part of such plea to Mr president out of fear and intimidation, the Save Nigeria Movement will always stand out to defend the rights of all Nigerians and insist on the rule of law without minding whose ox is gored”, Rev Semaka fumed.

“By this statement, the Villa and the Department of State services should take notice that any attempt to succumb to blackmail from any quarters to consider the release of Nnamdi Kanu without a full trial will be met with resistance by Nigerians.”

“We will mobilise across the length and breath of the country to “Save Nigeria” we will occupy the country if such request for a political solution is considered in breach of a full trial.”

“Enough is enough” In this country we have seen situations were petty thieves are lynched to death sometimes over false alarms, how then do we excuse the release of Nnamdi Kanu who has wrenched himself in blood of hundreds of innocent citizens?”

The group said it had called the attention of the British Government to the atrocities of IPOB in the past and expressed hope the British government was satisfied; in this regard, with the whole world watching , only a full trial could console the citizens and bring healing to the South East region.

The group appealed to security agencies to stand their ground and never be distracted in the course of protecting the country.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state has appointed Popular socialite and Club Owner, Paschal Okechukwu alias Cubana Chief Priest as his Special Adviser on Social Media Influence.

In a letter dated 14th of January, 2022 seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by the Secretary to the government of Imo, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Okechukwu's appointment was approved by the Governor and he is to begin work immediately.

The letter read; "His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, has approved your appointment as Special Adviser to Governor on Social Media Influence."

"This appointment is with effect from 10" January, 2022."