₦airaland Forum

Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed the delay in the execution of major projects in the country including railways, on the failure of China to fund them. Rotimi sounded as though Nigeria will plunge if China does not give it loans. Recall that Amaechi in one of his leaked tape said that President Muhammadu has asked him to get loan wherever he finds it.

The minister who lamented the delays said the Federal Government has started looking towards Europe to get loans, following the refusal of the Chinese to fund Nigerian projects.

He expressed hope that if Nigeria could get loans from Europe, the existing projects will be completed.

According to Amaechi, “We are stuck with lots of our projects because we cannot get money. The Chinese are no longer funding. So, we are now pursuing money in Europe.

https://leadingreporters.com/no-china-loan-no-more-ongoing-project-amaechi/

Nigerians have intensified campaign asking foreign institutions to stop demanding an English proficiency test — the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

IELTS is one of the world’s known English language tests for work, study and migration.

It is an international standardised test of English language proficiency.

Annually, thousands of young Nigerian migrants take IELTS tests physically in different locations all over Nigeria, as part of the requirements to secure admissions into universities overseas or work abroad.



The Nation learnt the test costs over N80,000 and N90,000 per time and expires after two years. One has to re-sit if they have not been successful with their applications for UK scholarships.

Nigerians are questioning why they have to prove they can speak English ㅡ every two years

In 2020, the UK Home office, which is said to be primarily in charge of the test, had said that it did not have evidence that the majority of Nigerians speak English as a first language.



Many Nigerians took to social media with the hashtags — #ReformIELTSPolicy, #IELTS and #TOEFL calling on the UK home office to remove Nigeria from the list of countries whose citizens are required to take English Proficiency tests.

Some other requests include cancellation of two-year expiry clause, including Nigeria in the UKVI exemption list, and reducing test cost and increasing validity period.

Meanwhile, the UK home office is yet to react as at the time of report. while we await further engagement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

IELTS: Why we impose language tests on Nigerians – UK
The statement noted that UK uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for describing language ability, to set level of competence required to integrate in the UK.
The United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria has reacted to Nigerians’ quest for the review of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) which mandates Nigerians seeking to study or work in the United Kingdom to sit and pass the test.

On Saturday, in a response to an earlier enquiry by PREMIUM TIMES shared by the head of communications at the British High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Dean Hurlock, the UK home office said it is important that anyone willing to either work or study in the UK shows evidence of language competence to integrate in the country.

The statement noted that UK uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for describing language ability, to set level of competence required to integrate in the UK.
https://leadingreporters.com/nigerians-intensify-campaign-for-scrapping-of-ielts-as-over-n5b-made-annually-by-uk-organisers/

The recent 5G license awarded to Mafab Communication Limited on 13th December, 2021, a company owned by Dr. Musbahu Mohammad Bashir, by the Nigeria Communication Commission has once again brought to fore the widely held belief that Nigeria is a country where favouritism and other sentiments hold sway.

Since Mafab Communication Limited won a 5G license, tongues have been wagging around how a company with no history in telecommunication industry surfaced from the blues and won a coveted 5G licence. Another allusion in the front burner is the actual ownership structure of the company.

While some said Tinubu is a major stakeholder, the communication regulatory agency Nigeria Communication Commission has come out to say that due process was holistically followed in the award of the licenses. But whether Ahmed Bola Tinubu has stake in Mafab Communication Limited or not, one thing is certain. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a master strategist who understands that morality has no place in power-game.

Tinubu is believed to have taken mastery of using fronts, associates, friends, and relatives to achieve anything he intends to achieve. Although, some would say Tinubu is an opportunist and a ruthless entrepreneur with ravenous appetite for wealth and more wealth. But who is not? We all are! Whatever impression anyone has about the Lagos big-man, it has not deterred him from vigorously pursuing his ambitions, the latest of it being to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari as president.



Allegations have been made that the former Lagos State Governor and the ruling party National chieftain is one of the veiled faces behind Mafab Communication Ltd, a company that suddenly emerged from the blues and raked in a license that big player in communication industry like Airtel could not get.

Curiously, a hitherto unknown Mafab Communication Ltd won one of the only two 5G, 2.3GHz spectrum band licenses offered for sale by President Muhammadu Buhari APC-Led Federal Government through the Nigeria Communication Commission after paying $273,600,000. Tinubu, according to a source who claimed to be in the know is a major stakeholder in Mafab Communication Ltd. Plans and discussions are already on top gear with some USA and China based telecommunication equipment suppliers that will supply and man the equipment for Mafab Communications Ltd, according to the latest update from the company.



Although the Nigeria Communication Commission has come to Tinubu’s defence through its spokesman, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde that the subject company has the wherewithal to be awarded the said license, event that played in 2022 budget of the commission may be a cue to what played out. Ahmed Tinubu’s wife, Senator Remi Tinubu is the Senate Committee Chairman on telecommunication. Communication technology is key in every election. Mrs. Tinubu was believed to be instrumental in the passage of N633.4billion budget for NCC in 2022 fiscal year.

Tinubu critics have opined that Tinubu is a man who stubbornly brings his tomorrow before it comes. To that extent, they said that Tinubu ensured that his wife becomes the Senate Committee Chairman because of the role she would be needed to play in the telecommunication sector and by extension, in his presidential ambition. In fact, communication, and technology are everything for Tinubu in a time like this.



The question then arises, should Tinubu have a hand in Mafab Telecommunications Ltd 5G license, how can that favourably affect his presidential ambition?

5G network is an emerging network that has a lot of possibilities. It guarantees greater speed and access to information at a higher speed. As beautiful as the benefits, there are other sides that could be used to manipulate information to one’s advantage and to other’s detriment. That includes the fact that small antennas could be installed in places of interest such as street lights, buses, selected collation centers, and other places of interest. This implies that the antennas may not be centrally located and monitored, thereby giving room for manipulation by those who intend to use it to their own advantage.

Part of the challenges associated with 5G which could be cashed in for electoral manipulation is that it may become difficult to access these locations owned by various stakeholders, which would hinder the large-scale deployment of this type of antenna. What it means is that companies of interest may be used to site small antenna in areas that it may favour their paymaster. An integrated Internet of Things (IoT) could work in anyone’s favour. Again, this innovation, could as well mean that there would not be a cohesion in deployment of small cell antennas and this could be used in a candidate’s favour against others.

Furthermore, there have been allegations of security breach against Hauwei, one of the largest players in the 5G innovation. It is said that the software and firmware used in Hauwei’s devices can be leveraged for manipulation.

Whether Ahmed Tinubu has hand in Mafab Telecommunications Ltd 5G or not, communication and technology can be used for venal purpose


https://leadingreporters.com/tinubu-the-veiled-face-behind-mafab-communication-ltd-5g-license-alleged-role-of-remi-tinubu-and-how-it-could-benefit-tinubus-presidential-ambition/

The recent 5G license awarded to Mafab Communication Limited on 13th December, 2021, a company owned by Dr. Musbahu Mohammad Bashir, by the Nigeria Communication Commission has once again brought to fore the widely held belief that Nigeria is a country where favouritism and other sentiments hold sway.

Since Mafab Communication Limited won a 5G license, tongues have been wagging around how a company with no history in telecommunication industry surfaced from the blues and won a coveted 5G licence. Another allusion in the front burner is the actual ownership structure of the company.

While some said Tinubu is a major stakeholder, the communication regulatory agency Nigeria Communication Commission has come out to say that due process was holistically followed in the award of the licenses. But whether Ahmed Bola Tinubu has stake in Mafab Communication Limited or not, one thing is certain. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a master strategist who understands that morality has no place in power-game.

Tinubu is believed to have taken mastery of using fronts, associates, friends, and relatives to achieve anything he intends to achieve. Although, some would say Tinubu is an opportunist and a ruthless entrepreneur with ravenous appetite for wealth and more wealth. But who is not? We all are! Whatever impression anyone has about the Lagos big-man, it has not deterred him from vigorously pursuing his ambitions, the latest of it being to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari as president.



Allegations have been made that the former Lagos State Governor and the ruling party National chieftain is one of the veiled faces behind Mafab Communication Ltd, a company that suddenly emerged from the blues and raked in a license that big player in communication industry like Airtel could not get.

Curiously, a hitherto unknown Mafab Communication Ltd won one of the only two 5G, 2.3GHz spectrum band licenses offered for sale by President Muhammadu Buhari APC-Led Federal Government through the Nigeria Communication Commission after paying $273,600,000. Tinubu, according to a source who claimed to be in the know is a major stakeholder in Mafab Communication Ltd. Plans and discussions are already on top gear with some USA and China based telecommunication equipment suppliers that will supply and man the equipment for Mafab Communications Ltd, according to the latest update from the company.



Although the Nigeria Communication Commission has come to Tinubu’s defence through its spokesman, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde that the subject company has the wherewithal to be awarded the said license, event that played in 2022 budget of the commission may be a cue to what played out. Ahmed Tinubu’s wife, Senator Remi Tinubu is the Senate Committee Chairman on telecommunication. Communication technology is key in every election. Mrs. Tinubu was believed to be instrumental in the passage of N633.4billion budget for NCC in 2022 fiscal year.

Tinubu critics have opined that Tinubu is a man who stubbornly brings his tomorrow before it comes. To that extent, they said that Tinubu ensured that his wife becomes the Senate Committee Chairman because of the role she would be needed to play in the telecommunication sector and by extension, in his presidential ambition. In fact, communication, and technology are everything for Tinubu in a time like this.



The question then arises, should Tinubu have a hand in Mafab Telecommunications Ltd 5G license, how can that favourably affect his presidential ambition?

5G network is an emerging network that has a lot of possibilities. It guarantees greater speed and access to information at a higher speed. As beautiful as the benefits, there are other sides that could be used to manipulate information to one’s advantage and to other’s detriment. That includes the fact that small antennas could be installed in places of interest such as street lights, buses, selected collation centers, and other places of interest. This implies that the antennas may not be centrally located and monitored, thereby giving room for manipulation by those who intend to use it to their own advantage.

Part of the challenges associated with 5G which could be cashed in for electoral manipulation is that it may become difficult to access these locations owned by various stakeholders, which would hinder the large-scale deployment of this type of antenna. What it means is that companies of interest may be used to site small antenna in areas that it may favour their paymaster. An integrated Internet of Things (IoT) could work in anyone’s favour. Again, this innovation, could as well mean that there would not be a cohesion in deployment of small cell antennas and this could be used in a candidate’s favour against others.

Furthermore, there have been allegations of security breach against Hauwei, one of the largest players in the 5G innovation. It is said that the software and firmware used in Hauwei’s devices can be leveraged for manipulation.

Whether Ahmed Tinubu has hand in Mafab Telecommunications Ltd 5G or not, communication and technology can be used for venal purpose


https://leadingreporters.com/tinubu-the-veiled-face-behind-mafab-communication-ltd-5g-license-alleged-role-of-remi-tinubu-and-how-it-could-benefit-tinubus-presidential-ambition/

Rice is one of Nigeria’s major staple foods. Prior to now, Nigeria spent billions of dollars every year on rice importation from Thailand and India, majorly. To encourage local rice production, the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN came up with intervention schemes, under its Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP). The scheme is aimed at increasing local rice production which thus would discourage rice importation.

As much noble as the move by the Central Bank of Nigeria looks, there are lots of questions left unanswered such as the environmental impact of the scheme and looming protein deficiency that may hit the country.

This could possibly be because Nigeria is a country that hardly makes long term plans or considers the long term effects of certain policies it pursues. We believe in make-shift and fire-brigade approach to issues of national interest.

https://leadingreporters.com/why-cbn-rice-production-intervention-fund-may-prove-a-misplaced-priority-overtime/

Ifediora dragged the governor to court together with the speaker, State House of Assembly, State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the attorney-general of the state.

The suit number A/454/2021 seeking an interlocutory injunction against the defendants is before Justice Nwabunike of High Court 5 Awka, and scheduled for hearing on February 10, 2022.

Ifediora and other plaintiffs in the case are seeking among others, an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st (Obiano) and 3rd defendants (speaker Anambra State House of Assembly) from appointing/ratifying the appointment of transition/caretaker committees in all the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

https://leadingreporters.com/barrister-sues-obiano-speaker-and-ag-over-anambra-lg-funds-misappropriation/

It is no longer news that the Nigerian music industry is now a dumping ground for all sort of music as Nigerians with little or no cash has stormed the industry with no foresight of making positive impact with their music but with vision of making money, fame and attention from teeming Nigerian Youth.
Sadly, many of them do not even know the meaning of what they singing, but just go into the studio and sing whatever comes to mind since Nigerians only dance to beats .

Back in the 80s, the Nigerian music industry was agog with inspiring, knowledgeable songs that teaches, informs and educates the public and some of this songs still reminisce till date.

https://leadingreporters.com/what-exactly-do-nigerian-music-industry-promote-the-zazoo-zehh-chronicle/

The news comes as Boris Johnson continues to fight for his political life as fury rages over lockdown parties in Downing Street and a member of his own cabinet demands an end to the drinking culture in his Government.

The news comes as Boris Johnson continues to fight for his political life as fury rages over lockdown parties in Downing Street and a member of his own cabinet demands an end to the drinking culture in his Government.

The end of restrictions means mandatory mask wearing at schools, on public transport and at indoor events, controversial covid passports, and demands that people work from home will finish on January 26.

All that will remain will be a requirement to isolate for five days with a positive covid test and the need to take lateral flow tests for international travel.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid was last night said to be “sure” that the restrictions will not be needed after the January deadline.

The Sunday Express learnt that the Prime Minister had already been handed an ultimatum before Christmas by senior Conservative backbenchers that he would face a leadership vote of confidence if he tried to bring in more restrictions.

The threat came after 101 Conservative MPs opposed the current restrictions in a Commons rebellion on December 14.

Conservative MPs have made it clear to Mr. Johnson that restrictions needed to end as soon as possible.

In recent days amid the revelations about parties, some have stressed that Mr Johnson’s resistance to scientists pushing for greater restrictions and “getting the policy right” was what prevented them from submitting a letter to 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady calling for a vote of confidence in his leadership.

But even close allies of the Prime Minister last night warned Mr Johnson that there needed to be a change of culture.

Writing for the Sunday Express, Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg urged people to stand by the Prime Minister for delivering on Brexit and getting the country through the pandemic.

But he added: “It is clear that there is a drinking culture in Downing Street that would be questionable in ordinary time let alone during a period of restriction.”

Meanwhile, former Conservative minister Tobias Ellwood said the Prime Minister must “lead or step aside”, saying: “We need leadership.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “We’ve got a Prime Minister who is absent – he is literally in hiding at the moment and unable to lead, so that’s why I’ve concluded that he has got to go.

“And of course there is a party vantage in him going, but actually it is now in the national interest that he goes, so it is very important now that the Tory party does what it needs to do and gets rid of him.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid is expected to formally announce in the coming days that he will not renew the restrictions when their sunset clause ends on January 26.

A source said he “feels confident about the decision” because of the falling number of cases and evidence that Omicron is not as dangerous as other variants.

The source added: “Sajid [Javid] is sure now that the restrictions will not go beyond the sunset clause date.”

The Health Secretary had already reduced isolation times for positive tests down to five days from 10.

It is understood that Downing Street had wanted to make an official announcement this weekend but high figures in the North West which is behind London in seeing cases fall meant that they felt it was too early.

Professor Robert Dingwall, a former pandemic government advisor and expert in social science at Nottingham Trent University, said of the propsed lifting of the rules: “This would be very welcome news.

“However, the experience of ‘Freedom Day’ last summer means we should wait to see the small print. Does this mean an end to lateral flow tests for asymptomatic people or for access to community events?

https://leadingreporters.com/bye-to-covid-all-restrictions-in-england-to-be-scrapped-by-26th-january/

Omicron was found in Nova Scotia wastewater weeks before it was discovered by the province — and even before the novel COVID-19 strain was reported by South Africa, according to new research from Dalhousie University in Canada.

Explaining the situation, Professor Graham Gagnon, director of the Dalhousie University Centre for Water Resource Studies, said that “Our team detected Omicron , retrospectively, in Nova Scotia wastewater in mid-November and will be able to provide further information in the future.”

In late November, the first Omicron case was reported in South Africa.

On December 13, the first cases in Nova Scotia were confirmed, and they were related to a COVID-19 epidemic at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish.
https://leadingreporters.com/omicron-was-in-canadian-wastewater-in-november-before-it-was-found-in-south-africa/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated Egypt in the Group D clash of the African Cup of Nations.

Coach Austin Eguavoen’s men extended Nigeria’s head to head advantage against the Pharaohs after securing a 1:0 victory.

The Egyptians were faced with an unexpected defeat with Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, scoring a dramatic opener in the 30th minute of the first half.

https://leadingreporters.com/mohamed-salah-fails-to-shine-as-super-eagles-defeat-egypt-in-afcon-opener/

In what can be called a first-of-its-kind surgery, a man in the US has got a genetically modified pig heart in transplant.
The 57-year-old man is doing well three days after the operation, University of Maryland Medicine said in a news release on Monday.
The man, who belongs to Maryland, had terminal heart disease. According to release, the pig heart was “the only currently available option” for the patient, David Bennett.
On review of medical records, he was deemed ineligible for an artificial heart pump or a conventional heart transplant

https://leadingreporters.com/transplant-man-gets-genetically-modified-pig-heart/

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has been detained in a hotel after he failed to produce required papers for entry into Australia. He is being hauled up at a Melbourne immigration detention facility.

The world’s no-1 tennis player was denied entry by authorities as wasn’t vaccinated. Djokovic was set to take part in the Australian Open as he landed at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport on Wednesday.

Djokovic is reportedly being held at Park Hotel in Melbourne. Djokovic’s mother Dijana alleged that his “accommodation is terrible” and he is being put in a “small, immigration hotel with bugs”

“It’s all dirty, the food is terrible,” Dijana said as even as Djokovic’s wife thanked supporters amid the vaccine row.

https://leadingreporters.com/novak-djokovic-saga-in-a-dirty-immigration-lodge-with-bugs-his-mother-on-australian-detention/

Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior male football team have landed in Garoua town in Cameroon, the venue of their Group D matches of the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which kicks off on Sunday.

Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, will have their first training session in Cameroon on Thursday evening at the Stade Roumdé Adjia, venue of their Group D games, including Tuesday’s explosive group opener against Egypt, seven-time champions.

Nigeria will also confront Sudan on 15th January and Guinea-Bissau on 19th January.

Italy –based Tyrone Ebuehi and fellow wing-back Jamilu Collins, who plays in Germany, are both expected to team up with the team in Garoua. Forward Odion Ighalo is ruled out as a result of issues with his Saudi Arabian club.

Ahmed Musa, Super Eagles captain who was part of the squad that won the trophy in South Africa 9 years ago, said he is confident that the Super Eagles will return to Nigeria with the trophy on 6th February.

While addressing the players just before they flew out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Wednesday evening, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, reiterated his conviction that the 27 players Nigeria would be fielding at the championship are good enough to lift the trophy and earn a fourth triumph for the country.
https://leadingreporters.com/super-eagles-land-in-cameroon-set-for-afcon-victory/

Twitter users may soon have access to the social media platform which has met the six conditions imposed on it by the Federal Government.
The Technical Committee raised by the government to resolve the impasse between the two parties is fine-tuning the offers by the micro blogger before making a final recommendation to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The President is also awaiting the report of the committee to lift the ban it imposed on Twitter on June 4, last year.
It was learnt that the President has agreed in principle that Twitter’s social networking operation be restored in Nigeria.
There were, however, indications yesterday that the government plans to amend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act to include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media platforms

Investigation by us revealed that Twitter has complied with all the terms given by the government to restore its services.

https://leadingreporters.com/ban-fg-keeps-mum-despite-adherence-by-twitter-other-social-media-risk-ban/

Where I come from, it is often said that it is not possible that a blind man, roasting a palm kernel would allow it get burnt twice. But can that be said of Nigerians? We have on several occasions not only burnt our palm kernels but also stoked the fire that burns our kernels. While many Nigerians are thinking a good leader is going to fall on them from the sky, they keep making the same mistake of voting people who have no business in leadership. Leadership strong is responsibility. It is not buck passing and escapist excuses.
In the last 60 plus years with its human vicissitudes, Nigerians ought to have developed the uncanny ability to smell a conman from afar. Too many tribal and religious conmen have risen to swindle he people of their commonwealth. Sick people have arisen, and used the nation’s lean resources on boosting their health. Poor men have been voted on the platter of trust, only for them to snub the people and proceed on their own hidden agenda. Prison inmates have received pardons and have become president only to become demigods and untouchables.

https://leadingreporters.com/the-things-that-should-matter-to-nigerian-voters-in-2022/

As the city of Xian in northwest China, with a population of 13 million, enters its eighth day of lockdown in an effort to manage the current cluster of COVID-19 infections, many residents are running out of food.

https://leadingreporters.com/hunger-looms-after-8-days-of-lockdown-chinese-city-cries-for-help/

One World Religion Headquarters To Open Soon.
THE CATHOLIC-MUSLIM INTERFAITH COUNCIL CREATED BY POPE FRANCIS ANNOUNCES NEW CHRISLAM HEADQUARTERS OPENING IN 2022 THAT COMBINES A MOSQUE AND CHURCH ACCORDING TO SIGNED COVENANT.

The announcement of the Abrahamic Family House, on the Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, follows a visit by Pope Francis to the UAE in February, the first by a pope to the Arabian Peninsula. During the trip, the pope signed a joint declaration with the grand imam of al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, that called for religious tolerance and dialogue. An interfaith council to oversee projects advancing tolerance was formed as a result of the declaration, and named the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity. The Abrahamic Family House is its first initiative.

https://leadingreporters.com/one-world-religion-headquarters-to-open-soon-in-uae/

Nigerian Naira collapses to N435 against the dollar at the official market.

This is coming as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) adjusted the country’s exchange rate on its website to N413.49/$1 — in what seems to be another devaluation this year.

In May, the apex devalued the naira from N379 to N411 per dollar by adopting the (I&E) window.

Although Godwin Emefiele, governor of the CBN, had dismissed insinuations about naira devaluation, says Nigeria operates a managed-float exchange regime.

https://leadingreporters.com/cbn-has-just-devalued-the-naira-against-the-dollar/

The Federal Government is set to restrict airlines coming from Canada, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia into Nigeria from Tuesday, December 14, 2021. This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Sunday in Lagos, according to NAN.

https://leadingreporters.com/nigeria-govt-bans-airlines-from-canada-uk-saudi-arabia-and-others-into-nigeria-from-tuesday/

Corruption Exposed: Musk vows to sell Tesla stock if UN shows the World how $6B solve world hunger

But it must be open source accounting, so the public sees precisely how the money is spent.— Elon Musk
The statement from the richest person in the world came after a UN executive challenged Elon Musk and some other billionaires in an interview to help end starvation in the world.

Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, has said he will sell $6 billion worth of Tesla stock and donate the proceeds to the United Nations’ food agency if it could show how the money would solve world hunger.


https://leadingreporters.com/corruption-exposed-musk-vows-to-sell-tesla-stock-if-un-shows-the-world-how-6b-solve-world-hunger/

Former Contract staff and Whistleblower exposes damaging report and fake data on the parts of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine trial
A bombshell report by The BMJ, calls out Pfizer for poor practices and quality control during its COVID-19 vaccine trials.

Brook Jackson, a regional director at Ventavia Research Group, an organization tasked with testing Pfizer’s vaccine at several sites in Texas, reported to The BMJ that the company falsified data, unblinded patients, was slow to follow up on adverse events, and was overwhelmed with quality control issues.
https://leadingreporters.com/leaked-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-trial-compromised/

Some members of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to order the National Assembly to ensure the exit of the South East from Nigeria.

The members said the exit could be made before the conclusion of the ongoing constitutional amendment.

The plaintiffs, led by Nastura Ashir Shariff, Balarabe Rufa’I, Abdul-Aziz Sulaiman and Aminu Adam, explained that their action is informed on the need to curtail violence and destruction as a result of the agitation for secession championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

They noted that they are strongly against a repeat of the 1967 to 1970 civil war in Nigeria that cost the country millions of lives and property worth billions of naira.

The Attorney General of the Federation, the Senate president, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly were listed as defendants in the suit.

https://leadingreporters.com/northern-coalition-advocatestfg-s-easts-speedy-exit-from-nigeria/

As APC Plans To Zone Ticket To South South Geopolitical Zone

2023 may seem far for some people, but to President Muhamadu Buhari’s political allies, popularly known as the “Villa Cabal”, now is better than never.

https://leadingreporters.com/2023-presidency-plans-to-pair-malami-with-jonathan-thickens/

Northern elders have attributed Tuesday’s morning attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Kaduna, by bandits leaving two military officers dead and an officer abducted, to failure of Nigeria’s intelligence network.
Recall that the Nigerian Army had earlier confirmed the killing of two of its officers and abduction of a senior officer at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), in Afaka, Kaduna State.

Witnesses said the bandits came in a large number in the early hours of Tuesday, adding that apart from the officers killed and kidnapped, some others sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the NDA hospital.

The organisation, which said the development was an indication that no Nigerian no matter his or her status was safe in the country, therefore, demanded immediate review of security architecture.

According to the group, the entire security formations were to be blamed.



The group under the aegis of Coalition of Northern Elders for Peace and Development (CNEPD), in the statement by its national coordinator, Engr. Zana Goni, while blaming President Muhammadu Buhari for leaving Monguno behind at the time he replaced service chiefs, however, expressed unflinching support to the president and his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC

Noting that their position was based on patriotism to the country, the elders insisted that it was time for the president to do away with Monguno following the worsening insecurity in the country.



The deteriorating security situation, according to the Coalition, is a sign that Monguno, who manages the nation’s security situation was not on top of his game.

The statement berated stakeholders in the region over what the group described as “their long silence in the face of unbearable criminal acts by armed herdsmen across the country ‘thereby giving a bad image of the region.”

“We find it once more expedient to comment on the worsening security situation in the country, especially the latest attack on a military formation, the Nigerian Defence Academy, which is the training institute of military personnel.



“We woke up to the sad news of the attack on the NDA, leaving two officers killed and another abducted by bandits with heavy hearts. If it was not the confirmation of this unbelievable action by the Academy’s spokesperson, Bashir Jajira, we would have still been in doubt.

“The fact that a fortified military institute could be so easily invaded by armed militias without maximum resistance has left us with the conclusion that no part of this country and no citizen, no matter his or status is safe again.
https://leadingreporters.com/attack-on-nda-nigerias-intelligence-network-has-collapsed/

The arrest of the Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has stirred different reactions from different quarters in Nigeria.
In the South East Region, the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu came as a shock to the youths and Kanu’s teeming followers. In the Northern Part of Nigeria, Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest has been seen as one of the greatest achievements of the President Muhadummedu APC-led government.


The midst of all these, most Nigerians did not know that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has at one point accepted to switch his separatist agitation for a dialogue and greater peace-building. This followed a patriotic move by two Nigerians – Mr. Allen Onyema of Airpeace and Mr. Danjuma Mohammed. The question arises, why did that peace move fail? And who benefitted from all the war-like military activities across all parts of Nigeria, especially the Southern part?

Information has it that at the peak of the separatist agitation led by Nnamdi Kanu some years back, two patriotic Nigerians took the burden upon themselves to mediate. They were not sent by the Federal Government, but they believed that a more humane approach could bring the healing hand of time. Towards this, Mr. Mohammed Danjuma and Chief Onyema Allen (The Chairman and CEO of AirPeace) embarked on a dicey visit to Nnamdi Kanu’s home town Isiama Afara Ukwu in Abia State to meet with him on possible ways on playing down the separatist agitation which was already creating tension in the country.

https://leadingreporters.com/exposed-how-gen-buratai-thwarted-nnamdi-kanu-peace-and-dialogue-offer-to-fg/

There are currently more cases of female scammers now under investigation than ever before, a top official of an anti-corruption agency recently has hinted in a private discussion with LeadingReporters Lead Investigator.
The senior detective who would not want her name mentioned in print said that most of the cases they are treating now involve women and ladies who usually leverage online sells to defraud their unsuspecting customers. She described the development as worrisome.

“Our office is daunted with reports and records of female scammers who mostly leverage online shopping to defraud their victims. There are others who parade themselves as celebrities who now help top government functionaries and politicians to launder money.
https://leadingreporters.com/anti-corruption-agency-decries-high-rate-of-women-scammers-in-nigeria-warn-online-shoppers/

The Arewa Youths For Peace and Security AYPAS has flayed the Engr. Mele Kyari-led Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation NNPC over the sack of the agency’s Chief Operating Officer COO, Oil and Gas, Engr. Yusuf Usman, describing the move as unacceptable, and sheer preference for mediocrity over professionalism.
The group said that the nation needs capable hands and patriotic Nigerians to move the policy of President Muhammadu Buhari in the right and creative direction, and anything on the contrary would be extensively resisted.

The group, rising from a joint press conference attended by notable Northern Commentators, Opinion Leaders, and the North West Attache’ of AYPAS Nafisatu Ibraheem, which was monitored by LeadingReporters insisted that the recent removal of the COO of the gas and power department is a step taken in bad light going by Engr. Usman’s wealth of experience and the optimization of the gas fortune for the benefit of Nigerians.

“Engr Yusuf Usman has expanded the scope of optimizing Nigeria gas fortune and promoting gas sustainability. He is highly skilled in that field if Nigeria must benefit from its gas potentials in the near future, particularly the current gas and power projects going on.

“The Group Managing Director GMD of NNPC, Engr. Mele Kyari acted against competence as Usman’s successor lacks the experience, professionalism, competence and capacity to oversee the affairs of the office as the job requires on-the-job knowledge and skills which Engr. Usman has acquired over the years..

https://leadingreporters.com/arewa-youths-brace-for-a-showdown-with-nnpc-management-over-sack-of-engr-usman/

Seeking to secure their future in a land with a viable economy and favourable economic conditions, it has been revealed that half of the Nigerian youths are seeking to travel out of the country

https://leadingreporters.com/revealed-nigeria-lost-50-of-her-youths-world-bank/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, lashed out at officials negotiating contracts on behalf of Nigeria, saying that they are bereft of the required knowledge to represent the country.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day physical and virtual capacity building training for Nigerian negotiators organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Osinbajo noted that the quality of the officials who represented the country at negotiations reflects in the nation’s economy.

He stressed that the poorly negotiated agreements and poor monitoring were the prominent causes of financial losses by nations.

In his speech, the Chairman of ICPC, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, while speaking on ‘Guidelines for Negotiating International Agreements for Economic Development,’ said that development is the essence of governance.



https://leadingreporters.com/nigerias-economy-contracts-negotiators-lacks-knowledge-were-fleeced-osinbajo/

Most recently, news broke that Aliko Dangote was moving 60% of his family investment to the US. Few days after, we saw him in Tanzania promising to increase his investment in the country because he wants to support the new president, whose business decisions have been investment friendly. I am happy for him. He has sense.
But as a businessman, I am not sure Dangote is a model. Don’t take my word for it. Let the data speak:

In October 2016, Dansa, Dangote’s fruit juice company packed up because it wasn’t making profit. It closed shop, owing its workers 6 months’ salary.

He also started a $13 million tomato processing plant in March 2016 and closed shop in August 2017, saying it was because of “importation of tomato paste, shortfall in the supply of fresh tomatoes and power failure.” It is funny that they didn’t consider these three factors before commencing.

https://leadingreporters.com/dangote-not-a-creative-foresighted-investor-that-can-survive-in-a-competitive-business-environment/

The case of the barbaric murder and the gruesome cremation (if you like) of late madam Salome Acheju Abuh has been done and dusted. Acheju Abuh was until her death, the women leader of Nigeria’s major(?) opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party also popularly called PDP.
So, it happened that the gubernatorial elections in Kogi State which held in November of 2019 could only be remembered for its gross violence, savagery and cannibalistic proclivities. People were maimed, injured and killed. Allegations floated in the atmosphere, and still do, as to whose camp orchestrated the violence.

There were three major candidates in that election. They include the incumbent governor Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress, Natasha Akpoti of the Social Democratic Party and Musa Wada of the People’s Democratic Party.

The percussion to violence began in the build up to the elections. It came to a head when even during the Peace meeting convened at the instance of the Inspector General of Police in Lokoja, one of the contenders for the elections was openly harassed. The security agents watched helplessly as the woman was shamed, bullied, harassed and assaulted.

Another incidence that made it clear that the elections were going to be a catalogue of savagery was when Akpoti’s office in the state capital was torched. To make the matter worse, the office was close to a security facility. No one went to salvage the situation.



Gradually but steadily, violence spread across the state as the D-day drew closer. Scary tales of armed thugs openly assaulting law abiding citizens rent the air. There was palpable fear in the entire State as nobody knew who was next in line. The marauders were everywhere.

Every youth was a potential thug, and was ready, at the site of as paltry as five thousand Naira, to unleash terror on the already pauperised and traumatised people. The stories were gory, scary and demoralising. One wondered if we were practising democracy or ‘gangsterocracy’.



In mobilising her people to vote for her party, late madam Acheju Abuh was killed in cold blood, and by her own kinsmen in her home town! How else can inhumanity and the sublime case of brazen animalism be defined?

I know the quiet village of Ochadamu, in Ofu local government area of Kogi State. I am not sure the votes from that place would be enough to swing the results of an election, even if al the votes went to a single candidate. One wonders how anyone in such a small town could kill another person from the same town.

But Ocholi Edicha did it! He it was that led the gang of blood thirsty savages that cut down the woman in cold blood. It sends a chill down my spine to imagine that the ethics and gravity with which the Igala tradition frowns at murder are being eroded by culture contact, greed and the proliferation of urban gangs among our youths.



Secondly, I am amazed that the law in Nigeria doesn’t find such sinister violations of the sanctity of life an offence worth a life sentence. Twelve years behind bars could be enough for manslaughter but deliberate murder, and a callous attempt to cover evidence by burning up the corpse, property and the house of the victim is too deliberate to wave away with a 12year jail sentence.

This is why robbers, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals are becoming bolder by the day. In some case they are even pardoned, given amnesty and given the tax payers money as a rebuke. We have witnessed in this same country how Boko Haram fighters, who murdered thousands, destroyed livelihoods and created orphans in their wake, ‘repented’, were hosted by government, given millions of Naira and patted on the back.

According to the governor of Borno State, Prof Zulum, these ‘pardoned’ boys find their ways back into their organisation again. Who wouldn’t? What else would excite a criminal than knowing he couldn’t care how many times he was caught? As a matter of fact, he gets richer as he gets caught.

It is in this light that the Igala Vanguard rejects the judgement. To the organisation, it is more like a pat on the back of the perpetrator of such a heinous crime. It is a sacrilege to the Igala people. It is an insult to the sensibilities of the Igala conscience. It will further enforce the bourgeoning industry of thuggery in Kogi State. Politicians in Kogi state have weaponized hunger and destitution. The lives of the youths are being condemned by the avant garde in Kogi state. If the law is not stern on this, there would be a time when guns would be cheaper than rice in Kogi State.

The Igala Vanguard has the chance to rewrite the history of the land and redirect its ship. The judgement would be hopefully reversed and Mr Edachi would be made a scapegoat for those who think that Nigeria is home to lawless people.

Congratulations to the Igala Vanguard for the bold attempt at confronting the monster being bred in some quarters which might consume, in the long run, the owners, the community and everyone. Nigerians better wake up.

Alex Agbo is a writer and researcher based in Lagos.



https://leadingreporters.com/salome-acheju-and-the-reality-of-our-die-trowey-system/

In a bid to receive her salary, following Kaduna State Government. “No-Vaccine No-Pay” Order, a woman working with Government Hospital in Southern Kaduna, by name Anatu Tanko is currently fighting for her life in a specialist hospital after getting vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccine.

https://leadingreporters.com/video-southern-kaduna-woman-began-vomiting-blood-after-taking-covid-19-vaccine/