No mind the muntula

RepoMan007:
vision to toll them via inflated PPP contracts like highways?

Helinues has changed into emergency user account o.

The best activist in Nigeria right now is VDM

Tinubu will claim this as one of his achievements

Mumu. If you know how much the government is spending to stop the protest. Even for Lagos here...

CyrusVI:
When I was 12, I was smarter then than this guy currently is


Why Tinubu go hire malams to stop protest

The way these guys are quick to vomit nonsense, you'd think 90% of Nigerians are like them

Unknown entity.

At a time Nigerians are hungry and government is telling us to make sacrifices, why was the official residence of Vice president Kashim Shettima renovated at N21 billion?

- asks Sanwo-Olu to organise stakeholders' meeting

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday held a plenary session calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take major steps to avert the planned nationwide protest in the State.

The lawmakers, in a 'Matter of Urgent Public Importance' brought by Majority Leader Noheem Adams, noted the devastation caused by the EndSARS protest of 2020 in Lagos and urged the governor to organise townhall meetings with major stakeholders to fashion out ways to calm the youth and those who plan to support proposed protest.

One of the meetings, according to the motion of the House, should be held between the governor and elected political leaders including senators, members of the House of Representatives and state lawmakers while a second meeting should be held with traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of market, those in the transport sectors and related stakeholders.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said it was necessary for state governments to do the needful to calm frayed nerves and ensure protection of lives and property.

Dr. Obasa said Lagos was still grappling with the impact of the EndSARS protest just as he appealed to the youth to be patient with the government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that is making effort to see a better Nigeria that would benefit the citizens.

The Speaker noted that Kenya is currently in a terrible situation adding that the crises in Sudan and Syria started in the same manner.

He commended the commissioner of police in Lagos, Adegoke Fayoade, for meeting with community heads over the planned protest.

Obasa called for an urgent meeting with all leaders, including religious, traditional and related organisations in the state for discussion that would help dissuade the youth from engaging in the protest.

Earlier in his motion, Hon. Adams (Eti-Osa 1) drew the attention of his colleagues to the planned protest.

"I want to plead with our people to shelve this protest," he said noting that President Tinubu had shown that he is ready to listen to the citizens, especially as he has raised the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.

On his part, Hon. Kehinde Joseph expressed worry that the proposed protesters do not have leaders who can be discussed with.

He urged for patience stressing that whatever is happening in the country "affects us all."

Hon. Sa'ad Olumoh said President Tinubu understands the problem in Nigeria and was taking the right steps against the country's collapse.

He also urged Nigerians to start focusing on governors because federal allocations to states have grown under the President.

Other lawmakers who spoke during the debates urged parents to persuade their wards from joining the protest or allowing themselves to be used to commit crimes.


https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/25/lagos-assembly-pleads-with-youth-over-planned-protest/

He will be the first to flee

He died fighting for Nnamdi Kanu's release. Tinubu should release Kanu now for this man's sake

The Lagos State Government has clarified that it has no involvement in the Oro festival scheduled from August 1 to 15, which is rumoured to coincide with the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The government likened the festival to other religious events held throughout the country, emphasising that traditional worship practices should be respected just as other religious observances are.

Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that the government does not interfere in religious activities, including those of traditional worshippers. He stressed that the festival, like Muslim and Christian events, is a lawful activity and should not be associated with any governmental interference.

He reiterated that the rights of protesters and traditional worshippers are both protected and that the government has no role in regulating such events.



https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/25/protest-we-are-not-involved-in-oro-activities-lasg/

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Thursday says arresting Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections will have dire consequences for President Bola Tinubu's government.

Speaking in an interview with TheScrutinyNG, Lawal also faulted the claims by president Tinubu's media aide Bayo Onanuga that the nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria is being sponsored by Obi and the Obidient Movement.

He also warned the government not to use force against the protesters saying doing so may be a "catalyst for chaos".

"Bola Tinubu should not use a forceful approach with the protesters. They mean well for the country. If they go out to protest and there is an attempt to forcefully stop them, that will be the catalyst for chaos".

"Tinubu should remove Bayo Onanuga from his position because he doesn't mean we'll for his government. His outbursts is inflaming Nigerians rather than pacify them. When you are in government, you don't insult the people".

"I don't know if Onanuga is the spokesman of Motor Park Touts Association before he got his current appointment. They said he is educated but it doesn't show in his behaviour. He has an in-built disdain for people and it shows in the way he talks".

"I don't expect a presidential spokesman to come out and say the planned protest is being organised by Peter Obi. If Obi has the character that Onanuga is ascribing to him, this government would have been down a long time ago. How can you say Obi has anything to do with the protest? Even to complain, Obi will not let you company".

"It is one of the reasons why some of us just kept away from him. When you insult him, he will not reply. He will just go about doing his own business".

"Let them arrest him if that is their plan and see the consequences. I know that is what Onanuga is working towards. Anyone asking Tinubu to arrest Peter Obi doesn't mean well for him. It is like they took cyanide with their own hands and swallow it".

"I really don't know what is Onanuga's problem with Igbos. Igbos are good people. They are our classmates from primary, secondary schools to the university. They are our business partners, they are our neighbours. We buy things from them. An Igbo man in my village is the one selling local gin (ogogoro). He left his village and settled down in my village. He is married and has farmlands".

"Tinubu is a good man but he is surrounded by sycophants like Onanuga who will not tell him the truth".

https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/25/babachir-to-tinubu-arresting-peter-obi-will-have-grave-consequences-for-your-government/

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Omoba Tunde Ajibulu has cautioned Nigerians against the danger in protests, saying it can be hijacked by undemocratic elements.

Speaking in an interview with TheScrutinyNG, Ajibulu, a member of the 2023 APC presidential campaign council said rather than protests, there should be dialogue between the federal government and Nigerians.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for appealing to Nigerians to shelve the strike and give him more time to address their grievances.

"On my part, i do not support the protest..Even though the people have a God-given right to protest, however there is no guarantee that it will be a peaceful protest. It can be hijacked by variable elements leading to a catastrophic loss of life and property" he said.

Speaking further, Ajibulu said " The country and its people dont need protest at this point. So, I would want the government to appeal to the people and i am glad that the president has already done that. They should also dialogue with the leaders of this protest".

"The loss of one human life is not worth a phyrric victory. There should be dialogue. Certain timelines should be set and agreed to deal with pressing issues".

https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/24/endbadgovernance-why-anti-government-protest-is-not-necessary-now-ajibulu/

Good advice for all who has ears

Grace001:
Na who get time Dey protest. It’s a waste of time protesting for a God forsaken country like Nigeria. Nigeria and her government has nothing to offer you don’t waste your time, 8 years of your time wasted by buhari can’t be regain.

Now Tinubu is on the of wasting 4-8 years, before you know it you will become 50 and have nothing to show for it.

I’m grateful today, the earlier I knew that useless country has nothing to offer me. Paved the way for me to reason well.

God bless America

Anyim and sleep are like

#Endbadgovernance Protest: Sack Non-Performing Ministers Now, Ex-SGF Babachir Counsels Tinubu

.Lists Oyetola, Mamman, Musawa, Kyari, Uzoka-Anite For Dismissal

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest tagged #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal has advised President Bola Tinubu to carry out an urgent cabinet reshuffle by sacking non-performing ministers in his cabinet.

Speaking in a no-holds-barred interview with TheScrutinyNG on Wednesday, Lawal said sacking some of the ministers who are not performing will send a signal to angry Nigerians that the president means well and is ready for business.

According to him, while it is on record that President Tinubu has the highest number of ministers in Nigeria’s history, many of the ministers have no reason to be in the cabinet due to their abysmal performance.

He listed former Osun state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who is the Minister Of Marine and Blue Economy; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy as some of the ministers that should be shown the way out of the cabinet.

“Let me tell you some of the things that can reduce tension in the country. Let Bola (Tinubu) do a cabinet reshuffle tomorrow and see if Nigerians will not be happy with him. Let him drop some of these ministers that nobody has heard anything about them since they were appointed. If he can do that, it will send a signal to Nigerians that he is ready for business and he is a listening president”.

“Many of the ministers are just useless. What is the minister of Agric doing since he was appointed? Nobody has heard anything about him or his plans to improve agriculture in Nigeria and make food available for hungry masses. The whole agriculture system has collapsed. What is he doing about fertiliser subsidy, tractors, irrigation and Agric inputs. What the northerners want is agriculture because that is their major source of livelihood”.

“Today, fertiliser is N47,000 in the market. During Buhari’s era, it was N7,000. That alone has discouraged a lot of farmers. What is the minister doing about that?”

“What is the Minister of Art and Culture, Hannatu Musawa doing in the cabinet?”

“The president’s brother, Gboyega Oyetola, what has he done in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy? He is sitting on one of the massive fund generators of the government and he is not doing anything or telling Nigerians about what is happening in the ministry”.

“Why is he not talking to Nigerians about the achievements of the ministry? That is what governance is all about. I will fire him if I am the president. People should know what is going on in all these ministries. That is when Nigerians can be convinced that the government is working. Everybody is just sitting there and stealing. They don’t steal billions of naira again, it is trillions”.

“The minister of Education has nothing less than 100 parastatals under him. Why is he not talking about some of the achievements recorded in his ministry? The only time we are hear about him is when ASUU and NASU are threatening to go on strike”.

“What is the minister of industry doing? I don’t even know her name. Nobody knows her. The Minister of Health, Pate is from the United Nations. He is a very brilliant guy. Why is he quiet? What is he doing with the health sector at a time many of our doctors and nurses are fleeing abroad for greener pastures?”.

Lawal who said many of the ministers are not communicating to Nigerians what they are doing in their ministries, added that doing so would have eased a lot of pressures on President Tinubu.

“These ministers are supposed to talk and tell Nigerians about their achievements. That will relieve the president of the pressures from the people. I can’t even remember some of the ministries because they are too many. What is the essence of having the highest number of ministries in the history of Nigeria when a larger percentage of the ministers are non-performing?”

“If you can’t remove these ministers, shift them to ministries where they can just be taking tea and coffee. They just keep quiet and are busy eating”.


https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/24/endbadgovernance-protest-sack-non-performing-ministers-now-ex-sgf-babachir-counsels-tinubu/

The Lagos State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has enjoined Nigerians to let peace reign ahead of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.

The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo said while a peaceful protest is part of democracy, the violence and loss of lives associated with it is not desirable for the nation

The full statement reads "The Lagos State Chapter of All Progressives Congress wishes to lend its voice to the appeal of several well meaning Nigerians to all and sundry to let peace reign in our land at this critical time of our history.

"While we acknowledge peaceful protests as an integral component of democratic governance, the predictable attendant violence and loss of lives and property remain undesirable.
In the past days, we have watched with keen interest, most especially, in the social media, the mobilization for the protest , laced with bitterness, hate speeches, hostility divisiveness and threats to citizens with contrary opinions".

"The mass destruction of public and private assets during the #EndSARS protest which started as a harmless demonstration remains fresh in our memory.
The loss of targeted critical infrastructure across various sectors set our dear state back by decades and in billions".

"We urge the government at the federal, state and local levels to remain sensitive , attentive, receptive and responsible to the yearnings of our terming population, most especially the youth, in order to continue to engender confidence and uphold its onerous constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all and sundry".

"We are not unmindful of the political undertones with the otherwise moribund opposition fanning the embers of blood letting to soothe their bruised ego as a result of losing the last national elections".

"We take solace in the assurance that patriotic Nigerians will not be deceived into avoidable carnage by people with ulterior motives.
We also appeal to the security agencies to uphold the best professional standards to forestall any unpleasant development".

"We, as a party, will are duty bound to fulfill our part of the social contract with the citizens who have graciously entrusted us with the mandate".
https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/24/endbadgovernance-let-peace-reign-lagos-apc-tells-protesters/

*Says I'm Not Afraid Of Going To Court

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy on Tuesday says he has not received any court letter from Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.

Speaking with TheScrutinyNG, Onanuga said while he will not rely on what is being bandied about on social media, he is not afraid of going to court any moment he received the letter from Peter Obi.

"I have not seen any letter from him. Until I see his letter, that's when I will respond. I always want to avoid social media gossip".

"I have not been served with any letter and I can tell you I'm not afraid of anybody going to court. So, I am waiting for him to send me his letter".

On Tuesday, Obi, through his legal team filed a N5bn libel suit against Onanuga, on his recent allegations against him on the forthcoming protest.

Obi’s legal team, led by Alex Ejiesieme (SAN), wrote to Onanuga demanding a retraction and apology for a publication made on his verified social media handle.

“We have our Client’s mandate to demand that you retract the statement made in the publication and tender an unreserved apology to him within 72 hours of the receipt of this letter in not less than 4 National Dailies to wit: Vanguard, This Day, Punch and the Cable, including your verified ‘X’ handle ‘@aonanuga1956’.


https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/23/onanuga-to-peter-obi-i-am-waiting-for-your-court-letter/

Why Can't FG Fix Its Refineries All These Years And Make Dangote Irrelevant? - Agbakoba


Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted calls by some Nigerians that the federal government should take over the Dangote refinery.

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), former chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) in an interview with TheScrutinyNG had said the Nigerian constitution empowers the federal government to take over the refinery and then pay compensation to the owner, Aliko Dangote.

"Honestly, we are going through a sort of emergency right now. Under section 305, the Nigerian government has power to take over the refinery and pay appropriate compensation to the owner” Sagay had said.

However, in a chat with our correspondent, Agbakoba said it is wrong for the FG to take over another man’s sweat just because it is alleged that he is cheating Nigerians.

"But why take over what a private individual built ? Why can’t the FG fix its refineries all these years and make Dangote irrelevant".

"Why allow an efficient businessman hold you to ransom when there is a very simple alternative?".

"The simple alternative for us all is this - let Nigeria work . Let there be light . Let there be food . Let there be water. Let there be jobs . Let there be money schools health care roads etc" .

"This is how to render Dangote irrelevant and not as Suggested by taking over another man’s sweat even if the sweat is to cheat us . Let the FG do its own refineries and bluff Dangote".


https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/22/why-cant-fg-fix-its-refineries-all-these-years-and-make-dangote-irrelevant-agbakoba/

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), a renowned constitutional lawyer on Monday says the constitution allows the federal government to take over the Dangote Refinery and then sell the products at the prices Nigerians can afford.

Speaking in an exclusive chat with TheScrutinyNG on Monday, Sagay, former chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) added that the FG can pay a compensation to the owner, Aliko Dangote and then returned the refinery back to him after the other local refineries have started production.

Dangote has been having a running battle with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over the quality of petroleum products at his refinery, as the CEO, Farouk Ahmed, claimed that petroleum products from his refinery are substandard.

In his reaction, the business tycoon made an offer to sell the Dangote Refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited.

Speaking with our correspondent, Sagay said Dangote does not mean well for the suffering masses but only concerned about making maximum profits from the refinery.

“Honestly, we are going through a sort of emergency right now. Under section 305, the Nigerian government has power to take over the refinery and pay appropriate compensation to the owner”.

“The way I see Dangote and the way he operates, he is waiting to maximise the price. I also think the reason Dangote is not happy is because the price has not risen up to N1,000 per litre. He was waiting for that to happen but it is not happening”.

“They were still importing and keeping the price down to N600 per litre that is why Dangote is frustrated. It is not that he loves Nigerians and want to help us or anything. He wants the maximum price. That is the cause of this conflict between him and the federal government”.

“Of course, he also wants monopoly because if they don’t import now and there is no other local source of production, he will total monopoly and can dictate the price. That is really frightening”.

“We are in a state of emergency. The cost of living in Nigeria now is too high. Anything that can be done to bring down the cost of living will calm the mood of the people. The suffering is just too much”.

“So, it is within the powers of the federal government to take over the refinery. They can then sell at the price that Nigerians can afford and then pay him compensation. They can then hand it over back to him when other refineries in Nigeria, like the one in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna have started producing. He can then continue as a private operator and sell at any price he deems fit”.



https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/22/constitution-empowers-fg-to-take-over-dangote-refinery-pay-him-compensation-sagay/

Some associates of former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole have debunked reports that his marriage to his wife, Iara has crashed and both have gone separate ways.

Last week, a netizen had posted in a Facebook group named 'Edo Political Forum' where he claimed that both Oshiomhole and Iara haven't been seen together since his tenure ended as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Another Facebook user, Uwahame Daniel responded " Yes, the marriage has been dissolved a long time ago but they are keeping it private. The woman is a very private person who couldn't cope with the acrimony that trailed Oshiomhole's removal as APC Chairman and his fight with Governor Obaseki".

Our correspondent observed that the last time the couple were seen publicly together was in September 2021 in London during the Service of Songs of late Edo billionaire and Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Maritime Security, Capt. Hosa Okunbo.

However, speaking with TheScrutinyNG, an aide of Oshiomhole who asked not to be named as he is not authorised to speak on the matter told our correspondent that contrary to rumours, the marriage between the ex-NLC president his Cape Verdean wife is intact.

He however said Iara has not been sighted in public for a while due to health challenges.

"Ignore the rumour that they have secretly divorced. They are still very much together. The truth is that she (Iara) has been sick and away. Nobody knows the true position because they are together occasionally. She is in London close to good medical care".

Another former Commissioner who served during Oshiomhole's cabinet also confirmed that the marriage is intact.

Iara, who got her Nigerian citizenship in May 2017, got married to Oshiomhole in May 2015 in a wedding attended by many bigwigs including former president Muhammadu Buhari, ex-vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon and others.

https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/21/oshiomholes-associates-deny-rumour-of-marriage-break-up-with-wife-lara/

How I wish these protests spread across Africa

We won't be in this mess by now.

Buhari has no single integrity. Tueh

Go girl ✊️ 💪 💪. How I wish selfish Buhari steppes down for Osinbajo then

I pity the man. Emilokan really dealing with him

Insinuations that Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu is involved in appointment racketeering as claimed by some chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is false, TheScrutinyNG has exclusively gathered.

Also, reports that the president has stripped him of sole rights to make appointments and has directed that all appointments must be routed through the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) is untrue.

Findings by our correspondent showed that at no time did the President gave Gbajabiamila the sole rights to make appointments on his behalf.

Late last year, rumours were rife that Gbajabiamila might have fallen out of favour with his principal
after some concerned stakeholders in the party claimed that he had been involved in appointments’ racketeering and has been “trading off appointments in the government of President Tinubu to the highest bidder”.

However, President Tinubu, during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) warned those waging a campaign of calumny to desist, saying he has implicit trust in his Chief of Staff.

Credible sources in the presidency disclosed to our correspondent that Tinubu may have decided to back Gbajabiamila because as president, he knows how the issue of appointments, especially at the federal level works.

One of the Special Advisers to the President who spoke with our correspondent said even as Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila doesn't have the sole rights or powers to make appointments as erroneously claimed.

"Those making the allegations are outside. They are not in the presidency and they do not know more than the president who appointed the Chief of Staff. I think they are just desperate but the reality is, not everyone can be appointed".

" For all those who have been appointed, they got there because president allowed them. Gbajabiamila,
as chief of staff cannot on his own appoint anyone. He can only recommend someone but the president sees and approves every appointment in the government".

" You can only sell what belongs to you. If Gbajabiamila sells an appointment to someone as being claimed. If the president did not approve the appointment, what then happens?".

Our source admitted however, that Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff has been using his closeness to the president to make recommendations, which according to him, anybody in his position will do.

"Ideally, the Chief of Staff is a very powerful position. The president can't make you his Chief of Staff if he doesn't know you inside out. You must be very close to him to merit that position. Among his staff, the Chief of Staff is the first to see the president and the last to see him".

"So, there is no doubt that Gbajabiamila has been using his closeness to President Tinubu to recommend people for appointments. He has been with the president for a long time fighting his cause when Tinubu was in the opposition. Anyone close to the president enough including the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu and Seyi his son can influence appointments. That is how it works".

"The only advantage the people around the president have is to recommend to him when he is looking for people because of their proximity and availability on those occasions".

"The president doesn't know everybody but Gbajabiamila as a former Speaker is likely to know many politicians from all parts of the country. Don't forget, many of the lawmakers in the 9th national assembly lost their reelection bid due to the 2022 Electoral Act which was passed into law"

"So, if tomorrow, the President says we need an ambassador from the North-West or an engineer from the South-South for a federal works position, Gbajabiamila will look for his loyalists from North-West and South-South for him. That is how it works".

Speaking further, our source said many people lobbying to see the president usually discuss the issue of appointments or contracts with him when given the opportunity.

"Most of those blaming Gbajabiamila will do the same thing if they were in his position. If they enjoy the kind of closeness he has with the president, they will use it to appoint their persons into key positions".

" Even those who are not close to the president, once they lobby and are privileged to see him, the major thing they always discuss is appointments, either for them or their cronies. Others discuss how to get contracts, oil blocs and so on. Only very a few of them will discuss the problems being experienced in their communities and how the president can assist them".

" It is only when they can't see the president or their wishes are not granted that is when you hear things like appointments are being sold or the president has been caged".


https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/21/exclusive-how-gbajabiamila-uses-closeness-with-tinubu-to-influence-appointments/

The media team of Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections says the presidency is plotting to cage him.

A statement signed by Yunusa Tanko, the spokesman says linking Obi to the planned nationwide protest is a ploy by the presidency to arrest him over the planned nationwide protest.

The full statement reads "The attention of the Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR has been drawn to the wild, wicked and baseless allegations by one of the Spokespersons in the Presidency, Bayo Onanuga accusing the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi of being the mastermind of a planned protest in the country.

The statement even said that Obi should be held responsible for any mayhem that may occur in the protest.
But POMR can report from good and reliable authority that these unsubstantiated allegations are being orchestrated to arrest Obi, limit his freedom and association and stop his propagation for good governance which they find injurious to their lavish lifestyle.

Peter Obi by his mien in and out of political office has not in any way shown or been associated with violence even in the most obvious provocations.

He has always shown even during the electioneering that he is issue-driven as he carries on without calling anybody’s name.

POMR is also aware that multiple attack dogs have been hired and strategically deployed to ensure that Obi does not enjoy the ear of the Nigerian populace who are keen on hearing his voice on issues.

These spine doctors and hirelings, to justify their pay, indulge in all kinds of falsehood ostensibly to distract Obi and confuse Nigerians who already see Obi as suiting balm in the current turbulent political and economic environment.
All the problems real and imagined created by their insensitivity and lavish lifestyle they have curiously tried to link to Obi.
Notable challenges of the administration which are a consequence of their actions and inactions like fuel subsidy fallouts, growing poverty in the land, inflation, nepotism and unresolved historical conflicts among others they blame all on Obi.

POMR therefore wish to urge Nigerians to ignore the Presidency’s cheap blackmail as Obi and the Obidient family all over the country and in the diaspora remain resolute in their search for a new Nigeria that is POssible and would not be cowed or be made to lose focus.


https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/20/protest-allegation-presidency-plotting-to-arrest-peter-obi-tanko/

Now tell me why Nigerians won't protest?

Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources has rejected his nomination as one of the nominees for Lagos State Man Of The Year Award.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Wahab while thanking the organisers of the award for finding him worthy, however said he is withdrawing his nomination and asked members of the public not to vote for him.

He wrote “My attention has been drawn to a publication by the Center For Policy Development And Political Studies in lieu of the Lagos State Man of the Year Award.

I am deeply appreciative of the nomination, it is such elite category to be in, considering the reputation of the other gentlemen I have been nominated alongside.

However, after careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my nomination. Members of the public should not vote me in this award.

Again, I appreciate the gesture and the belief in the work that we do at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources but I am stepping away from this nomination. Thank you. TW”

https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/17/lagos-commissioner-rejects-man-of-the-year-award-nomination/

How Osun Govt Misled Sahara Reporters Over Alleged Violation Of Procurement Law By Oyetola


Spokesperson to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, has described as misleading and clear act of mischief the report that purported that Oyetola violated the state procurement law and that he allegedly awarded one contract three times.

He noted that anyone familiar with Oyetola’s pedigree and outstanding trajectory of finicky scrutiny of records would immediately conclude that those behind the story have embarked on a futile journey, especially if the intent is to smear his person and personality.

Omipidan said the Osun State Government under Senator Ademola Adeleke only cleverly side-step the original procurement portal’s website and migrate data from it into theirs to suit their narrative to mislead unsuspecting members of the public, including the Sahara Reporters.

He further said : “A scrutiny of the website would show that what they inputed there on Monday, July 15, (the day Sahara Reporters published the story) are different from what one would find there yesterday and today. For instance, contrary to what they entered on Monday which indicated the GoF road contract appeared in three places, by yesterday, Tuesday, July 16, only number 36 showed the real contract and the sum, while 72 and 103 are all gone. What you now see on 36, is Ila rehabilitation, and 103, rehabilitation of grading of Ofatedo, as against GoF road rehabilitation mentioned as contract No.72 and 103 on their www.egp.osunstate.gov.ng. website on Monday. This is clearly one of the numerous fraudulent claims of the current administration in Osun.

“The procurement portal’s website “Gov.ng” was created by the current administration procurement . We only created “Org.ng”. The procurement website, www.ocdsosun.org.ng, which was created under our administration, is there for any member of the public to peruse to help this current public discourse.

“If they want to migrate those data on the website we created to theirs, they should be honest enough to migrate genuine data and not attempt to tamper with them just to paint us black in the eyes of the public. When a contract is carried out through Direct Labour, one does not need any bidding from any competing contracting firm, contrary to the picture the Senator Ademola Adeleke’s administration is trying to paint.

“The Sahara Reporters, over the years, have maintained a high standard for thorough investigative journalism, but on this particular case, they goofed fantastically. One would have expected the news medium to obtain the position of the people who worked in the Oyetola’s government (like the Commissioner in charge of Works, the Head of Procurement in that administration or the Spokespsrson to Ex-Governor Oyetola), but nothing of sort was done before they went to town with the sensational and destructive news. The report was biased and betrayed the basic ethics of journalism which demands for objectivity and hearing from all sides.

“The said road was awarded once. Fund was disbursed once, as against three times touted in the mischievous report. I will, therefore, implore Sahara Reporters to verify my claim and go a step further by scrutinising all the contracts awarded during our tenure as well as those by current administration since November 2022 when it came on board, then, it will be clearer to members of the public and Sahara Reporters that they are the ones that have violated Due Process and procurement law since they came on board.

“If anything, the governor’s spokesman, Mr. Olawale Rasheed, once told us how they decided to buy generating sets after the award of contract for boreholes. Equally, the State Information Commissioner, Hon. Kolapo Alimi , also admitted on air that they had awarded the Akoda road contract before going to perfect the Due Process. This is their Hallmark, not ours,” Omipidan added.


https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/17/how-osun-govt-misled-sahara-reporters-over-alleged-violation-of-procurement-law-by-oyetola/

The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a fictitious story by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which they returned to the expired tactic of dragging the palace of the Oba of Benin into politics with an allegation that there are purported plans to demolish the Benin Royal Museum.

It is regrettable that the APC has found themselves in this sorry situation where they are now hell-bent on sacrificing the hard-won respect, legacy and heritage of the revered place on the altar of political exigencies.

This should not be a matter for political debate as we hold the palace in high regard. Insinuations about a demolition are figments of the imagination of the consultant to the APC, Kassim Afegbua and the campaign team, who are bereft of ideas on how to sell a deadbeat candidate that does not have the faintest grasp of the idea of governance to Edo people.

The intentions of the APC are well-known, which is to sow seeds of discord in the minds of Edo people and charge them on a fruitless chase of a non-existent threat against the palace. If there was ever any threat to the palace, it is the machinations of the APC to denigrate the heritage of the people.

For the records, I will like to state without equivocation that there are no plans to demolish the Benin Royal Museum, which to the best of our knowledge, has not even been built yet. Instead, the government is supporting efforts to develop the museum as part of the development of the Benin Cultural District. This is just as it has extended support for the development of the Museum of West African Arts, Benin in the State.

We enjoin the general public to disregard the rumour and all antics of the APC to drag the palace into politics in pursuit of their failed campaign to market a hardly literate candidate who failed to pass General Certificate Examination (GCE) at a Special Centre even at the age of 36 years.

The APC is encouraged to campaign responsibly and tell the people what their vision for development is as is required of them during campaign periods and not this futile effort at a strawman fallacy.


https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/16/disregard-apcs-rumour-on-alleged-plans-to-depose-oba-of-benin-edo-government/

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday says Governor Godwin Obaseki and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo are planning to depose the Oba of Benin.

The party, in a statement by its media consultant, Prince Kassim Afegbua also said the duo have also concluded plans to demolish the Palace Museum and convert it to a state monument.

Tne full statement reads “We have uncovered a sinister plan by Governor Obaseki and his anointed godson, Asue Ighodalo to move in a draconian manner against the Oba of Benin; to depose him and then demolish the Palace Museum and convert it to a state monument. They reasoned that the Palace Museum under construction will obstruct the one being built by the government at the old General Hospital ground”.

“Part of the plot is to first and foremost reduce the powers of the Oba of Benin by balkanising the kingdom through proxies like the Enigies, whom as we have seen were being prompted to sue the Oba of Benin; an act that is extraterrestrial by every stretch of the imagination. Daring Governor Obaseki, has refused to hand over to the Palace, the grant allegedly sent by the Government of Germany to support the building of a new Palace Museum to warehouse the celebrated returned artefacts”.

” Instead of handing over the grant to the intended destination, Governor Obaseki has decided to take up the construction of his own museum called Edo Museum of West Africa Arts, and has invited a non-native to preside over the museum; an act that is outlandish to the cultural heritage of the state”.

“It was also revealed that the Governor wants to demolish the Palace Museum inside the Palace ground; because according to him, the government has not enjoyed any support from the monarchy. The approach will be to accuse the Palace of not having building plans approval from its Geographic Information System office. The Oba Akenzua Centre which was handed over to the Oba of Benin by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during his time as Governor, has also been under lock and key, and is now overgrown with weeds”.

“According to insider sources, the governor says, “it is about time to cut the overarching powers of the Monarchy.” The Enigies, who took the Monarch to court were spurred on by the Edo State government as a last ditch effort to reduce the powers of the Oba of Benin, and totally obliterate a system that has endured for over 700 years”.

“Knowing Governor Obaseki as a property demolisher, there are fears that going by the bloody face the Enigies received at the High Court in Benin on Monday, 15th July the Governor may indeeed move against the Palace. Those who expressed this fear point at other properties that the Obaseki administration had demolished under one pretext or another, warning that his cold war with the Palace over artefacts and the museum, may provoke him to take a vexatious action to finally demystify and humiliate the Palace. The IMPROPRIETY of his reasoning and action is of bewildering heights.

“We call on all our supporters, Edo indigenes home and abroad to maintain vigilance over this sinister plot to humiliate a monarchy that has remained our pride for over 700 years and speak up truth to power. The recent ban of the Okhaigheles who are supposed to be the eyes of the Oba of Benin is a pointer to the dark passions against His Royal Majesty. It is unheard of in the Benin Tradition and Culture for Enogies (Dukes) to challenge the authority and imperiality of the Oba of Benin”.

” The ongoing ding-dong between the government-backed Enigies and the monarchy is a strong indication that Governor Obaseki wants to destroy the sanctity of a monarchy that has enriched the cultural ingenuity of the Great Benin Kingdom. All lovers of Edo’s cultural heritage must rise up to defend and preserve the monarchy, without let or hindrance. The spirit of our ancestors will surely fight on the side of the great Oba of Benin”.

“As a Benin indigene, Governor Obaseki does not need to be reminded of the Oba’s place amongst the Class of Obas in the country. Any further attempt to undermine His Royal Majesty’s authority shall be resisted using legitimate means to a greater effect.



https://thescrutinyng.com/2024/07/16/obaseki-asue-planning-to-depose-oba-of-benin-demolish-palace-museum-edo-apc/