Yoruba Council Passes Vote Of Confidence On Kyari

*Assures Of Partnership To Grow Oil, Gas Sector




The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has passed a vote of confidence on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mr. Mele Kyari.

This is even as it described the attempts by some unscrupulous elements to blackmail Kyari as a distraction that will not do the oil industry any good.

The YYC said that rather than joining other faceless groups to blackmail the NNPCL boss, it would further increase its level of partnership and support for Kyari in view of the numerous successes recorded by the GCEO in the oil and gas industry.

The group said it is on record that the NNPCL GCEO was appointed at a time when disputes, aside from oil theft and pipeline vandalism were paralysing oil production, stressing that within a few months of stepping into office, Kyari was able to resolve these disputes.

The Youth Council in a statement jointly signed by the President and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Eric Oluwole and Saheed Adeola said when Kyari came in as the then GMD in 2019, he instituted a multi-security control room manned by the NNPC and all assets of the company were linked in real-time to the command-and-control center.

The center was responsible for monitoring, locating, and reporting suspicious activities to various security agencies for intervention. The effort led to oil production recovering to 1.6 million barrels per day at the close of 2022.

The YYC said that after seeing the damages which oil theft continued to wreck on the country’s earnings, Kyari pushed the Buhari administration to re-introduce private security arrangements which eventually led to the revalidation of Tompolo’s pipeline surveillance contract. Since then, oil production has continued to stabilize and seen a steady increase.

The Yoruba youth said findings revealed that Kyari came at a time when disputes, aside from oil theft and pipeline vandalism, were paralysing oil production. But within a few months of stepping into office, Kyari was able to resolve them.

These include the dispute between Shell and Belema Oil that shut in over 30,000 barrels per day production in OML 25, and over agreements with SNEPCo and other PSC partners to resolve the disputes around another deep offshore block, OML 118, leading to the renewal of that acreage with the prospect of a new $10billion investment in the development of the Bonga South-East Field.

'Among the resolutions was the execution of the Abo OML 125 Heads of Terms leading to the resolution of the issues around most of the deep offshore Production Sharing Contracts. This paved the way for the renewal of OML 125 and further investment.

"There was also the successful resolution of 1993 PSC dispute which holds over 90% of Nugeria’s deepwater production, paving the way for unlocking over 7 billion barrels of oil, 20Tcf of gas reserves, and potential investment of up to US$40bn over the next five years, and at the same time relieves NNPC of almost US$10bn in contingent liabilities," the group pointed out.

The YYC also said Kyari achieved the commercial discovery of hydrocarbon in the Gongola basin of the Upper Benue trough and attained the Presidential flag-off of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project (KIPRO) on 22nd November 2022, with over one billion barrels of oil and 500BCF of gas addition to existing hydrocarbon reserves, which will go a long way to enhance national energy security, create jobs opportunities and stimulate balanced economic growth.

As part of the strategic drive to shore up national reserves, tje Group said Kyari expanded hydrocarbon exploration campaigns to the Sokoto and Bidda basins and achieved a spud-in for the ongoing exploration projects in the Nasarawa and Chad Basins. Within this year alone, the Council said Kyari achieved first oil in OML 13, restored production in OMLs 11 and 18, and currently working to achieve first oil in OMLs 83/85 among others.

Kyari is also taking major initiatives that will move towards achieving FID for major projects in the deepwater and frontier basins such as the Bonga Southwest Apraro, Bonga North, Prowei, KIPRO, Owowo, Bosi, and so on.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, has said that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has perfected an elaborate and sinister plot to gag the media ahead of the release of the records containing his criminal investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Shaibu said in a statement yesterday, that the Tinubu administration has become frustrated with the Chicago State University scandal and was planning a massive offensive in the coming days.

Atiku’s aide added that the threat by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction Arise Television News was only a tip of the iceberg.

He said the NBC had been watching as Tinubu’s media platforms like Television Continental (TVC) had been constantly attacking Atiku and had refused to even air opposition views.

Shaibu added, “Back in February, the NBC tried to show a bit of fairness and fined TVC for unprofessional broadcasts including the airing of the Joint media Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council press briefing where Festus Keyamo said Obasanjo and Atiku ran a criminal enterprise, and an empire of fraud in Abuja.

“However, since Tinubu became president on May 29, the NBC has become more partisan than ever. The NBC boss, Balarabe Ilelah, is obviously seeking to retain his appointment and is now dancing to the tune of the APC and their master at the Presidential Villa.

“The NBC has now been co-opted into a grand plot to gag the media over Tinubu’s certificate scandal. Having lost the battle in the court of public opinion, they are now trying to use the powers of the state to browbeat the media into silence. This is indeed shameful for a man who claimed to be a hero of the June 12 struggle.

“But this is not the time for the Nigerian media to show any weakness. The trove of documents that the FBI is set to release this month will expose details of the investigation that tied Bola Tinubu to heroin trafficking. The dissemination of this information must not be left to social media alone. The media must rise up to its role as the watchdog of society as enshrined in Section 22 of the 1999 constitution.”

Shaibu said the hypocrisy of the Tinubu government and the APC-led Senate is legendary.

He noted that a ministerial nominee from Delta State, Stella Okotete, a director at NEXIM Bank, was denied ministerial confirmation over alleged certificate forgery even though the lady in question tried so much to defend herself.

Atiku’s aide, however, wondered why the standard for the President of Nigeria is lower than that of a ministerial nominee and the youngster, Mmesoma Ejikeme, who forged her JAMB results from a third party vendor.

Shaibu said, “Okotete claimed to have graduated from Benson Idahosa University in 2007 with a second class lower grade in International Studies and Diplomacy and completed the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from Kebbi State in 2009.

“However, amid allegations of certificate forgery, the Senate refused to confirm her while the authorities continued to investigate her. However, in the case of Tinubu, who holds the highest office in the land, they want Nigerians to overlook it. They are asking Nigerians to focus on governance instead.

“Isn’t it ironic that the bar has been lowered for the office of the President? Is it not mind-boggling that people who would not employ even third glass graduates in their private companies are the same ones now defending certificate forgery? The hypocrisy is indeed disturbing.”

A 92 years old farmer, Pa Ogande Akya Addra of Galadima Ward, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has cried out over what he alleged as threat to life and attempt by some senior military officers, led by M. Gidado playing a role to forcefully take over his farmland.

He is appealing to the Commander of 4 Special Forces Command, Nigerian Army in Doma, Maj. Gen. Hillary Nzan and meaningful public to intervene by ensuring that he gets justice on the matter.

The farmland according to him, is located opposite the Military Barracks in Doma.

According to a letter titled, "Save my Soul" made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja, the nonagenarian stated that he got the shock of his life on the fateful day of September 28, 2023, when two of his sons, Eugene Atakwe Ogande and Ishaleku Ogande rushed home to complain to him about an encounter with the Senior officer, (M. Gidado) who ordered them to vacate the land noting that the officer gave the order at the barracks, after summoning them through his emissary.

"As if that was not enough, Eugene was again called by the same officer on the 30th day of September, 2023 and ordered him to go and rebuild a beacon as claimed allegedly destroyed by him or else he would be decisively dealt with," he said.

According to him, since the fateful encounter between his children and the officer, his life appeared to be gradually ebbing out of him, being his only means of livelihood.

The nonagenarian and father of 37 children with over 70 grand, great grand children become worried and traumatized as he lamented his ordeal at the time of filing this report.

He said, what baffled him is that he has never met the said officer, neither had he any issue with the military to warrant such a directive.

As the situation stands, he explained that he lives under fear of the unknown, since the officer never deemed it necessary to come to him, but was quick to issue a threat to deal with whomever enters the farm land henceforth.

While providing a historical background, he revealed that the farmland is a customary land inherited from his father who deforested the land and had farmed on it and thereafter, he took over after his father’s death for a period that spans over 150 years.

Moreover, in line with the requirement of modernity, he said that he approached the then Village head of Doma, Ada Akabe Oshigada and later the local government authority, who validated his right of ownership of the farm land, which Gidado threatens to deal with him and his children if they dare set foot on.

Giving more insight on the land, he explained that he has been enjoying undisturbed possession of the
land since deforestation until the year 2007, when one Ahmed Bako and Bako Doma & Sons Nig. Ltd began to lay sudden claims to the land.

He said such claims led to litigation in the court and he won the case against the plaintiff.

After the litigation, he continued to enjoy and exercise unfettered possession till this year (2023) when the family of Usman
Osabo started encroaching violently on the land.



He added that the the life threatening act of this people have increasingly continued unabated.

"Presently, they have resorted to embarking on various kinds of activities on the land, by cutting down trees, making demarcations vide, erection of cemented beacons, farming and alteration of boundaries.

"We make bold to state that the forgoing ungraceful and nefarious attitude of these fellows has translated to aggravated and unabated impunity aided and guaranteed by your gallant officers.

"It is for this reason that I call on the GOC of Doma Military Barracks to SAVE MY SOUL from people that are trying to take advantage of the military for a civil case."

He noted, " We humbly crave your indulgence to invoke the instrumentality of your highly exalted office to call the soldiers involved in this self assigned duty to order as the issued is currently pending at the court of Justice.

When our correspondent contacted the Army Public Relations Officer of Four Special Forces Command at Doma, Deputy Director, Major Joseph Afolasade denied knowledge of the incident relating to the military involvement on the farmland issue.

He assured our reporter that he will investigate the issue and get back accordingly to ensure amiable resolution between the parties involved.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP,), Atiku Abubakar has filed a fresh evidence of forgery from Chicago at the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the qualifications of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

Atiku, a former Vice President, asserted categorically and authoritatively that the Diploma Certificate of the Chicago State University (CSU) used by Tinubu to secure qualifications for participation in the 2023 election is fake having been allegedly forged.

In a motion on notice filed by his legal team headed by Chris Uche (SAN), Atiku asked the Supreme Court to invoke its Order 2 Rule 12 of 1985 to admit the fresh evidence of certificate forgery and perjury in support of his pending appeal before the Court to do substantial justice to his case.

Atiku in the motion marked SC/CV/935/2023 prayed the Apex Court to grant him leave to produce the additional evidence and for the Court to receive the fresh evidence from him.

Respondents in the motion are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as 1st to 3rd respectfully.

The motion is predicated on several grounds but mainly on the release of Academic Records of Tinubu, evidence of the Registrar of the Chicago State University before a United States of America Court and the deposition of the same witness in respect of the Diploma Certificate President Tinubu presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for the purpose of eligibility for the election.

Other grounds in the motion are that "The 2nd Respondent ( Tinubu) was not qualified at the time of the election to contest the election as required by section 137 (1) (j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

"Based on facts available to the Appellants/Applicants (Atiku) at the time of filing their Petition, the 1st Appellants/Applicant (Atiku Abubakar) through his United States of American lawyers, Alexander de Gramont and Argela M. Liu of the law firm of Dechert LLP, unsuccessfully applied to Chicago State University for the release of copies of the academic records of the 2nd Respondent.

"Given the strict privacy laws in the jurisdiction of Chicago State University, the request for the release of the academic records and certificate issued to the 2nd Respondent could not be granted without an order, of court and for the purpose of use in pending court proceedings.

The 1st Applicant through his said US-based Attomeys thereupon, brought an action in the U.S. District Court for the Northem District of Illinois in re: Application of Atiku Abubakar for an Order Directing Discovery from Chicago State University Case No. 23-CV-05099 for an order for the production of documents and testimony for use in a proceeding in a foreign court, seeking documents and testimony from Chicago State University concening the authenticity and origin of documents purporting to be the educational records of the 2nd Respondent, Bola A.Tinubu.

"The 2nd Respondent (Tinubu) applied and was joined in the matter as an Intervenor,
vehemently opposed the application.

"On September 19, 2023, the Court issued an order granting the application and thereafter, the 2nd Respondent applied for an emergency stay of the Court Order, claiming that he would suffer irreparable damage and irjury if his educational records were released: which order of stay was granted.

"On September 30, 2023, the Court overruled the 2nd Respondent's objections and ordered Chicago State University to produce tbe documents on October 2, 2023, and to produce a witness for deposition on October 3, 2023.

"On October 2, 2023. Chlcago State University produced the documents pursuant to the Court's Order.

"On October 3, 2023, also pursuant to the Court's Order, Chicago State University provided a witness to give deposition testimony, in which deposition, Chicago State University disclaimed ownership and authorship of the document that the 2nd Respondent presented to INEC, purporting to be "Chicago State University certificate" and also disclaimed issuing any replacement certificate to him.

"The deposition was not in existence or available at the time of filing the petition.

"The deposition sought to be adduced is, along with its accompanying documents, such as would have important effect in the resolution of this appeal.

"The deposition is relevant to this matter, having confirmed that the certificate presented by the 2nd Respondent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not emanate from Chicago State University, and that whoever issued the certificate presented by the 2nd Respondent, did not have the authority of the Chicago State University, and that the 2nd Respondent never applied for any replacement certificate
nor was he issued any replacement certificate by the Chicago State University.

"The deposition which is on oath and deposed to in the presence of the 2nd Respondent's Attorney is credible and believable and ought to be believed.

"The deposition is clear and unambiguous, and no further evidence is needed to be adduced on it. The evidence is such that could not have been obtained without reasonable
diligence for use at the trial, as the deposition required the commencement of the suit in the United States of America before receiving same. It is not possible to obtain the said evidence before the trial at the Court below.

"The deposition was made on October 03, 2Q23 after the conclusion of trial at the Court below, and was not available to be tendered at the trial.

"Presentation of a forged Certificate to the lndependent National Electoral Commission by a candidate in an election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a weighty constitutional matter,
requiring consideration by the Court as custodians of the Constitution.

"The original certified deposition has been forwarded to the Honourable Court by a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court

"It is in the interest of justice for the Honourable Court to exercise its discretion in favour of the Appellants/Applicants.

The motion was supported by an affidavit deposed to on behalf of Atiku and PDP by one Uyi Giwa-Osagie, a legal practitioner.

The affidavit read in part "That the 1st Appellant/Applicant contested the election to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of the 2nd Appellant/Applicant, which election was conducted by the 1st Respondent on the 25th day of February 2023.

"That the 1st Respondent retuned the 2nd Respondent as the winner of the said election, and hence the Appellants, being dissatisfied with tle retum, filed a Petition on the 21st day of March 2023 before the Court of Appeal sitting as the Presidential Election Petition Count.

"That the Court below had by a judgment delivered on 6th September 2023 dismissed the said Petition, whereupon the Appellants/Applicants appealed against the said judgment to this Honourable Court in
September 2023.

"That the Record of Appeal has been transmitted to this Honourable Court
and the appeal duly entered, and the said Record of Appeal is now before this Honourable Court, running into over 9,000 pages in 11 Volumes, upon which the Appellants/Applicants are relying in this application.

"That I know that one of the grounds of the Appellants/Applicants' Petition before the Court below is that the 2nd Respondent (Tinubu) was not qualified at the time of the election to contest the election and did not meet the constitutional threshold to contest

Meanwhile, no date has yet been fixed for hearing of the motion.

*Urges ex-VP to start preparations for 2027


Former Deputy National Publicity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Yekeni Nabena, has said Nigerians have moved on with the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hence former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cannot take the nation back to desert.

Nabena said all the noise about Chicago State University certificate is a pre-election matter that has been forgotten.

Atiku Abubakar of the PDP had accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of forgery at a press conference on Thursday, October 5.

But in a statement signed on Friday in Abuja, Nabena asked Atiku Abubakar "to rather start preparations for another contest in 2027 as usual rather than dragging the Nation backward."

Nabena said contrary to media propaganda by Atiku and opposition parties; "The registrar of Chicago State University (CSU) Caleb Westberb never said President Tinubu forged the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria."

He urged the public to be careful of manipulative reports churning out by the opposition parties to cause confusion and seek public sympathy.

According to the APC chieftain, Nigeria is a sovereign state and until the highest court of the land says otherwise, President Bola Tinubu is still legitimately elected and will continue to pilot affairs of the country.

The Bayelsa born APC chieftain called on party members, supporters of the President and all Nigerians to disregard all attempts by the opposition parties to create unneccessary tension and make the country ungovernable.

Nabena also called attention of Nigerian Justices and Supreme Court to the contempt of court by Ahaji Atiku Abubakar against the matter already in court of law.

He said: "Let me use this medium to tell the former Vice President to start preparing for another election in 2027 as usual. Heating up the polity over pre-election matters will not make him President of Nigeria.

"Atiku Abubakar should know by now that Nigerians have moved on. The country is now enjoying good governance because this administration is responsive and responsible. See what is happening across Ministries, Departments and Agencies; Nigerians will no longer wait for months to get their international passport when they apply, over 204,000 backlog has been cleared within three weeks, think about the welfare packages for the elderly by the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, the bold step to remove the fuel subsidy that has held the country hostage for a long time, government intervention in all sectors like Aviation, Health, Transport, Economy, Agriculture and security among others. This Renewed Hope Agenda is already working and Nigerians won't allow anyone, including Atiku or Peter Obi to drag the Nation back to desert," Nabena said.

*Says Uzodimma won't handover to Labour Party



Ahead of November 11 governorship election in Imo State, a group of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the platform of the Progressives League of Youth Voters (PLYV) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Abia State Governor, Alex Otti against inciting comments.

The group also warned the governor to perish the thought that the Labour Party governorship candidate in Imo State will take over from Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The APC group was reacting to comments made by Governor Alex Otti during a flag off campaign of his party in Imo State, where he asked Governor Hope Uzodimma "to write his handover note."

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, National Coordinator of the APC group, Amb. Audu Usman Shuaibu, urged Governor Uzodimma not to be distracted, even as he commended the administration for the courage he has demonstrated in defending his people.

According to Shuaibu, Governor Otti's statement during the ?about Party's gubernatorial campaign flag off in Imo state shows that the neighbouring Governor was set for war.

While calling for a peaceful election in the state, the APC group said: "How can a newly elected Governor who is yet to acclamatize himself with the doings of the office openly declared that the workaholic Governor of Imo State should prepare his handover note? Here is a man whose victory is facing serious legal battle at the governorship election petition tribunal, instead of facing his challenges, Otti decided to stir up the polity by indirectly calling non state actors to invade Imo State.

"We are using this medium to tell governor Alex Otti that governor Hope will only hand-over to himself and not Labour Party.

"We are citizens of Nigeria first before becoming members of political parties, as members of formidable support groups whose interest is the development of Nigeria, we are aware that the future of Imo State is been toyed with by highly placed politicians who want to use the influence of their offices just like Governor Otti of Abia State to force a regime change in the South East State.

"We feel concerned because Governor Otti's home state is the International Headquarters of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and that of the dreaded Eastern Security Network, ESN."

Shuaibu expressed confidence that if the election is free and fare, Governor Hope Uzodinma will cruse to victory, adding that Uzodimma's works are ther to speak for him.

"The APC led Government of Imo State has shown clearly, the difference between good governance and mal-administration, it would be wrong to fold our arms and watch a Governor from another State cause chaos in Imo State.

"It is only in Abia State under the current Governor that already dualised road is being dualised, Sea Port is being built where there is no river, Lake or dam instead of executing peoples oriented projects that will better the lots of Abia people, Governor Otti is middlesome interloper in Imo State Governorship elections.

"Mr President must remember his statement that he won’t interfere in any democratic process any where in the county. Therefore, the President must caution the irate Governor of Abia State against statement that are capable of causing crisis and not to meddle in the affairs of other states. It is not enough for the President as an individual to simply pledge non-interference. He should take a step further to warn the Governor to follow example as a statesman.

"We maintain that the good people of Imo State should be allowed to choose their Governor in the coming elections. Our people must not be intimidated or coerced into accepting a governorship candidate imposed on them by enemies of imolites. We will resist any form of imposition or plot to cause political instability in Imo state. We would resist with equal vigor, any attempt to influence the gubernatorial elections to favour the Labour Party.

"We assure the people of Imo State that we are on alert monitoring activities of their enemies and the people aligning with them. We shall address Nigerians at the appropriate time and expose those colluding with killers of the South East people to effect a change of leadership in Imo state

"For Governor Otti and his co-travelers, the plan to change the political leadership in Imo State come November 11th 2023 will fail just like the plan to surrender South East to unknown gunmen also failed. Governor Hope Uzodinma has stood firm with his people in ensuring that security is provided by the Federal Government, his effort is commendable and he deserve re-election."

An official of Chicago State University has testified under oath that the replacement certificate of the school, which President Bola Tinubu submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not a document of the university, meaning that it was a forgery.

The Registrar of the Chicago State University, Carl Wesberg, who testified under oath yesterday in a deposition following the ruling of Judge Nancy Maldonado on Monday in the petition of the records of Bola Tinubu at the CSU said that the logo of the school on the replacement certificate is not known to the institution.

The deposition process went on for more than 5 hours, and ended at about 9:30pm Nigerian time.

As at the time of filing this report, the process of perfecting the deposition document for onward transmission to Atiku’s lawyers in Nigeria was in top gear.

It will be recalled that one of the grounds upon which the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, is challenging the election of President Tinubu is on non-qualification based on forgery of his document

Meanwhile, the full transcript of the deposition is being anxiously awaited by Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike who have followed the case with keen interest.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shaibu, has said the documents released by the Chicago State University along with President Bola Tinubu’s academic records indicate that the certificate President Bola Tinubu submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was fake.

He also said that today's deposition at 10am Chicago time (4 pm Nigerian time) will further nail Tinubu and expose his buckets of lies

Shaibu said in a statement on Tuesday, that whether Tinubu attended CSU or not was not the only reason for the discovery petition, but to prove that the certificate he submitted to the electoral commission was a forgery.

He said: “The samples of redacted certificates handed to us by CSU show that the one submitted to INEC by Tinubu was indeed a forgery, and this will be made known during the deposition, which will be done under oath this afternoon.”

Atiku’s aide added that the documents released also show that the process of Tinubu’s admission into CSU was equally fraudulent.

“The transcript from Southwest College (now Richard Daley College), which Tinubu used in gaining admission into CSU, states clearly that Tinubu was a female. So, how did Tinubu transform into a man at a time when gender altering surgeries did not exist?

“The social security number and the dates on the transcript even show that there is more than meets the eye.”

Shaibu said Tinubu declared in his admission documents that he attended Government College, Lagos, and presented a 1970 GCE A-level result with grades E in Chemistry and Biology and an F in Physics.

He added, “This is a new revelation given the fact that he had earlier claimed to have attended Government College, Ibadan, until some students of the school denied knowing him. But even more worrisome is the fact that Government College, Lagos, was established in 1974. So, did Tinubu attend the school in anticipation before it was founded in 1974? He must indeed be a miracle worker.

“What makes the entire incident laughable is that Festus Keyamo, one of Tinubu’s servile lackeys, claimed on live television during the electioneering that Tinubu never attended school but was rather homeschooled.

“Tinubu has also been claiming that he was born on March 29, 1952, and even celebrated his 70th birthday last year and held a colloquium in his honour. But the date of birth listed on his CSU transcript states that he was born on March 29, 1954.

“So, not only does Tinubu have two genders, but he also has two dates of birth. This man must be a celestial being or probably fell from planet Jupiter.”

Shaibu said the release of the documents had vindicated the late legal juggernaut, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), who first exposed Tinubu’s certificate scandal 21 years ago.

Atiku’s aide added, “Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s dream is coming to reality after 22 years. He first drew the world’s attention to the fraudulent activities of Bola Tinubu. Some of Gani’s so-called disciples have, however, compromised after being offered a bowl of porridge.

"Festus Keyamo, who actually sued the Lagos State House of Assembly for clearing Tinubu of certificate forgery, is now the one defending Tinubu. When will such hypocrisy end?"

https://authorityngr.com/2023/10/03/csu-records-tinubu-submitted-forged-documents-to-inec-atikus-aide/#:~:text=Former%20Vice%20President%20Atiku%20Abubakar's,to%20the%20Independent%20National%20Electoral

The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) has condemned the actions of violent politicians and in particular, called attention to the lack of action taken against Kogi state SDP governorship candidate Yakubu Ajaka, who has been accused of involvement in the killing of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters and undermining security efforts.

The Northern Network is worried that despite these serious accusations, Ajaka remains free, sending a troubling message that those in power are above the law.

"This lack of action undermines public trust in the justice system and sets a dangerous precedent. The NEN is demanding that the police carry out a thorough investigation and bring Yakubu to justice if he is found guilty.

"Failure to do so would not only threaten the integrity of justice but also hurt the families of those affected by Yakubu's alleged crimes".

The NEN urges the police to act swiftly to ensure justice is served, and to restore faith in the rule of law," Coordinator of the NEN Suleiman Abbah said in a press statement circulated in Abuja.

"NEN recognizes that political violence can have far-reaching consequences, including loss of life and property damage. We will not stand idly by as violence and lawlessness go unpunished."

To this end, the NEN demands greater accountability among politicians, particularly those who are accused of violence. We believe that no one should be above the law, regardless of their status or position in society.

"The NEN therefore demands that political leaders and elected representatives focus on justice for victims and recommit to addressing the root causes of political violence. This includes working to promote dialogue and understanding among different groups, as well as supporting initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and inequality," Abbah said.

Following the increasing activities of secessionist groups in the South-East, Nigeria's anti-terror group, the National Coalition Against Terrorism (NCAT) has asked the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to immediately direct election appeal tribunals in Abia State, especially, to deliver their judgments electronically.


According to the coalition, there is need to ensure the safety of justices on such panels, praising tribunal judges in Kano and Kaduna for availing themselves the use of Zoom in delivering their judgments.


At a news conference on Monday in Abuja, National Coordinator of NCAT, Terrence Kuanum said democracy is under threat due to the activities of fifth columnists , hence its decision to intervene.


Speaking on the situation in the South-East, Kuanum said; "We are all aware of several threats to life and property in the South East.


"In the last 10 years, we have witnessed massive destruction of police stations. Our police personnels no longer go to work because their lives are consistently under threat and our prison facilities have not also been spared by the activities of these terrorists. Markets have been severally closed in the South-east on the directive of these terrorist groups.


"For us, it is therefore an issue of concern that our judicial personnel who are assigned to carry out the patriotic duty at the various election tribunals across the South East might come under threat considering the activities of the terrorists within the region.


"We could recall that people who have survived the attacks of these terrorists are those who carry large convoys and bullet proof vehicles yet we saw the massive loss of lives of our security personnel when the convoy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah came under attack by these terrorists.


"We, therefore, request that the Chief Justice of the Federation immediately directs all tribunal judgments in the South-east to deliver their judgements through electronic means to save the judges involved in this patriotic assignment from coming under threat or even losing their lives.


"Further risking the life of these judges will bring their rulings to disrepute knowing so well that they are under threat and might have delivered their judgment under duress to save their lives.


"Our intelligence gathering and information reaching us show that criminal elements are preparing to foment trouble, cause chaos and unrest if the judgement does not favour their interests.


"The coalition therefore urges the leadership of the judiciary to immediately direct the delivery of the judgment of Abia state election tribunal through electronic means and also evacuate all its staff from Abia state to return the integrity of the judicial institution."

*Condemns sack of 10,000 civil servants



The national body of the All Progressives Youths of Abia, on the platform of Abia Youths Interest Group (AYIG), has warned the state governor, Alex Otti to stop funding presidential court case of Labour Party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Mr. Otti is the only serving governor on the platform of the opposition Labour Party (LP).

Peter Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential election is challenging in Court the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Addressing a press conference at the weekend, leaders of the Abia Youths Interest Group said if the state governor continue the funding of the presidential case it will have negative effect on the economy, welfare and development of the state.

A speech read by the head of media AYIG, Henry Chigozie, said the funding of Peter Obi's case has led to the retrenchment of about ten thousand civil servants in the state, thereby depriving Abians of the dividends of democracy.

The statement read said: "We, the Abia Youths Interest Group, a National Umbrella Body of all progressive Youths of Abia irrespective of political affiliation, has observed with dismay the following dangerous developments, that if not immediately checked will plunge our dear state into avoidable socio-political crisis and financial quagmire:

"That Mr. Alex Otti is funding the Presidential Court case of Mr Peter Obi with Abia money leading to massive retrenchment and sacking of citizens thereby depriving Abians of the dividends of democracy. So far, in less than 3 months, over 10,000 Abia workers have been retrenched. This is unacceptable.

"In Otti's Abia, transparency and accountability have been relegated to the background. No one knows the costs of projects nor contractors working on projects in Abia. This is to continuously siphoned and inflate projects cost so that Mr Alex Otti can be using Abia funds to sponsor Labour Party operations across Nigeria in his nefarious desire to destabilize the progressive government of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu.

"That Mr Alex Otti is creating crisis and instigating political unrest in Imo state thereby creating political instability in the South-east. By asking a sister governor to immediately write his handover note, such unguarded and reckless statement which is capable of creating disunity amongst these states, can also lead to crisis amongst unsuspecting citizens.

"In view of the foregoing we wish to draw the attention of the nation, well meaning Abians and the relevant security agencies to these sinister activities and urge all concerned to take necessary steps to ensure that the interest of our great State and Nation is not jeopardized."

Also speaking, Spokesperson of the group, Dr. Stephen Ukpai Ukwa, said the Labour Party-led Abia government should bear in mind that the youths of the state are watching and will resist any act that will endanger the wellbeing of Abia people.

"Mr. Governor should know that Abia youths will resist any act that will cause problem between we and the President of Nigeria. We will resist any act that will endanger the lives of Abia people. So, any act that will lead to the mismanagement of Abia state fund should stop forthwith."

The leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the sacked government of Kano state has been advised to prepare for another election in the next four years instead of intimidating the judiciary.

A group, Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) made the called on Saturday at a press conference in Abuja, following the recent attacks on the judiciary before and after the verdict by the Tribunal sacking Governor Abba Yusuf in Kano state.

National Coordinator of the group, Patriot Sunday Attah, said applauded the Honourable Justices of the Kano State Governorship election petition tribunal who delivered what he described as "a bold and sound judgement sacked Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf and declared Dr. Nasir Gawuna as the dully elected Governor of Kano State."

The group comprises of patriotic Nigerian youths across political parties and ethnic groups who believe in peaceful co-existence, rule of law and institutional governance.

According to Attah, the judgement serves as deterrent to politicians who float electoral laws and make elections do or die affair. We had warn politicians severally to discourage their supporters from rigging and violence during elections as democracy is the government of the people by the people for the people.

He said: "You don't have to intimidate the judiciary or cause war because you loose an election. The tenure is four years after which a fresh elections would be conducted.

"You may prepare yourself to contest again instead of sponsoring people to blackmail highly respected Justices of the election petition tribunal and intimidate the Appeal Court Judges all in a bid to reverse a sound judgement already delivered.

"We understand that, Kano has an International market which makes it a home to all Nigerians irrespective of religion and tribe. Kano indigenes are also scattered in other States of the Federation without fear of molestation. No one has monopoly of violence.

"The Judges must be encourage and supported by all Nigerians as they deliver more critical judgements that would strengthen our democracy.

"The NNPP and it's government must come out openly to retract its violent threat being issued by its supporters including a Commissioner under Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf.

"Here is a man ordinarily referred to as Honourable Commissioner, so, where is the Honourable? . It shows how deep the NNPP must have gone in term of intimidation of judicial officers in secret before it was made public.

"We believe that the intimidation and threat being mounted are targeted towards the Apeal Court judges in order to bully them.

"We urged our Honourable Justices of the Appeal Court to to scumble to their antic but always stand on the part of justice. We have offered to stand by the judiciary and help protect the institution once it continue to maintains the part of justice."

While recalling similar judgement in the case ofEdo State election petition tribunal nullified the election of Senator Osunbor of the Peoples Democratic Party and declared Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria, winner, Attah said: "We condenm the leadership of the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP who have being threatening the judges and general peace of Kano State using its supporters, to understand that, trying to intimidate the judiciary in order to force the Judges to their side would amount to miscarriage of justice."

The group thanked President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing enabling environment for the judiciary to operate without interference.

*Hail Operation Safe Haven for prompt response to area


*Pass vote of confidence on OPSH for professionalism




Some indigenous Southern Kaduna peace advocacy groups have counselled the president of Atyap Community Development Association, Dr Samuel Ache, to be cautious of comments made to prevent misleading the public over the recent attack in Takanai Village of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area by some criminal elements.

The peace-building organizations which confirmed that six persons were gruesomely killed in the attack, condemned the action of the perpetrators, describing it as senseless, barbaric and inhuman.

The groups operating under the aegis of the Southern Kaduna Peace Practitioners Network (SOKIPEP) and Conference of Southern Kaduna Peace Ambassadors (CSKPA), respectively, commended security agencies for prompt response to the area following the dastardly act, thus averting deterioration.

While they insisted that security agencies, especially Operation Safe Haven immediate responded and prevented what would have resulted in an unimaginable number of casualties and reprisals, the group tackled Dr. Ache for allegedly peddling falsehood against security agencies.

In a joint statement on Thursday, signed by Rev. Dauda Fadia, National Coordinator of SOKIPEP, and Dr. Mathew Kure, National Coordinator of CSKPA, the groups while hailing security agencies for living up to expectation of the people of Southern Kaduna, particularly passed a vote of confidence on Operation Safe Haven.

The statement reads, "We, the undersigned peace practitioners in Southern Kaduna, wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless killing of six innocent people in Takanai Village of Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

"Also, our attention has been drawn to an unfortunate and misleading press interview credited to the president of Atyap Community Development Association, Dr Samuel Ache yesterday 27/09/2023, on Channels Television news over the attack by suspected herdsmen on Takanai 1 and Takanai 2 of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which led to the unfortunate death of six persons in cold blood.

"In the interview, our respected president ought to have known better or made proper consultation with key stakeholders in the community before responding to a press interview. Instead, he went to the press to dance naked in the marketplace by portraying a picture of officers and men of Operation Safe Haven, the military outfit saddled with security in the area, of negligence and misconduct, when in the actual sense the troops were the second savior of our people after God.

"Our investigation revealed that the troops did not only respond to the distress calls within 20 minutes, they also dominated the entire villages, repelled the attacks, and arrested two of the attackers with weapons and life ammunition from the scene.

"The unfortunate casualties recorded were a result of the gorilla nature of the attacks which is difficult to predict.

"If not for the prompt actions of the troops of Operation Safe Haven, Takanai 1 and Takanai 2 would have been burnt down completely due to the sophisticated and well-coordinated nature of the attack.

"How then can our community president make such terrible and misleading remarks about the troops who saved our people from massive casualties? "

According to the peace advocacy groups, "it is demoralizing and a sign of ingratitude for the community leader to have made the unfortunate remarks about the security outfit.

"If not for the prompt actions of the troops, we would have recorded many casualties and properties to the attack.

"We are saddened by the statement coming from the president of Atyap Community Development Association hence the need to correct the misleading information in the public domain so that gullible members of the public won't fall prey to it," the statement said.

The groups insisted their assessment as indigenous peace-building organizations proved that security agencies, especially Operation Safe Haven, have performed their duties to the satisfaction of the Southern Kaduna people.

"It is therefore, our settled opinion as peace workers on the ground in Southern Kaduna, based on empirical evidence that the troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have performed professionally and gallantly in Southern Kaduna. We, therefore, pass a vote of confidence on the military outfit", they reiterated in the statement.

*Asks judge to speed up process to beat time limit




The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the last presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that he cannot use the excuse of privacy law to stop the release of his academic records from the Chicago State University (CSU).



Atiku, who stated this in his reply to Tinubu's objection to the order of Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert, maintained that Tinubu's objection was incompetent and lacking in merit.



According to the former Vice President, all the grounds of objections raised by Tinubu against the execution of the lawful order of the magistrate court were resolved by Justice Gilbert after listening to parties.



Recall that the court had on September 19, held that Atiku's application for discovery outweighs Tinubu's plea for protection under the privacy law.



Tinubu had, amongst other grounds, for the denial of Atiku's request submitted that Judge Gilbert erred in directing the CSU to release documents bordering on Tinubu's Diploma certificate, transcripts and admission letter amongst others.



But Judge Gilbert pointed out that the case of Atiku has merit as it has to do with Tinubu's qualification for the 2023 presidential election, which he (Tinubu) won.



Dissatisfied, Tinubu last Thursday begging a Federal High Court presided by Judge Nancy Maldonado to delay the enforcement of the order till Monday, September 25, when he would formally file his objection.



At Monday's proceedings, Tinubu had, amongst others, argued that the granting of the order violates his right to privacy and breached the US law regarding the release of academic records.



Specifically, Tinubu had argued that what the discovery Applicant seeks is intrusive because educational records are private and protected from disclosure under the Federal Educational Records and Privacy Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1232(g) (“FERPA”).



But Atiku, in his latest move, argued that the law of privacy pleaded by Tinubu to stop the release of his academic records was not relevant in this instance.



Atiku's lawyer, Angela Liu, in her reply, pointed out that the FERPA and analogous state laws do not create an independent privilege for educational records and cannot serve as a shield against a court-issued subpoena.



According to the applicant, "the assertion of a privilege or privacy interest under FERPA is a nonstarter; the statute does not give individuals any enforceable rights", adding that, "FERPA does not provide a privilege that prevents the disclosure of student records."



Moreso, Atiku argued that Tinubu cannot plead protection when he "has placed its educational records at issue, ECF 40 at 25-26 (explaining that Intervenor put his diploma at issue by submitting it to INEC and Tinubu’s records have already been introduced into the Nigerian proceedings, including by Tinubu himself, and widely published in the media".



Stating further that through various proceedings, Tinubu has submitted his own educational records for consideration by courts and indeed by the public, Atiku submitted that Judge Gilbert correctly decided that the balance of the Intel discretionary factors weigh in favor of granting the discovery.



"The Objections are meritless."



Apparently justifying the need for Tinubu's contentious academic records to be released, Atiku insisted that a mechanism exists in the Supreme Court of Nigeria to admit fresh evidence.



He cited Supreme Court Order 2, which reads in part, "A party who wishes the court to receive the evidence of witnesses (whether they were or were not called at the trial) or to order the production of any document, exhibit or other thing connected with the proceedings in accordance with the provisions of Section 33 of the Act, shall apply for leave on notice of motion prior to the date set down for the hearing of the appeal.



"The application shall be supported by affidavit of the fact on which the party relies for making it and of the nature of the evidence or the document concerned.



"It shall not be necessary for the other party to answer the additional evidence intended to be called but if leave is granted the other party shall be entitled to a reasonable opportunity to give his own evidence in reply if he so wishes".



While stating that his application is a straightforward Section 1782 application, Atiku submitted "Contrary to Intervenor’s inflated rhetoric, Applicant is not seeking “to conduct a fishing expedition into Intervenor’s private, confidential, and protected educational records.



"Rather, Applicant seeks to test (1) the authenticity and origin of twelve (12) pages of documents (including two very different diplomas) that purport to have been issued by CSU (the “CSU documents”) —all of which have already been submitted to the Nigerian courts and widely published in the media; and (2) the basis for CSU’s categorical assertion that Tinubu received a B.S. degree in 1979, given discrepancies between information in the CSU documents and information in his affidavit submitted to INEC.



"If, as Intervenor asserts, he graduated from CSU in 1979—and the CSU documents are authentic copies issued by CSU—there is no reason why he should oppose the limited discovery Applicant seeks.



"For the foregoing reasons, the Court should overrule the Objections in their entirety.



"If the Court overrules the Objections, Applicant respectfully requests that it enter an order requiring production of documents no later than October 2, 2023, and the deposition scheduled no later than October 3, to allow time for transcripts to be finalized, and the discovery obtained to be sent to Nigeria (which is six (6) hours ahead) by October 4 so that such evidence may, in turn, be filed with the Supreme Court by October 5, which is when Applicant’s Nigerian counsel intend to submit any new evidence to the Supreme Court", he said.

*Alleges payments made in millions of dollars cash, crude oil bonus



The United Nigeria Group (TUNG) has raised the alarm that President Bola Tinubu is allegedly currently plotting with lobbyists to cause delays in the judgement relating to the discovery of his records at the Chicago State University currently going on in the United States.



The group, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Bright Emenena, said that the alert followed the intelligence of a meeting between the President and his cronies in Paris, the French capital.



The statement reads, “Bola Tinubu and a well-known Lebanese merchant based in France met in Paris and recruited a powerful Jewish American lawyer and a known political lobbyist in Washington DC as a consultant to lobby the appeal judge to delay the judgment scheduled to be delivered either this Friday or Monday next week or to their favour.



“This meeting and approval was given last night in Paris at 10 pm Paris time.



“The payments are millions of dollars in cash and with crude oil as bonus.”



It would be recalled that President Tinubu left the United Nations General Assembly session in New York last weekend, in the middle of a scandal arising from the Illinois Magistrate court ordering the Chicago State University to cause a full discovery of his academic records at the university.



It would also be recalled that President Tinubu had caused an emergency appeal to the court order, with his lawyers in the United States, filing their appeal on Monday.



The Chicago court hearing the case is billed to receive the filling of Atiku’s lawyers latest on Wednesday and judgement to be expected in a few days after.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, has dared the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to publish the landing cost of petrol as well as the pricing template being used by the government to keep the cost of petrol at less than N640 per litre.



Shaibu said this in a statement in reaction to a press release by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka.



Atiku’s aide said the government’s claim that the petroleum sector had been deregulated, is a fat lie and that subsidy is still being paid.



He added, “The Petroleum Industry Act mandates the total deregulation of the petroleum sector. A deregulated regime has no room for price control. If the APC is saying subsidy is not back, they should explain how petrol is still being sold at less than N650 per litre when the international price of crude oil is about $94 per barrel and the exchange rate on the I&E Window is N780/$1 and N1,000/$1 on the parallel market.



“How is it that diesel which has been deregulated currently costs about N1,000 per litre while petrol is over 25% less? Let the APC explain and stop peddling lies.”



Shaibu said the APC-led government had continually admitted failure by going ahead to sack and detain some of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointees.



He said, “The same APC that praised Godwin Emefiele for eight years and deceived Nigerians with propaganda and their so-called agricultural revolution have gone ahead to sack the same Emefiele and detain him for four months.



“The same APC that claimed to have fought corruption have now gone ahead to detain the man in charge of the anti-corruption war, Abdulrasheed Bawa, for four months. You can see that these people are nothing but barefaced liars and deceivers.



“Tinubu claimed he wanted to cut the cost of governance and yet appointed 48 ministers out of which 10 are from his region. Yet the APC claims he is running a fair administration. This is laughable. Adams Oshiomhole even said last month that Tinubu inherited a bad situation. How can a maggot criticise the fly that gave birth to it?”



Atiku’s aide asked the APC to do more on governance rather than propaganda, adding that the patience of Nigerians was already running out.



“Wale Edun said recently that the last time Nigeria’s economy did well was 10 years ago. That is an admission of the failure that the APC represents. Under the watch of that blood-sucking party, poverty has reached unimaginable heights. Nigeria has even lost its crown as the largest producer of oil in Africa. What a shame,” Shaibu said.



He said Tinubu ought to apologise to Nigerians for lying about a proposed meeting with United States President Joe Biden instead of trying to offer lame excuses.



“So, a three-minute ‘meet and greet’ on the sidelines of the G20 summit in India is what the APC is now describing as a ‘meeting of Biden and Tinubu’? This is indeed shameful. The statement from the Presidency said the meeting would take place on the sidelines of UNGA in New York.



“It is obvious the so-called meeting only existed in the minds of Tinubu and his paid writers. He left UNGA empty-handed and travelled to Paris without even informing Nigerians of his whereabouts. What a joke."

*Receives SWAN NEC on visit



While the hosts Delta State and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development were expecting about 4,500 athletes to come in for the 7th National Youth Games, number of those who actually showed up, exceeded expectation, giving rise to accommodation challenges before the opening ceremony on Saturday September 23, 2023.

Chairman Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa disclosed this when he recieved the national executive of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, on a courtesy visit today.

"States came with more than the number registered. Let's say we prepared for N4,500 athletes, some states came along with more athletes than registered. Some expected to come with about 1,500 athletes came in with about 1,800. We can't send them back, Delta State will not do that, we just have to make do with what we have," he declared.

A statement signed by the media aide to the SWAN President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, said that Okowa expressed this while reacting to a false report that athletes were stranded with no bed space, he attributed such reports to individuals who are out to paint a bad picture of the youth games and rubbish efforts of the Delta State Government

"One or two negative media decided to snap pictures, of athletes on arrival on first day before they were settled, but they decided to release the picture today.

"The participating states are not complaining. I cannot be an enemy with anybody that has to do with sports because of my passion. Go round if people are not happy, you can tell the world. The issue basically was necessitated due to the postponement and it was picture taken on the arrival day," he said.

According to Chief Okowa, who is also the President Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), it gladdens his heart that SWAN executive paid him a visit.

"You came at a time we are very busy, but it's also a good time to do your job," he said.

He lamented that journalism has taken a new dimension.

"When I was growing up, it was only TV and radio. Now you have writers, some dangerous ones, all they think about is destruction.

"When a man is trying to work and serve, some people cook up stories, it is not the best. When a man is trying to step up and you see people trying to pull him down, it's not the best for sports.

"At international level, how many of our people are at the top, but before you grow they pull him down.

"There is nothing wrong in writing, however, write facts. Some people, maybe two are trying to pull us down, they are tagging with Sahara Reporters. I think there is need for the exco to think of how to solve this problem because sometimes it gives you bad name.

*"There is no way sports can thrive without media. I have a lot of media friends, just about two or three people trying to fight Delta State and AFN.

"Before we started the NYG, we addressed the press and the MOC, you know this games was supposed to start on 7th but postponed, now schools are opened and some schools because of exams they couldn't let us use their hostels.

"We agreed with the states that we are not going to provide bed for all, but we will provide mattresses. If we were able to host the 13,000 athletes that came for the NSF, what makes it difficult for about 5,000 athletes?" He queried.

On the SWAN National Convention billed to hold in the course of the NYG, he expressed delight to be present, assuring, "I would be there."

Earlier in his remarks, President Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Kemje Benjamin said that the association is proud of what the Delta State Sports Commission is doing for members of the association in the state.

He thanked the commission for the warm reception accorded the National Executive Committee (NEC) members of SWAN.

"We have told our members covering the NYG to be professional in their reportage.

"We also intend to hold national convention in the course of the NYG. We are looking forward to you attending the opening ceremony of the convention.

"We thank you for all you are doing and urge you to do more. We appreciate your support for our members of the state chapter and hope it will be sustained," he said.

As part of activities during the visit, a certificate of recognition and plaque was presented to Chief Okowa by SWAN national executive.

A one minute silence was held in honour of the demise of father of SWAN President, who passed on earlier today.

A youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hyde Kalu has asked the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar to drop his case pursuing the validity of President Bola Tinubu’s educational qualifications in the United States.

The APC youth leader in Abia State, said that the call becomes necessary, “because the issue is already generating negative attention to Nigeria across the globe, and Atiku should save the country this embarrassment.”

Kalu, in a statement sent to the media on Monday, said that, “it is quite unfortunate that the pride of Nigeria has been dragged to a point of ridicule in the comity of nations.”

He thus pleaded with Atiku to discontinue the litigation in the United States and allow the judiciary in Nigeria to decide the post election dispute arising from the 2023 presidential election.

He said, “Atiku is a statesman, and it is not in contention that he has the love of Nigeria at heart.

“I am sure that no Nigerian is happy with the way our country has been subjected to ridicule over the court ruling in the United States

“For the love of this country and to spare Nigerians the shame of how this process may end, it is important that we plead with Atiku to drop that case and not allow us wash our dirty linens in the public.

“We are all patriots, and I believe that we can have a decent way of handling this matter and save Nigerians the shame of this impending embarrassment.

“The election has come and gone, and a president has emerged. We are all humans, and that is why I am pleading with Atiku to discontinue the case in America for the sake of the country and in consideration of the friendship between him and President Tinubu,” Kalu said.

It would be recalled that Judge Jeffrey Gilbert of a Chicago Magistrate Court had asked the Chicago State University to testify under oath in a discovery of President Tinubu’s academic records at the university, and the president caused an emergency appeal to the ruling citing “severe and irreparable damage” to him if the order of the magistrate court was granted.

Atiku is contesting the declaration of President Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election and one of the grounds of his appeal is that the president forged the document of his academic record that was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

By; MUHAMMAD BASHIR

The announcement of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi's appointment as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs for the Nigeria Customs Service while he was on an official assignment at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Policy Commission and Council Session in Brussels was met with jubilation, not just among Customs officers but also by Nigerians and the international community. This move has injected fresh hope into the organization and raised expectations for transformative leadership.

Adeniyi's rise to this pivotal position is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his career, which spans an impressive three decades. His journey began with remarkable promise, and he consistently proved himself through dedication and excellence. From his early days as the Customs Public Relations Officer to his significant roles at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Adeniyi steadily built a reputation for outstanding performance.

His appointment as Acting Comptroller General was no coincidence; it was the culmination of a career marked by dedication and professionalism. His leadership style has been characterized by a hands-on approach. From the outset, he embarked on a tour of Customs Formations, emphasizing his commitment to improving customs operations and national security.

Adeniyi's dedication to his official responsibilities and beyond is extraordinary. He has flagged off projects to expand office and residential accommodations, warehouse facilities, and a model college for training and retraining of officers. These initiatives underscore his commitment to the growth and modernization of the Customs Service, departing from conventional leadership approaches.

But what truly sets Adeniyi apart is his integrity. He has garnered numerous awards and recognitions, including the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. His decisive actions, such as the seizure of $8,065, 612 million at Murtala Mohammed International Airport while he was an Area Controller, have solidified his reputation for fearless and effective leadership.

His competence and qualifications are beyond question. He has actively participated in numerous Customs-related summits and meetings worldwide, gaining invaluable expertise and knowledge of customs operations. This extensive experience positions him as a highly qualified leader for the organization.

Adeniyi's vision extends into the future, with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. He envisions a Customs Service that fully embraces technological advancements, emphasizing data gathering, mapping techniques, and satellite imagery to enhance operations. His plans for collaboration with technology institutions promise to usher in a new era of efficiency.

Furthermore, Adeniyi's commitment to the welfare of Customs Service staff has been unwavering. He has worked diligently to address long-standing issues and improve conditions for officers and employees, reinvigorating the Service and earning widespread appreciation.

Adeniyi's leadership extends beyond the confines of his office. He has actively engaged with government establishments and executives across the federation, fostering cooperation and achieving tangible results. His dedication to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's success is evident, and his hands-on approach to leadership is commendable.

In the months ahead, Nigerians can anticipate the positive impacts of Adeniyi's leadership. His tenure promises increased business activity, facilitated trade, reduced smuggling, enhanced revenue generation, and increased foreign investment, which will benefit the country and its youth.

In conclusion, as some seek to obstruct progress for their personal gain, it is crucial for Nigerians to rally behind the positive changes Adeniyi is bringing to the Nigeria Customs Service. His leadership is a beacon of hope, and we must collectively reject the efforts of economic saboteurs and opportunists who seek to disrupt our nation's growth and progress.

Muhammad Bashir, a public affairs analyst writes from Abuja

The death has occured, of the father of the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, Pa Isaiah Boyi Isreal, in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.


According to a statement signed by his media aide, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, the sad event occured in the early hours of Monday September 25, 2023.

SWAN President who is currently on national assignment to the National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, informed that the burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

He explained that arrangements have been made to convey his remains to a mortuary.

Among those who paid early condolences to him in Asaba, are Kaduna SWAN Chairman, Shehu Abdullahi, FCT Chairman, Ndubueze Chidoka, North West Vice President, Mohammed Mansour Ibrahim, Financial Secretary, Ijeoma Peter Nwante, Welfare Secretary, Austin Ajayi, Kwara State Secretary, Dare Kuti and SWAN members from Kaduna State, Albert Solomon and Bashir Bello Dollars.

Also spotted at the condolence visit, was SWAN Vice President South East, Frankie Omokhua and the Secretary General of the association, Ikenna V. Okonkwo.

Pa ISAIAH passed on at the age of 92 in Lando Bassa local government of Kogi State.

He is survived by his wife, seven children, brothers, sisters, grand children and great grand child.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, has unveilled what he described as "the 10 big lies" that have so far characterised President Bola Tinubu administration.

Shaibu said in a statement yesterday that the repeated lies were evidence that Tinubu’s only plan was to use propaganda to deceive Nigerians rather than do any proper work in rescuing citizens from the bottomless pit of bad governance they had been pushed into in the last eight years plus 117 days of the administration of the All Progressives Congress.

Atiku’s aide asked Nigerians not to be deceived by the apology issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, and other aides to Tinubu.

He said they were only sorry because they had been caught and not because they were penitent. Shaibu said the fact that Tinubu had more media aides than economic and security advisers was enough to prove that his administration would rely on propaganda as a state policy.

“My advice to the Nigerian media is to always fact-check any claim made by this government as this would help maintain their credibility. If the Tinubu government says it is morning, go outside to verify if the sun is shining,” he said.

Atiku's aide listed the following as "the 10 lies of the Tinubu regime I have compiled so far:

"1. The first lie that was told by Bola Tinubu was in his inaugural speech, where he stated that petrol subsidy is gone. With oil prices now at $94 per barrel and naira exchanging at N1,000/$1, the price of diesel has risen to about N1,000 per litre while petrol remains at about N620 per litre. It is obvious to the discerning mind that petrol is now being subsidised, a position which all oil marketers have espoused. Nigerians should not be deceived. Tinubu’s claim that there is no subsidy is a lie from the pit of hell, and the fact that they are even hiding the information means there is no transparency, and the money is probably being stolen again.

"2. The second lie told by these charlatans was that the United Arab Emirates had lifted the visa ban on Nigerians immediately and that all Nigerians were free to visit Dubai. This lie was well celebrated by many undiscerning Nigerians whose only crime was to believe the deceptive words of an illegitimate government. UAE authorities later confirmed to CNN that it was all a lie. What a national embarrassment!

3. A third lie told by this deceptive government is that Tinubu was the first African President to ring the NASDAQ bell. It has since been established that Malawian President, Jakaya Kikwete, rang the bell on September 21, 2011.

4. Another lie was a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale on August 27, 2023 where US Presidential Envoy and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Molly Phee, was quoted as saying, “President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership.” Well, this has turned out to be another embarrassing lie as Tinubu has departed UNGA and never met President Biden.

5. A fifth lie was a claim made by Tinubu on the floor of NASDAQ where he stated that “We have retooled the exchange rate to a reliable, dependable one figure floating of the naira. You are free to take in your money and bring out your money.” But this is another lie from the pit of hell. The exchange rate on the I&E Window is about N780/$1, while the rate at the parallel market is about N1,000/$1. Besides, foreign airlines still have over $600m funds stuck in Nigeria. Tinubu, therefore, lied when he said “you are free to take in your money and bring out your money.”

6. On August 14, 2023, the Nigerian government said on its official Twitter handle that the Nigerian Air Force struck terrorists gathering at Kurebe in Shiroro LGA in Niger State. The government claimed that the terrorists were neutralised. Well, Premium Times has now revealed in its latest report that this is nothing but propaganda as those who were killed were innocent civilians. Is it not tragic that the Bola Tinubu administration has now infected the military with its lies? Indeed, once the head of the fish is rotten, the body cannot escape corruption.

7. As part of Bola Tinubu’s propaganda programme, the Central Bank of Nigeria said on September 6, 2023 that within two weeks, it would inject $10 billion into the foreign exchange market to clear the FX backlog. Days after the deadline passed, not a single cent has been injected into the system as the naira continues its free fall. The institution that Tinubu’s leadership cannot destroy does not exist.

8. In his inaugural speech, Tinubu said, “As your President, I shall serve with prejudice towards none.” But this has turned out to be another barefaced lie. Tinubu has been running a government of the clannish, by the clannish and for the clannish, with all key appointments in every sector going to a section of the country including CBN, FIRS, customs, army, police, immigration while he himself is the petroleum and gas minister. Tinubu appointed 10 ministers from the southwest and only five from the southeast. If this isn’t prejudice, I don’t know what it is.

9. Last month, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited claimed they had obtained an Afrexim loan of $3bn with which it would help stabilise the naira. We raised the alarm that it was all a ruse to deceive Nigerians. Now, we have been justified as the naira is now trading at $1/N1,000 on the black market, while Afrexim Bank has refused to speak on it. This was just audio money.

"10. Perhaps the biggest scam and deceit of the Tinubu administration was the Student Loan Act, which he signed on June 12. The new law provides loans for students’ tuition only. It doesn’t cover any other educational expenses. After the law was signed, all federal government schools began increasing school fees. But Dele Alake, the Special Adviser on Media as he then was, said in a statement that tuition in all government schools remains free and that the only fees that were increased were accommodation, laboratory, library and other costs. So if tuition is free and the Students Loan Act covers only tuition fee, that means the Student Loan Act is pointless, and no money will be released. In essence, Tinubu’s government has prodded government schools to increase fees while no loans will be given to the students. This is the height of deception and wickedness."

L

A group, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CRPA) has unveiled why President Joe Biden of the United States of America failed to honour a scheduled meeting with his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Tinubu at the end of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York last week.

A statement released by the Centre yesterday in Abuja, signed by its coordinator, Ifeayi Okechukwu, said it reliably gathered that the State Department told the US President that the case against the authenticity of Tinubu’s university degree from the Chicago State University was still ongoing in the US court in Chicago and “it is highly likely that the litigation may run against the president’s interest,” the State Department reportedly told Biden according to the information available to us.

Okechukwu said: "Information available to us indicates that the failure of Biden to meet with Tinubu was consequent upon the State Department advisory warning the US President to avoid Tinubu like a plague until the litigation on his election is concluded by the judiciary in Nigeria.

"We were also availed of the information that there are inconsistencies between the records of Bola Tinubu with the university and the record that the Nigerian president submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to information at our disposal, which was obtained late on Saturday night, 'Tinubu’s records at the Chicago State University are inconsistent with what he submitted to INEC in Nigeria.'

President Tinubu’s main rival in the February 25 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar is challenging the decision of INEC in declaring Tinubu winner of the election and has cited non-qualification of Tinubu based on forgery of documents as one of the grounds for his appeal.

According to the information, “as a result of the inconsistent records in his (Tinubu’s) Chicago State University file, President Biden was advised to cancel his sideline meeting with Tinubu.

“Similarly, a phone call that was arranged for Tinubu to speak with Biden was also cancelled. So, States Department advice is to avoid Tinubu until his legal matters are resolved in Nigeria.”

The Centre further claimed that "the Nigerian president promptly flew to France from New York in order to seek the intervention of the French President Emmanuel Macron to help secure support of the West in the emerging legitimacy crisis rocking his administration.

“So, both the meeting of Tinubu and the phone call with Biden were cancelledled at the last minute.

“It is certain that President Tinubu has serious legitimacy problems.

“Indeed, if he were not a President with diplomatic immunity, parading any fake or unapproved university document is against the law in the United States.

“Under American laws, he would be denied entry or deported. Obviously, the States Department didn’t want any controversy to emerge during the General Assembly and that is why they tactically opposed to Biden meeting with Tinubu as that could be interpreted as President Biden aiding Tinubu in seeking protection from the law."

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop embarrassing Nigerians by his desperate bid to frustrate the release of his academic records from the Chicago State University (CSU).

Frank in a statement in Abuja wondered what Tinubu has got to hide that prompted him to hurriedly appeal the judgement of a US Magistrate Court that ordered CSU to release his academic records.

Tinubu, according to a report by Peoples Gazette, had pleaded before a United States judge to save him from suffering “severe and irreparable damage” by placing an emergency hold on a recent Court order for his university records to be released.

The President through his lawyer claimed that the damage he would suffer would be impossible to mitigate if the order directing the release of his academic records to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is not delayed for possible vacation.

According to the report, “Severe and irreparable harm will be done to Bola Tinubu if the records are released,” Tinubu’s lawyer had argued at an emergency appeal before Judge Nancy Maldonado of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago.

“If the records are released, harm will be done and cannot be taken back to the bottle,” Tinubu’s lawyer added.

“If you know you have clean academic records why are you fighting to stop their
being released?

“What ‘severe and irreparable harm’ will you suffer if the records are released?” Frank queried.

He insisted that due to Tinubu’s desperate acts in seeking to conceal his academic records and other legal issues surrounding his persona, most world leaders are now avoiding him and this has hampered his administration’s much publicized investments drive abroad.

“For instance, his much trumpeted proposed meeting with American President Joe Biden during the United Nations General Assembly in New York was silently cancelled with no explanations from either Tinubu or Biden.

“However, we have it on good authority that Biden was warned by the US intelligence community to avoid such a meeting.

“Besides, Tinubu claimed to have gotten Untied Arab Emirates (Dubai) authorities to lift visa restrictions on Nigerians but this has since been proven to be a lie.”

He called on Nigerians to own the fight to ensure that the President has authentic academic records and not to leave the efforts to an individual due to potential political and diplomatic damage it can do to Nigeria if glossed over.

Frank said: “This fight should not be for Atiku Abubakar alone. Nigerians must rise up and demand to know the academic records of their President.

“Tinubu’s desperate attempt to buy time with his recent appeal is a huge embarrassment to Nigerians both at home and in diaspora. Why does the court ordered release of Tinubu’s academic records appear like a matter of life and death to the President?

“Tinubu, please stop embarrassing Nigerians through this do or die attempt to stop your academic records from being released. Nigerians are eager to know who their President really is.

“The more you fight to conceal your academic records, the more you damage the image of the country and its ability to attract investors who want to do business with genuine and trustworthy partners and not those believed to have skeletons in their cupboards.

“Are Nigerians not entitled to know the authentic academic qualifications of their President?”

He called on the United States’ Government and its institutions to transparently adjudicate on this matter in the interest of Nigeria and not that of one man.

"We demand the Chicago court to urgently hear this appeal and make its findings known without compromising the integrity of the American Court system," he said..

*Atiku's camp describes move as delay tactics


Rattled by the United States Magistrate Court's order directing Chicago State University to release his academic records to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, rushed to file an emergency application with the District Court to stall the order's implementation.

The magistrate court had given Chicago University 48 hours ending Thursday evening Chicago time to release Tinubu's records to Atiku.

However, Tinubu, apparently rattled by the court order, alleged in a fresh application on Thursday that Judge Jeffrey Gilbert breached the constitution by acting as a final court in such matters of discovery.

The jittery President Tinubu contended that a Magistrate should only report and recommend to the district judge in such matters.

Tinubu further argued that the Magistrate court had issued what seemed to be a final order on September 19, demanding immediate compliance starting on September 21.

"Intervenor asks this court to enter an immediate order delaying the effect of the Magistrate's order, at least until Monday, September 25, 2023, so the court may fully consider both the scope of the Magistrate's authority to issue the order without review and the issue of whether the Magistrate’s order was a correct application of the law to the facts presented.”

He requested the court to delay the effect of the Magistrate's order until September 25, 2023, to fully consider the order's scope and its application of the law to the facts presented.

In the motion filed by his lawyer, Mr Carmichael, Tinubu emphasised that other courts, considering the authority of Magistrate to rule on Section 1782 applications, opted for issuing reports and recommendations.

"Intervenor raises a substantial question about the Magistrate’s authority to resolve the Section 1782 petition and order immediate compliance by Chicago State University.

"‘If Chicago State University complies with the Magistrate's order prior to this Court having an opportunity to review the order, Intervenor will suffer prejudice because the information will have been disclosed and effective relief will be impossible.

"The order requires the documents to be produced today. (Dkt. 40, pg. 31.)

"By contrast, Tinubu maintained that he has at least until September 27 to submit material, if not longer, and, as the Magistrate commented, the “tight timeframe” was created “in no small part” by applicant. (Dt. 40, pg. 28.)

"That leaves enough time for the Court to review the ruling and, if discovery were permitted to proceed, for the applicant to still obtain the information sought.

"Due to the timing for compliance by Chicago State University — later today ~ Intervenor is filing this motion separately from its challenge to the Magistrate’s ruling on the application. Intervenor intends to file by the end of the day, a substantive brief addressing the errors in the magistrate's decision.

"Intervenor requests that the Court defer compliance by Chicago State University until Monday, which will provide both an opportunity to review the Magistrate's ruling, and, if ordered, to allow the discovery to proceed before September 27.

"For example, a production could occur on Tuesday morning, be followed by a deposition in the afternoon, and a court reporter can provide a rough or real-time transcript that evening.

"Counsel for intervenor, Christopher W. Carmichael, communicated with counsel for applicant, Alexandre de Gramont, who opposes the motion.

"Wherefore, intervenor prays that the court grant the emergency motion and delay compliance with the magistrate’s September 19, 2023 order until the end of the day Monday, September 25, 2023", the documents read.

Tinubu's motion was seen by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the former Vice President, Mr. Paul Ibe, who confirmed its receipt.

Ibe, however, viewed Tinubu's motion as a delay tactic to stall the release of academic records before the Supreme Court begins hearing Atiku's appeal against the September 6 judgement of the President Election Petition Court.

"It should be now obvious even to the blind that Tinubu is hiding something in his records at the Chicago State University, and even elsewhere. I do hope whatever it may be, it will not be of a scope that will give Nigerians a heart attack. Nigerians will soon see the true position of Atiku on the records of Tinubu at CSU. It is just a matter of time," Atiku's aide said.

The Minister Of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mamoud said First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu leadership shines bright and is daily impacting the lives of Nigerians

In her birthday message to the first lady who clocks 63, the Minister of state, Prayed God that, “ May this new chapter bring you good health, happiness and continued success in your endeavors to make Nigeria a better Place”

She commended the First Lady for her dedication to the country. In her words “Your years of service and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians particularly women and children is worth celebrating.

Dr Mariya Mamoud said based the First Lady’s impactful leadership, Nigerians look forward to “ the positive impact you will continue to mark on our beloved country as we moved to renew the hope of our People “

The minister wished Senatpr Oluremi Tinubu “ a fantastic birthday and a future filled with prosperity and joy

By; MIKE ODEH JAMES, Kaduna



A member of the Anti-corruption Team Committee of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Mr. Ishola Moses Abiodun has tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not be politically biased in dealing with corruption cases in the country.



He made the disclosure during an interview with Newsmen at the 28th Annual National Conference of Association of National Accountant of Nigeria (ANAN) held in Abuja yesterday.



Mr. Abiodun who was also the Chairman of ANAN Kwara state chapter said " I can see that the crop of personalities and technocrats that President Tinubu is working with now i am confident he will not disappoint Nigerians.



" The President should not be politically biased about this issue of fighting corruption because just like the former president said if we don't kill corruption, corruption will kill us. Therefore, he needs to eradicate corruption totally in the corridor of the government.



The Expert also applauded President Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy in the country arguing that he has blocked the cabals who are siphoning the country funds through fuel subsidy.



He said " though the with the removal of fuel subsidy there is hardship on Nigerians but It will be better in the nearest future. My grouses with the subsidy removal is that the government should have subsidizes education, health, Power supply, foods and Transport for the masses before the removal.



" Our people are dying of hunger and it's not easy in the country today talking about the hike in transportation, even if you're earning good salary today the minimum wage cannot satisfy the basic needs of a family.



Speaking on the theme of the Programme: 'The Accountancy Profession and the Changing Dynamics of the Ecosystem' Mr. Abiodun summoned that as Professional body we need to play crucial roles to be transparent in rendering services.



He said " as Accountants if we're upright in our offices almost half of the problems in the country will be solved because no money can come out in public offices without the Accountants approving it.



" We're preaching integrity, sincerity to our members by not assisting politicians to siphon funds in the government."



The Former ANAN Chairman admonised Nigerians to shun ethnicity and religious divides, discrimination of Region among other vices but see ourselves as one Nationality pursuing the same interest to achieve peace and unity for the growth of the country.

By; MIKE ODEH JAMES, Kaduna

A former Labour Party Presidential Aspirant, Mr Faduri Oluwadare Joseph aka Fadojoe, has advised Mr. Peter Obi to handle the issue of the division in the party as a matter of urgency, before it will be too late and also commence preparation ahead of 2027 general elections.



Fadojoe gave the piece of advise when he made a broadcast on his official YouTube channel, calling on Mr Peter Obi to as a matter of urgency, focus inward on the issue of Labour Party, precisely to see to the issue of the warring factions bedeviling the party and commence the process of reuniting, rebuilding and revigorating the party ahead of 2027 general elections; targeting full taking over of power; by seizing power at the presidential level, having majority in the National Assembly, as well as getting more governorship positions.



The US based Nigerian, the leader of Rescue Movement For New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, however; warned that to take any step otherwise is tantamount to chasing the wind. "And it will definitely result in another fatal defeat in 2027, despite that Mr Peter Obi is undoubtedly rated as the most popular presidential candidate in Nigeria so far," he submitted.



He added that before the February 25, 2023 presidential election, he spoke out; cautioning Labour Party and Mr Peter Obi over different loopholes that would result in not clinching the presidential power, but rather than taking precaution when it was still possible to make amends, many Nigerians were attacking him for calling attention to what could affect the victory of Mr Peter Obi in the presidential election and both Labour Party and the presidential candidate completely ignored his warning.

"And the same thing I said will happen has happened exactly as I said. We have lost the election and again lost at the Tribunal.



"We lost the election not because Tinubu was a better candidate, but he is a better player. And for the negligence on the party of those concerned in Labour Party. I said it some time ago and everyone went 'gaga' on me. But today we can see that the 2023 presidential election is lost and lost forever. But instead of coming together to put our house in order on time, we are spending more time going to the Supreme Court. Even at the Supreme Court we are still going to lose." He stressed.



Lamenting that the system in Nigeria is so programmed that once a person has taken over power as a president, it is difficult for the court to remove him no matter the situation, he appealed to the National Assembly to further amend the Electoral Act so that all election petition cases will be concluded before the swearing-in, saying that, "may be that will strengthen our judges to give their verdict without fear or favour: not caring whose ox is gored."



He advised Mr Peter Obi to let go of the issue of going to the Supreme Court and leave Atiku to continue to the Supreme Court as it is obvious that the Supreme Court will still uphold the verdict of the lower court.



"Rather than heading to Supreme Court to waste energy and the resources that should have been used for something better, Mr Peter Obi should focus on the issue of the Julius Aburre Vs Lamidi Apapa saga that has divided the party into two. Though the issue of the division is as a result of greed and corruption, but if not quickly and effectively handled before it's too late, it will result in more disasters for the party".



He added that he hopes that his advice will not fall on deaf ears like before, as he stressed that he and his team had joined Labour Party and were reviving and rebuilding the party, before Mr. Peter Obi saw the party as a third force and came to the party to take the presidential ticket.



"A party I have invested so much resources on reviving and rebuilding before Mr Peter Obi came, I will still see what is going wrong and advise, yet they will still not only turn deaf ears to my advice, but even sideline me and members of the same team we have laboured so much to revive the party that was almost dying before we came in", he concluded.

Abia State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has described as 'improper, unwarranted and unacceptable' alleged attack by the state governor on the leadership of the Anglican Church of Aba Diocese.



The opposition party was reacting to Alex Otti administration's response to the church advice contained in a communique issued after its 17th Synod which advised it to fix the economic roads in Aba and desist from sacking civil servants employed in the state civil service.



The Abia PDP however, called on Alex Otti-led government to tender a public apology to the Synod and congregation of the Anglican Diocese of Aba for calling to question the integrity of their Bishops.



A statement signed by the PDP Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Elder Abraham Amah, said rather than take the Church advice in good faith, the Labour Party's government in the state resulted resorted to usual flagrant display of unimaginable intolerance by bringing a politically irreconcilable angle into the whole saga.



According to the statement, in all the queerness of the response, what is most insulting to the members of the 17th Synod of the Anglican Church of Aba Diocese, the entire congregation of the Anglican Communion and in fact to Christendom is for Alex Otti to say that out of the lot of Bishops that attended the Synod and signed the communique only one man, standing behind his personal interest, dictated the letters of the communique and persuaded others to sign a communique whose content is evident even to those who do not live in Abia state.



"The Abia PDP has read with utter disappointment the response of the Alex Otti administration to a simple, honest and genuine advice from the Synod of the Anglican Church of Aba Diocese contained in a communique it issued after its 17th Synod which advised it to fix the economic roads in Aba and desist from sacking civil servants employed in the State civil service.



"Without needing the services of magicians, is it difficult for anyone to know that more than 10,000 civil servants have been sacked in Abia State or that the major roads that deserve attention to spur economic activities in Aba notably, Port Harcourt, Ohanku, Obohia and other roads in Aba and its environs have not been given attention, especially as he made a cheap political capital out of this when he hurriedly went on inspection of these roads with construction giant, Julius Beger, immediately he was declared governor-elect. Have those roads been fixed or have they suddenly become unimportant?



"It is strange that Alex Otti would be the one accusing the past administration of not following laid down procedures in the conduct of government business when he is culpable of the offence and to a higher degree. Alex Otti did not follow due process in many things he has done in Abia State since he assumed office and has flouted all the extant rules of the civil service, and many others.



"First, he suspended all the Permanent Secretaries on the day he assumed office and after more than 100 days has not issued any queries, has not paid them salaries as required by civil service rules and went ahead to distort the hierarchical structure by placing subordinates over their superiors. Is that due process?



"Secondly, he placed the Abia State House of Assembly under his thumb by making sure that he used his executive powers to install his minority Labour Party as the majority which produced all the Principal Officers of the House. Is that democratic?



"The same Alex Otti has awarded road contracts without following the provisions of the Abia Public Procurement Act, as no prequalifications, advertisements, public bids were made for those roads and till today, Abians do not know the cost of those roads. Is that not illegal and actionable?



"Last week, Alex Otti informed Abians that about 4700 pensioners have been enrolled into a free medical scheme in primary and secondary health facilities in the State without giving the name and physical address of the Health Maintenance Organization, HMO that is in charge of the scheme and how it emerged the winner in the selection process. Is that transparent and accountable?"



Elder Amah said the Church is the moral conscience of society and it is its duty to speak truth to power.



"For the eight years of the Okezie Ikpeazu administration, the leaders of the Church held him firmly to account and on several occasions commended him as well as knocked him in areas they felt he did not do right but there was never this type of hostile response.



"The Abia PDP feels embarrassed that the hallowed office of the governor which represents the lofty ideals and aspirations of the good people of Abia State has been reduced to a disorganised motor park office where the Chairman barks orders to his subordinates without checks by any officer."



While demanding an apology for the church, the statement also called on Abia people "to remain eternally vigilant and put a wedge on the speedy slide of our State to authoritarianism and the emergence of an emperor who brooks no dissent, no matter how genuine and constructive it is. Now is the time to write the story of how we stopped an emperor because our democracy is not negotiable."

*Says "fake news regarding lifting visa ban by UAE, tip of iceberg”



*Expresses hope PDP will reclaim mandate at Supreme Court





An aide to the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm over the alleged plans by President Bola Tinubu to unleash a regime of propaganda as a policy of the state in the coming days.



Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said in a statement on Sunday, that the fake news regarding the lifting of the visa ban by the United Arab Emirates was just a “tip of the iceberg”.



Shaibu noted that Tinubu had already appointed over 15 media aides with the sole aim of pushing misinformation as a policy of state and distracting Nigerians from the deep pains his administration has caused them.



He stressed that this has always been Tinubu’s style from his days as governor and leader of his party.



Atiku’s aide said, “From information available to us, Bola Tinubu is set to push propaganda to overdrive as he heads out for the United Nations General Assembly. He will claim to have attracted foreign investments amounting to $100bn but will fail to provide key details. It is all propaganda. It is all a load of baloney. In India, he claimed they had received pledges of over $14bn just as his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, claimed in 2018 that he had secured pledges of up to $6bn. This is nothing but audio investments.



“Last month, the NNPC claimed to have obtained a loan of $3bn with which it would help stabilise the Naira. We raised the alarm that it was all a ruse to deceive Nigerians. Now, we have been justified as the naira is now approaching $1/N1,000 on the black market.



“After his trip to the UAE, Tinubu claimed the visa ban had been lifted immediately. Now, they have shifted the goalpost after the UAE authorities revealed that the news was false. This is the sort of embarrassment Nigeria will continue to attract in this season of balablu.



“The report by FTSE revealed that Tinubu’s so-called FX unification policy was failing and Nigeria was degraded from frontier market to unclassified. Having failed to bring economic rebirth, he has now recruited over 15 media aides instead of recruiting more economic experts.



“His list of media aides include: Ajuri Ngelale (Special Adviser Media and Publicity); Tunde Rahman (SSAP Media); Tope Ajayi (SSAP Media and Publicity); Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (SSAP Print Media); Otega Ogara (SSAP Digital/New Media); Segun Dada (SAP Social Media); Nosa Asemota (SAP Visual Communications); Sunday Moses (PA Videography); Taiwo Okonlawon (PA State photography); Moremi Ojudu (SAP, community engagement southwest); Tanko Yakasai (SAP, community engagement northwest); Chioma Nweze (SAP, community engagement southeast)., Abiodun Essiet (SAP, community engagement north-central); Abdulhamid Yahaya Abba (SAP, community engagement northeast); Emmanuella Eduozor (SAP Multimedia content production). This is apart from the minister of information and others appointed in the ministry to drive the propaganda agenda.”



Shaibu said it was laughable that Tinubu, who vowed to hit the ground running from the first day, had held only one cabinet meeting since his inauguration nearly 120 days ago.



He asked Nigerians to remain patient as the Supreme Court prepares to commence work on the election petition appeal.



“Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy without any plan whatsoever and decided to hand over a few bags of rice to millions of poor Nigerians. Till date, the minimum wage remains N30,000 or $31 per month based on the parallel market exchange rate.



“This is the punishment Nigerians are facing because the election management body failed to do its work on February 25. This is a manifestation of the words of the Holy Book, which says when the righteous lead, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people suffer.



“In the meantime, we ask Nigerians to remain patient as the judicial authorities do their job in righting the electoral fraud that has brought Nigerians to their knees.”

An uneasy storm is building up at the office of Abuja Geological Information Services (AGIS) over a scandal centered on illegal acquisition of Certificate of Occupancy on a landed property through the means of forged documents.



The land, which originally belonged to one Jamila Saleh Hassan is located at the highbrow Cadastral Zone of Guzape District.



According to findings, Jamila Hassan, through her father, Alhaji Saleh A. Hassan had initiated and closed a deal to sell the property to one Mr. Bako Matunji Chonoko in 2008 at an agreed sum of six million Naira.



Upon the payment of the agreed sum and further verifications at the office of the AGIS ascertaining the viability of the property, a Power of Attorney and Deed of Assignment were executed by Jamila Saleh Hassan in favour of Bako Matunji Chonoko, and handed over to him together with the original statutory Right of Occupancy.



Subsequent findings revealed that the new owner of the property equally sold it to a business entity known as New Balcyon Ventures Limited through his agent called Daniels Yakubu Ogwu.



However, it was revealed to Daniels Ogwu when he went to verify the records of the land sometime in 2018 at the land registry, that the said property had surprisingly acquired a Certificate of Occupancy in the name of one Sunday Benjamin Egele, in addition to a registered Power of Attorney in his favour.



It was upon this discovery that Chonoko caused a complaint to the Development Control Department of AGIS in January 2019.



The petition reads in part: “we hereby appeal to your good office to thoroughly investigate the apparent fraudulent infraction against Sunday Benjamin Egele on the said plot of land.



“To assist you in your investigation, please find attached the following documents: acknowledgement by Alhaji Saleh A. Hassan of the receipt of N6,000,000 dated 1/08/2007; statement of account showing evidence of the draft raised in favour of Jamila Saleh Hassan; irrevocable Power of Attorney dated 30/08/2007; deed of Assignment dated 30/08/2007 and statutory Right of Occupancy.”



Upon investigation into the petition, a shocking discovery was made indicating that the documents relied upon to award a Certificate of Occupancy to Egele was actually a forged diplomatic passport of Jamila Saleh Hassan.



Further investigations revealed that one Mercy Yusuf, who had been a well known land racketeer in AGIS, sold the land to Sunday Egele by creating a fake data page of alleged diplomatic passport of Jamila Hassan.



When Jamila Hassan was contacted, neither she, nor her father, Alhaji Saleh A. Hassan confirmed ever having any contact whatsoever with Mercy Yusuf or Sunday Egele and also affirmed that the data page used to secure the C-of-O did not carry her original signature.



It was gathered, that at this point, the Development Control Department was compelled to activate its Alternative Dispute Resolution at AGIS in order to arrive at an amicable settlement on the matter.



It was gathered also that an agreement was made whereby the Mercy Yusuf and Sunday Egele would pay a sum of one hundred and fifty million Naira and a duplex building as compensation to Daniel Ogwu and the business concern he represents, New Halcyon Ventures Limited.



However, the agreement was not concluded because the terms offered was not consented to by the aggrieved parties.



Further findings revealed that while the matter remained pending on the terms of the Alternative Dispute Resolution, both Mercy Yusuf and Egele began to walk away from their guilty pleas and, indeed, issued threats to the aggrieved parties.



Thus, Ogwu reported the matter to the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police, and the police report on the matter was made on April 4, 2023.



While the police report also establishes guilt on the part of Yusuf and Egele, a new twist was however added to the story because a certain newspaper and blogs publications circulated through a reporter of the Sun newspaper known as Godwin Tsa, made a false presentation of facts about the matter.



The news report which was published in several newspapers and blogs surreptitiously made a whitewash of the allegations against Yusuf and Egele and tend to put the victims, Daniel Ogwu and his partner company as conspirators of the infraction on the matter.

A civil society group, Pro-Impact Initiative has raised alarm over what it termed, “Calculated attempts to blackmail top Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officials and derail Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike from repositioning Abuja.”

The group pointed out that in less then two weeks, over “three fabricated falsehoods” against key officials of the FCT administration has circulated widely on the social media with calls on the FCT to take actions based on the false and fake reports.

The Coordinator of the group, Dr Osamudiamen Isokpehi who briefed journalists over the weekend in Abuja, said, ”if those behind these acts are not traced, arrested and brought to justice, these criminals may go to any length to jeopardize the smooth administration of the FCT”

Dr. Isokpehi noted, “ First it was a fabricated lie against some directors over a disputed land in Guzape District. A statement credited to nobody was circulated online, calling for their sack by the FCT Minister and quoting “Undisclosed sources”. It was discovered that the original documents of land was stolen from the owner and sold to someone who wanted to continue keeping the land even after the owner discovered the theft and unapproved sale.

“Secondly the blackmailers went after the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola by issuing a write up titled, "WHY FCT PERM SEC MUST BE SACKED AND ARRESTED NOW" credited to one ‘faceless’ Babalola Tajudeen calling on the minister to sack the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration. The allegations of over bloating the workforce, awarding multi-billion Naira contracts and others were discovered to be completely false and misleading.

“Thirdly, on Friday 9th, September while the FCTA officials were preparing for Tuesday’s swearing in of Mandate Secretaries by the ministers, a notorious nine paragraph write up credited to nobody was pushed into the social media lying that the minister had written to EFCC and ICPC asking them to invite and probe his predecessor, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello for alleged contract variation fraud and other unfounded falsehoods. Unlike the previous two fake news, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike this time, issued a clear-worded press statement from his office debunking it as a lie”.

Dr. Isokpehi said, “ we are convinced that Mr Wike who is also a victim of numerous fake news on social media and twisted news in the conventional media, won’t work with the report of the blackmailers. These same people, we can tell you plainly, would be the first to attack Mr Wike when he leaves office.

“Though one might not know the entire motives of these faceless satanic characters, two thing are certain; they want witch-hunt FCT top officials and derail the minister from focusing on repositioning the city for general good.

“While we call on these characters to desist from such acts and let the FCTA breathe, we also call on the Nigerian Police to mandate its anti-cyber crime department to trace and arrest these agents of fake news who are currently directing their attacks at FCT administration’s top officials”

Dr. Isokpehi appealed to residents of the FCT and Nigerians not to be quick at sharing fake and unverified news items. He expressed worry that, “a statement typed on a plain sheet of paper, no letter head, signed by nobody and credited to nobody would be believed and widely shared, thus making falsehood looks exactly like the truth”.

He commended Wike for his proactiveness in administering Abuja he appealed to the staff to give him all the needed support to succeed.