₦airaland Forum

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arrested one Bolarinwa Oluwasegun, a fake military general over N270 million Fraud, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.

The suspect, who posed as a General in the Nigerian Army, allegedly made false representations to the complainant, Kodef Clearing Resources, that the President, Muhammadu Buhari, had shortlisted him and one other to be appointed as the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, and that he needed a short grant “to press and process the appointment.”

He also allegedly forged a letter of appointment as COAS purportedly signed by the President and showed the same to the victim to further prove his claim.

In the said letter, he claimed that he needed to pay a certain amount of money into the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as part of the requirements for the appointment as COAS.

Oluwasegun, in his bid to defraud the victim, also allegedly forged several documents and the signature of the President. He was arrested at his house in the Alagbado area of Lagos State on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

Upon his arrest, six pump action guns, three cartridge bullets, a swagger stick and several forged documents were recovered from him.

Further investigations reveal that Bolarinwa made headlines in 2020 after shooting at #EndSARS protesters in Abule Egba. he is also the leader of the Yoruba Youth Forum (YYF).

Below is a video footage of Bolarinwa stepping out of his vehicle with a bump action rifle which he then proceeds to fire at protesters;

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday struck out a criminal charge brought against the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu, over his alleged involvement in a N75 million fraud.

In a ruling, Justice Charles Agbaza struck out the charges upon the request of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The IGP, who filed the charges, however, on Thursday brought a motion on notice to the court requesting that the charges be terminated.

In the motion argued by his counsel, Mr Umoh Inah, the police chief asked the court to throw away the charges in the interest of justice.

The motion was not opposed by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who stood for the Deputy Speaker.

Agbaza consequently ruled that the charges be immediately terminated.

Information just reaching the POLITICS NIGERIA newsdesk reveals that Oyo State Former Governor, Christopher Alao Akala is dead.

Though details of his death still sketchy at the time of filling this report. It was confirmed that he died last night after returning from Abuja.

Akala, a popular grassroots politician was Governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011. The 71 year old was the candidate of the ADP in the 2019 Governorship election in the state.

Popular Critic and Author, Farouq Kperogi has claimed that the 'cabal' has rejected the presidential ambitions of APC national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

In an article titled: "Why the 2023 Presidential Race Will Be a Shot in the Dark", made available to POLITICS NIGERIA, Kperogi explains the various permutations and candidates being considered by the 'cabal'. The article read;

"Bola Tinubu’s announcement that he has informed Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to run for president in 2023 has triggered frenetic social media conversations about the 2023 elections. My own prognostication is that the race won’t be as predictable as many people think it will be."

"Even Aso Rock power brokers are in disarray. Their strategies and choices keep evolving like a kaleidoscope. At some point, they wanted to perpetrate one of their own in power, which would mean ditching the informal but nonetheless politically potent power sharing arrangement between the North and the South."

"They realized that such a move is not only politically risky but is also fraught with the sort of danger that might dissolve the Nigerian union if it succeeded."

"Then they toyed with the idea of supporting a “weak” candidate from the South-South, such as Rotimi Amaechi, whom a northern PDP candidate— with whom they’d strike a deal— can easily defeat."

"At some point, I heard that the cabal settled on PDP’s Atiku Abubakar. But it appears that they later chickened out perhaps because they can’t trust Atiku or because Atiku won’t commit to their terms."

"Then came the Goodluck Jonathan card. I’ve confirmed from people who should know that indeed the Buhari cabal had settled on supporting Jonathan as APC’s candidate—with one of the members of the cabal, possibly Malami, as his running mate."

"As of a few days ago, the cabal, fearful of untoward backlash from the southwest if they support Jonathan to win APC’s nomination (recall that the Southwest helped them upstage the same Jonathan in 2015) has backtracked and is restrategizing."

"As should be obvious by now, members of the cabal want neither Bola Tinubu nor Yemi Osinbajo. They both know this. Tinubu signaled this knowledge when he said Buhari “didn’t ask me to stop. He didn’t ask me not to attempt and pursue my ambition.”

"Why would he use a negation (“he didn’t ask me to stop. He didn’t ask me not to…”) instead of an affirmation or a neutral statement to characterize Buhari’s attitude toward his ambition? It’s because he knows Buhari’s puppeteers resent his presidential ambition."

"Where this gets even more intriguing is that the cabal is NOT nearly as influential and powerful as it once was when it was led by the late Abba Kyari. It’s now easily vanquishable. Here’s why."

"Mahmood Yakubu, INEC’s chair, was singlehandedly put in his position by Abba Kyari. So, he was beholden to him and did his bidding. Recall that Kyari, whose office isn’t recognized by the constitution, breached protocol by inviting Yakubu to his office at the Presidential Villa for a closed-door meeting on October 26, 2018."

"None of the remaining members of the cabal has that sort of influence on the INEC chairman who is in his final term and therefore need not ingratiate himself with anyone for any favors. Notice that the INEC chairman has been showing unaccustomed independence lately, such as going against Aso Rock honchos by insisting on electronic transmission of votes."

"There’s no Abba Kyari to dictate to him, and he’s not indebted to members of the current cabal led by the perpetually narcotized and incompetent Abubakar Malami."

"So, don’t dismiss anyone’s ambition just yet. And don’t be overconfident about anyone’s--or any political party's-- chances. This is probably the most variegated, endlessly changing patterning of political variables in Nigeria’s recent political history."

Barely 24 hours after Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to run for president, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State on Tuesday did the same.

POLITICS NIGERIA has gathered that Governor Umahi disclosed this to State House correspondents after meeting behind closed doors with Buhari.

He disclosed that  the president told him to consult widely. It can be recalled that Umahi defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC in 2021.

Unknown Gunmen have kidnapped the wife of a deputy chief of staff to the Plateau state Government, Silas Vem.

Mrs Dorcas Vem was abducted on Sunday by the gunmen who accosted her in front of her house. A reliable source privy to details of the incident told Punch;

"For almost three days now, the whereabouts of wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Dorcas Silas Vem has remained unknown. She is a staff of the University of Jos and her husband is the Deputy Chief of Staff in the office of the Deputy Governor of Plateau state, Professor Sonny Tyoden."

"Their house is at the Little Rayfield in Jos, very close to the Government House. The woman was just driving to their house when some gunmen accosted her in front of their gate. They forcefully dragged her out of her vehicle and took her away to an unknown destination. The incident happened on Sunday and since then, we have not seen her."

The Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau, Ubah Ogaba confirmed the incident disclosing that efforts were being made to rescue Mrs. Vem.

The attorney general of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has reacted to a press statement from the South-West Governors Forum condemning the humiliation of Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwoolu by a Chief Superintendent of police.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that on Tuesday, the unnamed police officer openly defied the order of Gov. Sanwo-Olu, to vacate the Magodo Phase 2 Estate area of the state.

The CSP told the governor that he and his armed colleagues were at the estate on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; as well as the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Reacting to the development on Wednesday, the south-west governor forum condemned Malami's action. However, in a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday evening, Malami described the press release from the governors as 'a vituperation of ulterior motives'.

"It is important to state that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation belongs to the Executive arm of the Government. The Supreme Court belongs to the Judiciary. The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice takes exception to the Southwest Governors unjustifiable insinuation of impunity against the office of the Attorney General over execution of a judgment of the Supreme Court."

"The role of the executive is, in this respect, simply to aide the maintenance of law and order in due compliance with rule of law arising from giving effect to the judgment of the apex court of the land."

"Let it be known that the issue is regarding a Supreme Court Judgement that was delivered in 2012 long before the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration in office at a time when Malami was not a Minister. The judgment was a reaffirmation of the judgments of Court of Appeal and High Court delivered on 31st December, 1993."

"The Press Release came to us as a surprise. We see it as a vituperation of ulterior motives of some political class who derived pleasure in dragging the name of Malami in the mud to achieve some sinister objectives."

"It is widely reported in the papers that the Lagos state Governor was quoted to have said "I've spoken extensively with the Inspector-General of Police and the Honourable Attorney-General, and we've resolved all the issues".

"The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, would appreciate if the coalition of the Governors will help to unravel the circumstances preventing the Lagos State Government from enforcing the court order despite several attempts from 2012- 2015 and so-called settlement initiative started in 2016. Some of the cardinal pillars of democratic Government are the doctrine of separation of powers and obedience to the rule of law inclusive of Court Orders."

"It is a common knowledge that execution of the judgment and orders of Courts of competent jurisdiction, and the Court of last resort in the circumstances remains a cardinal component of the rule of law and the office of the Attorney General wonders how maintenance of the law and orders in the course of execution of the judgment of the supreme can be adjudged by imagination of the governors to be unruly."

"We want restate that sanctity of the rule of law is not a matter of choice.", the statement signed by the AGF's media aide, Umar Gwandu read.

The Nigerian Government has officially proscribed banditry in Nigeria.

This development was contained in a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA by the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday. It can be recalled that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) disclosed that the Federal Government was planning to officially designate bandits as terrorists because the government is following international best practices.

He said his office was in the process of gazetting a court judgement that ordered the government to declare bandits as terrorists, adding that the process would be concluded in a matter of days.

Speaking on Tuesday to NTA, Malami had stated; “Government has a responsibility to act but within the context of acting, you equally expected to operate within the confines of international best practices associated with engagement and one of such best practices is that you can only use maximum force on groups, individuals that are declared terrorists and that is where the application of the Terrorism Act comes in place.”

“With that in mind, Nigeria acted, first by proscribing IPOB, taking into consideration the threats to lives and properties they have caused in the nation. Boko Haram was proscribed.”

“The gazetting of a court order or judgement is a process but what matters fundamentally within the context of international convention is the judicial declaration and that has been obtained; the court has declared bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers as terrorists.”

“So, with or without the gazette, what gives effect to such declaration is a judicial pronouncement but the gazette is a mere formality and it has been on and I believe within a matter of days, it will be concluded.”

BUA Foods Plc (“BUA Foods” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received approval to list on the Main Board of The Nigerian Exchange (“NGX”).

BUA Foods has satisfied the listing requirements of The Exchange and obtained relevant regulatory approvals, as a result, BUA Foods is now listed in the consumer goods sector of the Exchange, with the ticker “BUAFOODS”. A total of 18,000,000,000 (eighteen billion) shares were admitted to trading, representing the total issued share capital of the Company.

The listing by introduction means that the shares of existing BUA Foods’ shareholders has been listed without an additional public sale of shares. Henceforth, all BUA Foods shareholders will be free to trade their shares on the Exchange.

Commenting on the listing, Abdul Samad Rabiu, CON, Chairman of BUA Group said “I am delighted that yet another member of BUA Group has been listed on the NGX. This shows our commitment to national economic growth and support for the food security drive of the nation in alignment with global sustainability goals.”

We appreciate the continued support of our stakeholders – financial advisers, stock brokers, suppliers, customers, consumers and members of staff. In particular, we cherish our host communities with whom we continue to entrench very strong and mutually beneficial relationships.”

The Acting Managing Director, BUA Foods, Engr. Ayodele Abioye, also stated, “the listing today marks a new beginning for a Company playing a critical role in the FMCG industry, one that’s highly committed to nourishing lives with all our product offerings. The listing resonates with our commitment to sustainable growth as we nourish and enrich the lives of consumers by delivering high quality products at competitive prices. This listing creates an avenue for everyone to be a part of the success story of BUA Foods and benefit from the growth opportunities ahead.”

For over three decades, the company has maintained an unbroken streak of year-on-year growth, establishing ultra-modern production facility across multiple locations. BUA Foods remains a consistent leading player in the Food and FMCG industry with strong reputation for exceeding customers and consumers expectations with high-quality products.

BUA Foods also continues to invest in modern technology for efficient food production, innovating and 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.

Since the launch of the first news outlet in Nigeria in 1859, Nigeria’s advertising industry has grown to become a flourishing self-sustaining ecosystem valued at a whopping 425 million U.S. dollars as of 2017 and a projected foreseeable exponential growth in the coming years as a result of the dominance of internet revenue. While many other industries are gradually recovering and working to bounce back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this economic powerhouse is set to remain on an upward trajectory Post-covid.

Amidst several months of grounded airplanes, closed churches and empty streets, several countries and global economies have experienced the shock waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. From real estate to finance and healthcare – especially healthcare – almost every sector of the economy has been touched in one way or another. One industry, however, has remained unshaken, resilient, withstanding all the knocks and shocks and continuing to thrive despite oppositions – advertising.

This is not to say that commercial advertising did not experience its fair share of economic downturn, even taking a significant plunge during the pandemic year. In fact, many brands reordered their priorities entirely, choosing to engage in COVID-19 awareness campaigns across social media. Some others took to leveraging collaborations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as the government to consolidate efforts and flatten the curve of COVID-19 spread, and provide relief packages to vulnerable target groups within the society – although, in hindsight, this may have been a strategic move to ensure that brands are projected positively continuously.

In any case, the advertising industry globally is fast rising back to pre-pandemic levels and even experiencing exponential growth— a vast contrast from the diminishing returns that it had begun to experience a few years back — and the reason is not far-fetched. Several factors are responsible for this drastic turn of events. Firstly, it goes without saying that advertising thrives on consumer behavior. And if there’s one thing we can be certain about post-pandemic, it’s that consumer behavior has changed significantly. What thriving and innovative advertising companies did during the pandemic was to change with the times and seasons that consumers were in. This meant changing from regular TV and radio advertising to digital advertising. This switch was to align with the fact that consumers spent more time at home in front of screens. Commuting time was allocated to binge-watching videos online, and as a result, digital reigned supreme.

Today, COVID-19 has definitely expedited the process of transforming legacy marketing structures and practices for the digital economy. In Nigeria especially, the pandemic served as an exponential accelerator for connected TV and E-commerce marketing- which though were already in place, were struggling to gain widespread popularity. By dwelling more on social media and direct response selling, retailers were able to sell their goods to a wider audience due to shifting consumer behavior to online trade channels, thereby promoting the growth of Nigeria’s e-commerce industry.

This wasn’t the case in the last decade. Just a few years back, advertisers in Nigeria spent a large chunk of their time, effort and resources trying to encourage consumers to buy something they haven’t seen or tried on. Brands across all industries struggled to use the power of their online presence to engage potential customers and drive them down the marketing funnel through video adverts, blogs, email newsletters, or other types of digital lead generation activities. Even before the pandemic, converting that online presence to actual sales was a difficult feat.

However, COVID-19 has drastically altered the rules of the game.

With the pandemic keeping everyone at home, time spent on convincing was less, and many more consumers became more inclined to buy things and use services they needed online. As a result, several mega-companies across Nigeria took advantage of this, leaving advertisers no choice but to keep up with the times, spending about $350 million on advertising and marketing. Whilst there was no dominant sector, the likes of telecommunications giant MTN and beverage colossus, Nigerian Breweries led the table as the highest spenders in the year.

The influencer niche is one area that has been cemented fully into the world of advertising. If there’s one thing that took the internet by storm in 2020, it was influencers. With the rise of social media, apps like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook (Now Meta) became entertainment hotspots for millennials and Gen Zs, more and more people rose to the influencer status, making the position crucial to Nigeria’s advertising industry. In fact, a survey carried out by the Nigeria Influencer Marketing Report (NIMReport) revealed that over 30% of advertisers now value influencer marketing as part of their marketing strategy.

Although we are no longer in the heat of the pandemic, it is incontrovertible that the pandemic brought a lasting shift to Nigeria’s advertising ecosphere. We may have coined the term “post-covid era”, but in actual fact, the pandemic has ushered us into a new age, a new season that we may never return from. This means that the bar has permanently risen for advertising agencies and businesses across Nigeria as consumers are now holding them to higher standards. What they demand nowadays are tactful and mindful marketing strategies. They’re no longer asking if you have what they want but rather expect you to have what they want.

To navigate this new terrain, advertising in Nigeria will need to be more data and technology focused, with advertisers working to integrate some form of artificial intelligence or machine learning into the mix. With the right data, advertising companies will be fully equipped to create the right consumer experiences across one or more dimensions of the four Cs of marketing: Commerce, Community, Content, and Convenience. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to these four areas, consumers require a more personalized experience.

Experts such as PWC have predicted that Nigeria’s entertainment market is poised to reach $10.8 billion (N4.4 trillion) in 2023, having reached $4.5 billion in 2018. With the interconnectedness of advertising and entertainment and the recent tactic of presenting advertising as entertainment, it is imperative that relevant stakeholders properly harness the immense benefits available for the advertising sector. This can be done in several ways, with collaboration being paramount. Partnerships between sectoral groups in marketing and communications will expand the advertising landscape of the Nigerian market and will bring world-class advertising opportunities and a broader reach to the target audience, clients and agencies. Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Media Independent Practitioners of Nigeria (MIPAN), Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON) and other Industry leaders should consolidate their cooperations expertise on growth-focused activities that will cause the advertising industry to skyrocket in the coming years.

The pandemic has undoubtedly elevated the status of advertising and marketing, with both taking their rightful places as drivers of digital transformation, a key leader of the customer experience journey, and the voice of the consumer — all of which are of utmost importance to C-suite executives. This means that advertising now has the opportunity to seize an ongoing critical role in high-level dialogue and decision-making processes, thereby driving the company’s broader objectives and innovation agenda.

For brands willing to be creative and experimental with their advertising strategies, the post-COVID-19 reality is a unique moment to aim for higher market share.

Seyi Tinubu is a Nigerian entrepreneur. Seyi is the Chairman/CEO  of Loatsad Promomedia and a member of the advertising practitioners council of Nigeria

The political space is again heated up as expected when elections are approaching. Both the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, and its major challenger, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are all over the place but yet to decide who will bear their flags at the 2023 Presidential poll.

Some political observers say it's imperative both parties decide on time, noting there's much to cover before Nigerians head to the polls in fourteen months time.

At the moment, words and gestures from politicians or their cronies; events attended and the ones shunned are being interpreted to suggest who is running and who is not; those that have been endorsed and those that are still consulting.

As many are yet to declare their interest in Nigeria’s numero uno position, numerous groups, whether overzealous or genuine, have flooded the media with endorsement statements. On the other hand, a few have subtly registered their intentions.

For instance, Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, had in October, hinted that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto, have indicated interest in contesting in the 2023 presidential election. Both are top PDP Generals and they've not refuted Makinde's claims.

The duo are household names in Nigeria's 'politicosphere' but one that stirs controversy is Atiku Abubakar's interest in the office after five unsuccessful attempts.

One could have misconstrued that to mean passion and willingness to serve but the Buhari example has shown that relentlessly running for offices even after several failed attempts does not guarantee quality leadership.

Since he bowed out as the Vice-president in 2007, Abubakar has been dancing around the Presidential seat, however, fighting for his turn. In fact, several accounts have alluded to the fact that he has eyed the office right from the 90s.

In 1993, Abubakar contested the SDP presidential primaries but Moshood Abiola beat him to it with a wide margin of over 1000 votes. For Abubakar, the Presidency is not just an opportunity to serve but an avenue to feed his age-long quest for power.

Of course, the quest didn't start when he first contested the SDP presidential primaries or when he ventured into partisan politics. He had priotised his lust for the two decades he spent in the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS).

“I told myself that if by the time I was 40 years old I did not head the organisation, I would quit,” he said in his authorised biography, "ATIKU: The Story of Atiku Abubakar" which was written and published by his late Senior Special Assistant on Media, Adinoyi Onukaba.

Despite rising to become the Deputy Director, the second highest position in the NCS was then known; Abubakar voluntarily retired in April 1989 after all efforts to become the Head of the agency didn't yield. As a desperate one, he lobbied everyone in the corridor of power but all to no avail.

Mr Abubakar was confident of bagging the appointment so much that he counted on his friendship with Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler.

“Atiku had known Babangida since 1974 when he was just a Major. They met at a party in Lagos, and became good friends. In 1982 when Babangida, then a Major-General, imported a BMW car into the country, it was his friend, Atiku, who helped him to clear it from the Lagos ports. Babangida was not the only top military officer or prominent civil servant that Atiku had assisted," Onukaba wrote.

This desperation makes it easy to decipher that an Atiku Presidency has nothing genuine to offer the populace beyond fulfilling selfish interest. Little wonder why he called for the privatisation of the nation's biggest oil corporation. Recall that under the Obasanjo-led administration, which Abubakar played a key role in, some of the government’s assets were privatised and that began the story of how they went moribund.

Beyond his political trajectories and hobnobbing with corruption, the overwhelming acceptance of the zoning arrangement that favours a Southern Presidency is a stumbling block on Abubakar's way to the Aso Villa. Political commentators have suggested that any attempt to disregard the arrangement may spell the doom of any party in the forthcoming election.

A group known as the Save Nigeria Movement has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of planning to divide the country.

In a statement signed by its convener Rev. Solomon Semanka, on Thursday, the group cautioned the former leader to thread with caution and rethink his intentions.

The statement read;

"The attention of the Save Nigeria Movement has been drawn to media reports indicating former president Olusegun Obasanjo's decision to embark on another round of divisive consultations conversant with his character. Media reports further indicate Obasanjo plans to co-opt past heads of state, traditional rulers , religious leaders and some respected elderstatesmen among which is a former federal commisioner pa Edwin Clark into the massive drive to divide the country. All these antics are in a bid to discredit president Buhari administration efforts having surpassed former president Obasanjo's two epochs in office both as military and civilian head of state."

"Former president Olusegun Obasanjo's antecedents are scary if allowed to fester.The Save Nigeria Movement is deeply concerned that Obasanjo would choose to inflame passions and raise tensions at this critical point in time when the federal government is consolidating on security. Former President Olusegun is urged to reconsider his personal agenda as it can only jeopardise national security. To this end, the Movement is suspicious of the former president and calls all Nigerians to speak in one voice against him."

"The Save Nigeria Movement is inclined to caution the former president to have a rethink if his personal intentions will not promote peace and unity in the country.This appeal is also a word of caution that should Obasanjo be bent on heating the polity and raising tensions, Nigerans will know who to hold responsible and demand for the law to take its full course."

"As a citizens and true patriots, we expect nothing but selfless service to the nation and moral support from people like former president Olusegun Obasanjo and not the other way round shamelessly fanning the embers of disunity. Former president Olusegun Obasanjo is urged to once again remind himself of the pledges he made at each moment this country gave him the opportunity to serve the nation. We believe good conscience will prevail for the right thing to be done."

"Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has no moral right to be dissatisfied with the modest achievements of president Buhari administration especially when he could not do better when Nigerians gave him the opportunity twice as military and civilian head of state."

"Indeed, president Buhari has offended many people in the mold of Obasanjo by not joining the league of those who must own a presidential library, an oil well or a multinational farm while in office. Looks like former president Obasanjo truly missed the infamous "third term" where he would have consolidated his full grip on the nation's resources.This is the point of departure between Former President Obasanjo, his cohorts and incubent President Buhari."

"Former President Obasanjo is further called upon to help the Yoruba nation heal by providing immediate and satisfactory answers to the gruesome murder of late sage chief Bola Ige; one of Yoruba's most admired sons. Perhaps, that is what all Yoruba nation and indeed Nigerians want at this moment. How about the gruesome political assassination of Harry Marshal and many others? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be magnanimous enough to come clear on these unresolved puzzles around political killings and corrupt enrichment while in office as president than resort to self pontification."

"We will not talk about the infamous kidnap of a sitting governor in the south east under the inglorious watch of the seasoned Otta farmer. Nigerians do not want those memories. Obasanjo should seize the moment to re-write history with his words and public conduct."

"At least under president Buhari administration, no such high profile killings are in vogue. No such fanfare over launching of presidential libraries or other bussiness concerns of sort is ongoing unlike under former president Olusegun Obasanjo's regime. Should we begin to review how Obasanjo muzzled Lagos State, the economic nerve center, the heart of Yoruba nation of statutory funds in flagrant disregard for court orders? Which true Yoruba Son worthy of his name would be proud of Obasanjo? Nigerians have had enough of whatever salvage value is left of Mr Obasanjo."

"Nigerians are proud of what president Buhari is doing to rescue the nation from the grip of people like Obasanjo who designated the country as a free zone for corruption for more than a decade. Nigerians from all walks of life are proud of the modest achievements recorded under the Buhari administration. From road infrastructure to massive social welfare packages and a historic recapture of territories hitherto held by insurgents and bandits."

"At least president Buhari has not mobilized soldiers to demolish communities and kill scores of innocent Nigerians like Obasanjo did in Odi, Bayelsa and Zakibiam, in Benue states respectively during Obasanjo's reign as president."

"Nigerians are indeed asking when former president Obasanjo would be called upon to account for his many sins against his Yoruba kinsmen and Nigerians. This may truly be the moment of judgement. President Buhari administration in all sincerity has admitted to challenges and taken steps to secure the nation, all the government needs now is wise counsel and moral support as opposed to acts that could jeorpardise existing efforts in peace and security of the country."

"Let us rise up and hold our leaders to standards that will ensure the legacies of peace and unity. This is our responsibility. It is in fulfilling this obligation that the Save Nigeria Movement is calling on former president Olusegun Obasanjo to respect himself and status and desist from acts capable of reversing the progress so far made in country. The whole world is watching and will join us in solidarity to hold anyone who would be responsible for acts that breach national security."

There are strong indications that former President Olusegun Obasanjo may summon a meeting intended to discuss the security situation in the country, among other burning issues of national concern. According to presidency sources, the meeting, scheduled to hold either on Tuesday, 14th December, or Wednesday, 15th, in Abuja, has the capacity to inflame passions, allegedly cause ethno- religious tensions, with consequential negative effect on national security and unity of the country, which authorities have continued to insist, is non-negotiable.

The sources, who spoke in confidence, said the meeting will hold, barring any last minute change in plan by the respected former ex-president (1999 – 2007), Head of State (1976 – 1979).

This was as they wondered why the ex-Nigerian leader, pan-Africanist, and personality of global repute, will contemplate such a move, at a time when all men and women of good conscience were expected to join hands with government, in a bid to solve the challenges confronting the nation. As at the time of filing this report, it was gathered that Chief Obasanjo has already sent out letters of invitation preparatory to the colloquium. Among the dignitaries invited to be part of the conference, all things being equal, is a former Head of State, who has been actively involved in peace advocacy, and national unity. Before the meeting, he may meet with respected Ijaw leader and former federal commissioner for information, Chief Edwin Clark.

This newspaper recalls that, sometime in August, a socio-cultural group, the Yoruba for One Nigeria Forum, YONF, had challenged the elder statesman on the need to come clean on allegations that he was lobbying Benin Republic Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemi (aka Igboho), from possible prosecution. “We are aware that an ex-President and one of the leaders of this nation,Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has concluded plans to meet with interest groups, and former Heads of State “Prior to the planned meeting, he intends to meet with Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark on the 13th of December next week.

This is after an earlier meeting he proposed with former Heads of State could not hold, ostensibly due to circumstances of the time”, one of the sources said. Another source, who spoke in similar vein, noted thus: “He intends to invite former leaders to the scheduled meeting. “Truth is, the resolution (s) from the planned meeting, may serve as a platform to (allegedly) discredit the government. “Definitely, the former leader will cause a letter to be written to the President alleging deteriorating security situation in the country.

“Now, here are the likely implications of the scheduled parley: “Likelihood of heating up the polity, cause political tension, as well as ethno-religious divisions. “It also has the capacity of triggering disunity, disloyalty to civil authority, after (allegedly) painting the government as weak and incapable of discharging its responsibilities to the citizens. “Ultimately, this may lead to civil disobedience, the resultant effect of which remains unpredictable,if history is anything to rely on. “You may, please, recall that the respected elder statesman is given to writing Open Letters to Leaders, especially towards the end of their tenures, preparatory to crucial elections”.

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) – brainchild of Industrialist, philanthropist and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has provided a grant of 2.5billion Naira to the Edo State Government towards the equipping of the New Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City currently being reconfigured, upgraded, and expanded to a 250-bed specialist hospital. This donation makes Edo State the fourth state after Sokoto, Ogun and Kwara states to receive a 2.5billion Naira grant from ASR Africa’s 10bn Naira Tertiary Healthcare Systems Support Grants Scheme for 2021 drawn from the Annual ASR Africa $100million Fund for Social Development and Renewal.

Presenting the grants award letter to Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State, Ubon Udoh, Managing Director, ASR Africa Initiative said the 2.5billion Naira Healthcare grant to Edo State, was in fulfilment of the pledge made by the founder of ASR Africa, Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu, in June 2021 when he specifically set aside 10billion Naira for tertiary healthcare interventions in 4 states in Nigeria.

He further added that the 2.5billion grant, which will be put towards equipping the new Stella Obasanjo Hospital, will go a long way in raising the standard of care accessible in the region. He also commended Governor Godwin Obaseki, for his commitment to healthcare development at all levels within the State.

Governor Obaseki, whilst thanking the ASR Africa Initiative for the grant, stated that his government decided to improve healthcare delivery in the state by renovating, improving, and upgrading the Stella Obasanjo Hospital to a 250-bed hospital. He also added that new buildings and services are being added to complement and support the existing complex.

According to Governor Obaseki, “I am immensely grateful to Alh Abdul Samad Rabiu for this grant through his ASR Africa Initiative. Beyond improving healthcare delivery in Edo State, this partnership with ASR Africa is very important for us in creating a template for the implementation of future development partnerships.”

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.

The Conference of Harmonised Civil Society Organisations In Nigeria (CHCSON) on Tuesday in Abuja commended the management of the National Commision For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) over what it described as superlative performances under the commissions new leadership led by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim .

The group in a press release signed by it's executive director Mr Oduma Richard Oduma maintained that the commission has made incredible progress within the last six months since assumption of office by Imaan-Sulaiman Ibrahim as the federal commissioner in charge of the commission .

The group said the Commission's activities in the last few months were reviewed by joint task force of CSOs because they are of great concern to the ordinary people, and the current management has indeed demonstrated capacity to deliver on the set objectives of the commission in line with the statutes establishing the commission "

"As representatives of the masses we are indeed proud of the Imaan Sulaiman -Ibrahim led management " a new Vista is once again restored at the commission. Oduma stated.

"All we can say is to urge the management to remain focused and commited despite sponsored smear campaign in some sections of the media to cause distractions for the new leadership ." We are aware of the saying that corruption will always fight back when accountability and due process becomes the new order.

" Recent false narratives pointing accusing fingers on the current managent depicts nothing but curruption only fighting back"

The group further advised journalists to conduct an independent tour of duty to verify the milestones recorded at the Commision within the last six months under Imaan Sulaiman -Ibrahim leadership.

"She has simply redefined leadership beyond the scope of mischief makers and that is what is important to Nigerians, and Mr president"

"The Zero hunger campaign has been rated as a turning point intervention by all stakeholders and is highly commended. "Mr Oduma stated.

"The group said with the judicious utilisation of international donor funds for logistics aide and internal accountability, the commissions management deserves a vote of confidence to maintain on that trajectory. The group urged the management not to be distracted.

Human nature is indeed complex. Many people live as if the devil has sent them on an errand to destroy as many destinies as possible. They are so bad that the devil is afraid of them. They lie, deceive, kill, destroy and torment innocent souls for no just cause except to satisfy their cunning desires. Leo Tolstoy is quoted to have said "be bad but at least don't be a liar, a deciever. Deception is as dangerous as any vice one can think of in any human society.

The deceiver preys on people's conscience and to a large extent their gullibility. While they can't do much damage to the psyche of the wise and learned, their antics are capable of wrecking untold damage to their worldview and general outlook towards life. It is important to protect society from deciever's and liars who are either social psychopaths or people who seek to spread their ignorant bile around just to feel important and take advantage of people's misery and pain to profit themselves.

It is worse when people are in the habit of deceiving themselves. Putting up fake facades and thinking they're fooling others along with them. An anonymous philosopher submits that self deceit is the worst form of deceit, it's like an ostrich burying its head in the sand and thinking it's hiding from predators.

Aisha Yesufu is an unrepentant liar and chronic deceiver who has over the years misled thousands of people into following her social media handles and his numerous phony social causes. This she does to create an impression of herself as a social reformer, critic, and mobiliser. What people don't know is that Aisha Yesufu is a sponsored thug who mismanages funds donated for phantom causes and the people's goodwill to her personal and selfish aggrandizement.

A reference point is her role in the Bring Back Our Girls campaign where she is alleged to have embezzled the millions of naira that were raised by well-meaning Nigerians to secure the release of those innocent girls. Since the money has filled Aisha's mouth, she no longer mentions the girls again. She has turned her attention to insecurity lapses that Mr. President and his entire security architecture are fighting day and night to restore normalcy just to score cheap political points and fill her stomach with ill-gotten wealth. Aisha is like a vulture who goes only where there are carcasses but this time around, she'll be hungry for a while.

A few days ago a video released by Aisha Yesufu on her official social media handles saw the intrepid liar singing war songs and declaring war on the Nigerian state in the most treasonable and malicious manner. Mrs. Aisha wondered why His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari was still the president of Nigeria. What she failed to understand is that the people overwhelmingly voted the president into power for the second time. It was not a mistake and Nigerians have not regretted it, having done that a second time.

Drumming war drums and sounding as if brute force rather than the collective power of the ballot is the method of retaining power in a democratic society like Nigeria smacks of mischief and a deliberate attempt to incite violence. The silence that greeted her verbal diarrhea is a clear sign that Nigerians don't take orders from rascals and can't take to the street to protest simply because a misguided bigot is the town crier!

The security situation in the north and the country at large has been around before the coming of this administration. While normalcy has already returned to most parts of the region with a sharp deviation from the almost daily cases of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism that were recorded not so long ago, Aisha is cashing on the very isolated events to make herself relevant. What she does not know is that Nigerians are not gullible and can't be deceived by someone who is paid to criticise the government just to feed her greed.

The Kaduna-Abuja highway that Aisha referenced in her deceitful video is a lot safer with multiple military and police checkpoints as well as aerial surveillance round the clock. Aisha and her co-travelers must understand that even in America, China, Russia, Germany, and Israel with all their technological and leadership strengths have not completely done away with insecurity and will never do away with insecurity. Expecting Nigeria to be crime-free under president Buhari as if any country has ever been crime-free is highly mischievous and a ploy to distract the leadership and the good citizens of Nigeria who are queuing behind their leader and ready to provide the necessary intelligence to make the country great.

Asking what's wrong with Nigerians without asking what's wrong with herself, Aisha demonstrates her lack of respect for Nigerians especially those who are willing to be used for her selfish motives. Nothing is wrong with Nigerians, rather everything is wrong with the maniacal tantrums of Aisha Yesufu which are beyond anything sanely human.

Aisha has no moral justification to question the national assembly and indeed the constitution of Nigeria. Blowing things out of proportion to fan the embers of hatred towards a serving president who is doing everything in his power to solve Nigeria's problems is what psychopaths like Aisha Yesufu are best known for. Unfortunately for her, she has chosen the wrong target and her plot is dead on arrival.

Nigerians are not dying every day as the blatant lies Aisha is peddling purports. Nigeria is not fighting a civil war so how are people dying every day? What statistics is Aisha and her sponsors relying on? How come they are the only ones who have access to these imaginary statistics? The truth is none of these questions has a viable answer, not from Aisha or anybody in the country because nothing like that is happening.

Nigerians are happy and prospering under the administration of President Buhari. The only people who are crying are the likes of Aisha Yesufu who do nothing tangible except manipulating public opinion for their selfish gains. Of course, people like that are going to die when they lack patronage from the government. If not physical death, they must die financially and try to make everybody believe their situation is caused by the leadership of the country and everybody should join them in condemning the leadership. Aisha, you can be bad, but don't be a deceiver, a liar!

Inciting Nigerians to take up arms against the government and possibly overthrow their president because Aisha Yesufu is no longer getting patronage from the government and does not have another stash of donated funds to embezzle is something that must not be allowed to go on without punitive measures. As much as she's known for her noise-making and empty chants.

Aisha's recent incitement deserves a judicial review in line with the nation's criminal justice system. Her utterances against the president and state are treasonable. She probably needs rehabilitation to enable her to recover from her schizophrenia. Whichever way, Aisha needs to be put away as she is dangerous to the average Nigerians especially those who cannot reason for themselves.

Whereas it is not justifiable to answer those who have made themselves a laughing stock, it is important to note that the north is not in crisis as portrayed and the law-abiding people of northern Nigeria are not fools to allow an incompetent person to lead them simply because he's from their region.

It is important to note that insecurity is not just a problem in the north. It has always been a global challenge and instigating northerners to carry up arms against a sitting president who has done so much is laughable.

Aisha Yesufu herself is certainly not the best wife ,mother or sister anybody will ask for, but she is still married, should Nigerians ask the husband why he has not yet divorced her? The answer is no because one error does not damage a person or render them useless. Despite Aisha's glaring poor qualities, she is still married. Nigerians must therefore hold very tight to a president who has done more good than the occasional security lapses that are always contained and professionally dealt with within a timely manner.

Solomon Semaka is the convener of Save Nigeria Movement. (SNM)

The Department of State Security Services, DSS has responded to a report that confessions are being 'forced' out of suspects in its custody.

The security agency in a statement on Sunday, signed by its PRO, Dr. Peter Afunanya(Phd.), disclosed that the report was False adding that the agency is professional and does not take laws into its hands.

The statement read: "There is no iota of truth in the so called exclusive. The DSS does not force out confessions from suspects and has not done so in the matter of IPOB and ESN."

"The Service is a professional agency that follows the rules of engagement and standards operating procedures in all of its activities. It does not take laws into its hands. It is a public knowledge that it has by, today, charged many suspects to court in line with democratic norms."

"The entire reportage is a figment of the imagination of the news medium. Its aim is to simply malign the Service and bring it to disrepute."

"By now, everyone should have been aware of the brand of guerilla journalism practised by this particular outfit. The public should ignore the report wholly."

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) – brainchild of Industrialist, philanthropist and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has awarded Ogun State Government a N2.5billion Naira ASR Africa Tertiary Healthcare Systems Support grant towards the construction of a Mother & Child Hospital at the state-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University. This N2.5billion grant, which was presented to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun at a ceremony in Abeokuta, was drawn from the $100mil­lion annual ASR Africa Fund for Social Develop­ment and Renewal.

Presenting the award letter for the “ASR Africa Mother & Child Hospital” to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ubon Udoh, Managing Director, ASR Africa Initiative said the grant was part of efforts by Abdul Samad Rabiu, the founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group to give back to Nigeria and the Africa continent. Udoh added that the state-focused Tertiary Healthcare Systems Support Grant was awarded to Ogun State and 3 others in 2021 in recognition of their current efforts in delivering quality healthcare services and infrastructure within those states.

According to Udoh, “The grant is part of efforts of the Chairman of the BUA Group Abdul Samad Rabiu to give back to the African Continent and make a lasting impact in sustainable development as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans. “We believe that upon completion, the N2.5billion ASR Africa Maternal & Child Hospital will boost the tertiary healthcare delivery system, train adequate personnel, and drastically reduce maternal and child mortality rates in Ogun state.”, he added.

Reacting, Governor Dapo Abiodun thanked the ASR Africa Initiative and its founder Abdul Samad Rabiu for their continuous support to the people of Ogun State and noted that his government remains focused on improving the socio-economic well-being of citizens especially around healthcare delivery.

The Governor said the ASR Africa Mother and Child Hospital will provide additional opportunities for the people to access medical care in the state reaffirming his administration’s commitment to put in place appropriate policies towards providing efficient and effective healthcare for the people.

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.

Nigeria's Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has stated that there are several 'inconsistencies and errors' in the controversial #EndSARS panel report released last week.

Mohammed, in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA in Abuja on Tuesday, highlighted some of these 'errors/inconsistencies' adding that the report was a 'hoax'.

1. BALLISTIC REPORTS

The Minister stated: "The report threw away the testimony of ballistic experts who testified before it. The experts said, inter alia, in their testimony: ''The Team finds that from the medical data examined, including the
timeline of arrival at medical facility and the nature of the injuries sustained by the Victims, who were taken to the 5 medical facilities, that no military grade live ammunition (high-velocity) was fired at the protesters at Lekki Tollgate on 20th October 2020, within the timeframe of reference (18.30- 20.34hrs).

"That the GSW (Gun Shot Wounds) injuries (4 in number between 19:05 and 19:45 hrs), which were
examined by the Team, can be safely identified as being discharged by either low velocity caliber and/or artisanal/12-gauge firearms (artisanal firearms are locally-fabricated weapons). What is however
certain is that had the military personnel deliberately fired military grade live ammunition directly at the protesters; there would have been significantly more fatalities and catastrophic injuries recorded. This was clearly not the case."

2. FORENSICS

The Minister stated: "The same panel that said it deemed as credible the evidence of the Forensic Pathologist, Prof. John Obafunwa, that only three of the bodies on which post mortem were conducted were from Lekki and only one had gunshot injury went on to contradict itself by saying nine persons died of gunshot wounds at Lekki!"

3. VICTIM TESTIMONY

Mohammed told Newsmen: "The man whose evidence (that he counted 11 bodies in a military van where he was left for dead before he escaped) was found to be crucial by the panel never testified in person. Rather, the video of his 'testimony' was played by someone else. It did not occur to the panel to query the veracity of the testimony of a man who said he was shot and presumed dead but still had time to count dead bodies inside a supposedly dark van at night!"

4. BLOOD STAINS AND BULLET CASINGS

The Minister said: "The panel said trucks with brushes underneath were brought to the Lekki Toll Gate in the morning of Oct. 21 2020 to clean up bloodstains and other evidence, but still found bullet casings at the same site when it visited on Oct. 30th 2020. It said soldiers picked up bullet casings from Lekki Toll Gate on the night of Oct. 20th 2020, yet claimed that policemen came to the same spot to pick the same bullet casings on Oct. 21st 2020!"

5. FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS

Alhaji Mohammed said; "The panel was silent on the family members of those reportedly killed, merely insinuating they were afraid to testify. Even goats have owners who will look for them if they do not return home, not to talk of human beings. Where are the family members of those who were reportedly killed at Lekki Toll Gate?"

"If the panel is recommending compensation for the families, what are their identities and addresses? Who will receive the compensations when no family members have shown up to date?"

6. VICTIM LIST/MASSACRE

The Minister queried: "How can a Judicial Panel convince anyone that the names of some casualties of the Lekki Toll Gate incident listed as numbers 3 (Jide), 42 (Tola) and 43 (Wisdom) are not fictitious names.?"

"Why did the Judicial Panel feel compelled to concoct a ''massacre in context'' as a euphemism for ''massacre''? A massacre is a massacre. What is ''massacre in context?'"

7. DESTROYED BUSINESSES

Mohammed queried: "The report didn't make any recommendation on the innocent people whose businesses were attacked and destroyed during the protest in Lagos. I think it was too busy looking for evidence to support its conclusion of 'massacre in context'."

In conclusion, the Minister said; "The report of the panel in circulation cannot be relied upon because its authenticity is in doubt. Besides, the Lagos State Government, being the convening authority, has yet to release any official report to the public."

"Neither has the panel done so. The cowardly leakage of an unsigned report to the public is not enough. Assuming the report in circulation bears any iota of genuineness, it is basic knowledge that the report of such a panel is of no force until the convening authority issues a White Paper and Gazette on it. It is therefore too premature for any person or entity to seek to castigate the Federal Government and its agencies or officials based on such an unofficial and unvalidated report."

Nigeria's Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed has mocked popular TV station, CNN over its stance and reportage of the #EndSARS Lekki Tollgate shootings.

CNN had reportedly demanded an apology from Mohammed after a report by the Lagos State Judicial Panel on #EndSARS confirmed that people were indeed shot dead by security agents at the Tollgate on October 20th, 2020.

Reacting to their demand for an apology, Mohammed, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said;

"The CNN has been celebrating the leaked report of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry. In its rush to claim vindication, CNN apparently didn't even read the report before rolling out the drums in celebration. By that action, CNN has celebrated prematurely and has now committed a double faux pas: First, by relying on unverified social media stories and videos to carry out an investigation of the Oct. 20th 2020 incident at Lekki, where it did not have a correspondent on ground."

"CNN goofed in its report on the findings of the panel, which fell below the main standards of journalism. Secondly, CNN rushed to the air to celebrate an unsigned and unverified report that is riddled with inconsistencies, errors, discrepancies, innuendoes. That's double faux pas by a news organization that is eager and willing to compromise standards just to claim vindication."

"Sadly, a section of the Nigerian media has also joined the lynch mob. Honestly, in an attempt to vilify government at all costs, they have done themselves a great disservice."

"How can any news organization worth its salt write an Editorial validating this kind of report? Are they not seeing what others, including journalists and lawyers, are seeing? In a shocking twist, a Nigerian newspaper chose to hail what it calls ‘’detailed investigative report’’ by CNN, even when the news channel did not even cover the incident of Oct. 20th 2020! It’s a classic case of cutting your nose to spite your face."

The Nigerian Presidency has claimed that the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB paid millions of dollars to American Lobbyists to spread falsehoods about Nigeria.

In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Friday afternoon signed by Garba Shehu, the placement of Nigeria on the US religious blacklist was allegedly orchestrated by the group.

"The removal of Nigeria from the religious violators watchlist by the Biden-led US administration in the run-up to the visit of Anthony Blinken, the Secretary of State is a triumph of diplomacy and sagacity over hate-driven foreign policy, itself founded on false propaganda."

"President Muhammadu Buhari is truly satisfied with the decision by the United States to remove Nigeria from that unwanted list of countries. Blinken said the decision of the Joe Biden Government on this was “based on facts."

"In expressing the country’s appreciation for this, the President noted that there is freedom of worship in Nigeria, and no one is discriminated against on the basis of his or her faith."

"Since Nigeria was included in December 2020, in the aftermath of the Donald Trump’s election loss, it has taken only 11 months for this decision to be reversed under the Biden administration. This sad and uncalled for ban came on the heels of 12 months of lies by some extremist groups and the banned terrorist group the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB’s well-funded international media campaign."

"Nigeria should never have been on the list. It was included after paid right-wing American lobbyists were funded millions of dollars by IPOB to spread falsehoods and misinformation about Nigeria. Those who willingly took money from terrorists spread falsehoods against a democratically elected government. They took advantage of well-meaning, God-fearing Americans to whom they spread their lies."

"Their aim was to drive a wedge, for political advantage, between the two great religions and by doing so, make true their fake claims that Muslims and Christians cannot live side-by-side in love and peace. They did not care if their maliciousness was the cause of religious tension. In fact, it is possible they sought to encourage it to prove their point. Yet, despite all the funds at their disposal, they only convinced for a brief time those who had been voted out of office by US citizens to add Nigeria to the list."

"It is a fallacy to suggest Nigeria lacks religious freedom."

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been adjourned till January 19, 2021.

The adjournment came shortly after Kanu’s lawyers staged a walk-out over the refusal of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow some other members Kanu's legal team gain access into the courtroom.

The leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been brought to court by officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) for his trial.

Kanu was brought into the courtroom amid heavy security around 9:50am.

Kanu’s brother, Prince Meme Kanu confirmed the IPOB’s leaders presence via a Facebook post on Wednesday morning.

Department of State Services (DSS) officials had earlier set up a barricade at the entrance of the Federal High Court where the case is to be heard and they prevented reporters and some Igbo monarchs from gaining entry.

Kanu’s appearance in court comes after the Nigerian Government filed seven amended charges bordering on treasonable felony and acts of terrorism against him.

The 54-year-old has been charged with “terrorism”, treason and perpetuating falsehoods against President Muhammadu Buhari, mainly through broadcasts on the controversial Radio Biafra outlet and also through social media. He had pleaded not guilty during his last court date on October 21.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has given a close view into the crimes committed by Ex-Pensions boss, Abdulrasheed Maina.

The anti-graft commission, in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Monday evening, disclosed that huge sums of Money were discovered in accounts linked to Maina coupled with several choice properties scattered all over Abuja and Dubai.

1. Cash deposits of  N300million, N500million and N1.5billion in Two Nigerian Banks accounts
2. Property in Abuja paid for with $1.4 million Cash
3. 50 cars in Dubai
4. Plush Villa in Dubai
5. $2 million property in Jabi, Abuja
6. Colster Logistics, belonging to Maina received inflow of $400,000 in Cash
7. Kangolo Dynamic, another company belonging to Maina with over N500 million found in its account. The company has never carried out any service or contract.
8. Several Choice Properties in America and the United Arab Emirates[i][/i]

The Deputy Speaker of the Imo state House of Assembly, Hon. Amara Iwuayanwu has been reinstated to his position on Monday.

This development is coming shortly after the speaker, Paul Emeziem was impeached under tight security.

The impeached Speaker has been replaced with Hon. Kennedy Ibe. 19 out of the 27 lawmakers signed the impeachment papers. This development comes barely two weeks after Lawmakers in the Plateau State House of Assembly impeached its Speaker, Abok Ayuba.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that members of the Imo State House of Assembly had impeached the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, during a plenary session on November 2, 2021.

However, on November 8th, the deputy speaker was swiftly re-instated after the removal of Emeziem.

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo ordered his lawyers to initiate legal actions against news website, Sahara Reporters over a story claiming that he is the owner of a collapsed 21-storey building in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The website had published a report that Osinbajo was the owner of the property and that the late developer, Femi Osibona was a 'front'.

However, in a letter seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, sent to the website by the VP's lawyers, Femi Atoyebi and Co. read in part;

"We are solicitors to His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, (hereafter called "our Client" on whose behalf and instructions we write this letter."

"Our client’s attention has been drawn to your online news website publication of 04 November 2021 [- http://saharareporters.com/2021/11/04/exclusive-vice-president-osinbajo-linked-lagos-collapsed- building-current-death-toll-36],wherein you falsely and without foundation alleged that Chief Michael Ade Ojo, OON, KJW, sold the land on which the collapsed structure was built to our client after he became the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that the developer was "fronting” for our client."

"Your publication suggested that our client has no regard for due process by allegedly using the influence of his office to secure building approval for the project in breach of building regulations. In part, you stated as follows:

’Different sources on Tuesday to/d SaharaReporters that the landed property was bought by Osinbajo from Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, founder of Elizade Motors (Elizade Nigeria Limited) shortly after he became the Vice President.

“Osinbajo is linked to the property, that house that collapsed on Monday in Lagos State. I was aware when he got the landed property from Elizade. A woman was selIing food at the place before, that was where all workers and labourers working around here do eat,” a facility manager to/d SaharaReporters.

"The Vice President has a lot of properties in the area, he is t/sing his brother to manage the properties. The developer, Femi Osibona is only fronting for him. Osinbajo even bought another property for his brother in the area, it’s at Mosley Street. The brother is the one managing it personally, he comes there almost every time." for went further to assert that:

“I know the building is owned by a top government official, the man in question, Osibona was only fronting for that government official. We received an order from above to stop going to the site during monitoring. I heard the Vice President intervened when the project was sealed off early in the year but I can’t say maybe he is the owner. Don’t forget they are both from lkenne in Ogun State.”

"Interestingly, your said publication offered no credible source to the story yet, you know or ought to know that transactions of this nature are always in public records and a prudent and well - meaning journalist would have undertaken a simple task of applying to search the records to ascertain who the parties to the sale transaction of the land are or, cross - check his facts with our client before rushing to the press."

"This, you intentionally failed to do. Your said publication has brought our client, who is a renowned Professor of Law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, former Attorney -General of Lagos State, and serving Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria into opprobrium and disrepute in the eyes of his family, friends, professional colleagues in particular, and Nigerians in general. Your said publication has also portrayed him as a worthless and deceitful person who has no regard for due process by using his office for personal gains which is completely unfounded."

"For the records and avoidance of doubt, our client hereby vehemently denies your said allegations as factually baseless, reckless and malicious as he did not buy the said land or any other land (for that matter) from Chief Ade Ojo, nor does he own/hold any interest in the said land. He has also publicly declared all his assets before resuming office as the Vice President as aforesaid. Our client also categorically states that he is not in any way connected to the sale or purchase of the land in question. It is also complete falsehood that the developer is fronting for him on the project or, that he did anything to influence the project’s planning approval in any way."

"At a time of national tragedy when responsible citizens are in a somber mood as a result of the loss of dozens of lives in the unfortunate incident, it is deeply saddening that your organization chose to latch on to the situation to attempt to further malign our client’s character."

"We consider your said publication as both unfounded, malicious and a figment of your contrived wicked imagination, calculated to drag our client’s name in the mud and destroy his hard-earned reputation which he has laboured for decades to build. We further view your publication as a calculated attempt to ridicule our client and soil his soaring image in the eyes of well-meaning and peace-loving Nigerians."

"Accordingly, we have our client’s strict instructions to demand and we hereby DEMAND for the immediate retraction of your malicious, libellous and irresponsible publication within forty-eight (48) hours of the date of this letter in the same conspicuous medium and coverage by which you published it with a letter of apology to be published in the same medium; in addition to publication in two widely circulated National dailies, failing which our next instructions are to ensure that we set the machinery of the law against your organization and publishers with substantial and punitive damages. This we intend to do without further recourse or notice to you."

Two police officers have been killed at Okija street, Diobu, Port-Harcourt, POLITICS NIGERIA has learnt.

The Two  Officers attached to Mile One Police Station, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State were killed while on a stop and search operation at Okija street in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.

Eyewitness reports reveal that the gunmen who were inside vehicle attacked the Police Officers and shot  them.

The police officers died on the spot. Confirming the report, the Rivers State Police Command Public Relation Officer, SP Nnamdi Omoni disclosed that the command is already on the trail of the killers.