₦airaland Forum

Former Sokoto State governor, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, has lampooned Nigerian politicians who defect from one party to another, especially those decamping from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying they are only driven by hunger and their stomach infrastructure.

Tambuwal who made the assertion while speaking to journalists after the North-West Zonal meeting of the PDP in Kaduna on Saturday, attributed the defections to selfish interests rather than the interest of the people they serve.

Tambuwal who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District in the Senate, expressed disappointment over the recent wave of defections by PDP members across the country, said no politician with a conscience would join the APC given the current economic situation in the country, considering its policies and the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.

“People leave parties for different reasons, but what I have been observing in recent times are defections not based on the interest of the people but on stomach infrastructure,” he said

“I believe no one with a conscience will join the APC. With the current policies being driven by the APC government, the economic doldrums it has plunged Nigerians into, the hardship across the country, and the dismal performance of Tinubu’s administration, there is nothing attractive beyond stomach infrastructure.

“Defections based on stomach infrastructure are not worrisome. But all of us who believe in this country and in serving the people must unite and work towards ensuring that by 2027, we vote out this administration that lacks focus, compassion, and direction,” he added, while urging PDP members and other Nigerians to come together and work towards defeating the APC in 2027.

https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/only-politicians-seeking-stomach-infrastructure-join-apc-ex-sokoto-gov-tambuwal/?amp

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna, Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, has called on former governor Nasir El-Rufai to recognize and support his successor, Senator Uba Sani, as the state’s leader.

Hunkuyi also urged El-Rufai to seek forgiveness from Kaduna residents for any alleged wrongs committed during his tenure.

El-Rufai governed Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, while Hunkuyi served as a senator from 2015 to 2019 under the APC. However, their political relationship soured, leading to the former governor’s administration’s demolition of Hunkuyi’s house.

At a meeting with APC stakeholders from Zone One, Hunkuyi asked El-Rufai to stop opposing Governor Sani and the party leadership.

“The former governor has no choice but to accept and follow Sani as the state’s leader,” he stated.

Hunkuyi revealed that he had refrained from making public statements for two years. However, he felt the need to speak now.

“I have stayed silent for two years, but now it is time to break that silence,” he said.

He urged El-Rufai to seek Allah’s forgiveness and personally apologize to Kaduna residents.

“We are here because of the people. This gathering is for them. I am personally appealing to him to seek their forgiveness,” he added.

Hunkuyi emphasized that El-Rufai’s leadership was not due to his name, education, or wealth but because it was ordained by God and supported by the people.

“Now, Governor Uba Sani has been elected. El-Rufai should also follow him for peace. I swear, no one asked me to say this. I speak because I know the path El-Rufai is taking is not right,” he declared.

Governor Uba Sani acknowledged the concerns and emphasized his administration’s focus on infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. However, he stressed the need to shift toward human development by helping residents grow their businesses.

https://www.withinnigeria.com/news/2025/02/15/hunkuyi-urges-el-rufai-to-accept-uba-sani-as-kaduna-leader/?amp=1

eepeepook:
Everything has a price in this world. She can’t expect me to take “thank you and God bless you” as payment. I want to knack. Today is Valentine’s Day also.

Levels dey bro. Just help her and move on with your life. You never know what doors of blessings might open for you because of this small act of kindness. God constantly tests His creatures. And during those seven years she was away, who were you with?

A former governor o Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai on Monday said the conscience of those within the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticizing him won’t allow them to “sleep”.

The former FCT minister said he had moved on because his past action of supporting Southern presidency in the APC was for God.

El-Rufai was reacting to comments by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and some members of the APC commending his stance on rotating the presidency to the South.

The former governor had posted an old video of Makinde commending him and APC governors for setting aside their ambitions and ensuring that the party’s presidential ticket was zoned to the South.

Makinde had said: “I must give Kudos to governors on the platform of APC. Governors like El-Rufai, governor of Jigawa, Mai Mala Buni; and that of Kogi. They came together within their party and said for the unity of this country, let’s sacrifice our ambition.

“Let the presidency rotate to the South, so we must give Kudos to them. But what happened in our own party is that we were fighting ourselves, I don’t think that is right.”

El-Rufai also posted a previous comment of an APC chieftain, Ayekooto Akindele, who said: “El-Rufai saw these political shenanigans COMING and BLOCKED its aftermath especially the strategy to split hausa from fulani Yoruba Christians from yoruba moslems against the north and the southern power shift precisely to the SW before the APC primary election& Tinubu thereafter.”

Posting on X on Monday, the former governor wrote: “We did what we did for God, Country and Party, expecting nothing in return.


“What is unfolding is merely another life experience, @realYusufTukur, and part and parcel of human nature. We have got over it and moved on, but their conscience won’t let them sleep well. Thanks anyway. – @elrufai”

Lately, El-Rufai has been in the news for criticizing the APC over its alleged lack of internal democracy.

El-Rufai has said he no longer recognises APC because organs of the ruling party have not met in the past two years.


https://dailytrust.com/they-cant-sleep-ive-moved-on-el-rufai-blasts-critics-over-rotational-presidency/

2027 Power Play New Alliances Take Shape as Politicians Plot to Unseat Tinubu
With President Bola Tinubu barely two years into his tenure, Nigeria’s political heavyweights are already making moves for 2027.

The usual suspects are back at the drawing board, forming coalitions and rekindling old alliances—all with one goal: to dethrone the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

What makes this political maneuvering even more intriguing is the involvement of some of Tinubu’s former allies, now seemingly bent on cutting ties and changing the narrative.

The Plot Thickens
According to a report by the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, February 8, Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adebayo Adewole argues that Nigeria doesn’t need a new political party to remove Tinubu—what the country needs, he insists, is a complete shift in mindset.

In his view, swapping parties without changing the political culture will just be an exercise in futility.

His words: “Political parties are merely vehicles for mobilizing opinions and shaping governance. But without a new approach to politics, even a brand-new party will still deliver the same old problems.”

The Call for a Political Overhaul
Salihu Lukman, former APC vice-chairman (North-West), echoes this sentiment but takes it a step further.

He’s urging key opposition figures—including ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso—to shelve their 2027 presidential ambitions. Instead, he wants them to focus on building a robust alternative party that can go head-to-head with the APC.

Lukman didn’t stop there. He also called on former APC stalwarts like Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, and Aminu Tambuwal to join forces and prioritize party-building over personal aspirations.

In his view, the political class has largely failed in presenting credible alternatives, and without real groundwork, the opposition’s ambitions will crumble before they even take off.

Opposition Figures Eye New Openings
The jostling for 2027 is already heating up. Reports indicate that Atiku recently paid a visit to Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (popularly known as Binani), the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 Adamawa State election. The meeting has fueled speculations about a broader opposition coalition in the making.

With Tinubu’s critics growing louder and internal party rifts deepening, political realignments are becoming inevitable.

What’s Next?
With former allies turning into rivals and fresh alliances emerging, the road to 2027 is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle.

Will the opposition manage to put their egos aside and present a united front? Or will history repeat itself, with fragmented ambitions handing the APC another easy victory?

https://naijnaira.com/2027-power-play-new-alliances-take-shape-as-politicians-plot-to-unseat-tinubu/

you say to that?” He asked

Ari insisted that he had substantial evidence to support his position but was never invited to present his case.

He displayed documents he claimed were authentic result sheets, along with letters he sent to INEC.

“They should have acted immediately, but my report was swept under the carpet. This is one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life,” he stated.

He decried being denied a fair hearing, claiming INEC and the Tribunal dismissed all his evidence.

Dismissing allegations of receiving a N2 billion bribe, Yunusa-Ari said he is consulting his family on his next steps, stating that the media trial has severely damaged his reputation.

DAILY POST reports that Mr. Yunusa-Ari was suspended on April 17, 2023, after unilaterally declaring Aisha Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, as the winner of the Adamawa State governorship rerun election while collation was still in progress.

His announcement was widely condemned as illegal, prompting the INEC to swiftly nullify the declaration.

He was later arraigned before the Adamawa State High Court on charges of unprofessional conduct.

Earlier this year, his attempt to halt court proceedings was dismissed for lacking merit.


https://dailypost.ng/2025/02/09/i-was-forced-to-declare-fintiri-winner-dismissed-adamawa-rec-insists/?utm_source=operamini&utm_medium=feednews&utm_campaign=operamini_feednews

Vice President Kashim Shettima has yet to move into his new official residence, nearly a year after its completion.

The residence was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 7, 2024.

It was built at the cost of N21 billion, after 14 years since the contract for the building was awarded. It should be recalled that there was an initial approval of ₦7 billion for the residence in 2010 and an additional ₦15 billion sanctioned by the National Assembly in November 2023. However, since its construction, the Vice president has yet to live a day in the building.

Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that security concerns are the primary reason for the delay.

According to sources, the location of the residence is not ideal for a high-profile national public officer like the Vice President. This has raised concerns about the safety and security of the Vice President and his family. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed.

The official residence, handed over to the Presidency by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, has been quiet. As reported by DailyTrust, a visit to the residence on January 31, 2025, revealed only a few plainclothes security operatives manning the house, with no signs of activity in the vicinity.

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has confirmed that the work components on the Vice President’s residence have been completed and handed over to the Presidency.


https://politicsnigeria.com/details-emerge-on-why-vp-shettima-has-shunned-and-yet-to-occupy-new-%E2%82%A615-billion-residence/

The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai, has said President Bola Tinubu gave a conditional cash transfer of N150 billion to his successor, Governor Uba Sani.

El-rufai made the allegation after Sani appeared on TVC to rubbish a coalition of opposition leaders whom the former governor has been romancing.

According to Sani, the coalition members were in government two years ago and have nothing to show for it.

“Most of these politicians that came out and say they are coming as coalition, they are politicians that were in government only less than two years ago. What did they do when they were in government? They were only fighting for power, not because they could do anything better.

“No president in the history of Nigeria has really practised democracy like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Sani further stated, "Any politician who feels he is popular or he can defeat Tinubu or the APC I think they need to go and work very hard and present themselves in 2027."

Not pleased by the comment, El-rufai accused Sani of sycophancy fueled by a conditional cash transfer from Tinubu.

He shared on X, "Every day I see my successor embarrassingly and sycophantically rambling, I used to wonder why? However, confirming that Federal Government ‘reimbursements, interventions and grants’ in excess of N150bn have been given selectively to Kaduna by Tinubu, in the last 18 months, now explains everything.

"By all means, defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer. Asiwaju has earned it, coming from you. The people of Kaduna State will judge at the right time and place. Have a nice day."

Meanwhile, during the interview on TVC, Sani dismissed claims of a rift between him and his predecessor.

“There is no problem between myself and my predecessor (Elrufai); our relationship is very cordial, and there is nothing wrong with our relationship,” he said.

https://www.mynigeria.com/NigeriaHomePage/NewsArchive/Tinubu-gave-Uba-Sani-N150bn-for-sycophancy-El-rufai-744231

Activist and politician, Senator Shehu Sani, has taken a swipe at ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir

El-Rufai, calling him a “midget professor” who is jobless and frustrated after being denied a role in the Tinubu’-led administration.

Sani was responding to El-Rufai’s recent criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he accused Tinubu’s administration of attempting to destroy opposition parties.

In a post on his official X handle on Thursday, January 30, Sani slammed El-Rufai’s comments as hypocritical, accusing him of practising tyranny and unleashing oppression while in office.

“Out of power, he is sanctimoniously preaching democracy to the country he helped to wreck, plundered, and persecuted.

“He demonized the opposition when in the palace and now embraces them in the wilderness,” Sani wrote.

He also mocked El-Rufai’s claim that the country is being led by illiterates, stressing that the former Kaduna governor’s grievances are due to the Tinubu administration ignoring him.

“He is like a man who was turned down by a woman and then resorted to speaking ill of her. Tinubu was his angel until he was ‘evicted from the house’; now he tells the world Tinubu is a demon.

“The government is led by illiterates because they refused to hire professor midget,” Sani said.

Sani further described El-Rufai as a desperate figure now seeking attention by stoking sectional sentiments.

“He is now jobless, most times seeking to be invited to northern public events where he will whip up sectional sentiments,” Sani added.

El-Rufai made his comments on Monday at a national conference in Abuja focused on strengthening democracy in Nigeria. He criticized the ruling party, describing the state of governance and opposition in the country as a “national emergency.”

“You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders.

“This is why we end up with the poor leadership we have today,” El-Rufai stated at the event which had former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, in attendance.

https://politicsnigeria.com/shehu-sani-replies-el-rufai-says-ex-kaduna-governor-is-jobless-and-frustrated/?utm_source=operamini&utm_medium=feednews&utm_campaign=operamini_feednews

DaBullIT:
Somebody just cashed out

Yes I know for a fact, a friend of a friend of someone who is close to this fraudulent administration brought the idea, they sat around the table and discussed percentages, outsourced to undergrads, no debugging whatsoever, no beta test,

They submitted proposal, friend I friend lobbied, they got approval and payment

Has it happened with e-naira
As it will happen with space exploration budget that included giveaway for alfas and imams
As it will happen with nuclear reactor they are proposing
As it will happen with coastal road


If you don't already know this then your stupidity is verified

And in David Hundeyin's voice, always be careful of big grammar with no real explanation, they use that to confuse you people

Just the way they ammened police act to ensure police can suspect and arrest you anytime and stylishly removed bail is free because now by their constitution you must pay bail and they claimed will go to police reward funds


As of last Monday, police reward funds account has no remittances, meaning all your bail money is being shared just like before only now is legal for them
Ire o

ObosiLandlord:
Tinubu is not Yardua. Alhaji Mangal is not above the Nigerian law, if he behave anyhow, Keyamo will let him know who's really the boss in the aviation industry.

Mangal, Mangal Mangal... Hmmmmmm

seunmsg:
That idiot should have been arrested and prosecuted a long time ago for treasonable conduct. Good that DSS has finally done the right thing.

@seunmsg

Mahdi has built a reputation as a fearless whistleblower and a committed activist, standing shoulder to shoulder with notable figures like Deji, Falana, and VDM. His courage is unmatched, as he has boldly challenged even powerful allies of Buhari, such as Malami, demonstrating that his activism knows no bounds.

This is not about regionalism—Mahdi's commitment is to the masses. Like other dedicated activists, he consistently stands up for the people, regardless of their background or location.

Beyond activism, Mahdi is a successful entrepreneur with thriving ventures in ICT and pharmaceuticals. His philanthropic efforts have positively impacted countless lives, making him a beacon of hope for many. Remarkably, he achieves all this without holding any government position, proving that true influence comes from vision and determination.

I admire Jagaban because he is a man who knows his path, and the Almighty God has always been by his side. What a remarkable leader in our time! In due course, I believe they will set things right.

EmperorCaesar:


Na wetin make me run comot from Katsina go Anambra be this|

You go dey travel from Kaduna City to Zaria, around 3hours journey and your car will be the only car only the road

Sadly, Katsina is still safer.

RIP to them

"You go dey travel from Kaduna City to Zaria, around 3hours journey and your car will be the only car only the road"

What a blatant lie! Kaduna to Zaria takes 3 hours on an empty road? Ridiculous.

"The journey from Kaduna to Zaria typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions."

Popular singer, Ruger, has stated that relationships don’t work for him. The Asiwaju crooner made this known in an interview with Naija FM.

He said, “I am a loverboy, it’s just now that I understand that relationships don’t work for me. But normally, my first instinct when I see a girl is to think about how I can get serious with her. But later, I just become unserious all of a sudden.”

When asked if he takes his interactions with female fans offstage, he responded: “Honestly, no! The most I can give my female fan on stage is a flower. It’s like we’re working together; that’s how it is for me. I don’t take it beyond the stage, we work together.”

The talented singer also added that God has been blessing his efforts, and he has no desire to return to the streets.

“I don’t want to go back to the streets; I have to take care of my family. It wasn’t easy when I started, and it’s still not easy now. I pay people’s salaries now. I pay for a lot of things, and I’m planning a lot of things by myself. God has just been blessing my efforts.”

https://punchng.com/relationships-dont-work-for-me-ruger/

mindful01:
Arteta sabi mind game eh, I tot Saka won't be available

Make him win game period.

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran's air defense systems were activated in response to a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting military installations across Iran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted these strikes as retaliation for Iran's earlier missile assault, which involved the launch of approximately 180 ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli cities. Reports indicate that significant explosions were heard in Tehran as Iranian air defenses attempted to intercept incoming projectiles. Watch the broadcast for details.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIyUI_yZxMk

Has Iran exposed a major Israeli weakness? Israel's worst mass casualty strikes this year came from a single Iranian drone that evaded the country's air defence system and hit a military training camp. The attack resulted in four deaths, 58 injuries, and seven serious injuries. Three drones flew from Lebanon, and one of them reached its target. This incident raises questions about Israel's air defence capabilities. How could the drone pierce Israel's multi-layered air defences and reach its target? How was Israel's air defence system penetrated so easily? How did the Iron Dome, so effective against rockets & missiles, miss the drone?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU07gM5QJ6k

BeeBeeOoh:
https://dailytrust.com/tinubu-will-tackle-growing-unemployment-rate-shettima/

As usual "Will"

canalily:
Our SIM CARD is now working!!!!!!!!!

From the very start, he played it smart, while others believed that reckless, wild attacks were the essence of strategy. One look into his eyes told me he wasn’t just making noise—this man was calculating, dangerous even. He tried to rein in his boss, cautioning him to slow down, but the boss, blinded by arrogance, dismissed him as a nobody. So the boss pressed on, attacking left and right, thinking he was invincible. That ego—thinking he was above everyone—became his downfall. His bloated self-image, with convoys that could pass for the president's, led to him flaunting power at every turn.

But here’s the twist: the real APC loyalists don’t trust him. You’ll rarely see him with the core APC members, except for the president, Ahmad. To them, he’s just a loudmouthed betrayer. If you asked him whether he’s enjoying his position as minister, he’d likely admit he’s not. Why? Because he doesn’t belong. Jagaban is the only one still dealing with him, while the PDP treats him like an outcast, a man without a home.

And then there’s the power play—he bought the G5, promising them immunity. So far, not one of them has been touched by the EFCC. Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello is on the most wanted list of ex-governors. Ask yourself, why?

sweerychick:
I said this before and I will say it again Tinubu is subtly dealing with Wike secretly, he might be secretly supporting Fubara to clip Wike wings because he knows that Wike would be a potential threat to him. Now Wike has lost his entire structure in Rivers from legislative to Local Government, the 3 state tiers of government Wike has lost

From the start of this fight, I knew that behind the scenes, the presidency was backing Fubara.

They knew that in the long run, Wike would betray them because of his past actions. So, they used him and allowed him to fall into his own trap, essentially committing political suicide. Their goal was to secure at least one major state in the South-South, which is why they fought so hard to win Edo State, and now they are satisfied. They want to send a message to Wike that they have moved on. If they win in 2027, Wike will undoubtedly be sidelined.

Did Israel’s Iron Dome Fail Against Iran’s Missiles? | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Iranian military has claimed that 90% of its missiles hit Israeli targets. Pictures from Israel suggest Iran’s attack caused more physical damage than the attack in April. Did Israel’s air defence systems fail? Palki Sharma tells you.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdDSMMol8o8

Ezewuzie01:
Due to the harsh economic reality in Nigeria and insecurity which causes Monday sit at home especially in Abia state that hosts their soap and detergent unit, long-time multinational PZ cussons is finally leaving the country..



https://punchng.com/fx-crisis-pz-cussons-to-sell-nigeria-subsidiaries-others/

My PZ for Zaria OMG.

CAIRO – 4 September 2024: Egypt condemned Wednesday the terror attack launched against Mafa village in Yobe state eastern Nigeria, incurring dozens of casualties.

The statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences on the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It also affirmed solidarity with Nigeria's counterterrorism efforts, and endeavors to accomplish security and stability.

On Sunday, 150 Boko Haram terrorists raided the village riding motorcycles, shooting at shoppers in a market, and torching stores and homes. Thirty-seven bodies were retrieved, while there are estimates that the death toll could be 100.

The attack is likely a retaliatory act as two Boko Haram terrorists had been killed by residents earlier, as reported by Reuters. The terrorist group has been active in Yobe among other states for 15 years, killed thousands of Nigerians, and caused the displacement of around two million.


https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/134529/Egypt-condemns-Nigeria-terror-attack-that-claimed-around-100-lives

Standing5:
Any parastatal hausas and fulani dominate is gone for good. Check the army, customs, immigration, agric. It is same pattern. Whatever favours them personally is the right thing to do and that what becomes the law or norm. See how they use sharia today.
The banking and financial sector can still survive because they don't dominate that. Education and health are alive not because of govt funding but reasonable southerners bring a their token of commonsensical judgement and public work wthics to those sectors.

Diezani Alison-Madueke: Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, currently facing extradition from the UK for money laundering and bribery charges related to her time in office.

Ayo Fayose: Former Governor of Ekiti State, implicated in various corruption scandals, including allegations of election manipulation and misappropriation of state funds.

Musiliu Obanikoro: Former Minister of State for Defence, involved in the Ekiti Gate scandal concerning electoral fraud during the Ekiti State gubernatorial election.

Godwin Emefiele: Former Central Bank Governor, facing multiple charges of illegal procurement and corruption, including awarding contracts to a staff member.

Godswill Akpabio: Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Akpabio currently the Senate President has faced accusations of diverting over N100 billion from state funds and involvement in fraud at the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Stella Oduah: The former Minister of Aviation is under investigation for alleged involvement in over N9.4 billion fraud related to dubious contracts for airport security equipment.

Orji Uzor Kalu: The former Governor of Abia State faced charges of money laundering amounting to N3.2 billion and has been linked to various corruption allegations throughout his political career.

David Umahi: Governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi has been accused of diverting N400 million during the 2015 presidential election through an arms deal.

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha the Nigerian politician who famously disguised himself in female clothing to evade arrest for money laundering. Alamieyeseigha, the former Governor of Bayelsa State, was charged in the UK with laundering £1.8 million (approximately $3 million).

These individuals exemplify the widespread corruption issues that have plagued Nigeria's political landscape, particularly among southern politicians.

Corruption transcends regions, tribes, and races. If you didn't know before, now you do.

TUESDAY WITH BY REUBEN ABATI

“Hello, Bros. Hello. Hello. Hello”

“Yes. I can hear you”

“Which kin thing be this now? I don dey call you since, you no pick call. Person go dey call you, you no go pick.”

“At your level, you should know that if you call somebody once or twice and the phone rings, the best thing to do is to leave a message and expect the person to call back.”

“I called you up to ten times.”

“Why? Once you call a person twice, leave a message or send a text. Do I owe you money? You Nigerians do not know how to use a phone. You think if you call me, I must answer you compulsorily. I do not respond to such calls. All the people who call me up and down are people who want to beg for money. In this Tinubu Nigeria, if you call me and up and down, I won’t answer. I may even block your line because the desperation is a serious signal, that a hungry Nigerian is calling me. I did not cause inflation oh, let nobody come and disturb me. All of you who voted for APC in 2015, 2019 and 2023, carry your cross. Do you know some people even have the effrontery to come and ask me to help pay for their wives’ hospital bills in the maternity ward. If you have enough strength to impregnate a woman, when it is nine months and the result comes out, carry your own cross. The notice is long enough. I don’t want to hear that nonsense about helping the neighbour. Neighbour wey no get common sense.”

“So, am I one of those persons who will disturb you for hospital bills? When person call you, make you pick”

“I dey unavailable that time. Davido says I am unavailable. Dem no dey see me. The network must have told you that the line you were calling was not available at the time. So, what’s up, Omo? I have a busy day.”

“Have you seen what I am seeing in the papers today? They say NNPC Limited is facing financial strain, financial pressure and that is why there is fuel scarcity, and long queues. NNPC says it is overburdened by debt obligations running into about $6.8 billion”

“I thought they said it was weather and bad roads causing the fuel supply disruptions, and that even if they were owing, it is in the nature of the business to source credit.”

“We are in September. The weather condition will soon change from rainy season to dry season in Nigeria. There is a limit to which anyone can blame the weather and the roads. The truth has now been let out of the bag. My question to you is what do you think this implies?”

“It is obvious. NNPCL is the breadwinner of Nigeria. If the company says it is under financial pressure, it is as good as saying that Nigeria is financially bankrupt. When you link that to the fact that NNPCL is the sole importer of finished products in the downstream sector, it means that the NNPC Limited has no money to import more PMS, and that would create supply problems and translate into fuel scarcity and longer queues at the fuel stations. Very simple.”

“Nigeria produces over 1.3 million barrels of crude per day. How is that possible? NNPC Limited can sell crude and make money.”

“Sorry. Your 1.3 million, 1.4 million barrels have already been used to take loans upfront from Afrexim Bank and other sources. You produce the crude; you use it to pay existing debts. It is a perfect storm.”

“But what of the plan to have an Operation and Maintenance concession with private investors at the Warri and Kaduna Refineries?”

“It is called O and M. If you are an investor, I ask you, will you go and invest your resources in the same refineries that the Nigerian Government has not been able to fix for the past 20 years? Not even the Chinese who are looking for every possible opportunity in Africa will go near that. Why do you think the multinationals are very careful with Nigeria and some of them are using style, style to reduce their risk margins in Nigeria?nbsp; A country that cannot protect its biggest assets cannot be trusted. Investors look at risk factors. And I don’t think that refineries should be for concession. They should be privatized. Or sold as scrap. The Nigerian Government cannot run refineries.”

“President Tinubu is in China. He is talking to the Chinese looking for more investments. We pray that he succeeds at the Forum for China- Africa Co-operation (FOCAC)”

“I hear everybody is in China too, with some of your Ministers behaving like they have seen Heaven, the same Heaven that they cannot create here in Nigeria”

“Don’t mind those ones. Very soon there will be a cabinet reshuffle and they will be sent out”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I am not sure of anything. I just think that the President should return to the country to address the many matters arising. He is Minister of Petroleum, and the fuel queues have not disappeared. There is flooding in many of the states.”

“The President does not have to be on the ground for the country to run properly. That is why he has appointed people to do the job. The fuel scarcity issue is simple. I wish the government can deal with all the rent collectors in the oil and gas sector. They are the ones causing the problems and they are all over the system. The fuel marketers. The fuel depot owners. The middlemen. The thieves. Tinubu did not cause the crisis. This is one of those things that Tinubu inherited. He is trying to clear the rot in the land. His situation is compounded by the fact that he is coming as President after eight years of Buhari, whose government is remembered for its sleep-walking for eight years!”

‘Buhari. Hmm. Have you noticed that since he left office more than one year ago, nobody, I mean nobody, I mean no institution or platform anywhere in the world has invited him to come and give a lecture on any subject, not even cattle rearing? Even his Vice President gets invited all over the world. President Jonathan has been busy virtually every month since he left office in 2015. President Tinubu has a lot to worry about taking over from Buhari”.

“I am hearing that the Federal Government may increase fuel price. The Minister of State for Petroleum has said that PMS must be sold above the landing cost, at the open market price to stop smuggling and ensure sustainable fuel supply.”

“One, I don’t think the fuel subsidy regime which government had to go back to is sustainable. It only benefits the rent collectors of Nigeria. Two, I am worried about fuel price going through the roof. What would be the open market price of PMS? N2, 000?”

“People are already buying fuel at over N1, 000”

“We have issues with foreign exchange. If we don’t strengthen the Naira, people will groan.”

“As an economist, I think the pain may be for about two months, then things will stabilize and the market will adjust and self-correct.”

“Please leave economics out of this matter. No economic theory works in Nigeria. When prices go up in this environment, they will refuse to come down and the government will be confronted with another problem.”

“But I hear the Dangote Refinery has started production, up to about 70 to 80%. If they pressurize the refinery further, production levels for PMS could reach 90%.”

“What you do not know is that Dangote Refinery is a private business. Oil business is international. Dangote Refinery is not a charity outfit. They will sell at open market price and in any case NNPC limited has not yet reached an agreement with the Refinery as to how much fuel should be sold.”

“Are we helpless then? Will fuel price go up?”

“Things will get worse before they get better.”

“But how about this thing I am hearing that one British national, Andrew Wynne is working with some other persons to remove Tinubu. The Police have declared a certain Drew Povey, also a Briton wanted for subversive activities against Tinubu’s government. Povey is accused of renting a space at Labour House in Abuja as a cover for his activities which includes the funding of protests to create anarchy in Nigeria.”

“The same Povey says he has been running an innocent business in Nigeria for about seven years and that he has never done anything wrong.”

“A sleeper cell in Labour House, shortly after the NLC President was invited by the Police for terrorism related issues? I sense something here. But my position, Bros is that nobody should ever think of talking about removing Tinubu’s government. Britons coming to Nigeria to remove government? That would be pure madness. Anybody that tries any nonsense. No, it is not even trying, if anybody gets so reckless as to think of it, that person and his or her collaborators should be summarily executed. When a Northerner was in power, nobody talked about removing anybody. Now that it is our turn, some animals are talking about removing. This country belongs to all of us. Whoever is frustrated, hungry or angry should wait till the general elections in 2027, and make a choice at the polling station.”

“I agree with you. The Nigerian Military has also pledged their loyalty to the President and the Nigerian state. Even the Police.”

“The Police have no option. The retirement age for policemen has just been extended by the Senate from 60 to 65 years. The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has been granted a grace period of four more years.”

“Well, well, well. I really don’t have a problem with that. The extension is not for Egbetokun alone. Other policemen will benefit from it, and every government has a right and the privilege to adopt its own directions. In the. UK, Sir Keir Starmer wants to stop winter fuel privileges. He wants to introduce a more stringent tax regime. The only thing that bothers me is that I know one police officer who is always terrorizing other people, threatening to lock people up. What this new law means is that he would spend more time wearing the police uniform. Useless man.”

“The general belief out there is that the retirement age for policemen was revised just to keep Egbetokun as Inspector General of Police. He is a Tinubu man, they say. And Tinubu wants his own person in that office.”

“I don’t get it. If you are President, will you as Tinubu appoint Peter Obi’s person or Atiku’s person as IGP? These are commonsense things. What we should expect is performance and better quality from the Nigeria Police Force.”

“You know what I am thinking?”

“What?”

“With all these problems that we are facing in Nigeria, why would the President buy a new Tokunbo Presidential jet? Why would a member of the National Assembly of Nigeria collect as much as N21 million per month at a time NNPC Ltd says it is facing financial constraints?”

“You have a point. Nigerian leaders should be seen to identify with the people. Yes. But purchase of PMS is not the same as buying a presidential jet or the N21 million that Senators collect. It doesn’t show on them anyway. Many of these our lawmakers look miserable.”

“It is just that I expect higher standards of conduct.”

“From who? From Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole for example?”

“Ha. Comrade oh Comrade. I am his fan oh. And I like his contributions on the floor of the Senate. His intervention on the National Anthem issue. His request that the Nigerian military must account for all the money that they collected to fight terrorism and banditry. But Comrade drop person hand oh, with his attack on Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Governor Obaseki of Edo State, publicly calling her a barren woman, and asking the couple why they have failed to adopt a child.”

“I was shocked too. When did Comrade Oshiomhole become a family planning expert. And who ask am question? Wetin concern am?”

“He was actually defending the APC Gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, after Mrs Obaseki while introducing Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo to the women electorate in Ubiaja, South East Local Government said that it is only the PDP candidate that has a wife among all the Gubernatorial aspirants in Edo State. She did not mention anybody’s name.”

“Having a wife or a child is not a pre-requisite for becoming a Governor. There is no such thing in the Nigerian Constitution. But even if the innuendo lands perfectly where it is targeted, what is Oshiomhole’s own in the matter? We hear more from him than from the APC candidate himself. He has become Okpebholo’s spokesman and campaign manager. I sympathize with the people of Edo State. Instead of their politicians talking about issues – how to fix roads, generate employment, create jobs, promote prosperity, what we now hear is gutter politics – who has a wife who does not have, who has children, who does not have. Who has DSTV, who does not. Terrible”

“I think the Comrade Senator owes the Obasekis an apology. Politics or no politics, there are things an elder should not say. When JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate in the US election played the same fertility card referring to Kamala Harris as a “childless cat”, there was an uproar. There must be decorum in politics.”

“Sometimes I actually think that the whole world is going mad. Look at what the South African did to Chidinma Adesina. They pursued her out of the Miss South Africa Beauty Pageant. They threw all kinds of things at her: They said she was married or divorced, the organizers said it did not matter, they said her mother is an identity thief and that she is actually from Mozambique. Nobody remembered that Nelson Mandela, father of modern South Africa also married a former First Lady from Mozambique. When Chidinma was invited to participate in the Miss universe pageant in Nigeria, South African netizens pursued her still. They gave their votes to Miss Kwara. But in the end Miss Chdinma Adesina emerged victorious. A very big story about xenophobia, national identity politics, Nigeria South Africa relations and the love-hate relationship between the peoples of both countries.”

“Quite a moving human story. Congratulations to Chdinma Adesina. Thanks to all the fans who gave her the 15, 482 votes that brought her victory. Perhaps not everyone is going crazy. Some people will always stand by you, no matter what.”

“What do you think of Nyesom Wike saying he would fight anybody that supports Governor Fubara of Rivers state, be such a person a Governor of another state or anybody at all?”

“Please, Bros, I think my phone is out of credit. I sincerely do not want to discuss Wike.”

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/09/03/nnpc-and-those-who-plan-to-remove-tinubu/

DispatcherLagos:

While Seyi takes charge of Nigeria till he is back

A few years ago, it was Tunde Buhari; now it is Seyi Tinubu.

immortalcrown:
But he quickly announced the kidney donor after the first transplant attempt. Why not battle it in silence private instead of updating us as if the situation is in our hands? Until you win the battle, announce only what humans can control or change about the situation.

I wish you a quick and total recovery.

He needs our Prayers. That's the only help he is asking from us.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concerns that those currently profiting from Nigeria's profitable fuel importation sector may seek to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

This statement follows allegations by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, who has accused certain 'mafias' of attempting to sabotage his $20 billion refinery project.

The refinery has not started buying crude oil in naira yet, even though President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to do so.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Obasanjo suggested that if the refinery succeeds, it could boost investment from both Nigerians and foreigners.

He said, "Aliko's investment in a refinery, if it goes well, should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Nigeria.

"If those who are selling or supplying refined products for Nigeria feel that they will lose the lucrative opportunity, they will also make every effort to get him frustrated."

Officials of the Dangote Group recently cried out that international oil companies are hampering the refinery by either refusing to sell crude or charging up to $4 above the standard price.

They also accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority of intentionally issuing licenses to individuals for importing contaminated fuel.

The regulator denied this, saying Dangote diesel was inferior when compared to imported ones.

The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, also stated that the country would not stop fuel importation to avoid a monopoly by the Dangote Group.

Obasanjo further remarked that Nigeria made a critical error by focusing solely on oil, neglecting opportunities in gas and agriculture.

"I believe we made a very, very deadly mistake. We put all our eggs in one basket of oil. We even ignored gas. We were flaring gas, which is a very important commodity

"We ignored agriculture, which should have been the centrepiece of our economic development," Obasanjo stated.

He recalled attempting to persuade Shell to operate Nigeria's refineries, but the company refused, citing excessive corruption in the sector.

"When I was president, I invited shell to come and take equity and run our refineries for us. They refused and said our refineries were not well maintained. We brought amateurs instead of professionals. Then there was too much corruption with the way our refineries were maintained. They didn't want to get involved in such a mess,' he said.

"How many times have they told us that the refineries would be fixed, and at what price? Those problems as far as the government refineries are concerned have never gone. They have even increased. And if you have such problems, and the problems have not been removed, then, it means we are not going anywhere."

The former president also criticized President Bola Tinubu's approach to removing fuel subsidies, arguing that the administration should have first considered the potential hardships and ways to alleviate them.

"There's a lot of work that needs to be done. Not just wake up one morning and say you removed the subsidy. Because of inflation, the subsidy that we have removed is not gone. It has come back," Obasanjo stressed.


https://allafrica.com/stories/202408060234.html