₦airaland Forum

Former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kenneth Okonkwo, has met with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the last election.

Okonkwo, an actor-turned-politician and once a staunch supporter of LP’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, shared details of the meeting on his Instagram account on Saturday.

“It’s a privilege and honour to be invited by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar for a consultative meeting on how best to chart a new course for our beloved country.

“The situation in Nigeria today requires the cooperation of every well-meaning Nigerian to ensure that our country is restored to its path of greatness,” Okonkwo wrote.

His meeting with Atiku comes months after he resigned from the Labour Party, citing Obi’s failure to build the party into a formidable political force capable of challenging the ruling class

Okonkwo had accused Nigeria’s leadership of being dominated by “kakistocrats and kleptocrats” and stressed that a strong grassroots-based political party was necessary to wrest power from bad leaders.

“After the 2023 general election, Nigerians, including me, had high hopes for the Labour Party. I believed that Peter Obi would seize the momentum and build a solid party of integrity… However, I continued in his defence believing he would still privately bring the needed solution to LP problems, (but) to no avail,” he had said at the time of his resignation.

Despite his criticism of the LP, Okonkwo previously stated that he had no intention of joining the PDP or APC but was open to consultations with like-minded individuals to determine his next political move.

His recent meeting with Atiku has sparked speculations on social media about his political future and potential alliances.

However, Okonkwo has not publicly declared any shift in political affiliation.

seunmsg:
Since both parties have committed to the ongoing arbitration in France, I will advise we see the arbitration to a logical conclusion. We defeated P&ID, this scam will also be defeated.

However, the supporters of Adesanya said Aondoakaa’s refusal to testify boosted Adesanya’s case as it implied that his witnesses were being intimidated by the Nigerian government

While a source sympathetic to Adesanya stated that Malami withdrew to not to contradict himself, another source working for the Nigerian government said that he withdrew in order not to contradict his former boss, Buhari.

the source further disclosed, also reminded Tinubu that the President of the ICC Tribunal had on many occasions encouraged the two parties to explore an amicable settlement.

Following the intervention of some elder statesmen and influential royal fathers, the Chairman of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, Mr. Leno Adesanya, has in a show of patriotism, written President Bola Tinubu, seeking an amicable settlement of the dispute between the federal government and his company over the Mambilla Hydropower project in Taraba State, THISDAY has learnt.

The dispute is a subject of arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration in Paris, France, where the promoters of Sunrise are said to be seeking a compensation of $2.3 billion for the Nigerian government’s alleged violation of the $6 billion contract agreement and to defray what it had spent on financial and legal consultants.

Efforts made by THISDAY to get the details of Adesanya’s letter said to have been written in early February were unsuccessful as a source privy to it refused to reveal the details, citing both the arbitration and the letter’s confidentiality.

The source however informed THISDAY that Adesanya told Tinubu that he was willing to explore a negotiated exit of his company from the power project given the president’s commitment to the project, which will positively touch the lives of 50 million residents of the northern part of the country.

Adesanya, according to the source, told Tinubu that he was willing to work with him to settle all the disputes in a win-win manner in the interest of Nigerians and the country’s economy.

While hailing Tinubu’s efforts to ensure an amicable settlement of the legal dispute, the promoter of Sunrise, the source further disclosed, also reminded Tinubu that the President of the ICC Tribunal had on many occasions encouraged the two parties to explore an amicable settlement.

Adesanya had reportedly claimed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration had on or about May 22, 2003, awarded a $6billion contract for the construction of the 3,050MW Mambilla Hydropower Station on a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) basis to his company.

But Obasanjo accused the Minister of Power and Steel, under his administration, Dr. Olu Agunloye, of fraudulently awarding the contract for the project without the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Agunloye rejected the former president’s accounts, alleging that the Nigerian government was using him as a scapegoat to escape sanction for abandoning the contractual agreements on the project.

Agunloye insisted that the contract for the project was duly awarded in 2003 by the Obasanjo’s administration on a BOT basis.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had sought to arrest Adesanya and charge him with bribery and economic sabotage, for allegedly offering bribes to Agunloye for the contract.

But Adesanya denied the allegations and proceeded to arbitration in France, seeking $2.3 billion as compensation.

Sunrise had insisted that the compensation demanded was meant to defray what it had spent on financial and legal consultants.

Testifying for Nigeria in January at the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration in Paris, France, Obasanjo and former president Muhammadu Buhari told the panel that the federal government, at no time, awarded the contract to Sunrise.

According to the two former leaders, Sunrise got the purported letter, reportedly signed by a former Minister of Power, Agunloye about 24 hours after the FEC rejected the award of the contract to the firm.

While a former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), also testified for Nigeria, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Mike Aondoakaa (SAN) made a brief appearance in Paris but did not testify at the hearing.

Agunloye is currently standing trial by the EFCC, while Adesanya’s absence has stalled his trial by the anti-graft agency.

The promoter of Sunrise has been away from Nigeria for over a decade due to fear for his life and harassment by security agents.

Investigation however, revealed that his daughter is set to wed in Nigeria, necessitating his proposal to Tinubu for an amicable resolution to the dispute to enable him to return to the country for the event.

“It happens that Adesanya’s adorable daughter, an international graduate, would be getting married to Asika, Davido’s wealthy manager, who was previously engaged to Cuppy Otedola.

“Mr. Adesanya is hopeful of the settlement earlier than May so that he can safely return to Nigeria and give out his daughter’s hand in marriage both traditionally and at a white wedding,” a source privy to the negotiations told THISDAY.

The source added that some elder statesmen and respected royal fathers have continued to lend their voice toward an amicable resolution.

One of the key issues that arose at the arbitration court was the refusal of a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) to testify though he was present in Paris.

While a source sympathetic to Adesanya stated that Malami withdrew to not to contradict himself, another source working for the Nigerian government said that he withdrew in order not to contradict his former boss, Buhari.

Aondoakaa’s departure from Paris shortly after his arrival, had also raised dust as speculations were rife that he was intimidated by the agents of the Nigerian government not to testify, a claim the former minister has denied.

However, the supporters of Adesanya said Aondoakaa’s refusal to testify boosted Adesanya’s case as it implied that his witnesses were being intimidated by the Nigerian government.

On the allegation that Adesanya transferred money to government officials, the witnesses were said to have reaffirmed that giving gifts in Africa to family members or government officials was a cultural thing and not necessarily deemed corruption.

“For instance, Sunrise Power gifted Dr. Agunloye 15 years after he left office as a kind gesture,” said a source close to the former minister.

However, to avoid both parties spending resources on protracted litigation, Adesanya wrote to Tinubu, seeking an amicable settlement after being persuaded by some elder statesmen.

Penguin2:
🤡

reckless Court judgments threatening to destabilize or deprive the State of funding to provide needed services to the citizens.

the reckless Judiciary pronouncement on Rivers State that is capable of threatening democracy.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminialayi Fubara without delay.

In a statement issued on February 28, 2025, Ohanaeze commended the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s verdict, which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.

The group said the ruling is a victory for the suffering people of Rivers State and a decisive stand against executive recklessness.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo heralds this judgment as an end to the unconstitutional actions that have defined Governor Fubara’s administration.

“We call on the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings immediately,” the statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia – National Public Secretary, read.

The group accused Fubara of multiple impeachable offences, including demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, thereby obstructing 27 lawmakers from performing their duties.

The group also accused the governor of attempting to govern with only four legislators, a move that undermines democracy and hiding behind presidential immunity to engage in unconstitutional actions that cripple governance.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim and a five-member panel led by Justice Musa Uwani Aba-Aji, declared Fubara’s actions illegal and ordered the immediate reinstatement of the 27 affected lawmakers.

Ohanaeze urged the Rivers State Assembly to take swift action, establish a disciplinary committee led by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, and restore democratic order.

“The time for decisive action is now. The integrity of our democracy depends on it,” the statement concluded.

LegendHero:
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We heard the true value of the naira is $1 = N1k.

CBN you can do this before the end of the year. But I love the stability, because that will help business forecast well and help the economy.

shortIGBOman:
What is there to celebrate? It was over 40b dollars during Buhari. Tinubu and his incompetent team depilated it to about 30b.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves surpassed the $40 billion mark for the first time in three years, marking a significant milestone in economic recovery efforts.

Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso attributed the rise to key reforms.

He spoke during a meeting with the Assistant Governor for Monetary Affairs at the Saudi Arabian Central Bank (SAMA), Talal Al-Humond, on the sidelines of the inaugural Conference on Emerging Market Economies in Riyadh.

A statement by CBN said the reserves were at their highest in nearly three years.

The reforms include the adoption of an electronic matching system to enhance transparency in the foreign exchange market and the introduction of a foreign exchange code of ethics.

The code, which all Nigerian banks have signed onto, ensures strict adherence to market rules, fostering confidence among investors and market participants.

At the conference organised by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Office, Cardoso advocated for stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the Middle East.

He noted that Nigeria could learn valuable lessons from Saudi Arabia’s approach to infrastructural development, economic diversification, and tourism investment.

As part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s economic position, the CBN governor reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Nigerian diaspora community in the Middle East.

He stressed that increased remittance flows from Nigerians abroad would play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s financial sector.
Cardoso said:

“The CBN will continue implementing policies that enhance macroeconomic stability, promote private sector growth, and create high-quality jobs.”

During a panel discussion moderated by Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, Cardoso addressed critical reforms in Nigeria’s financial markets.

He highlighted that Nigeria had previously experienced a significant gap—sometimes as wide as 60 per cent—between the official and parallel market exchange rates.

However, he noted that due to consistent policy direction, improved market confidence, and greater transparency in forex trading, the exchange rate gap has now narrowed to approximately 4-5 per cent.

Cardoso acknowledged that Nigeria faced severe economic challenges, including capital flight, multiple exchange rate regimes, currency depreciation, high inflation, and a backlog of foreign exchange transactions.

These issues eroded investor confidence and created instability in the financial markets.
Upon assuming office, Cardoso prioritised clearing the backlog of outstanding transactions and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to economic stability.

To curb inflation and ensure macroeconomic discipline, the CBN adopted a tight monetary policy stance, raising interest rates by 850 basis points over the past year.

The bank also moved away from quasi-fiscal interventions, which had previously distorted the economy, and instead embraced a more orthodox monetary policy framework.

He said petrol subsidy, along with inefficiencies in the forex market, had cost the country approximately six per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.

To strengthen Nigeria’s financial system, the CBN mandated that banks increase their capital base to build resilience against future economic shocks.

Cardoso said the recapitalisation effort has yielded positive results, ensuring that the banking sector remains robust and capable of supporting the country’s economic growth.

Addressing Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate, which currently stands at 74 per cent, Cardoso stressed the need for aggressive expansion to ensure that economic growth benefits all Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities.

The CBN governor pointed to digitalisation as a crucial tool for financial inclusion, noting that expanding mobile money services and leveraging technology—especially for gender-focused initiatives—could significantly close the financial access gap.

According to him, Nigeria’s monetary policy decisions have been tailored to its unique economic conditions rather than global trends.
He pointed out that while some international financial experts were initially sceptical of Nigeria’s tightening stance, the country’s approach has since been validated, with many analysts now acknowledging its effectiveness.

Al-Humond assured Cardoso that the Saudi Arabian Central Bank was open to collaboration with the CBN to achieve mutually beneficial economic objectives

He urges the permanent closure of these markets and their replacement with the Coordinated Drug Distribution Network, as recommended by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and adopted by the government.

“Three weeks ago, we went to the plumbing session at the Onitsha head bridge, they almost killed our staff and the police. They overwhelmed us, but we got intelligence reports that many of these drugs are being kept in sections that are not for drugs.

MadamExcellency:
The culprits should be arrested, tried and jailed while the innocent traders should be rewarded for honesty instead of being punished.

The four traders (applicants) are Peter Okala, Alhaji Yunusa Tanko, Prof. Samuel Anidike and C.C. Emereonwu, who are also members of the United Nigeria Group.

Before heading to the court, the group had called a press conference over “the sudden invasion and sealing of the market without prior notice” by NAFDAC, describing the action as barbaric and a denial of fundamental rights of the citizenry.

Former Niger Delta militant and Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has warned ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against looking to the South-South for political backing ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

El-Rufai has been vocal in his criticisms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, alleging political marginalization.

However, Akpodoro insists that the South-South remains unmoved by his grievances.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, February 24, 2025, Akpodoro dismissed El-Rufai’s push for a North-South-South alliance to challenge Tinubu in the next election.

“If El-Rufai thinks he holds significant influence in the North, let alone the South-South, he is mistaken. We once made the error of opposing one of our own, President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2015—we will not repeat that mistake,” Akpodoro stated.

He also criticized El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, accusing him of leaving behind hardship and unrest in Kaduna State.

“The people of Southern Kaduna are relieved after his departure. Many in his state appreciate President Tinubu’s leadership style, which has taken a different approach,” he added.

Akpodoro further noted that northerners are now more politically aware and recognize that El-Rufai and his allies prioritize personal ambitions over national interest.

He urged the former governor to abandon any hopes of securing South-South support.

“El-Rufai should look elsewhere for alliances. During his time at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, he showed no concern for this region, and now he wants to use it for political advantage. We stand firmly with President Tinubu,” Akpodoro concluded.

MasterJayJay:
Delusional!! If I give you the option to take 100 naira or 100 US dollars, which one will you take?

After God na Tinubu? That means Tinubu is greater than prophet Muhammad.

SerpentAWOLOWO:
The government needs to create more psychiatric hospitals in Yoruba land

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced on Saturday that it has successfully shut down more than 11,000 drug shops nationwide and confiscated counterfeit drugs valued in the trillions.

In this significant operation, NAFDAC specifically shut down the shops in Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota drug markets even as it has arrested 40 people linked to the sale of unregistered and dangerous drugs.

The exercise underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceuticals.

Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the Director-General, disclosed these while conducting journalists around its warehouse in Apapa, Lagos.

Adeyeye said that the agency has also evacuated over 77 truckloads of illicit and counterfeit drugs- 27 from Idumota, Onitsha 30 and over 20 from Aba.

The NAFDAC boss also revealed that a total of 3,027 shops were closed in Idumota, 4,000 shops shut in Onitsha with the operation still only 20 percent complete, and another 4,000 in Osisioma in Aba.

Adeyeye said the agency had evacuated Aba over 20 truckloads, Onitsha with 30, and Idumota with 27 truckloads.

Stating that the discoveries were mind-blowing, she said, “We found vaccines that are not supposed to be stored outside the refrigerator. We found controlled substances and condoms that are supposed to have been destroyed since 2022. We found products donated by USAID.

We found Antiretrovirals for free use. We found Tramadol, an analgin that has been banned in Nigeria before my time. We found loads of analgin, not just one box, two boxes like container loads, how did it get into the country or market?

We have found machines that they are using to change the dates of drugs that are supposed to have expired in 2022 or 2023. They will change it to 2028 and people will take and keep not getting well.”

She said the evacuated drugs are running into trillions.

The DG explained that the operation, which has already spanned over three weeks, was made possible with support from the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Adeyeye further addressed concerns from traders who claimed the agency was disrupting their businesses.

“We are not disturbing trade. We are protecting lives,” she emphasised. “We are trying to safeguard the future of our young people from becoming victims of harmful drugs.”

“We are trying to make sure that patients survive from bad medicine We are trying to make sure that if you have hypertension you will get your hypertension relieved because you are taking good medicine.”

She regretted that NAFDAC’s findings during the operation have been alarming.

“In addition to expired medications, the agency discovered drugs stored in unsanitary conditions, including toilets and poorly ventilated warehouses without windows.

Among the seized drugs were Tramadol 225mg, a potent opioid capable of causing severe neurological damage, and Tapfradol, a dangerous combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol, which has been banned in India.

Adeyeye disclosed that many of the drugs seized were smuggled into the country and are not registered in NAFDAC’s database.

“We are seeing drugs stored in conditions that make them even more harmful. These include products requiring refrigeration, like vaccines, being kept at room temperature,” she explained.

The agency also uncovered falsified products, including machines used to change expiration dates on drugs. Expired medicines, such as those meant to expire in 2022, were altered to appear valid until 2028.

Bemoaning the shortage of staff, she said the scale of the operation has required the collaboration of over 1,000 security personnel including 400 officers in Onitsha, 350 in Aba, and 250 in Idumota.

NAFDAC worked closely with the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to tackle the crisis.

Adeyeye acknowledged the resource constraints faced by the agency, citing a lack of sufficient staff and funding.

“Our staff are doing the work of five people because we don’t have enough personnel.”

She urged the federal government to provide more support to NAFDAC.

Addressing Nigerians, Adeyeye advised caution when purchasing medications.

“If you bought medicine from a street corner, throw it away. Only buy from a reputable pharmacy store,” she urged, emphasising the critical role of parents in monitoring their children’s activities to prevent drug abuse.

She also called on the federal government to tighten border security to prevent the smuggling of counterfeit drugs.

“The porous borders are making our job more difficult. We need more manpower at the borders to stop these harmful products from entering the country.

NAFDAC is far from finished with its mission. The agency plans to expand its operations to other states, working closely with sister agencies to ensure compliance with regulations.

“This is just the beginning. We will not stop until the menace of substandard and falsified drugs is eradicated from Nigeria,” Adeyeye vowed.

Gandollar:
Is that lipstick on the lips of Awo? 🙄

FuckFuckPastor:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/01/awolowo-coup-of-january-1966/

Mrexcell:
This is really very deep and well detailed so many untold stories about nigeria the young generation of nigerians don't even know anything about.

XerXers:
You be mumu. Abacha coup was planned by Abiola if you don't know. The plan was to make Abiola president but Abacha went rogue.

Gandollar:
Some where asking how Awo who was in prison could have been a beneficiary of the so called Igbo coup?

Nnaa see question o.

Reinvented:
When will this hit front page, when it is not a theatrics from Reno Omokri?

RZArecta:
Change which narrative ? Admit the fact that you know nothing so you'll have a chance to learn the truth

Putindbutt:
They hiding drugs inside pipes and their spokesman Peter Obi says FG shouldn't shut down the entire market. Sometimes, these crackheads think they are wiser than the Authorities. There's no single innocent soul in the entire market, from the food section to building materials, etc. They are all in it together but keeping quiet and feigning ignorance, even Peter Obi can't be trusted, since always coming out to plead on behalf of drug terrorists. FG should shut down the entire market for a year.

Odin13:
To read the had you
Which first few pages

You do. See the book

This one wan they claim

Next!

Tears must roll
Wailing never even start

It turned out that the wives of Igbo officers, quite insensitively, had been taunting the wives of northern officers about what had occurred to officers of northern extraction.