₦airaland Forum

SHIVA001:
Prophet of doom, but you did not see that The Unknown Gunmen will attack your convoy and kill innocent police and escort.

Saheed Aderinto, a Nigerian professor at Florida International University, who recently won the 2023 Dan David Prize, was quoted to have told Nigeria’s president-elect, Bola Tinubu, to return his alleged stolen mandate.

A Twitter handle “Saheed Aderinto” on Monday, March 13, had stirred reactions after reacting to Tinubu’s congratulatory message on the blue app.

The now-viral tweet has garnered over 7,000 retweets and 2,819 likes at the time of filing this report.

The award-winning Nigerian Professor of History was quoted to have told Tinubu while reacting to his congratulatory message on his recent feat, to return his “stolen mandate”.

“Thanks anyway for the recognition, I hope you restore Our stolen Mandate,” the tweet read.

VERIFICATION
In a bid to ascertain the viability of the tweet, TRIBUNE ONLINE fact-checked Prof Aderinto’s social media profile.

Our findings showed the US-based Nigerian professor is currently not on Twitter. The purported tweet emanated from a parody (fake) account that was created in October 2019.

Further checks reveal Prof Aderinto has also debunked the purported tweet, as the said parody account was created without his consent.

“I don’t have a Twitter account. I see that a parody account has been created in my name. I didn’t make those statements on Twitter,” he wrote.

Screenshot of his rebuttal statement below:

VERDICT
The claim in the circulating tweet is false and misleading.

The standard-bearer of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Monday replied to the recent comments by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the victory of Bola Tinubu at the just-concluded presidential election, should be accepted as the will of God.

Recall wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, last week described the victory of APC’s Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential poll as the will of God.

“Regardless of our interests and diversity, we should all accept it as the will of Almighty God; we wouldn’t have done it without his grace.

“It is a victory for all Nigerians. I am optimistic that the President-Elect will not betray the trust and confidence that Nigerians reposed in him. It is now time to move on and focus on the path of `a renewed hope’ for Nigerian women and youths,” she said.

But reacting in a post-election interview with Arise Television, which was monitored by TRIBUNE ONLINE, Obi faulted the First Lady’s comment saying God’s wish is doing the right things and not vice-versa.

When asked if he would accept Tinubu’s victory as the wish of God as some religious leaders rightly claimed, he emphatically answered; “What they are actually preaching is the problem of Nigeria. The problem of Nigeria is accepting wrongdoing and what is unacceptable. That is using God’s name in vain. That is not what God is saying. God said do not use my name in vain.

Fragility6:
Natasha na 'devil' cause she dey contest for electoral position. Its baffling
She didn't burn anybody's house like they burned hers in 2019,she didn't call anyone prostitutes like bello and his supporters does to her,she didn't employ thugs to beat up her supporters of her opposition,she didn't destroy roads that helps thousands of people prior to an election to limit her supporters but she is the lesser 'devil' according to you. Sometimes i wonder if its poverty that has eaten deep into Nigerian's mind or some of you are just plain wicked and foolish. Even with glaring evil,you dey colour am. Its no wonder the worse sets of people are our leaders

Kogi State Government has reiterated its stance on the suit it filed alongside its counterparts, Zamfara and Kaduna against the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the cashless policy.

TRIBUNE ONLINE earlier reported President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the CBN to allow only the old N200 to remain legal tender until April 10, 2023, in order to improve currency circulation in the country and ease pains experienced by Nigerians due to the challenges posed by the policy.

“I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from Feb. 10, 2023 to April 10 2023,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

But reacting, in an interview with TVC on Thursday, Kogi Commissioner of Information, Kingsley Fanwo said they are reviewing the situation.

“We all listened to what Mr President has said today. We are reviewing the situation. There are no clear lines of action right now. As we are also aware the case is before the Supreme Court and they will resume hearing February 22nd.

“We are very confident that the Supreme Court will go ahead with the case and whatever decision they arrived at, we are confident that we have a President that trolls the line of constitutionalism and believes in the rule of law.”

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party on Monday in London has said he will have zero tolerance for corruption by ensuring the revenue of government are properly accounted for should he emerges winner of the February 25 poll.

He made this statement while addressing Chatham House on his plans for Nigerians when elected next month.

"Foreign capital is scare of corruption, is scare of poor policy and is scare of where there is no rule of law. You need to put a regulatory environment and makes it conducive.

"That is what Datti and I want to bring onboard. We will bring tangible asset of securing the country, making sure we govern through rule of law. We will fight corruption. Datti has a record that he is the only National Assembly member who refused to buy property of government," he said.

Tribune Online learned Obi spoke to about 60,000 audience during the interactive session.

Chatham House, also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute headquartered in London. Its stated mission is to provide commentary on world events and offer solutions to global challenges.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has said it is the turn of Nigerian youths and women to take back Nigeria.

He made the assertion during a recent visit to Akwa Ibom (his wife's home country) for his campaign.

Peter Obi while revealing his plans for Nigeria if elected president of Nigeria next month, said Nigerians should hold him accountable if he fails to change the country.

“Stop listening to all these parties telling you about structure. They brought Nigeria to where it is today.

“When we started this democracy, we had less than 50 million poor people in Nigeria, today it is 133 million people and growing every day.

“Nigeria can feed itself, let’s bring people who can focus on helping Nigeria. Let nobody tell you it is his turn, or tell you, you have to wait for next time.

“It is the turn of Nigerian youths and women to take back this country. Your children are suffering. We have children who have gone to school and cannot find jobs for years and someone (Tinubu) is saying it is his turn, which turns? It is your turn to retire."

The Year 2022 came with a lot of indelible moments — from the buildup to the 2023 general elections, to the heightened security challenges, among other notable events that rocked Nigeria.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights some of the events that shaped 2022:

May 27: Labour Party as the "third force"

May 27 marks a new phase of politics in Nigeria's political history as Peter Obi officially joined the Labour Party — a development that birthed the OBIdient Movement.

Undoubtedly, the emergence of Peter Obi as the LP presidential candidate has taken the party from its insignificant position to what political commentators termed the "Third Force".

Before joining LP, the former Anambra Governor was a vice presidential candidate to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in 2019. His defection to the Labour Party has transformed the party from "Zero to Number 3".

May 28: Atiku's emergency for the umpteenth time

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the proverbial serial aspirant made headlines after clinching the presidential ticket under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a record sixth time.

Atiku has unsuccessfully contested five times for the Office of President of Nigeria in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. He garnered 371 votes to defeat his closest rival, Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, who polled 237 votes.

Atiku's emergency as PDP flag-bearer was one of the talking points that shaped Nigeria's political space in 2022.

June 5: Owo massacre

It was a black Sunday for the people of Owo and its environs, as a bomb attack rocked a Catholic Church in the area on June 5, 2022. At least 40 people were killed following the gory attack, with the highest estimates being around 80.

Some sources in the federal government of Nigeria suspected the Islamic State – West Africa Province of carrying out the massacre.

June 8: Osinbajo 'Lule', Tinubu's 'Emi lokan'

Another high point of political discourse was the declaration of Bola Tinubu, the originator of the 'Emi lokan' mantra, as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu had defeated Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who some political analysts considered the supposedly "anointed candidate" of President Muhammadu Buhari. But the "starboy" as fondly called by his admirers came a distant third in the keenly-contested primary.

June 18: Ekiti election

As expected, the Ekiti election saw Kayode Fayemi's "anointed candidate" Biodun Oyebanji's emergence as the 5th executive governor of Ekiti. He scored 11,247 votes to beat his closest contestants, Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bisi Kolawole of the PDP. Ekiti governorship election has come and gone, but the election has left a notable mark in Nigeria's electoral and political history.

July 5: Kuje Prison break

Despite early warnings, the Kuje prison was attacked on Tuesday, July 5, by suspected terrorists, paving way for the escape of over 800 prisoners.

The group shot its way into the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre after overpowering security guards in a well-coordinated assault. About half of the escapees are still at large including over 60 Boko Haram terrorists. The attack on the Kuje facility was another notable event that rocked Nigeria in 2022.

July 16: Osun Decides 2022

On July 16, Ademola Adeleke, aka the dancing senator, defeated the then-incumbent governor Gboyega Oyetola to emerge as the fifth elected governor of Osun. Adeleke defeated Oyetola of the ruling All Progressives Congress with 402,979 votes to 375,077 votes.

The Osun election is another notable political event that rocked Nigeria in 2022 with a lot of lessons to learn from it.

November 20: Wike and his G5 friends

Sounds like the old series Binta and friends, but in this case, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his G5 warriors are not playing.

Following their fallout with the PDP's national leadership, Wike and his allies popularly known as the 'G5 Governors' announced the formation of the Integrity Group within the party.

The development came at a time when the main opposition party is seeking to unseat the ruling APC come 2023. But Wike and his 'five-man army' wouldn't cease giving Atiku the 'pepper dem vawulence'.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some aggrieved party stalwarts, on Sunday, announced the formation of the Integrity Group within the party.

The Wike-led G5 Governors have been clamouring for the resignation of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu since the party’s presidential ticket was won by a northerner, Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku defeated Mr Wike and other aspirants to emerge as the PDP candidate. Other governors in the G5 are Samuel Ortom of Benue, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.

... it is hard to talk about Wike without mentioning his hypemen backup team. Their model of adding pepper to the injury of Wike's political enemies even makes their operation more painful.

November 23: CBN's Redesigned Naira

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration made history as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) unveiled the new notes of the three highest denominations of the Nigerian currency; N200, N500 and N1,000 on November 23.

According to the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, the introduction of new notes was a deliberate step by the government to check corruption and counterfeiting of the notes. The last redesign was in 2014 when the N100 commemorative banknote was issued in celebration of Nigeria's centenary celebration.

That action by the CBN Governor together with reducing the cash withdrawal limit was greeted with wild reactions, but in all, Emefiele moving from almost running for the number one political office in Nigeria to single-handedly fighting those hoarding the Naira and laundering is up there with the biggest issues of 2022.

oikirodah:
what I do?

10 Pape Matar Sarr, Senegal
Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Despite not having a single minute for Spurs, Sarr could play a key role for Senegal at the World Cup in Qatar. For his country, Sarr has tended to operate as a number eight in a 4-3-3 or as part of a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1. The 20-year-old has built up an impressive relationship with the fluid attacking line, particularly with Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr. He is a talented youngster to watch out for in Qatar.

9.Takefusa Kubo, Japan
Club: Real Sociedad

Kubo has made the most dribbles for Sociedad in 2022/23 so far, and also has the most touches inside the penalty area. When coming in from a wide position, the 21-year-old can jink, change direction and drop his shoulder both ways, to work shooting opportunities or drive around the outside to cross (below). When central, he drops towards the ball, barely ever leaving the space between the lines, but still making sure to receive the ball away from the opposition centre-backs on the half-turn. Watch out for him!

8.Leroy Aziz Sané, Germany
Club: Bayern Munich

Sané made his senior international debut for Germany in November 2015 and was part of their squad that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016. On 16 November 2018, he scored his first goal for Germany against Russia following an assist from Serge Gnabry. The goal came in the eighth minute of the game as Germany won 3–0, would you bet against him repeating those heroics in Qatar?

7.Bukayo Saka, England
Club: Arsenal

The 21-year-old Nigerian-British player has been instrumental in Arsenal's winning streak this season and is expected to put up a good performance in Qatar this winter when he makes his World Cup debut for the English team. Saka is known for his attacking incisiveness and creativity and is often considered one of the best young football players in the world.

6.Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, Brazil
Club: Paris Saint Germain

Brazil's newest hero will be expected to shoulder the expectations of millions this summer. As hosts, the Selecao will be expected to win their sixth FIFA World Cup despite the fact that this team led by Adenor Leonardo Bacchi is far from special. Neymar operates in a free role from the left-hand side of the Bacchi's system, with striker Fred deployed to detract attention and create room for his countryman to work in. The PSG trickster has pace, quick feet, an eye for goal and a stunning pass, so keep your eyes peeled whenever he gets on the ball in the final third.

5.Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
Club: Manchester City

De Bruyne is a world-class player who is considered by some analysts as a "complete footballer". De Bruyne made his full international debut in 2010, and he has since earned over 90 caps and scored 25 goals for Belgium. He was a member of the Belgian squads that reached the quarter-finals both at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and at UEFA Euro 2016. He represented Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Belgium won the third place play-off match against England, and was named in the FIFA World Cup Dream Team. Can he make yet another history with Belgium in Qatar?

4.Pedro González López, Spain
Club: Barcelona

Pedro González López, known as Pedri, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club Barcelona and the Spain national team. On 21 August 2020, Pedri was called up to the Spain under-21 squad; he later made his debut on 3 September in a 1–0 away win over Macedonia in a qualifying match for the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. In March 2021, Pedri received his first call-up to the Spain senior team from coach Luis Enrique ahead of the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification. He made his debut on 25 March against Greece. The Golden Boy is another talent to watch out for in Qatar.

3.Robert Lewandowski, Poland
Club: Barcelona

The 34-year-old forward is a beast when he comes to scoring. His debut for the senior national team came on 10 September 2008, three weeks after his 20th birthday, against San Marino where he came on as a substitute and scored a goal in a 2–0 away win in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification. He is currently the highest goal scorer in LaLiga with 14 goals and also one of the leading top strikers for the 2023 Ballon d'Or Power Ranking. His finishing is now bordering on deadly, and his pace a topnotch. If you let him cut inside onto his left foot, you'll be down a goal in no time.

2.Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Club: Manchester United

Ronaldo is indeed one of the greatest players to greet this sport. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is hardworking, talented and a go-getter when it comes to scoring. A rasping long shot, searing pace, astonishing athletic presence and aerial ability make him unlike any other who plies the trade, and he'll need to use every one of his incredible strengths to take Portugal as far as possible in this tournament.

1.Lionel Messi, Argentin
Club: Paris Saint Germain

The diminutive South American is a seven-time reigning Ballon d'Or winner and scored an astonishing 91 goals in the 2012 calendar year. During the World Cup in Germany, Messi witnessed their opening match victory against the Ivory Coast from the substitutes' bench. In the next match, against Serbia and Montenegro, he became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a FIFA World Cup when he came on as a substitute in the 74th minute. He assisted their fourth strike within minutes and scored the final goal in their 6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth-youngest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup. For many, he's the best player in world football when fit, and he's looking forward to lifting his first World Cup in Qatar. Sit back and enjoy the GOAT!