₦airaland Forum

Nigerian politics has been rocked by deep-rooted corruption and conspiracies over the years. As the presidential baton changes hands from year to year the political instability continues to linger filled with controversies and a dwindling economy. Nigeria is now the world’s poster for “suffering and smiling” as the economic hardship continues to endure, the individuals whom the economic downfall can be traced back to are still continually being appraised. It is agreeable that any president who assumes office will either make or break the country for the next few years of their tenure and the years immediately following the end of their term. In this article, we take a look at the top Nigerian Presidents of all time who can be said to have made more than they broke the country during their reign.

See full article and pictures in the link below:

https://olatorera.com/political-analysis-top-3-presidents-of-all-time-who-changed-nigeria/

The rise to fame can be a great ride for many celebrities leading to lavish lifestyles and spending habits, so long as their careers continue to thrive. However, we know all too well how the lavish lifestyle of these celebrities can easily be stripped down by one mistake made.

See full article and photos in the link below:

https://olatorera.com/top-3-celebrities-who-were-rich-and-famous-before-losing-all-their-money/

US president, Donald Trump has rocked the media with one of his unflattering comments directed at the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari referring to him as a “lifeless” person, shortly after a meeting between the two leaders on the 30th of April 2018.

See full article in the link below:
https://olatorera.com/reasons-why-president-trump-referred-to-president-buhari-as-lifeless/

Africa is home to many of the most underdeveloped countries in the world still often regarded as “third world” countries, which was a term used in describing countries with colonial pasts and slow development mostly in the post-colonial era. Most of Africa’s underdevelopment has been blamed on colonialism and corrupt political leaders. However, what has never really been deeply considered is the fact that Africa’s underdevelopment can also be attributed to laziness.

See full article in the link below:

https://olatorera.com/top-3-reasons-africas-under-development-is-attributed-to-laziness/

Nigerian senators have been categorized as one of the highest paid people in the world and the highest paid senators in Africa. However at the top of the senatorial chain in Nigeria is Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki who has been President of the Nigerian Senate since 2015, first elected to the Senate in April 2011 under the APC, representing the Kwara Central senatorial district, and then re-elected in the March 2015. He was previously the Governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011 where he served for 2 terms under the PDP before moving to the APC when he became Senate President but announced his defection back to the PDP on the 31st of July 2018.

The current Senate President who has held many top political positions is now believed to be the richest Senator in both Nigeria and Africa, with his estimated current net-worth at $12 million.

In your opinion, who would you say is the richest senator in Nigeria?

https://olatorera.com/2018-who-is-nigerias-richest-senator/

Maxim Lobaty is a Russian national and the mastermind behind the Swiss Golden investment scam that defrauded over seven thousand Nigerians of over N3 billion this year. Swiss Golden Company Limited was discovered to be a Ponzi scheme designed under the guise of a company which deals in the buying and selling of Gold Bars, designed to scam innocent investors of their money.

The EFCC which was called on to investigate the matter after it received a petition from thousands of Nigerians who complained that they invested in the company and received no returns. Through their investigation they fished out Maxin Lobaty as the prime suspect behind the scheme and two other Nigerians namely; Austin Emenike and Dickson Nonso Onuchukwu in Lagos, who were all conveyed to the Kano operational zone of the EFCC for further investigation. After much interrogation, Maxim and his accomplices consented to the refund of the investment and a total of N216, 402,565.05 has been recovered so far.

https://olatorera.com/who-is-maxim-lobaty-of-russia-what-is-he-doing-in-nigeria-how-did-he-scam-nigerians/

There are leaders at the forefront, there are leaders behind the scenes. There are leaders doing good and there are leaders doing bad. We showcase the good, the bad and definitely the best of Africa. In this article, we reveal one of Nigeria’s most notorious businessmen. Who is Aliyu Abubakar? Professionally referred to as Mr Abubakar or Mr Corruption, he is a wealthy controversial businessman and the presumed owner of Abuja’s most luxurious building located close to popular hotel Transcorp Hilton. He is also friends with several Nigerian government officials, both past and present. Mr Abubakar seems to have acquired much of his wealth from some illegal high profile deals which he is now being wanted for by both the EFCC in Nigeria and the Italian government.

Prosecutors in Milan, Italy, have called on Nigeria’s Attorney General, Abubakar Malami seeking the appearance of Mr. Abubakar in criminal proceedings relating to the Malabu scandal, following the money laundering charges filed against him by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, EFCC, for his role in the $1.1 billion Malabu scandal, with new evidence linked to the scandal warranting his pursuit by the Italian authorities for “international corruption”. The letter of request written by the Italian government to Mr Malami is linked to the recent nine-count charge filed by the EFCC against Mr Abubakar, and eight other persons for their roles in the scandal. Others being prosecuted by the EFCC for the scandal include a former Attorney General, Mohammed Adoke, Former Petroleum Minister, Dan Etete, Malabu Oil and Gas and five other shady companies under the control of Mr Abubakar.

Investigations conducted by authorities in Nigeria, UK, and Italy have all found Mr Abubakar who is now nicknamed by anti-corruption officials as ‘Mr. Corruption’ for his involvement in various dubious high profile deals, acting as a front for several politically exposed individuals who benefitted from the funds including Mr Adoke and Roberto Casula, the then the head of Eni’s business operations in sub-Saharan Africa, who received $50 million cash at his doorstep in Abuja. Former Attorney General, Bayo Ojo, was also said to have received $10 million from the dubious deals but since denied involvement stating that the money was his professional fees for services he rendered after he left office.


http://olatorera.com/who-is-aliyu-abubakar/

Apple broke the world record by becoming the first private company to surpass $1 trillion in stock market value on Thursday following its latest surge after reporting strong quarterly earnings. Its shares briefly hit $207.05 in late-morning trading, before somewhat retreating. The earnings came after the iPhone maker reported strong earnings late Tuesday that prompted a two-day rally in the share price.

According to Apple, its currently outstanding shares is at 4.83 billion. The company had a head start over Amazon, hitting $900 billion in November last year, while Amazon was also approaching the threshold, surpassing $900 billion in market value as at July.


http://olatorera.com/breaking-how-apple-broke-record-as-the-worlds-first-company-worth-1-trillion/

Atiku Abubakar:

Atiku Abubakar is a Grand Commander, Order of The Niger (GCON). A former Vice President of Nigeria under the leadership of Olusegun Obasanjo, he has been involved in Nigeria’s politics for over 25 years. Aged 71, he is a Nigerian politician with business interests in diverse industries. He is a member of the People’s Democratic (PDP) Party.

Rabiu Kwankwaso:

Kwankwaso is currently serving as a senator in Nigeria’s National Assembly. In previous years, he was elected Governor of Nigeria’s Kano State for 2 terms and as Defense Minister under then President Olusegun Obasanjo for 2 terms. In 2015, Kwankwaso contested the Nigerian presidential primaries nomination under the All Progressive Congress (APC) party and lost to Muhammad Buhari.

http://olatorera.com/official-2019-nigerian-elections-debate-1-moghalu-or-kwankwaso-or-atiku-for-president-of-nigeria/
Kingsley Moghalu:

55 years old former Deputy Governor of The Central Bank of Nigeria is an OON (Officer, Order of the Niger). He has published several books including “Build, Innovate, Grow: My Vision for our Country”. He is the founder of Tobuildanation.com and The Kingsley Moghalu Foundation with plans to sponsor 50 Nigerian entrepreneurs in 2018.

Please comment with the name of Nigeria’s better candidate. In this debate, select only 1 candidate and optionally give your reason(s). Please be ethical and fair. Nigeria deserves the better leader. In openly and anonymously selecting your choice, evaluate the candidates:

1.Character, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Stand
2.Political Experience & Strong, Growth-Focused Leadership
3.Educational Background
4.No Godfather – Self-made, necessarily confident, able to make the smartest decisions for over 160 million people.
5. Allies – Is he loved by fellow leaders, other citizens, other countries etc.
6.Most likely to serve only 1 term or maximum 2 terms. Will not attempt to rule for life.

http://olatorera.com/official-2019-nigerian-elections-debate-1-moghalu-or-kwankwaso-or-atiku-for-president-of-nigeria/

Nigerians tend to forget, we let things go very easily, very often. We move on as usual. We also many times don’t have the right laws in place to protect the masses. We have criminals from other countries living as kings. We have criminals wanted in other countries lavishing as lawmakers of the country.

Kemi Adeosun, Nigeria’s current minister of finance under the Buhari Administration, recommended by Ibikunle Amosun whom she worked extensively with in the past, was never qualified enough for the position of minister of Finance of Africa’s most populous nation. Even more degrading to a country of over 100 million intelligent citizens, Kemi Adeosun was caught a few months ago in a criminal act. Nigeria’s current minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, a top 5 leader in the country, criminally forged her NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) program certificate. NYSC is a mandatory program for all Nigerian graduates to complete. Although a poorly structured program, it is mandated prior to any citizen’s ability to gain legal employment in the nation.

Kemi Adeosun has reportedly been working in Nigeria illegally. She is not fit to be a leader in the country. Millions of citizens have passed through the hellish NYSC conditions. Any leader that hasn’t passed through NYSC legally should not have an authoritative position in the affairs of the nation. They will not have the built-up willpower to transform the country positively. Nigeria more than ever before needs good leaders. We will not let this topic die down. We will continue to broadcast until Kemi Adeosun resigns or Buhari fires her and she is charged to court for her felony crime. We demand either or be done immediately. Enough is enough for Nigeria. No more tolerance for corruption. No more extreme poverty. No more of bad leaders and a poorly run economy. Nigerians are charged up for change.

http://olatorera.com/criminal-kemi-adeosun-nigerias-minister-of-finance-under-buharis-administration-must-resign-now/

It is no news that the salary earned by Nigerian Senators are the most extravagant in the country, however, it has never really been revealed to what extent the salary of these senators is indeed extravagant until now. The salary of Nigerian senators is among the highest in the world, excluding all the paid extra allowances added to their income. The Revenue mobilization and fiscal commission (RMAFC) carried out a descending review of the salaries of top politicians in the country including that of Nigerian senators. Here is a brief summary of the review of what Nigerian senators earn in order of ranking:

The Senate President: The current allowances and salary of the Senate president of Nigeria include a monthly salary of about N724,570, Federal government paid allowances for; domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, security responsibility, Legislative Aids, house maintenance, special adviser, personal assistant, vehicles & maintenance, clothing, newspapers which all entail a 60 percent boost of the salary. The basic annual salary of the Senate president of Nigeria amounts to N2,484,242.50. He also enjoys an allowance of N6.2 million, making a total basic annual salary of N8.69Million. Constituency Allowance amounts to 250 percent of his annual salary and at the end of his tenure, he is entitled to a gratuity of 300 percent of his annual salary. The Senate president also receives an estacode of $1,000 per night for foreign trips and N37,000 per night duty tour allowance.

The Deputy Senate President of Nigeria: The Deputy Senate President enjoys similar benefits as the Senate President, with a monthly salary N673,506.97. He enjoys an annual basic salary of N2,309,166.75. Allowances amount to N5,772,916.8 bumping up the basic annual salary to N8,082,083.63. The Deputy Senate President also gets N32,000 per night as Duty Tour Allowance and $ 1,000 as estacode.

Other Senate Members:

The Senate Majority Leader – N12,968,960 annually
The Minority leader- N12,908,168 annually
The Whip – N12,867,000 annually
The Senate Committee Chairmen – N12,867,000 annually.
Ordinary senators –N12,766,320.00 annually.

According to professor Sagay’s (SAN ) analysis, the synopsis of the salary of Nigerian Senators are as follows:

Basic Salary: N2,484,245.50
Hardship allowance: N1,242,122.70
Constituency allowance: N4,968,509.00
Furniture allowance: N7,452,736.50
Newspaper allowance: N1,242,122.70
Wardrobe allowance: N621,061.37
Recess allowance: N248,424.55
Accommodation: N4,968,509.00
Utilities: N828,081.83
Domestic staff: N1,863,184.12
Entertainment: N828,081.83
Personal Assistant: N621,061.37
Vehicle Maintenance Allowance: N1,863,184.12
Leave Allowance: N248,424.55
Severance Gratuity: N7,425,736.50
Motor Vehicle Allowance: N9,936,982.00


http://olatorera.com/revealed-salary-of-nigerian-senators-among-the-highest-in-the-world/

Buruji Kashamu is a Nigerian politician representing Ogun East senatorial district in the current 8th National Assembly. He is also the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government in Ogun State. Senator Kashamu is the Chairman/Chief Executive of Kasmal Group of Companies, an indigenous conglomerate with interests in hospitality, property, oil and gas, automobile and investment services. He is also the Chairman of the Group Kasmal SAL in the Republic of Benin.

However, Senator Kashamu is not only famous for his political and business accomplishments, he is also known as the drug lord wanted in the United States for heading a heroin trafficking ring in 1998. His role in the drug trafficking ring inspired the Netflix hit show ‘Orange Is The New Black’ based on the prison memoir of US citizen Piper Kerman, who was among those who pleaded guilty to the heroin trafficking charge allegedly led by Senator Kashamu. He was under the disguise of having made money from producing Kasmal, a cigarette brand, in the Republic of Benin, when he was arrested in the United Kingdom with $230,000 in cash. He claimed that his 1998 indictment by a grand jury in the Northern District of Illinois for conspiracy to import and distribute heroin in the US was a case of mistaken identity, also claiming that the person involved in the alleged offenses, to which a dozen people pleaded guilty, was his deceased younger brother, who had a close resemblance with him. The Senator maintained that the UK court saw that the US had withheld evidence that a principal conspirator in the said drug importation had been unable to identify him in a photo lineup and on that basis denied a request from the US for his extradition in 2003 and released him after spending five years in prison.

Senator Kashamu was also said to have used forged educational qualifications to contest and win election to the Nigerian Senate in 2015. In 2016, Judge Richard Posner of the Chicago Court of Appeal quoted the US Justice Department saying that the chances of Senator Kashamu’s extradition had improved. It was also added that if it is proved that Senator Kashamu was the ringleader of the heroin cartel, he could face up to life imprisonment, challenging the Senator to come to Chicago to prove his innocence in court. Meanwhile, the Senator still maintains his innocence even claiming that he has never stepped foot in the United States.

http://olatorera.com/where-is-senator-buruji-kashamu-nigerian-drug-kingpin-who-is-still-wanted-by-the-united-states-government/

The timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) earlier this year, has the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled to hold on the 16th of February, 2019. With 201 days left to the elections, the number of aspirants racing for various elective positions is increasing by the day. Not less than 46 politicians have indicated their intentions to join the presidential race on different political platforms including incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, who seeks a 2nd term.

The new national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, was recently reported to have endorsed the second term bid of President Buhari, saying as the incumbent president he had the right of first refusal of the party’s presidential ticket. However, sources reveal that two others have also indicated interest in the APC’s presidential ticket in 2019. These two other candidates are Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, a United States-based Nigerian who was reported to have been hosted by the Nigerian Union Diaspora (NUD) on April 30, 2018, where he declared his intention to contest for the Presidency of Nigeria on APC’s platform. Also, 35-year-old Adamu Garba, the Chief Executive Officer of IPI Solutions Nigeria Limited, a cloud computing company headquartered in Lagos had reportedly announced his interest to contest for the presidential ticket of the APC in April. However, it is quite apparent that the incumbent president is more likely to be picked for the Apc presidential ticket.

Other presidential aspirants are eight from the main opposition PDP while the rest are from other registered political parties. Prominent among those seeking presidential tickets on the platform of the PDP is former vice president, Atiku Abubakar. Here is a full list of the 46 confirmed bold aspirants contesting for the presidential office next year:

1. Kingsley Moghalu
2. Sule Lamido
3. Donald Duke
4. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki
5. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi
6. Ibrahim Dankwambo
7. Muhammadu Buhari
8. Fela Durotoye
9. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
10. Remi Sonaiya
11. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese
12. Omoyele Sowore
13. Enyinnaya Nnaemeka Nwosu
14. Ahmed Buhari
15. Peter Ayodele Fayose
16. Adesanya Fegbenro-Bryon
17. Charles Udeogaranya
18. Mathias Tsado
19. Eniola Ojajuni
20. Olu James Omosule
21. Tope Fasua- Anrp
22. Elishama Rosemary Ideh
23. Kanu Nwankwo
24. Usman Ibrahim Alhaji
25. Datti Baba Ahmed
26. Adamu Garba
27. Chris Emejuru
28. Yul Edochie
29. Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile
30. Omike Chikeluba Lewis
31. Olu James Omosule
32. Ibrahim Ladaja
33. Omololu Omotosho
34. Fidelis Akhalomen Lawrence Ekoh
35. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
36. Ibrahim Shekarau
37. Professor Iyorwuese Hagher
38. Chike Ukaegbu
39. Attahiru Bafarawa
40. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
41. Alhaji Ibrahim Eyitayo Dan Musa
42. Gbenga Olawepo
43. Prof. Jerry Gana
44. Mr. Festus Obeghe
45. Dr. Yunusa Tanko
46. Mrs. Eunice Atuejide

http://olatorera.com/201-days-to-2019-elections-in-nigeria-meet-the-46-confirmed-presidential-aspirants/

According to a Reuters poll shown on Friday, Nigeria’s economy is expected to grow more slowly this year than previously forecast as investors are holding off before elections in early 2019. In the poll which was taken in the past week, analysts and economists’ predictions showed a median of 2.1 percent growth for Nigeria, accelerating to 3.0 percent next year.

This is a significant depreciation from the previous poll taken three months ago, which showed Africa’s largest economy expanding 2.6 percent this year after a mundane 0.8 percent in 2017. Mr. Rafiq Raji, a chief economist at Macroafricaintel in Lagos, said “Upcoming elections and the associated high-wire politics already underway would instigate caution on the part of economic stakeholders,” “Business and investment decisions are thus likely to be postponed till after the 2019 elections.”

The statistics shown is a recipe for more disaster to come in the current economic situation in the country, causing panic and fear among the people of Nigeria as they ponder on how to survive in the economic recession already being faced for over 3 years now.

http://olatorera.com/how-the-upcoming-2019-general-elections-will-stunt-the-growth-of-nigerias-economy/

Negotiation is a part of our everyday lives, it may be surprising to know that we humans negotiate even the littlest things in the most subtle aspects of our lives, sometimes unconsciously. However, in business, negotiation is very critical for success. Poor negotiation can sometimes cripple a company just as quickly as losing key customers. While most negotiating strategies may seem like common sense, it is not uncommon for people to become sentimental in a negotiation process losing sight of the purpose for such negotiation. The art of negotiation in business takes confidence, homework, smartness, unwavering discipline and sometimes practice. Here are top 5 negotiation skills to get you the best possible deals in any business:

1. Analyze and develop your best alternative to a negotiated agreement: Before proceeding to a bargaining table, it is wise to spend time identifying your best alternative to a negotiated agreement, and taking steps to improve it. Always have your best alternative at hand just in case your first angle does not take. Negotiation involves trading your best alternative asset with that of your counterpart to reach an agreement.

2. Negotiate the process: Never assume that you and your counterpart are on the same page when it comes to choosing when to meet, parties to be present, agendas, and so on. It is important to carefully negotiate how you will negotiate in advance, which will clear the way to focus on the subject matter.

3. Build rapport. It may not seem like a good idea to engage in small talks in a serious business negotiation, but it may surprise one to know that building a rapport in such situations actually paves the way for a friendlier and much more beneficial negotiation. You and your counterpart may be more collaborative and likely to reach an agreement if you spare even just a few minutes trying to get to know each other. It is one of the most valuable negotiation skills to master.

4. Active Listening: Once you start discussing the subject matter, it is important to remain focused and ward off little distractions such as thinking of what next to say which may sound like the smart thing to do at that time, but can also make you miss out important issues that are being said. It is better to acquire all the valuable information and then form your next response from what is being said.

5. Ask detailed questions to get detailed answers: It is always important to ask detailed questions to get detailed answers that will cover a majority of issues that could arise from the subject matter at hand, to avoid being blindsided or stuck. It is also better to avoid yes or no questions as well as leading questions, do not give your counter help in answering your own questions. This could prevent them from giving the truest answers meant to benefit you.

http://olatorera.com/top-5-negotiation-skills-to-get-the-best-business-deals/

It is no surprise that Prince Arthur Eze is recognized as one of the wealthiest men in Africa having a net worth of more than $5.8 billion making him the eighth richest person in Africa. The billionaire and business tycoon acquired the bulk of his wealth from his company Atlas Oranto Petroleum, which was established in 1991, which is the largest holder of oil exploration blocks in Africa with assets in Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea, Gambia and the UK. The business tycoon made about $200M selling oil blocks in Liberia, and his company was one of the first companies to bid in Uganda’s first competitive oil exploration licenses, launched in 2015.

Apart from his successful oil business, Prince Eze is also known for his deep connections to Nigerian politics and is a major donor to Nigeria’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He is also known for his royal lineage as the younger brother of the traditional ruler of Ukpo, a popular community in Anambra state, Nigeria. His royal background and accumulated wealth have earned him a spot at the top of Africa’s richest men.

http://olatorera.com/how-prince-arthur-eze-became-one-of-africas-richest-men/

Mamman Daura is a Nigerian journalist and businessman who was an editor of the New Nigerian newspaper and is also a nephew and longtime close associate of President Muhammadu Buhari. Although Mamman Daura is the nephew of president Buhari, he is said to be older than the Nigerian leader by 2 and a half years and has shared a close relationship of 73 years with him. He was influential in the government of Buhari between 1984 and 1985. He was a board member of BCCI’s Nigerian affiliate, Africa International Bank and founded a furniture factory in Kaduna and was also a former chairman of the now-defunct Nigerian Bank of Commerce and Industry.

However, what has often not been reported is how Mr. Daura came to earn so much influence on the president. He is even considered to be even more powerful than the Nigeria leader, due to the fact that he has been playing a significant role throughout the life of Buhari.

http://olatorera.com/mamman-daura-the-hidden-voice-behind-nigerias-current-leadership/

It was reported early this Tuesday morning, 24th of July that 15 Senators have officially decamped from the All Progressives Congres (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This was announced by the Senate president, Bukola Saraki on the floor of the Senate today. Apparently, the Senate President was initially blocked by the police from entering into the plenary session, before sneaking into the building using a dilapidated vehicle. With the rise in the number of new senators in the PDP, the party now holds the majority of seats in the upper legislative chamber.

This begs to wonder what will become of the APC within the next few months leading up to the 2019 elections, having a faction of its party deflected to form the R-APC and now 15 senators fleeing to the PDP. Here are the names of the 15 senators who fled to the PDP:

Sen. Lanre Tejouso
Sen. Shaaba Lafiagi
Sen. Barnabas Gemade
Sen. Dino Melaye
Sen. Ubale Shittu
Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim
Sen. Isa Misau
Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi
Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu
Sen. Ibrahim Danbaba
Sen. Bayero Nafada
Sen. Sulaiman Nazif
Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso
Sen. Murtala Nyako
Sen. Mohammed Shittu

http://olatorera.com/nigeria-politics-meet-the-15-senators-who-fled-from-apc-to-pdp/