Olukoyede Has Disgraced President Tinubu's Government, He Should Resign - Campaign For Democracy----The Campaign for Democracy has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, of his job, saying he has demonstrated lack of capacity to hold such office.

CD, a frontline Civil Society Organization in Nigeria, said it was unimaginable that the former governor, who the same EFCC had placed on watchlist, who the Commission enlisted security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol to help fish out, walked into the EFCC premises, waited for about three hours and no arrest or interrogation happened.

"Instead, they told him to go, that they would get back to him only to issue a laughable statement that he was still a wanted man," the President, Campaign for Democracy, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, said in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, EFCC's excuse that they couldn't arrest him because a sitting governor accompanied him to their office is the main reason Olukoyede should be asked to go.

"Many people had castigated this man for long even though many others believed the case was mainly that of persecution. In all of this, CD did not dabble into the matter. Now that the matter has taken a dramatic turn, one that touches on democratic principles and affects the country's image, it is pertinent for well meaning Nigerians to lend their voice.

"Associates of the former governor had been raising the alarm that his life is at risk. With the events of yesterday (Wednesday 18th September, 2024), any right thinking person would conclude that his life must be truly at risk.

"You said you couldn't arrest him or interrogate him in your office because his governor was there, yet you went, at night, to the official residence of the same governor in Abuja to start firing gunshots as if Nigeria is a lawless society. This is unacceptable," he stated.

The Campaign for Democracy said, in saner climes, the EFCC boss would have been fired the next morning.

"The man, Yahaya Bello, has fulfilled all righteousness. With the turn of events that culminated in a show of shame last night, it appears the EFCC has an ulterior motive definitely different from the fight against corruption," the CSO submitted.

Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello today, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.

The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.

The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.

It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.

He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.

It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.


Ohiare Michael,
Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office
18-09-2024

By:Olakunle Adelaja



Before he was appointed the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga had already proven he would be a liability to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. As one of the spokespersons of his presidential campaign, Onanuga was unhinged. He had no restrain, and lacked the speech finesse of an image maker that his assignment demanded.

Onanuga effectively alienated Nigerians who did not support Tinubu during the electioneering campaign with his pugnacious and hateful statements, many thought were unbefitting of a man in his position. And because of that, supporters of President Tinubu secretly wished he would not appoint Onanuga as his presidential spokesman.

This was why the appointment of Ajuri Ngelale as the special adviser to the president on media was welcomed by many Nigerians, including Tinubu supporters. Ngelale did not have the type of moral and political baggage that Onanuga carried on his head. He looks more sober and more circumspect than the combative Onanuga.

President Tinubu also appeared to have been aware of Onanuga’s shortcoming when he eventually gave him appointment as the special adviser on Information and strategy, which many believed was an afterthought. The statement announcing his appointment gave his job description “as part of efforts to prioritise effective and efficient working synergy between the Presidency and Federal Ministries.”



In essence, he was appointed a presidential liaison officer that should be shuttling between the presidency and MDAs, and away from the media. But Onanuga likes the limelight and he found a way to insert himself into the presidential media structure. He issues statements once in a while, much to the consternation of Ngelale who understandably loathed him. He deliberately set himself in competition with Ngelale and did everything to undermine the man who eventually had to quit last week.



After scheming Ngelale’s exit from the villa, Onanuga has now found the latitude to run riot again like a dog that broke from a leash. He is now breathing fresh air in the villa now that the man who held him in check had left.

On Tuesday he issued one of his incendiary statements that must have caused even ardent supporters of the administration to shake their heads in obvious discomfort. The statement, entitled “Nigeria, a country governed by law, categorically denies any human rights abuse,” was simply meant to correct any wrong impression the Trade Union Congress of the United Kingdom may have had about the Tinubu administration due to the arrest of NLC president, Joe Ajaero, by the DSS last Monday.

But in his characteristic manner, he went beyond his brief to attack the NLC and the TUC for opposing government policies. But he found no particular policy to mention except labour’s opposition to the sale of Nigeria’s refineries to Aliko Dangote in 2007!

Onanuga wrote: “Seventeen years after the labour movement forced the successor government of Umar Yar' Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four government-owned refineries worked. In the obverse, Mr. Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world. In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos.”



What was the need to bring up the opposition to the sale of NNPC refineries to Dangote in a statement meant to set the records straight on Tinubu administration’s human rights record? Or was he trying to vindicate Dangote?



Well, everyone knows his paper, PM News, has supported Dangote in his battle with the NNPCL over supply of crude to his refinery and over pricing of his products, especially petrol. It’s even believed that he’s among the media owners on the payroll of Dangote in his battle with the Tinubu administration.

Tinubu is the minister of petroleum resources and it is surprising that a man who claims to work as information and strategy adviser to the president acts without any strategic thinking! Dangote has single-handedly embarrassed the Tinubu administration by spewing half-truths and obvious lies against Nigeria’s oil and gas sector operations to gain undue public empathy.



In July, when Dangote appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (downstream and midstream), he lied to make a case for the products of his refinery. It was his response to regulatory authorities who had questioned the quality of products coming from his refinery located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone.



He had said, “Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people and some traders have opened blending plants somewhere off Malta. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing, “adding that the NNPCL had been importing substandard fuel.



Of course, the claim rattled the Tinubu administration since the president is also the petroleum minister, and the smooth operation of the sector rests squarely on his shoulders. He is also responsible for what the NNPCL does and doesn’t do.

But it was the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, who appeared to understand Dangote’s game, that broke the ice for the administration. Kyari challenged Dangote to publicly declare the names of NNPC personnel who operate a blending plant in Malta.

Kyari, in a post on X, asked Dangote “To clarify the allegations regarding blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini Agric venture. Neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world...”



Kyari also made it clear that a blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions. He challenged Dangote to declare in public and report to relevant security agencies if he knew anyone in NNPCL who was involved in what he alleged.

Of course, Dangote never did any of that. He simply moved on from one blackmail to the other. But it was President Tinubu that was wounded more by Dangote’s false narratives, which suggested that the president had personal stakes in refineries outside the country because his nephew, Wale Tinubu, operates in the oil and gas industry. It was an angle to which the opposition latched on to further undermine the Tinubu administration.

This is the man that Onanuga has elevated in a presidential statement! How strategic was that?

On August 22, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, latched on to Dangote’s lies to accuse Tinubu of integrating his business interests into Nigeria’s interests. A statement released by Atiku alleged that “Just as Alpha Beta, Primero, and others act as Tinubu’s proxies in Lagos, managing critical sectors and generating revenue for him and his family, he has begun to replicate this at the federal level.”

Attacking the NLC and the TUC for opposing privatisation of the refineries is also tactless, considering the role Tinubu played while in the opposition. Tinubu was one of the opposition leaders who kicked against privatising the refineries at the time. So, Onanuga was effectively condemning the role his principal played at the time which is what NLC and others are now doing.

This lack of strategic thinking had sunk Onanuga in his first public assignment as the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in 2016 under ex-president Muhammadu Buhari. But his appointment was not renewed in 2019 following dispute between him and staff of the organisation over his management style. No one heard anything about him again until 2023 when was appointed one of the spokespersons for Tinubu campaign.

But if anyone thought Onanuga would have become more cultivated and refined, that expectation has been dashed with the way he has carried on his assignment so far. There’s every reason to believe that Onanuga has become a burden that Tinubu is unwilling to shed because of past friendship. But the president would have to quickly make a decision on a suitable role for Onanuga in his administration.

It’s obvious he’s not cut for the current job that has been given to him. He is a poor researcher and had goofed several times in the past on data and facts. He regularly deleted his tweets after realising he made careless errors. Like when he claimed that Tinubu secured an $600 million investment commitment from Maersk, a global shipping firm during the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia in April. He later deleted the post after it generated controversy.

As a supporter of President Tinubu, I hope he doesn’t allow him to replace Ngelale as his spokesman. That would be a disaster. Onanuga should be tucked away from public view because he’s a public irritant. Tinubu needs people who can promote his administration, not those who would undermine it.

The president will not lose anything if Onanuga if fired today. Enough of his garbage.

As the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari is a trailblazing executive renowned for his unwavering commitment to excellence. His impressive track record at NNPCL is a testament to his strategic prowess, transparency, and accountability. Despite facing numerous challenges, Kyari has successfully transformed NNPCL into a profitable and world-class organization, revolutionizing Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

With a distinguished background in crude oil marketing, Kyari's expertise has been instrumental in driving NNPCL's success. Notably, in 2015, as Group General Manager of the Crude Oil Marketing Division, he skillfully managed federation entitlements, ensured national energy security, and optimized the Direct Sale of crude oil and Direct Purchase of petroleum products (DSDP) arrangement. Kyari's remarkable leadership and achievements have significantly contributed to Nigeria's economic growth and development.

Mele Kyari's Leadership Excellence in the Oil and Gas Industry

As a prominent global player in the oil and gas sector, Mele Kyari's role as Nigeria's National Representative to OPEC since 2018 underscores his exceptional leadership and managerial expertise. Upon his appointment as Group Managing Director of NNPC in 2019, he was widely regarded as a model servant leader, inspiring and empowering others to deliver outstanding results.

Kyari has been a driving force behind transparency and accountability, championing the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and spearheading the transformation of NNPC into NNPC Limited. His achievements include introducing cost discipline, rehabilitating refineries, and promoting domestic gas utilization. Notably, under his leadership, NNPC has commenced novel LNG shipments to Japan and China, leveraging Nigeria's abundant gas resources for national progress.

The ongoing implementation of CNG as a cleaner alternative fuel to PMS is a testament to Kyari's vision for a sustainable energy future. His leadership has set unprecedented precedents in the public service sector, cementing his reputation as a trailblazing executive in the oil and gas industry.

NNPC's Historic Profitability Under Kyari's Leadership

Under Mele Kyari's leadership, NNPC has achieved unprecedented financial success, declaring its first profit in 44 years in 2020 and sustaining profitability in subsequent years. The company has also excelled in transparency, consistently publishing audited financial statements.

The recently released 2023 audited financial statement showcases NNPC's remarkable growth, with a net profit of N3.3 trillion, a N749 billion increase from the previous year. This follows a steady upward trend, from a loss of N803 billion in 2018 to profits of N287 billion in 2020 and N674.1 billion in 2021.

NNPC's revenue surged to N24 trillion in 2023, up from N8.81 trillion in 2022, with the company declaring a dividend of N2.1 trillion to shareholders. This exceptional fiscal performance is a testament to Kyari's strategic foresight and operational resilience.

Key factors contributing to this success include the Petroleum Industry Bill, which enhanced government revenue from Production Sharing Contract Arrangements and resolved disputes with International Oil Companies. Kyari's exemplary leadership has had a profound impact on NNPC's performance and reputation, cementing his legacy as a transformative leader in the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Kyari's Commitment to Excellence Drives NNPCL's Strategic Partnerships

Mele Kyari's dedication to transparency, accountability, and performance excellence is further demonstrated by NNPCL's plans to partner with reputable Operations and Maintenance companies to revamp the Warri and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Companies. This strategic move acknowledges the limitations of previous management under civil servants and seeks to inject expertise and efficiency into the refineries.

As a distinguished Fellow of various prestigious Institutes, including the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (FNAPE) and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), Kyari has consistently showcased his competence and credibility. Under his leadership, Nigeria's oil and gas future looks brighter than ever.

We urge all Nigerians to rally behind Kyari, offering support and encouragement as he builds on these remarkable achievements and propels NNPCL to even greater heights. With his vision and expertise, the country's oil and gas sector is poised for unprecedented growth and success.



Opinion: Adebayo Afolabi

Adebayo Afolabi is a public commentator and writes from LagosMele Kyari: A Trailblazer At NNPCL And His Audacious Milestones

As the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari is a trailblazing executive renowned for his unwavering commitment to excellence. His impressive track record at NNPCL is a testament to his strategic prowess, transparency, and accountability. Despite facing numerous challenges, Kyari has successfully transformed NNPCL into a profitable and world-class organization, revolutionizing Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

With a distinguished background in crude oil marketing, Kyari's expertise has been instrumental in driving NNPCL's success. Notably, in 2015, as Group General Manager of the Crude Oil Marketing Division, he skillfully managed federation entitlements, ensured national energy security, and optimized the Direct Sale of crude oil and Direct Purchase of petroleum products (DSDP) arrangement. Kyari's remarkable leadership and achievements have significantly contributed to Nigeria's economic growth and development.

Mele Kyari's Leadership Excellence in the Oil and Gas Industry

As a prominent global player in the oil and gas sector, Mele Kyari's role as Nigeria's National Representative to OPEC since 2018 underscores his exceptional leadership and managerial expertise. Upon his appointment as Group Managing Director of NNPC in 2019, he was widely regarded as a model servant leader, inspiring and empowering others to deliver outstanding results.

Kyari has been a driving force behind transparency and accountability, championing the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and spearheading the transformation of NNPC into NNPC Limited. His achievements include introducing cost discipline, rehabilitating refineries, and promoting domestic gas utilization. Notably, under his leadership, NNPC has commenced novel LNG shipments to Japan and China, leveraging Nigeria's abundant gas resources for national progress.

The ongoing implementation of CNG as a cleaner alternative fuel to PMS is a testament to Kyari's vision for a sustainable energy future. His leadership has set unprecedented precedents in the public service sector, cementing his reputation as a trailblazing executive in the oil and gas industry.

NNPC's Historic Profitability Under Kyari's Leadership

Under Mele Kyari's leadership, NNPC has achieved unprecedented financial success, declaring its first profit in 44 years in 2020 and sustaining profitability in subsequent years. The company has also excelled in transparency, consistently publishing audited financial statements.

The recently released 2023 audited financial statement showcases NNPC's remarkable growth, with a net profit of N3.3 trillion, a N749 billion increase from the previous year. This follows a steady upward trend, from a loss of N803 billion in 2018 to profits of N287 billion in 2020 and N674.1 billion in 2021.

NNPC's revenue surged to N24 trillion in 2023, up from N8.81 trillion in 2022, with the company declaring a dividend of N2.1 trillion to shareholders. This exceptional fiscal performance is a testament to Kyari's strategic foresight and operational resilience.

Key factors contributing to this success include the Petroleum Industry Bill, which enhanced government revenue from Production Sharing Contract Arrangements and resolved disputes with International Oil Companies. Kyari's exemplary leadership has had a profound impact on NNPC's performance and reputation, cementing his legacy as a transformative leader in the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Kyari's Commitment to Excellence Drives NNPCL's Strategic Partnerships

Mele Kyari's dedication to transparency, accountability, and performance excellence is further demonstrated by NNPCL's plans to partner with reputable Operations and Maintenance companies to revamp the Warri and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Companies. This strategic move acknowledges the limitations of previous management under civil servants and seeks to inject expertise and efficiency into the refineries.

As a distinguished Fellow of various prestigious Institutes, including the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (FNAPE) and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), Kyari has consistently showcased his competence and credibility. Under his leadership, Nigeria's oil and gas future looks brighter than ever.

We urge all Nigerians to rally behind Kyari, offering support and encouragement as he builds on these remarkable achievements and propels NNPCL to even greater heights. With his vision and expertise, the country's oil and gas sector is poised for unprecedented growth and success.



Opinion: Adebayo Afolabi

Adebayo Afolabi is a public commentator and writes from Lagos

Singer DammyKrane has been released after VeryDarkMan’s appeal to Singer Davido.




The Genius Media Nigeria reports this was made known in a viral video posted by VeryDarkMan.




Speaking after the release, he said:

“David is my brother, and we will...https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2024/08/29/breaking-dammykrane-released-after-verydarkmans-appeal-to-davido-video/

Ukpe Philip





The strategies adopted by Nigeria's wealthiest and most profitable company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) to ramp up crude oil production has again proven to be effective after a surprise 3.19 per cent growth in Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which defied expert projections.


The GDP figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas (oil sector) was the fifth largest contributor to the GDP in the second quarter of 2024, accounting for 5.70 per cent of total GDP which was measured at 3.19 per cent.


The oil sector is a crucial part of the Nigerian economy and it is evident that the economy driven by growth in the oil sector and service industry is returning to the good old days when Nigeria's GDP grew sustainably.


Since 2020, when Nigeria's economy has slipped into recession, the oil sector has been struggling with negative growths of -8.89 per cent in 2020, -8.30 per cent in 2021 and -19.22 per cent in 2022.


But the rate of decline decelerated drastically in 2023 to -2.22 per cent in 2023 full year which signalled great relief for the economy and the country is expected to experience a full year growth in the oil sector for the first time since 2019 when the sector recorded 4.59 per cent growth.


Growth in the oil sector has a huge implication for the Nigerian GDP because the economy is an oil economy. A clear instance is that in 2020, when the sector fell -8.89 per cent, GDP also fell -1.79 per cent.


The game has changed in 2024 as efforts by the NNPC led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, to increase oil production is translating to growth in the sector and, by extension an improved GDP performance.


In the second quarter of this year, NBS measured average oil production at 1.4 million barrels per day compared to 1.22mbpd production in the corresponding period of 2023.


According to the NBS, the real growth of the oil sector in Q2 2024 was 10.15 per cent annualised, indicating an increase of 23.58 per cent points relative to the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023 where negative growth of -13.43 per cent was recorded.


This drove the sector to contribute 5.70 per cent to the total real GDP in the second quarter of 2024 which is a rise from the figure recorded in the corresponding period of 2023 when the sector accounted for 5.34 per cent of GDP.


The NBS emphatically said, "The nation in the second quarter of 2024 recorded an average daily oil production of 1.41 million barrels per day higher than the daily average production of 1.22 mbpd recorded in the same quarter of 2023 by 0.19 mbpd."


The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 empowers the NNPC to ensure energy security for Nigeria through increased crude oil output among others, and this has huge implications for the economy.


Nigeria's journey towards energy security faced great obstacles when crude oil output plummeted to 900,000 barrels per day in late 2022 due to theft, pipeline vandalism, and inadequate metering.


Consequently, the oil sector equally witnessed -19.22 percent negative growth in 2022 while the GDP growth fell to 3.10 percent compared to 3.40 percent in 2021. This showed a direct correlation between the performance of the oil sector and the GDP.


To rescue the economy which is largely dependent on oil, Kyari-led NNPC embarked on a massive campaign that united the security agencies, the NNPCL, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and host communities to fight oil theft in the oil-rich Niger Delta.


The NNPC Ltd also awarded a pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services, which has led to the arrest of several vessels stealing Nigerian crude.


In July 2023, Tantita Security Services working in collaboration with NNPC discovered over 60 illegal connections to the trans-Escravos, trans-Forcados, and other major trunk lines by oil bunkDeltaBayelsa states.


In January 2024, the fight led to the interception of MT Kali, an illegal crude oil vessel loaded with thousands of metric tonnes of crude oil. About 20 crew members, including community collaborators, were arrested.


Another success was achieved in June 2024 as the NNPC uncovered an additional 165 illegal refineries in various locations across the Niger Delta, while 65 illegal connections were discovered and disconnected in Bayelsa and Rivers States.


In May, NNPC uncovered 122 illegal refineries at Tomble II, III, IV, Umuajuloke, Rivers State as well as Oporomor III, Eduwini, and Ajatiton in Bayelsa State, all in the Niger Delta region.


Aside from investments in oil, the NNPC has also shown commitment by investing in critical midstream gas infrastructure such as the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipelines to boost domestic gas production and supply for power generation, industrial development and economic prosperity of the country.


Without a doubt, NNPC's effort is helping the Nigerian government shake up the economic pressure on the government and different sectors of the economy.


As of May 2024, crude oil production rose to 1.7mbpd, according to Kyari who linked the rise in oil output to the firm's fight against crude oil theft and vandalism as well as massive investment in the sector.


Financial analysts at United Capital Research said that due to improved crude production, net exports are expected to be the primary growth drivers, with rising oil export volumes due to improved security in the Niger Delta.


“We align with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projection that Nigeria's real GDP will increase modestly to 3.1 percent in 2024. In the oil sector, the Nigerian economy is set to benefit from favorable developments, offering positive momentum in 2024,” the firm said in a recent report.
Ukpe writes from Abuja

Camillus Eboh is one of the most experienced Nigerian journalists still practicing after over two decades since he began at The Guardian newspaper of Nigeria which is the indisputable flagship of newspapering in Nigeria. This gentleman now works for a foreign news agency known as Reuters.

Last May, Camilus Eboh did a report on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited whereby he disclosed that Nigeria spent more than 11.35 trillion naira ($25 billion) on fixing the country's three moribund refineries in the past 10 years, the Ninth session of the National parliament said in a report, calling for a forensic audit of the matter.

Despite the huge amounts spent to rehabilitate the refineries, Reuters reported that they were producing at less than 30% capacity, the lower house of parliament said late on Tuesday. This has kept the country reliant on fuel imports, which it subsidies to keep prices low.

The report came as state oil firm NNPC Ltd on Wednesday hiked petrol prices to as high as 557 naira ($1.21) per litre, from 189 naira, days after new President Bola Tinubu said fuel subsidies would be scrapped.

Tinubu has inherited a myriad of problems, including low economic growth, high public debts, double-digit inflation and militant activity.

The lawmakers in the immediate past dispensation transmitted their recommendation to new members and government.

The foreign news agency further observed that NNPC has been working to revamp the refineries, which were shut down entirely in 2021 and produced little or no fuel over the past decade. The management of the NNPCL said it has begun far reaching reforms to make the company a successful and profitable business rather than the persistent bad name it had garnered in the past before its transformation to the present entity known as the NNPCL.

Empirical evidence seem to show that the management has indeed begun the moves to achieve the stated objective of turning the NNPCL around into a transparently governed entity and a profitable company at that.

The recent release of the 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which declared a net profit of N3.3 trillion, is not just a financial milestone—it is a testament to a seismic shift in corporate governance, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria's petroleum industry. The transformation from the old Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to NNPCL, under the strategic leadership of Group Managing Director Mele Kyari, marks a new era for the organization. This new era signals a decisive departure from the opaque and inefficient practices that once plagued the former NNPC.

To appreciate the significance of NNPCL's current achievements, reflecting on the dark days of the old NNPC is essential. For decades, the NNPC was synonymous with corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability. Despite its vast resources and strategic importance to Nigeria's economy, the corporation was notorious for its inability to operate transparently. When they were released, financial statements were often incomplete or unreliable, and the public had little to no insight into the corporation's inner workings. This lack of transparency bred corruption, mismanagement, and a loss of public trust.

The NNPC’s operations were shrouded in secrecy, with no clear accountability to the Nigerian people. The absence of credible financial reporting allowed corrupt practices to fester unchecked. Revenue leakages, questionable contracts, and unaccounted oil sales became the norm, leading to massive losses for the Nigerian economy. The corporation posted losses yearly, with no clear strategy for turning the tide. By 2018, the NNPC had recorded a staggering loss of N803 billion, underscoring the depth of its financial crisis.

This culture of opacity extended beyond financial reporting. The NNPC’s dealings were often conducted behind closed doors, with little regard for due process. The corporation’s failure to engage with stakeholders, including the Nigerian public, further eroded its credibility. For many Nigerians, the NNPC became a symbol of the worst excesses of public sector corruption and mismanagement.

The transition from the old NNPC to the NNPCL, facilitated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, has been nothing short of revolutionary. The PIA provided the legal framework for the transformation of the NNPC into a commercially oriented and profit-driven entity, with clear mandates for transparency, accountability, and efficiency. This transition was not merely a change in nomenclature; it represented a fundamental shift in the corporation’s operational philosophy and governance structure.

One of the most significant changes introduced by the PIA was the requirement for NNPCL to publish its audited financial statements annually. This provision has been a game-changer, compelling the corporation to adopt global best practices in financial reporting. For the first time in its history, NNPCL began to operate with the level of transparency expected of a publicly traded company. The regular release of its financial statements has not only enhanced public trust but also provided critical insights into the corporation’s financial health and performance.

The leadership of Mele Kyari, who assumed office as Group Managing Director in 2019, has been instrumental in driving these reforms. Kyari brought a clear vision for transforming NNPCL into a world-class energy company, focused on profitability, efficiency, and accountability. Under his stewardship, NNPCL has implemented far-reaching reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and maximizing revenue. The results have been nothing short of remarkable.

NNPCL’s 2023 financial performance is a testament to the success of these reforms. The corporation posted a net profit of N3.3 trillion, representing a 28% increase over the previous year’s profit of N2.5 trillion. This impressive financial performance marks the highest profit ever recorded by the corporation since its inception 46 years ago. Such a turnaround would have been unthinkable in the days of the old NNPC, where losses were the norm, and profitability seemed out of reach.

The increase in profit is particularly noteworthy given the challenging operational and economic environment in which NNPCL operates. Despite these challenges, the corporation has managed to enhance its productivity, optimize its resources, and deliver value to its shareholders. The declaration of a final dividend of N2.1 trillion, approved by the shareholders, is further evidence of NNPCL’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to its stakeholders.

Central to NNPCL’s success has been the strategic leadership of Mele Kyari and the NNPCL Board, chaired by Chief Pius Akinyelure. The Board’s commitment to good corporate governance, transparency, and accountability has been critical in securing shareholder confidence and driving the corporation’s financial performance. Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL has adopted a proactive approach to governance, with a focus on institutionalizing transparency across all levels of the organization.

This commitment to transparency is evident in the corporation’s approach to financial reporting. NNPCL’s financial statements are now prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), ensuring that they meet global standards of accuracy and completeness. This level of transparency is unprecedented in the history of the corporation and has been instrumental in restoring public trust.

Moreover, NNPCL has taken significant steps to enhance its operational efficiency. The corporation has implemented cost-cutting measures, streamlined its operations, and invested in technology to improve its processes. These efforts have not only reduced operational costs but have also improved the corporation’s overall productivity. The result has been a more agile, responsive, and profitable organization.

While the progress made by NNPCL is commendable, it is essential to recognize that the journey toward sustained transparency and accountability is ongoing. The corporation must remain vigilant against any attempts to revert to the practices of the past that nearly destroyed the NNPC. The dark days of corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement must never be allowed to return.

The history of the old NNPC serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of complacency. The culture of secrecy that once pervaded the corporation created an environment where corruption could thrive. Financial leakages, dubious contracts, and unaccounted revenues were the order of the day, with little to no accountability. This culture not only undermined the corporation’s financial performance but also eroded public trust in its ability to manage Nigeria’s vast petroleum resources effectively.

To avoid repeating these mistakes, NNPCL must continue to strengthen its capacity for transparency and accountability. The corporation must institutionalize the reforms it has implemented, ensuring that they become deeply embedded in its operational culture. This includes maintaining the highest standards of financial reporting, adhering to global best practices, and engaging openly with stakeholders.

One of the key challenges facing NNPCL as it moves forward is ensuring that its commitment to transparency and accountability becomes a permanent feature of its operations, rather than just a temporary shift. To achieve this, NNPCL must continue to invest in its governance structures, processes, and human capital.

The corporation should focus on continuously improving its financial reporting processes to ensure that its statements are accurate, complete, and timely. This will require ongoing investment in technology and training to enhance the capacity of its finance and accounting teams. By maintaining high standards of financial reporting, NNPCL can ensure that its operations remain transparent and accountable.

Good corporate governance is the foundation of transparency and accountability. NNPCL should consistently uphold the principles of good governance, including integrity, fairness, and accountability. This requires the active engagement of the Board and management in setting the corporation's strategic direction, monitoring performance, and ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of the shareholders and the Nigerian people.

Institutionalizing transparency across all levels of the organization is also essential. This involves adopting open and transparent procurement processes, ensuring that contracts are awarded based on merit, and preventing conflicts of interest. By embedding transparency in its operations, NNPCL can reduce the risk of corruption and enhance its reputation as a trustworthy and accountable organization.

The commitment to transparency must also extend beyond internal operations to include active engagement with external stakeholders. This includes regular communication with the public, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders about the corporation’s activities, performance, and plans. By fostering open dialogue, NNPCL can build trust and ensure that its operations align with the expectations of its stakeholders.

Finally, NNPCL must promote a culture of integrity within the organization. This requires a clear commitment from the leadership to uphold ethical standards and hold individuals accountable for their actions. By fostering a culture of integrity, NNPCL can ensure that its employees are committed to doing what is right, even in the face of challenges.

The transformation of NNPC into NNPCL represents a significant achievement for Nigeria’s petroleum industry. However, the journey is far from over. NNPCL must continue to build on its successes, deepen its reforms, and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and efficiency. The corporation’s ability to sustain its profitability, achieve its production targets, and deliver value to its stakeholders will depend on its commitment to these principles.

As NNPCL looks to the future, it must remain focused on its mission of securing Nigeria’s energy future while contributing to the nation’s economic development. The corporation’s ability to achieve these goals will require continued strategic leadership, sound corporate governance, and a relentless commitment to transparency and accountability.

Emmanuel Onwubiko is the Head of HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA and was NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA.

There once lived a farmer who found a venomous viper while walking home after a busy day at his farm. The snake was freezing to death in the cold evening harmattan breeze. The pitiful snake pleaded with the farmer, begging to be let into his warm coat, where it could rest until it had regained its strength.

The farmer thought himself a kind man, so he picked up the innocent looking viper, and wrapped it within his coat to make it warm. The viper, revived by the warmth, bites his rescuer, who dies realizing that it is his own fault.

Suffice I to say that one should never expect a reward or any act of good from the wicked, no matter what you do for them. The farmer knew that there was enmity and natural antipathy between his kind and the snake’s, but he was moved by empathy. He failed to realise that a serpent in the bosom, a mouse in a bag and fire in a barn gave their hosts an ill reward.

This diegesis is an analogy of the man – Benjamin Okezie Kalu, chief manipulator number one deceiver and betrayer of trust.

Recently, Kalu, publicly declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over the governance of Abia state in 2027. This pronouncement is laughable and anyone who knows Kalu would never take a man who betrayed his political godfather, seriously.

Isn’t this the same Kalu who was accused by Ikechi Emenike of sowing seeds of discord among APC party members and using propaganda and blackmails to disunite the party for his own selfish interest, during the 2023 elections?

Who would take a mole like Kalu who was busy hobnobbing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seriously? Of course, he’ll always do what he knows how to do best – betray – just as he did to Ikechi Emenike.

A man who instigated a lot of crisis in the APC and even went on to discourage Ikechi from reconciling with other factions in the party.

Kalu has always been known as a man whose belly is his god. No wonder he accepted the offer to be Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives which is the 6th position in the hierarchy of office and position of power in the nation, against the collective decision of Ndigbo.

Kalu has constantly brought nothing but insults and ridicule to not just Abians, but the entire South-East, by agreeing to play second fiddle to other zones. A dishonest man who is constantly at war with his party men over his selfish interest cannot determine who becomes what in Abia State.

As is typical of a deceiver like Kalu, he crept into Alex Otti, who gave him warmth, only to turn around and betray the people’s governor. You claim to be friends, what kind of friend are you, Benjamin “Brutus” Kalu? It’s quite unfortunate that Otti trusted a scoundrel like Kalu and allowed him within his circle. Kalu’s actions towards his ‘friend’ Otti is as a chill and wily snake that was cherished in the governor’s bosom.

His track record and actions suggest that his trustworthiness is questionable. His sudden confidence in the APC taking over Abia state in 2027 is nothing but a desperate attempt to cling to power. His statements come across as more of a rallying cry for his party than a genuine concern for the people of Abia state.

Kalu’s commendment of Otti’s performance as governor while simultaneously stating that Abia should be governed by the APC reeks of political opportunism. Is he genuinely interested in the welfare of Abia state or just trying to score cheap political points?

If he really cares about the people, then his assertion that the APC will determine who becomes the next governor of Abia state without considering the will of the people is deeply troubling. Does he believe in democracy or is he trying to impose his party’s will on the people?

Can he be trusted to prioritize the interests of the people over his party’s ambitions? Only time will tell, but for now, his trustworthiness remains in question.

Asides recruiting the same crop of kleptocrats who looted Abia’s treasury, into APC, what other achievements does he have?

Kalu’s arrogance and sense of self-importance led him to betray his former boss and mentor, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, demonstrating a callous disregard for loyalty and friendship. His ruthless ambition and desire for power drove him to turn against Orji Uzor stabbing him in the back with calculating precision. Kalu is nothing but a man with no integrity and honour left, trying to get relevant and recognised by the central government.


Like the viper in the farmer’s coat, Kalu’s true nature has been revealed, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in his wake. Abians now knows who the real Benjamin Kalu is, a man whose thirst for power and self-interest has led him down a path of destruction, leaving his reputation in tatters.

Abians must demand integrity, honesty, and transparency from those in power and reject those who would seek to exploit and deceive us. Only then can we build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.


To be continued...

~ Ndimele George

There once lived a farmer who found a venomous viper while walking home after a busy day at his farm. The snake was freezing to death in the cold evening harmattan breeze. The pitiful snake pleaded with the farmer, begging to be let into his warm coat, where it could rest until it had regained its strength.

The farmer thought himself a kind man, so he picked up the innocent looking viper, and wrapped it within his coat to make it warm. The viper, revived by the warmth, bites his rescuer, who dies realizing that it is his own fault.

Suffice I to say that one should never expect a reward or any act of good from the wicked, no matter what you do for them. The farmer knew that there was enmity and natural antipathy between his kind and the snake’s, but he was moved by empathy. He failed to realise that a serpent in the bosom, a mouse in a bag and fire in a barn gave their hosts an ill reward.

This diegesis is an analogy of the man – Benjamin Okezie Kalu, chief manipulator number one deceiver and betrayer of trust.

Recently, Kalu, publicly declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over the governance of Abia state in 2027. This pronouncement is laughable and anyone who knows Kalu would never take a man who betrayed his political godfather, seriously.

Isn’t this the same Kalu who was accused by Ikechi Emenike of sowing seeds of discord among APC party members and using propaganda and blackmails to disunite the party for his own selfish interest, during the 2023 elections?

Who would take a mole like Kalu who was busy hobnobbing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seriously? Of course, he’ll always do what he knows how to do best – betray – just as he did to Ikechi Emenike.

A man who instigated a lot of crisis in the APC and even went on to discourage Ikechi from reconciling with other factions in the party.

Kalu has always been known as a man whose belly is his god. No wonder he accepted the offer to be Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives which is the 6th position in the hierarchy of office and position of power in the nation, against the collective decision of Ndigbo.

Kalu has constantly brought nothing but insults and ridicule to not just Abians, but the entire South-East, by agreeing to play second fiddle to other zones. A dishonest man who is constantly at war with his party men over his selfish interest cannot determine who becomes what in Abia State.

As is typical of a deceiver like Kalu, he crept into Alex Otti, who gave him warmth, only to turn around and betray the people’s governor. You claim to be friends, what kind of friend are you, Benjamin “Brutus” Kalu? It’s quite unfortunate that Otti trusted a scoundrel like Kalu and allowed him within his circle. Kalu’s actions towards his ‘friend’ Otti is as a chill and wily snake that was cherished in the governor’s bosom.

His track record and actions suggest that his trustworthiness is questionable. His sudden confidence in the APC taking over Abia state in 2027 is nothing but a desperate attempt to cling to power. His statements come across as more of a rallying cry for his party than a genuine concern for the people of Abia state.

Kalu’s commendment of Otti’s performance as governor while simultaneously stating that Abia should be governed by the APC reeks of political opportunism. Is he genuinely interested in the welfare of Abia state or just trying to score cheap political points?

If he really cares about the people, then his assertion that the APC will determine who becomes the next governor of Abia state without considering the will of the people is deeply troubling. Does he believe in democracy or is he trying to impose his party’s will on the people?

Can he be trusted to prioritize the interests of the people over his party’s ambitions? Only time will tell, but for now, his trustworthiness remains in question.

Asides recruiting the same crop of kleptocrats who looted Abia’s treasury, into APC, what other achievements does he have?

Kalu’s arrogance and sense of self-importance led him to betray his former boss and mentor, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, demonstrating a callous disregard for loyalty and friendship. His ruthless ambition and desire for power drove him to turn against Orji Uzor stabbing him in the back with calculating precision. Kalu is nothing but a man with no integrity and honour left, trying to get relevant and recognised by the central government.


Like the viper in the farmer’s coat, Kalu’s true nature has been revealed, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in his wake. Abians now knows who the real Benjamin Kalu is, a man whose thirst for power and self-interest has led him down a path of destruction, leaving his reputation in tatters.

Abians must demand integrity, honesty, and transparency from those in power and reject those who would seek to exploit and deceive us. Only then can we build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.


To be continued...

Flashback: How Ikenga Ugochinyere almost fraudulently scuttled APC registration in 2013

By Kumbi Aderibigbe

For many Nigerians watching the unfolding drama around the dissolution of the Special Investigative Committee set to probe the face-off between billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his refinery on one side, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA ) on the other, the involvement of House of Representatives members, Ikenga Ugochinyere, brings back distasteful memory of a time gone by.
Representative Ugochinyere is presently, Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream and Downstream. He was also the chairman of the Special Investigative Committee just disbanded by Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House.
Set up by the House following recrimination and counter recrimination between Dangote and NNPCL and NMDPRA, the Committee was expected to impartially investigate the matter and make its findings known to the House for appropriate action.
At issue were Dangote's allegations that the NNPCL and it's partners, the International Oil Companies (IOCs)operating in Nigeria, were refusing to supply his refinery crude for refining, and that the NNPCL had opened a blending plant in Malta for crude refinement.

He also accused the NMDPRA of indiscriminately issuing import licences to marketers to import petroleum products into the country. Denying the allegation against it, the NMDPRA responded by accusing Dangote Refinery of producing diesel with sulphur content well above internationally specified standard.

These were the issues Ugochinyere and his colleagues in the Committee were expected to address but unfortunately, things took a different turn. Contrary to the expectations of the leadership of the House and millions of Nigerians who had become worried over the likely impact of the clash of key players in the Nigerian oil sector on supply of petroleum products in the country, Ugochinyere saw in the committee, a vehicle for promoting his narrow personal interest. He turned the committee into a one-man show, sidelining other members of the committee and writing press statements and addressing press conferences without their knowledge and involvement. The height of his perfidy was his unilaterally absolving Dangote Refinery of wrongdoing and calling for the sack of Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, and Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, even before the committee had commenced investigation into the matter.
The disbanding of the investigative committee by Speaker Abbas has assuaged the anger of Nigerians even though Ugochinyere’s conduct has left many nonplussed.

Those shocked or surprised by the lawmaker's antics can be forgiven because they know very little about his antecedents. To keen watchers of the Nigerian political scene, his behaviour is consistent with his character.

Eleven years ago, not very many Nigerians knew him or had heard of him but he was suddenly catapulted to national prominence in 2013 when leading opposition political parties seeking an end to the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) hegemony rallied to form a mega party.

They settled for the name, All Progressives Congress with the acronym, APC. As they crossed the t's and dotted the i's of the alliance before seeking formal registration with Nigeria's electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a group with the same acronym (APC) but with the name, All Peoples Congress, immediately submitted a request for registration as a political party. The move by this group pitted them against the larger body of opposition political parties who claimed to have first come up with the APC acronym. They would also later apply to INEC for registration as a political party.

As the disagreement between the two groups raged, INEC after due consideration of the evidence before it, registered the All Progressives Congress as a party while declining to do the same for the All Peoples Congress. In denying the latter registration, INEC said it breached Section 222 (a) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.

INEC's Director, of Public Affairs, Emmanuel Umenger explained that the commission had conveyed it's decision to the group:

“The Commission has written to this political association and had stated in very clear terms that they are in breach of section 222 (a) of the constitution with the additional explanations stated in the letter.

The Commission also observed that the submission made on form PA 1 does not contain the addresses of the national officers of the political association as stipulated and it means this association has the responsibility to prove, because these are the things the commission has observed and the law says if you do not meet any of these requirements you will not be registered as a political party.
“The commission has gone ahead to explain in its letter I have on my table. The letter we have sent today was duly signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Abdulahi Kaugama and it is self explanatory, the letter is dated 21, 2013 which was signed and collected by one Michael Ogani of APC", Umenger said at the time.
The letter as later made avaliable to the public and signed by the INEC’s Secretary, Alhaji Abdulahi Kaugama reads in part:

“Your application for registration as a political party dated 28th February, 2013 refers. The Commission has observed that your association is in breach of Section 222 (a) of the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which stipulates as follows: “No association by whatever name called shall function as a political party unless; the names and addresses of its national officers are registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission;.

A close observation of your submitted form PA 1 established that it does not contain the addresses of your national officers as stipulated in the provisions above. Consequently, the commission shall not register the proposed African Peoples Congress (APC) as a political party.”

The party accused INEC of conspiring with the registered APC to deny it acceptance but the electoral body insisted it acted within the purview of the law. It would emerge later that Ugochinyere was one of the key figures floating the All Peoples Congress as a means of preventing the All Progressives Congress' emergence as a political party at a time Nigerians were seeking a genuine alternative to the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which he belonged.

A young lawyer, Mr. Chinedu Samuel Nwokorie, a 2011 graduate of the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja, blew the lid off Ugochinyere’s caper with his revelation in a newspaper interview that he was hired by Ugochinyere to scuttle the registration bid of the now ruling APC. Nwokorie told Nigerians in that interview:

“Ugochinyere Ikenga approached me sometime in February 2013 to put in an application for the registration of a political party by name African Peoples Congress,” Nwokorie said, expressing regrets and denying that he was a politician of any sort.
“He paid me an initial sum of N30,000 and later added another N50,000 and a Samsung Galaxy phone after I had filed the papers, with a promise that he was going to settle me after the party must have been registered.

“I filed the application in the honest belief that it was just another political party because even the application I entered at INEC only bears the name African Peoples Congress. The acronym APC was not included in the application.
“So there was no way I could have visualize, whether or not there was an ulterior motive in the registration of that political party. I was, however, surprised to see my name all over the newspapers, including the sample of the application letter I wrote to INEC.

“I wish to let Nigerians know that I am not a politician in anyway whatsoever. I regret the issues at hand and the dimension the entire thing is taking.”
The young lawyer who studied law in Cameroun before going to law school in Abuja added that each time he developed cold feet on the issue, Ugochinyere was always on hand to egg him on. He said:

“He keeps telling me not to worry, that I should be a man and that he would handle the matter. He also said that the real owners of the party would soon be revealed to Nigerians.

“Once again, I want to tell Nigerians that I just took a brief as a young lawyer and it ended there. I don’t know the sponsors of the party. The only person I know is Ugochinyere Ikenga, who gave me the brief.
“I got to know Ikenga through a friend. I thought it wise to come out and tell Nigerians the entire story because I keep receiving calls all-day through. My major concern now is my letter head, which is in the custody of INEC.

From the evidence above, it is clear that Ugochinyere has a history of involvement in dubious enterprises and of manipulating people to achieve his aim. After collecting what must be a handsome pay cheque from his sponsors to scuttle the APC'S registration plan, he shamelessly and unconscionably recruited a young and aspiring lawyer and paid him peanuts to put his fledgling career on the line.
For those in doubt of Ugochinyere's status as a hatchet and gun for hire, a March 16, 2013 report in Premium Times, a leading online news platform in Nigeria, lends credence to his ability to take on hatchet jobs. The report titled, "PDP disowns hatchet man, Ikenga; says ACN behind “APC” name crisis for attention", noted:

"Multiple media investigations have exposed Mr. Ikenga, a card-carrying member of the PDP, as the individual behind the formation of African Peoples Congress, APC, a rival controversial group seeking to be registered as a political party under the acronym “APC” already adopted by a merger of four opposition parties.

"The effort is suspected to be aimed at thwarting the new coalition, namely Action Congress of Nigeria, Congress for Progressive Change, All Nigeria Peoples Party and All Progressive Grand Alliance, seeking to form the All Progressives Congress.

"A figure well known to similar underhanded deals at the behest of the ruling party, Mr. Ikenga’s scheme this time, to launch the new party, has struck off intense crisis between the opposition parties and the PDP, accused of backing him.
"In a statement on Saturday, the PDP denied the allegation, a refutation it has repeatedly made. The party said Mr. Ikenga’s past, which saw him also lead a campaign against the current chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, had rendered him an “estranged fellow” who cannot be an agent of the party.

“To the best of our knowledge, no member of the PDP is involved in the formation of any other political organization, neither are we interested in the activities of any other Party,” the party said in a statement signed by spokesperson, Olisa Metuh.

“The alleged involvement of one Ugochinyere Imo Ikenga in the formation of the other APC has no bearing whatsoever on us. From our findings, Mr. Ikenga’s recent activities, including his unsavoury attacks and illicit campaign for the dissolution of the the Bamanga Tukur led National Working Committee makes him an estranged fellow and therefore can never be an agent of the PDP in anyway.”

Eleven years down the line, he has perfected the art of manipulation and honed his predilection for scheming into an art. Men like Ugochinyere are a menace to society and must be stopped. It is good the investigative committee he turned into a cash cow has been disbanded. It is just a start. Speaker Abbas must go a step further to remove him as head of the Committee on Midstream and Downstream for if he doesn't, it will only be a matter of time before he makes his next move.

Kogi guber: SDP, Ajaka under fire over 'mindless blackmail, attacks against Judiciary'

'Court cases are won with evidence, not sentiments, propaganda'


Civil Society Organisations, INEC accredited observers in the November 11, 2023 Kogi governorship election as well as indigenous people of the state have raised concerns over what they described as mindless blackmail and "propaganda taken too far" by the Social Democratic Party and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, aimed at putting undue pressure on the Judiciary.

According to them, the needless attacks on the Judiciary after every judgement, shows crass ignorance on the part of both the SDP and its candidate, "who are not being properly guided by their lawyers for obvious reasons".

The groups specifically noted that the continuous attacks on critical stakeholders, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary without evidence should be seriously condemned by well meaning Nigerians as an attack on Nigeria's democracy and the rule of law, stressing that such attacks should not got without security agencies arresting and investigating people behind it.

At a joint press conference on Monday in Abuja, the Coalition of CSOs, INEC-Accredited Observers in the Nov. 11 Polls, and the Kogi Indigenous People Initiative said it was condemnable that despite an ongoing court process after the election, the SDP had resorted to self-help by deriding and ridiculing the Judiciary in the public space.

They, however, reminded the SDP and its candidate, Ajaka, that court cases are won with facts and evidence, not through propaganda, intimidation and name dropping.

Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society of Nigeria, Ohalete Wisdom Kelechi, said the INEC and the Judiciary were two critical institutions of government that must be protected from the prejudice of political interests.

He said, "We are concerned that some political interests have continued to stoke embers of hate, further heightening the tension in the land.

"It must be clearly stated that those who have continued to abuse, harass, lampoon, insult and event attempt to induce officers of the judiciary do not mean well for our country.

"When the electoral body and the judiciary come under fierce attacks, coordinated propaganda and mindless blackmail, the pillar of democracy hangs in the balance and good governance will take a back seat."

Also speaking on behalf of some of the observers accredited by INEC for the election, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwasegun, commended INEC for conducting what many described as the freest and fairest election since the creation of Kogi State.

He said while the SDP performed well in the Senatorial District of its candidate but poorly in the two other senatorial districts making up the state, its key leaders had continued to pollute the political atmosphere over their failure to secure victory.

Oluwasegun said, "It is important to note that there was an election which was credible in all its ramifications. INEC officials were at their best from what we witnessed and from report by foreign observers.

"The SDP won in local governments where its popularity is organic. It was able to mobilise people to vote for the party. The APC utilised its popularity in the state to mobilise the needed support in all the local governments. It did very well in both the West and Central districts, winning overwhelmingly in the district of its candidate. This resulted in about 190,000 votes difference between it and the closest rival."

"No one is saying political parties cannot go to court to test their luck or seek justice if they think they have a case, but the resort to name calling, character assassination and propaganda against the Judiciary is seriously off the line and must be rebuked. The Judiciary doesn't yield to intimidation. Prove your case with facts and in line with the Electoral Act," he said.

Also in his remarks, the leader of the Indigenous People of Kogi State, Oguche Benjamin PhD, who is also from Kogi East, said some politically exposed persons had caused a wide division between the ethnic and religious divides in the state, which had led to avoidable tension, urging them to exercise caution in their utterances.

Dr. Oguche accused the SDP of promoting ethnic divisions, hate and violence against non SDP members in Kogi East LGA. He said several high profile government officials were hounded by SDP sponsored and known Igala military personnel who were sent home on specific assignments to arrest, beat, illegally detain and torture known APC leaders and stakeholders.

He insisted that the violence, intimidation and attacks meted on APC members, which he witnessed, first hand, were "unimaginably unjustifiable and unacceptable", adding that despite all that, the APC still won the election convincingly.

"The lower tribunal and appeal courts gave the same judgement, in line with what local and international observers saw. Why concocting non-existent figures all in the name of desperation and for propaganda? The law is blind to sentiments or hooliganism. What matters is proving your case in court beyond reasonable doubt and nothing but that," he said.

The Kogi Indigenes therefore advised the SDP candidate to rebrand his politics away from hate peddling and outdated propaganda if he wants to try his luck at the next governorship election in the state.

"This strategy is outdated and cannot sway the learned community, and definitely not the Judiciary," they stated.

Eko Revenue Plus Summit: A “win-win” opportunity for fresh Public-Private Partnerships to Drive N5 Trillion Revenue Growth in Lagos State.

Modo Ante, a pioneer Governance, Public Sector & Political Consultancy, is thrilled to invite sponsors, partners and exhibitors to be part of the Eko Revenue Plus Summit, set to take place on September 25-26, 2024, at the Eko Hotel and Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos.

This high-powered event which will be a convergence of business leaders, industry experts and government officials aims to explore innovative strategies to increase the State's internal generated revenue (IGR) to N5 Trillion by 2027; and to drive sustainable economic growth for the State and prosperity for its inhabitants.

The Eko Revenue Plus Summit is an audacious ambition aimed at unlocking new streams of revenue for the State to fast-track socio-economic development. It is a crucial step towards harnessing the full potential of Lagos State. According to Joko Okupe, CEO of Modo Ante, the Organizers of the Summit, “By leveraging technology and innovation, we can unlock ‘new money’ that will enhance Lagos State’s ability to provide better social amenities and economic opportunities for Lagosians"

Speaking further, he stated that there are several sectors holding untapped potential for revenue growth in Lagos State, but the focus will be strong on how the income streams of existing revenue generation of Government entities can be enhanced and how “new money” can be generated. By new money, he meant revenues that erstwhile do not exist. “Working closely with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation & Revenue and his team, we have identified five core sectors of the State’s economy with the potentials for additional revenue to help generate extra (Plus) IGR of about N2.73 Trillion. These sectors, in order of priority, are Property, Digital Economy, Informal Sector, Energy Sector and Circular Economy, with The Energy Sector as a support pillar for the other four sectors and a catalyst for the general economic development in any environment, for that matter.”
According to him, the Summit will also look into how Government entities that are presently cost centres or generating very little revenues, in these sectors, can be transformed to render value-added services to citizens, such that can make them become revenue earners. The Summit will highlight the strong potential in utilizing technology to enhance public service delivery. These are low hanging fruits that will deliver value to citizens, make their lives easier, and make the Public Sector more efficient.

The Summit intends to enable better understanding of the current Lagos State revenue landscape, identify key challenges and opportunities, provoke an out-of-the-box thinking to inspire Government embrace innovative approaches to creating new revenue opportunities, especially through creation of value-added services that will enhance Government’s productivity and capacity to deliver more services to Lagosians.
He added that Government Agencies can be empowered to create Products and Services that give citizens such great value that they will be willing to exchange them for money, which in turn generates new revenues for Government.
Sustainability is also key, as the initiatives and solutions discussed will focus on long-term, sustainable revenue generation practices that ensure economic stability and growth. By adopting these practices, the State will not only boost its current revenue but also secure its economic future and that of Lagosians.”
He called on the Managers of the commanding heights of the Lagos State economy to rally round this project since it is designed to be a “win-win” for sponsors, partners, Lagosians, businesses, international investors, and others.
“The Eko Revenue Plus Summit also offers a platform for innovators to pitch ideas that are capable of unlocking new revenue streams for the State. By participating in the Summit, sponsors and partners will gain numerous benefits, including: Enhanced visibility through extensive exposure to a diverse audience, including government officials, business leaders, investors, and international media. It also provides strategic networking opportunities to connect with key stakeholders and decision-makers to forge valuable partnerships and explore new business opportunities.
Beyond these, the sponsors and partners will leverage the Summit to enhance their brand positioning as leaders in driving economic transformation and innovation in Lagos State - including the exclusive access to high-profile speakers and panellists. Their participation offers a rare opportunity to connect and collaborate with the Lagos State Government and her Agencies in a deeper alliance to work together to serve Lagosians. It will also boost their Corporate Social Responsibility profiles as it demonstrates their commitment to supporting sustainable development and economic growth in one of Africa's most viable destinations.
One of the core objectives of the summit is to ensure that the innovative revenue generation ideas to be explored, will directly translate into improved lives and livelihood for Lagosians, whilst also enhancing the revenue profile of the State.

Speaking further, he said that, “Increased revenue will also mean more economic opportunities for the citizens and residents of Lagos State. The initiatives from the Summit will support job creation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of small businesses.

2027: Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere rallies opposition forces against Tinubu administration



A member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State, Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere has launched a subtle, sinister plot to undermine the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The plot involves rallying opposition forces in the country against the administration preparatory to the 2027 general elections.

A legislator on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ugochinyere has in recent times focused attention on demarketing the administration by insinuating the critical petroleum sector into alleged opacity and corruption.

President Tinubu is the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Some members in the House of Representatives are concerned at the subtle campaign currently embarked upon by the opposition legislator -Ugochinyere - to target the petroleum sector and portray the APC -led federal administration officials supervising the sector as complicit in the alleged maladministration of the sector.

A source close to the development in the House of Representatives points the finger at Ikenga Ugochinyere’s sinister plot against the administration, and held the view that security agencies should be alert to the legislator’s antics.

The source said: “Ikenga, in collaboration with certain opposition politicians and businessmen, has vowed to sow chaos and anger towards the President and his administration.

“Behind closed doors, he has been hosting clandestine meetings, plotting to spread falsehoods and misinformation to destabilize the government.”

Last Friday, he led five other members to meet with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta where the former leader openly charged the legislators to work towards a reformed Nigeria where the country is transparently and efficiently run.

Ugochinyere had explained that the lawmakers were in Abeokuta to confer with the former President on a wide range of national issues and to also express their solidarity with the former President and equally learn from his fountain of extensive knowledge on development and good governance especially at this challenging times.

He said that Obasanjo saw the future of the country and worked towards it, having been at the helm of affairs as the President between 1999 and 2007 during which he laid foundations for strong reforms that brought progress.

He commended the former President for the various reforms implemented under his administration and blamed past governments for not consolidating them in the interest of Nigerians while hoping that the present administration will find a way to make things work differently.

“If successive governments had consolidated electricity reforms, foreign policies, civil service reforms, and digital reforms, among other things, today, we would not be facing the economic challenge that is fighting us.

“If not for the foundation you laid in 1999, things would have been worse, and at that time you were doing it, most people did not see the future of Nigeria. We can see your effort in transforming telecommunication reform in the country. That you did in the civil service reforms, the establishment of anti-corruption agencies,” he added.

Hon. Ugochinyere also informed Chief Obasanjo that the lawmakers were co-sponsors of bills seeking a single term of six years for Presidents and governors, power rotation between the northern and southern parts of the country, and one day for Presidential, Governorship, National Assembly, and Houses of Assembly elections to eradicate bandwagon effects.

They would later go into a closed-door session where other issues, including the alleged maladministration of the Tinubu presidency, were said to have been discussed.

Back in Abuja, some members of the House of Representatives saw in Ugochinyere’s move a sinister attempt to drag the Tinubu administration through the mud.

He is believed to be reaching out to opposition elements and businessmen who are not happy with the administration to sensitise them to rally against the re-election of the APC under Tinubu’s presidency in 2027.

Meanwhile, in the House, some of his colleagues, as learnt, are alleging that he is deploying blackmail against them, allegedly claiming that he easily manipulates members of his committee to do his bidding and achieve his sinister objectives for a reciprocal gesture as paltry as $2,000.

Prophetic Missteps: Primate Elijah Ayodele's Record Of Unfulfilled Predictions And NNPCL Boss Prophets are highly revered personalities because of their spiritual prowess to foretell what would happen at a particular point in the future. Their divine inspiration, interpretation and revelation of events to come are considered sacred because of the potent propensity for undiluted manifestation. However, when prophesies repeatedly fail the test of divinity to come into reality, such outbursts can be best described as foul cries or 'mercantile prophecy'

Primate Ayodele is a man of controversies often entangled in the webs of failed prophesies. And this dated to a very long time.

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, as a high ranking religious leader, have always shrouded his personality in obscurity. Primate Ayodele and his endless prophetic contradictions have a long history.

In January 2013, the spiritual leader predicted that God showed him that former president Goodluck Jonathan would continue to rule till 2019. But the prophesy never get to see the light of the day.

“The 2015 elections will hold but will be peaceful in some areas and not in other areas. As it is, from what I see at the moment, PDP will win, amidst serious criticism.

“Kaduna is going to be very bloody. PDP may take Kaduna, but it’s going to be by narrow margin. Yobe, Gombe, Benue, Delta, Akwa Ibom, all those states will be won by PDP,” he said.

On the contrary, after the election, Kaduna was calm and not bloody. APC’s candidate, Nasiru el-Rufai, won the governorship election, beating PDP’s Ramalan Yero. Also, the PDP missed clinching Yobe and Benue governorship seats as the primate had predicted. Former President Goodluck Jonathan was evenly defeated that he made a phone call to congratulate President Buhari even before the final results were announced.

Similarly, the self-acclaimed prophet, predicted that the former INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, would let Nigerians down during the 2015 election.

“I predicted that (former Independent National Electoral Commission chairman, Prof Maurice) Iwu will be removed and it came to pass. Let me tell you categorically that (Prof Attahiru) Jega does not have a solution to election rigging in Nigeria. Jega will disappoint Nigerians'

“Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega will be confused during the polls. There will be several gimmicks to cajole the INEC to rig the election. Prayers must be offered so that the commission will not lose some of its staff to accident or attack before and during the election. E-voting will not work. There will be ballot box snatching and stuffing during the election.”

However, the direct opposite happened as Prof. Attahiru Jega performed exceptionally well and conducted one of the most credible elections in the history of the country.

There was a time that Primate Ayodele prophesied that Boko Haram terrorists will bomb South-west.

“I see flames from bombings in several parts of the country, including the South-West and more abduction of school pupils. Efforts should be intensified by security operatives to forestall that. Boko Haram will come up with different strategies to attack the nation,” he said.

Thankfully, the Islamist extremists are yet to penetrate any attack in South-west, Nigeria.

Again, in February 2023, the INRI leader predicted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would emerge as the next president of Nigeria.

In a statement by his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele even warned Atiku against neglecting all God-given policies if he doesn’t want to see the wrath of God.

His words; “Among these three candidates, Atiku has been given an assignment from God to fix the nation within four years. If God gives Atiku victory in this election, he is to use only four years for this special assignment.

“If he wins and refuses to do the will of God for the people, he will see the wrath of God.

“He will not complete his term because God’s anger will be placed on him. His assignment is to form an all-inclusive government, take care of security within six months, restructure before his term ends, reduce petroleum prices, fix the education sector, and revive the economy.”

However, the then presidential flag-bearer of All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu, won the election with over 3 million votes against Atiku Abubakar.

Quite similarly, Primate Ayodele predicted that late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has high chances to win the 2021 Anambra State governorship election.

Speaking on Ubah’s chances in his predictions on the hotly contested election, Primate Ayodele said that “victory is surrounding him.”

However, Ubah was resoundingly defeated by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, then governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Primate Ayodele and his Unending Troubles
Many high ranking Nigerians have severally disputed Primate Ayodele over his controversial prophesies.

In 2021, the presidential spokesman of former President Muhammedu Buhari, Femi Adesina, took a swipe at the man of God over a prophecy that Nigeria would disintegrate by 2040 and that there’s nothing anybody could do about it.

Adesina, in his article titled, ‘Some Prophets See Nothing’, however, advised Mr. Ayodele to abandon his prophecy ministry and focus on preaching the good news.

The former presidential aide got this to say about him: “He does great things in terms of welfare for his flock. He empowers them with cash and materials they can use to set up themselves gainfully. I was impressed with that. But the prophetic aspect?...the Book, that Good Book, tells us how we know a false prophet from a genuine one. The false says something, and it does not come to pass. And he continues to strut and fret his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. His tales are full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

“But for Primate Ayodele, let him focus on touching lives through preaching the gospel, and empowering of many people. It has great gains now and in eternity.”

Similarly, former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, chided the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church over his 2021 Africa Cup of Nations prediction against Nigeria.

Ayodele had predicted that the Super Eagles, will not win the AFCON, which kicks off in Cameroon on January 9, 2022.

In a tweet via his verified Twitter handle, Sani said the Ayodele only predicted that Nigeria would not win, but failed to state who the winners would be.

He said, “My Brother Primate Ayodele prophesied that Super Eagles will not win AFCON but refused to prophesy which country will win.”

In addition, former deputy governors in Abia, Ebonyi, Kano, Sokoto and Taraba States rejected a prophecy released by the Spiritual head of INRI Evangelistic Spiritual Church.

The self-acclaimed prophet had in the prophecy said that the four deputy governors would have issues with their principals (governors) before the end of their tenure.

But in a swift reaction, Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Kelechi Igwe, who spoke on behalf of other deputy governors, faulted the cleric on his prediction and accused him of concocting prophecies that had no foundation in reality.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored this so called prophecy but doing so could create the impression that we believe him or that that he should be taken seriously.

“We make bold to state that this prophecy like the ones before it are fallacies meant to create tension, rancour and unnecessary friction in the polity.

“We vehemently reject this so called prophesy which in our own estimation is nothing but a figment of the imagination of the man who released it.

“We all have had and still have very good working relationship with our bosses in our various states and do not see any reason for the predicted crisis.

“We urge the government and the good people in our various states to ignore Primate Elijah Ayodele for he knows not what he is saying or doing.

“Primate Ayodele could not have heard from God because he has been in the business of releasing false prophecies at every turn in the politics of Nigeria and the world.”

When he descended on Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, asking the governor not to waste money and time running for a second term as he would be roundly defeated, that also did not materialise.

One Ikenna Samuelson, a human rights activist, in a write-up, dismissed Ayodele as a businessman and Bet Naija Prophet.

He said, “From his 2022 Prophesies on Imo State Affairs, one can rightly see that Elijah Ayodele is just a hustler.

“In the first place, a true Prophet of Almighty God does not prophesy through a Media Aide. A true Prophet speaks as he is directed by the spirit of God. Also, a true Prophet Of Almighty God makes accurate prophesies on issues of concern.

Again, Nigerians dragged Prophet Elijah Ayodele after Liverpool drew against Luton Town.

Primate Elijah Ayodele came under heavy fire after his prophecy about the Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Luton turned out to be false.

Primate Ayodele versus NNPCL ‘prophetic outburst’

In his latest outing on Saturday, August 10, 2024, the social media was awash with a prophesy from Primate Ayodele, calling on president Bola Tinubu to sack the group managing director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Commission Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, to avoid mother-of-all protest in his administration.

In a less than two minutes video clip obtained from Twitter, the Prophet said: “One of the major important things Tinubu should do if he wants to see the prayers of Nigerians. He should sack the GMD of the NNPC. If it is possible, he should be sacked before the end of this month otherwise another big protest is coming . This protest can sack Tinubu and can make Tinubu's government ungovernable. If he doesn't do this urgently, Tinubu would put himself into hot pot. Sack the NNPC. There are a lot of rots in the NNPC. Protest not yet over. I'm seeing another protest that would seize the economy for 120 hours.”

Primates outburst on NNPCL; another awaiting failed prophesy?

Yes, this may not be far from true considering landmark achievements made by the NNPCL under Mele Kyari.

Since July 8, 2019, when Mele Kyari officially took over as the 19th group managing director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL), the company has made significant improvement on transparency as well as gas development.

The Kyari-led management has sustained the corporation’s Monthly Financial & Operations Reports (MFOR) in line with the TAPE vision. NNPCL remains the only national oil company that publishes its financial and operations reports monthly globally.

The GMD also led the corporation to enlist with the Global Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) as an EITI supporting company which places NNPC in the group of over 65 extractive companies, state-owned enterprises committed to observing transparency and accountability standards defined by EITI.

Another key achievement of the NNPC under the leadership of Mallam Kyari on transparency terrain is the successful completion of a controversy-free recruitment exercise for 1,000 young graduate trainees to rejuvenate the corporation’s talent mix.

With over thirty (30) years of experience in the Oil and Gas Industry, Mr. Kyari made significant contributions to the success of NNPC and Nigeria. Under his distinguished leadership, the Company recorded huge profit after tax and the trend has continued under his supervision.

He optimally secured Federation entitlements from production and fiscal arrangements while also managing the Direct Sale of crude oil and Direct Purchase of petroleum products (DSDP) arrangement to ensure National Energy Security.  Kyari has been instrumental in championing transparency and accountability, promoting the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and driving the transition of NNPC to NNPC Limited.

Primate Ayodele may have taken sides in the ongoing misunderstanding in the nation's hydrocarbon community. Using his platform to rally support for the oil cabal, he sends message to the President, who was not visible in his vision in 2023. Fortunately President Tinubu knows Primate Ayodele better than Kyari.

The Genius media Nigeria reports that Controversial Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okunneye, better known as Bobrisky is officially out of prison


TGM reports that Bobrisky served a six-month prison sentence for abusing naira notes, as handed down by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 12, 2024.




The judge, who sentenced the cross-dresser without an option of fine, said his sentence would serve as a lesson for others abusing the Naira.


His jail term began on 24 March, coinciding with the day--https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2024/08/05/breaking-bobrisky-is-finally-out-of-prison-after-6-month-in-jail-videos/

Operators in the downstream oil sector, on Sunday, declared that no oil marketer would buy Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and sell at the prevalent pump prices at filling stations in Nigeria except the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

While speaking to journalists, the Deputy National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Zarma Mustapha, averred that no dealer in Nigeria would be able to buy the petrol from the Dangote refinery.

Citing reason, he quipped that the product would be priced at the international market rate, far higher than the domestic cost at the pumps.

When asked whether oil marketers had been briefed about the price of petrol from the Dangote refinery, he gave a negative reply.

He, however, stressed that PMS, from the plant, would be sold at the international market rate, adding that no marketer would want to pay such price currently.

He said: “There has been no official communication from them yet on pricing for petrol. However, one thing I want you to understand is that even if the Dangote refinery starts to release products, particularly PMS, no marketer can be able to buy the product from him.

“This is because the refinery is an independent commercial entity and they must recoup their cost of refining and add some margin before they sell out the product. The current price of the product within the country is below the international price of a litre of PMS.

“So you cannot buy the product from the refinery at the international price and then sell it at the prevailing price at the retail outlets. If you do, you are going to lose a huge amount of money, which is a difference of between N400 and N500/litre.”

The IPMAN official, however, noted that for Nigeria to have Dangote petrol across its filling stations, the NNPC would have to intervene by purchasing the product and reselling it to dealers at discounted rates.

“NNPC may have to offtake the product, just like they are importing from other countries for upward supply to Nigerian marketers, I think only the national oil company can offtake PMS from them and know how best they can continue to supply it to marketers to sell at the approved current price.

“If it is not done this way, no marketer will be able to buy the product and sell it at a loss of over N400 to N500/litre. It is not possible” Mustapha stated.

On July 18, 2024, The PUNCH reported that the landing cost of petrol was N1,117/litre as of July 16, 2024, according to data released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria. MEMAN disclosed this during a webinar with journalists.

The association had also revealed that the landing cost of diesel was N1,157/litre, while that of aviation fuel was N1,127/litre, at the time.

The N1,117 landing cost of petrol is far above the pump price of the product in Nigeria. Currently, the pump price of petrol is between N660/litre and N800/litre, depending on the area of purchase.

When contacted and asked whether major marketers would be able to buy petrol from the Dangote refinery, the Executive Secretary, MEMAN, Clement Isong, said his group had earlier published the landing cost of PMS, adding that this was the realistic cost of the product.

“You have seen the price we published which is the realistic cost, and you know the cost at the pumps today, and Dangote refinery is a business entity that will not want to make losses. So that is all I will say,” he stated.

NNPC is currently the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria. Other marketers stopped importing the product due to their inability to access the United States dollar required for PMS imports. NNPC had yet to respond to enquiries on the matter when contacted, up till when this report was filed.

Samuel Babatunde Aina


It was a historic and momentous occasion for the good people of Kogi State when His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, took over the reins of leadership as the Executive Governor of Kogi State on January 27, 2024.

Governor Ododo assumed office from his esteemed mentor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, after successfully serving out his eight years of unprecedented achievements that spanned various sectors of the state.

Ododo, having diligently served in the two terms of Yahaya Bello's administration as the Auditor-General for Local Governments, is no stranger to the policy thrust and strategic focus of his predecessor and mentor.

Just like his predecessor, Ododo is not merely a thoroughbred accountant but also a Certified Public Accountant of notable repute and distinction.

It is, therefore, not surprising that Governor Ododo, in the last seven months of his transformative leadership, has continued to sustain and build upon the gains Yahaya Bello’s eight-year tenure made in the areas of fiscal policy on debt servicing and boosting internally generated revenues (IGR) in the state.

Continuing the Legacy of Debt Servicing
Governor Yahaya Bello's administration was marked by a rigorous and meticulous approach to debt management, having inherited a humongous and daunting debt from the previous PDP administrations. Recognizing the crippling effects of unchecked debt on economic development, Bello implemented forward-thinking policies that prioritized debt servicing to ensure the state did not fall into deeper financial distress. This prudent approach not only stabilized Kogi State's finances but also laid a solid and enduring foundation for sustainable economic growth.

It will be recalled that in November 2022, Kogi State under Governor Yahaya Bello won the prestigious World Bank’s Awards of Excellence in three categories – Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Debt Sustainability, and Domestic Revenue Mobilization. These esteemed awards were conferred on the state at the Federal Government of Nigeria/World Bank States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) dinner with governors/award night held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The objective of the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme is to promote the focus and attention of Nigerian states towards the improvement of their Public Financial Management (PFM) systems, processes, and institutions.

The then state’s auditor-general, Yakubu Okala, who spoke to journalists after the ceremony, attributed the success of the state in the areas of fiscal transparency and accountability to self-discipline, as well as the institution of a transparent and accountable governance system by Governor Yahaya Bello from the inception of his administration. “The state is blessed with an incorruptible governor who also provides leadership from all fronts, a professional to the core that has surrounded himself only with persons that have the capacity to deliver”.

Governor Ododo has wisely chosen to uphold this illustrious legacy bequeathed by Yahaya Bello. By continuing to prioritize debt servicing, Ododo ensures that the state maintains its financial credibility and avoids the pitfalls of excessive borrowing. This unwavering commitment is evident in his administration's careful and judicious allocation of resources towards meeting debt obligations promptly. In doing so, Ododo is not only safeguarding the state's financial health but also enhancing investor confidence, a crucial factor for attracting investment and fostering economic development.

Since assuming office and in line with his administration’s mantra of “continuity and consolidation”, Ododo has been prompt in the payment of salaries to workers at both local and state levels and also in meeting the contractual obligations to contractors handling various projects in the state.

According to the domestic debt data released by the Debt Management Office on September 30, 2020, the Kogi State government, through the astute leadership of former Governor Yahaya Bello, was able to reduce the state debt from a cumulative N132.5 billion in 2019 to N84.9 billion to N73,314,904,696.35. The well-detailed data showed that the Kogi State government, under the stewardship of Ododo’s predecessor, through a well-structured fiscal policy and prudent management of the state’s scarce resources, reduced the state’s domestic debts by N59.15 billion.

Similarly, in the states’ domestic debt reduction data released by the Debt Management Office and published by one of the reputable online platforms, TheCable, on June 26, 2024, Kogi was among the top four states of the federation that have drastically reduced their domestic debt profile, bringing the state’s domestic debt figure from 121,808,350,345.34 in December 2023 to 38,552,462,453.80 as at June, 2024

In an effort to run a state free of debilitating debt, Ododo is showing his unwavering commitment to running a state that is not weighed down by burgeoning debts that could become an albatross for the development of the state. With his eagle eye for detail and meticulous approach to public finances, Ododo has proved himself a formidable force to be reckoned with when it comes to the prudent management of state resources.

Enhancing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
Governor Bello’s tenure saw significant strides in improving Kogi State’s IGR through innovative strategies and comprehensive reforms. These efforts included expanding the tax base, improving tax collection efficiency, and leveraging technology to track and enhance revenue streams. The result was a notable increase in the state’s IGR, providing a more stable financial base for developmental projects.

Before Bello’s emergence as Kogi Governor in 2016, the state was generating a paltry N350 million to N400 million as Internally Generated Revenue (IGRs) on a monthly basis.

The Bello administration, however, changed the narrative as the monthly IGRs of the state astronomically rose to over N1.3 billion before he left office. Building on this solid foundation, Governor Ododo has also demonstrated a proactive stance in furthering IGR generation from what he met. Recent IGR posted by the state showed that the monthly average has risen significantly to N2 billion within just six months of his term in office. This impressive increase is made possible through the prudent and transparent management of the revenue collection mechanism.

His administration has introduced a number of measures aimed at boosting local industries, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and harnessing the state’s abundant natural resources. By fostering an environment conducive to business growth and economic diversification, Ododo is driving Kogi State towards greater financial independence.

Moreover, Ododo's focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline revenue collection processes is a testament to his forward-thinking approach. The adoption of digital platforms for tax collection not only reduces leakages but also enhances transparency and accountability. These measures are crucial in building public trust and encouraging voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

The Broader Economic Impact
Governor Ododo’s steadfast dedication to sustaining and enhancing these key economic policies has far-reaching implications for Kogi State. Effective debt servicing ensures that more resources can be allocated to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, commerce, agriculture, and infrastructure, driving overall development. Simultaneously, increased IGR provides a stable revenue stream that can be reinvested into the state’s economy, creating jobs for the teeming youth, and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Additionally, by maintaining a stable and predictable economic environment, Ododo is positioning Kogi State as an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors. This influx of investment is essential for the state’s long-term economic growth and development, paving the way for a more prosperous and vibrant future.

No doubt, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo’s administration represents a continuation and enhancement of the economic policies initiated by Governor Yahaya Bello in the Kogi State 35-year Economic Roadmap. By prioritizing debt servicing and aggressively pursuing strategies to boost IGR, Ododo is ensuring that Kogi State remains on a path of sustainable financial stability and growth.

With more funds being saved for the state, the Ododo administration has been able to embark on an ambitious infrastructural renewal effort at the local levels. For instance, internal roads in major communities in the state are at various levels of completion. These include roads in Egbe, (Yagba West); Aiyetoro-Gbedde, (Ijumu); Mopa (Mopamuro); Felele-Agbaja (Lokoja LGA); Oguma (Bassa LGA); Idah, (Idah LGA); Abejukolo, (Omala LGA), and Anyigba (Dekina LGA), among other projects. Critical and capital projects such as infrastructure at the Kogi State University, Kabba, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and other host of inherited projects are not abandoned.

He is also making significant investments in the health, road infrastructure, and agriculture sectors of the state for the overall wellbeing of the citizens. The governor has also been able to boost the security architecture of the state through the launch and funding of the Metropolitan Quick Response outfit in the state. Ododo’s commitment to these policies not only secures the state’s economic future but also sets a benchmark for other states to follow.

In a region where financial prudence and innovative revenue generation are paramount, Governor Ododo’s approach stands as a beacon of effective governance and visionary leadership for others to emulate.


Samuel Babatunde Aina, was
Director of Protocol to the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja.

24/07/2024

Invasion threat: Stay off Kogi, indigenes warn anarchists, say 'consequences won't be palatable'


Youths in Kogi State have warned those they described as agents of enemies of the state to desist from painting the wrong picture to outsiders, saying that the ex governor lives in government house, and any attempt by outsiders or defeated politicians from within to go near the Kogi Government House in the guise of occupying the government house will be vehemently resisted.

The youths, who described those threatening to occupy the Kogi Government House as a faceless group of ethnic jingoists doing the bidding of embattled paymasters, dared anyone to try such and test the popularity of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

Thousands of youths, who are registered member of the Kogi Youths Stakeholder Forum, said this in a joint statement made available to the press on Tuesday by the Coordinator, Comrade Tunde G. Muhammed, and signed in Lokoja by Yunisa Idris, Yusuf Ndako, Idris Kabir, Osovehe Jimmoh, Itoba Momoh, Agali Oluwafemi, Mayowa Williams, Ocholi Idris, Hassan Gambo and Oloruneffa Jegede.

"Our patience has been tested enough, no one should try anything to undermine democracy in Kogi State or the consequences will not be palatable. They will be shocked," they warned.

The youths condemned the talk of invasion being spread by political actors and echoed by ethnocentric agents of destruction in the state as suspicious and an attack on democracy, saying any further oppression would be met with stiff resistance.

According to them, there is a pending court case that has been adjourned and the illegally obtained warrant of arrest is a subject of appeal as it was obtained against a valid court order.

"This needless noise is clearly persecution taken too far as we, the bona-fide citizens of Kogi State, know that no Governor has performed better than Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello since inception. His successor is riding on this solid foundation to deliver even better dividends," they said.

"We categorically reject even the thought of disrupting the peace and stability of our state through unlawful occupation. Our dutiful Governor Usman Ododo was duly elected and the current occupier of the Lugard House. Such threat from whatever quarters is an attempt to overthrow democracy and pave way for anarchy.

"We know the voice of Jacob and hand of Esau and warn all those trying to cause chaos because they have lost at the polls, those conniving with enemies of Yahaya Bello outside, to desist. We have been patient enough in the face of the endless persecution and defamation. We will not allow anything that will be counter-productive to the peace, progress, development and well-being of all bonafide residents of Kogi. Our dear State is currently undergoing a critical period of development and consolidation of democratic values.

"It is on this basis that we enjoin all indigenes of our dear state to ignore the empty and baseless threats arising from ethnic jingoists. The Confluence state has witnessed transition from Igala to Igala and heavens did not fall then.

"The transition process from Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello to Governor Usman Ododo has come to stay," the youths stated.

The Stakeholder, reacting to a statement "by a group that called itself People of Kogi, calling for the ex-governor to be handed over to the EFCC", said those making that demand were illiterates, who don't understand the process of law.

"For us in KYSF, we consider this as a joke taken too far. For the sake of clarity, it has become imperative to highlight the achievements of the former Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, during his tenure as governor and his legacies of visionary leadership.

"This is an incontrovertible fact, that under Ex- GYB, Kogi State witnessed significant infrastructural development, improvements in healthcare and education sectors with notable strides in agriculture and youth empowerment. Undoubtedly, his administration's efforts toward peace and security are commendable and have contributed to the stability we currently enjoy in our dear state today. Whatever haters peddle can't erase this.

"It is important to clarify that the allegations against His Excellency Yahaya Bello are primarily driven by political opponents who have yet to come to terms with the outcome of the previous election. We firmly believe that these accusations will be proven baseless in due course, and Yahaya Bello will be vindicated.

"To those being misled into tribal politics and manipulated by vested interests, we advise you to stay off Kogi State. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant as we collectively protect the interests of our people. Furthermore, we urge all stakeholders and concerned parties to seek accurate information and refrain from being misled by politically motivated agendas. The legal matters concerning His Excellency Yahaya Bello are being addressed through appropriate channels, and we are confident that justice will prevail.

"In conclusion, we call upon all genuine residents of Kogi State to prioritize peace, unity, and adherence to the law of the land. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our state, free from unnecessary strife and division," the youths stated.

EFCC vs Yahaya Bello: Appeal Court Asked To Vacate Arrest Warrant, Trial Court To Adjourn Case Indefinitely, Return Case File To CJ



The arraignment of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over the alleged N80 billion money laundering charges made against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) may be stalled again, as Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has been asked to adjourn indefinitely, proceedings in the charge, pending the determination of an appeal filed by the former governor, which is pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

In the Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CR/535/2024, in which the trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite is being accused of miscarriage of justice, Bello is, through his Counsels, Musa Yakubu (SAN) & Co, seeking the setting aside of the Warrant of Arrest believed to have been illegally issued against him on April 17, 2024, as well as return of the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for re-assignment to another Judge.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),
the Appeal was filed against the decisions of the trial Federal High Court, Abuja, in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024.
The former governor is also seeking an order of the Appeal Court, setting aside service of the EFCC Charge on him by substituted means, including the entire proceedings already conducted in the case.

In a letter to Justice Emeka Nwite, dated July 12, 2024, counsel to Bello, Musa Yakubu (SAN) requested that further proceedings in the charge be adjourned sine die, pending the determination of the appeal filed by the former governor, which is pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

The letter obtained by NAN and a copy of which was sent to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, was in response to a letter to Justice Nwite, by the EFCC, dated July 8, 2024 and filed on the July 10, 2024, according to information from the court registry.
In the letter, the EFCC requested for a variation of the earlier warrant of arrest issued against Bello, additionally requesting that the various security agencies be specifically directed to carry out the earlier arrest.

Responding to the EFCC's application, Bello's counsel urged the Court to decline the request and await the outcome of the appeal pending at the Court of Appeal over the controversial warrant of arrest and other related pronouncements of the trial Court.

According to counsel to Bello; "Drawing from the position of the law as contained in Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021 and the pronouncement of the Supreme Court in the case of Vab Petroleum INC V. Momah [Supra] and a litany of other cases too numerous to mention here; we respectfully urge this Honourable Court ex debito justitiae to: "set aside and expunge from its records the proceedings of the 27th June, 2024, including any ruling, order or directive, same having been conducted in the face of the Defendant's appeal entered on the 24th of May, 2024 and therefore reached per incuriam;
"Refuse to countenance the application of the Complainant made vide the letter filed on the 10th of July, 2024 and or in the alternative refer same to the Court of Appeal for determination;

"Adjourn further proceedings in this charge sine die pending the determination of Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024 entered by the Defendant and pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja."

The letter read in part; "The Defendant to the Charge had on the 17th of May, 2024 filed a notice of appeal against the ruling of this Honourable Court made on the 10th of May, 2024 refusing to discharge brevi manu the warrant of arrest issued against the Defendant.

"The Defendant pursuant to the said notice of appeal, compiled and transmitted record of appeal to the Court of Appeal and entered on the 24th of May, 2024, Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024.

"Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Complainant has now filed the above referenced application seeking for the amendment of the warrant of arrest which was hitherto directed to the complainant only, to have it extended to the heads of other security and law enforcement agencies listed in the prosecuting Counsel's letter.

"My Lord, this Honourable Court cannot countenance the application or do anything with respect to the aforesaid warrant of arrest or conduct further proceedings in this charge in view of the provisions of Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021 which is to the effect that:
"After an appeal has been entered and until it has been finally disposed of, the Court shall be seized of the whole of the proceedings as between the parties thereto.' Except as may be otherwise provided in these Rules, every application therein shall be made to the Court and not to the lower Court.

"The warrant of arrest upon which the Complainant's application is predicated, is subject of appeal in Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/536/2024 and by the above reproduced provision of the Court of Appeal rules, this Honourable Court has become functus officio and no longer has the jurisdiction to entertain any application or do anything touching on the warrant of arrest issued on the 17th of April, 2024 as the Court of Appeal is now seized of the matter. By virtue of the appeal entered by the Defendant, the warrant of arrest subject of the Complainant's application is now in total abeyance pending the determination of the Defendant's appeal one way or another.

"To take any contrary step to the provisions of Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, would be tantamount to undermining the Constitutional guaranteed Appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal under Section 240 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and against the grain of settled position of the law established by the Supreme Court of Nigeria to the effect that, when an appeal has been entered, the lower Court no longer has the jurisdiction to do anything in the matter and ought to abide by the decision of the Appellate Court as any step taken by the trial Court in the face of such appeal is a nullity. see the case ofVab Petroleum INC V. Momah [20131 14 NWLR Part 1374 P. 284."

Furthermore, the attention of Justice Emeka Nwite was drawn to a similar case, also a criminal appeal,' in which Justice Ismail Ijelu of the High Court of Lagos State stayed further proceedings, the Appellant having entered an appeal in Appeal No: CAIL/1159/2023 Between Chief Cletus Ibeto V. Federal Republic of Nigeria, challenging the warrant of arrest earlier issued against him, in the face of his preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the lower Court to entertain the charge filed by the Complainant against him.

"The trial High Court, a Court of co-ordinate jurisdiction with Your Lordship's Court has stayed further proceedings in the charge pending the determination of the appeal entered by the Appellant therein.

"The Complainant's application to you therefore, ought not to have been filed at all or if need be, ought to be brought before the Court of Appeal, Abuja which is now seized of the matter. The Complainant's Counsel as a senior member of the Bar is under a duty to have brought the appeal entered by the Defendant to the attention of this Honourable Court even during the proceedings of 27th of June, 2024, is rather proceeding egregiously as if he is oblivious of and impervious to the appeal entered by the Defendant to the Charge before your Lordship's Court.

"We therefore respectfully urge your Lordship not to be misled sir or hoodwinked by the Complainant into a head on collision with the Court of Appeal, but rather tow the above stated and well-established course of action.

"To do otherwise, would be an affront on the hallowed principle of judicial hierarchy and stare decisis which is the very foundation of our legal system," the letter read further.

‘MMT- Music 4 Social Change' Advocate Expresses Commitment to Nation-Building
 
The Radisson Blu Ikeja in Lagos played host to a momentous event on Thursday, July 4, 2024, as MMT for Social Change held its inaugural "Music for Social Change" gathering. The initiative, driven by the influential Nigerian musician Masked Mykatee (MMT), seeks to harness the power of music to promote unity, social development, and the empowerment of Nigerian citizens. The event was marked by an array of inspiring speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive sessions, all centred on the theme of using music as a tool for social change and nation-building.
 
The convener of the gathering and the proponent of ‘Music for Social Change’ MMT, expressed his commitment and passion for the social transformation and development of Nigeria anchored on the fulcrum of peace, unity and purpose. He emphasised the need for Nigerians to deviate from upholding our fault-lines of ethnicity and religion and all that divides the country and puts it in the harm way of retrogression and underdevelopment. "The mask I wear represents neutrality and an unbiased commitment to unity and collective progress in Nigeria," he explained. He shared his experiences and the challenges he has faced in his journey, as well as his vision for a culturally neutral Nigerian identity.
 
 
The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the Artist MMT, and the keynote address delivered by the esteemed Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), who commended the event's organizer, the budding but influential musician Masked Mykatee (MMT), for his unwavering dedication to using music as a tool for social transformation.
 
Mr. Falana's keynote address was a powerful and inspiring call to action. He began by praising Masked Mykatee for his innovative approach to addressing Nigeria's social challenges through music. "MMT has shown us that music is not just an art form but a powerful medium that can inspire, unite, and mobilize people towards positive change," Falana stated.
 
Falana delved into the historical and contemporary significance of music as a catalyst for social reform, resistance to authoritarian governments, injustice, and transformation for national building and economic development. He highlighted the role of music in various global movements, emphasizing its ability to transcend barriers and foster a sense of shared identity and purpose. "In Nigeria, where tribalism and ethnic divisions have often hindered our progress, music offers a unique opportunity to promote unity and collective action."
 
He reflected on his experiences as lawyer to the legendary Afrobeat King Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the struggle for social change and transformation of the Nigerian society in particular, Africa, and the world in general. He spoke about the significance of the music for transformation by legends such as Bob Marley, Sonny Okosun, Peter Tosh and many others.
 
Falana's speech underscored the importance of unity for national development. He addressed the challenges posed by tribalism and ethnic divisions, proposing music as a unifying force that can bridge these gaps. "Through music, we can create a narrative that celebrates our diversity while promoting a sense of common identity and purpose," he said.
 
He also touched on the transformative power of music in engaging and empowering the youth. "Our young people are the future of Nigeria. By using music to inspire and mobilize them, we can foster a new generation of leaders committed to social change and national development," Falana asserted.
 
Following the keynote address, the event featured a panel session moderated by Prof. Silk Ugwu Ogbu of the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. The panel included distinguished speakers such as Zakka Bala, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Dr. Desmond Ekeh, and Dr. Omotola Bamigbaiye, who each brought unique perspectives on leveraging music for social change.
 
Zakka Bala discussed the cultural and governance dimensions of music and its role in bridging gaps between the government and the people especially on issues of governance and accountability and the curbing of government malfeasance and corruption of the different spheres of the society. Nkechi Ali-Balogun emphasized the importance of effective communication strategies in amplifying messages of social change through music. She gave a specific example of the significance of the music of such Nigerian artist as Onyeka Onwuenu of the ‘One Love’ fame, and Mike Okri, the ‘Time na Money’ exponent. Dr. Desmond Ekeh explored the socio-political climate in Nigeria and the potential of music to empower the youth towards cultivating dignifying social values that can promote the growth and development of the country. He emphasised that the choices made by the youth are motivated by their values. He encouraged music artists to focus on music that encourages the youths to embrace noble values to promote the upliftment of the society. Dr. Omotola Bamigbaiye advocated for integrating music education into the curriculum to nurture socially conscious and culturally neutral Nigerians. She recollected how storytelling and music were used to pass knowledge and information in her formative years as a child. She emphasised the need to develop school curriculars that use music for education and social enlightenment.
 
Fielding questions from a battery of press reporters comprised of newspapers, radio, television and digital media, Masked Mykatee, the inspiration behind MMT for Social Change spoke passionately about his mission to use music as a tool for social change. "The mask I wear represents neutrality and an unbiased commitment to unity and collective progress in Nigeria," he explained. He shared his experiences and the challenges he has faced in his journey, as well as his vision for a culturally neutral Nigerian identity.
 
He also discussed upcoming projects aimed at furthering the cause of social change through music and emphasized the importance of engaging and empowering young Nigerians. "Our youth are the key to a brighter future for Nigeria. Through music, we can inspire them to take active roles in driving social change," Masked Mykatee stated.
 
The "Music for Social Change" event successfully highlighted the transformative power of music in fostering unity, social development, and youth empowerment in Nigeria. The insightful speeches and discussions provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in using music as a medium for social change.
 
The event also served as a platform for networking and collaboration among individuals and organizations committed to promoting social change through music. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a collective commitment to supporting initiatives that leverage music for social transformation.

The Genius Media Nigeria reports that free live stream wedding between David Adedeji Adeleke OON, known professionally as Davido, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer and his beautiful bride Chioma Rowland has emerged.




The talk-of-the-town wedding, slated for Tuesday, June 25, 2024, will take place in Nigeria’s commercial capital city, Lagos.




Davido took to his verified social media handles on Sunday evening to share their stunning pre-wedding photos for the millions of their teeming followers and admirers all over the world.

Watch the live stream wedding below:

Click-----https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2024/06/25/chivido2024-watch-free-live-stream-wedding-of-davido-and-chioma-here/

Celebrity Bar man cum Lagos Socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chiefpriest, has sent a strong warning to passerby and un-invited guess to stay away from Chioma and Davido's slated for Tuesday, Tagged" CHIVIDO2024.




This online newspaper gathered reports that Davido and Chioma will officially walk down the aisle in a grand wedding ceremony on Tuesday, 25 June, in

Reality star Uriel Oputa has expressed genuine happiness and support for Chioma Rowland, Davido’s bride-to-be.
 
She praised Chioma for her peaceful and mature nature, ability to handle public scrutiny with composure, and avoidance of unnecessary attention and drama.
 
Uriel also cautioned fans against buying wedding tickets from unverified sources to avoid scams, jokingly advising them to enjoy sipping their juice instead if they end up in a fraudulent situation.
 
She wrote on her Instastory: “Genuinely Happy for Chioma. Such a peaceful person. 0 clout. Her maturity is-------https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2024/06/24/breaking-tuesday-should-be-public-holiday-for-davido-and-chioma-as-chivido2024-trends/

EFCC counsels pick new date, said 'today not convenient' - Yahaya Bello's counsels

Court adjourns to June 27 for arraignment


The Federal High Court, in Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned arraignment of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on an alleged money laundering case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to June 27, following an agreement by the counsels of the two parties.

A new date, June 27, had earlier been reportedly fixed for arraignment at the instance of the EFCC counsels.

There was, however, a mild drama in court when Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced appearance for EFCC and claimed ignorance of the agreement.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Counsel to Governor Bello, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the EFCC lawyers approached AbdulWahab Mohammed SAN, who is the counsel for the defendant, that the June 13 date would not be convenient for them to proceed and that Wahab had to agree by way of convenience for another date to be set.

Adedipe SAN, who was in court for another matter, was surprised when he heard that Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was in court for the Yahaya Bello/EFCC case.

"They (EFCC) agreed that junior counsels would be sent to court today to formally pick a date. And the registry can confirm this," Adedipe said.

"Kemi Pinhero SAN has been calling us to say today is not convenient," he added. Kemi Pinhero is the lead counsel.

But for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, Governor Yahaya Bello, was said to be ready to appear in court today.

"Under 266 ACJA there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them. We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide," Adedipe noted.

In a strange twist, however, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said he was not aware of any meeting that happened outside the court, that he did not know about the understanding to adjourn till 27th.

Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the case to June 27 after an undertaking by Adedipe SAN that the defendant would appear on that day.

Nwite said, ordinarily, an agreement outside the court that a new date should be picked should not be enough to ignore the previous undertaking.

Lagos, Nigeria - We are thrilled to announce the premiere of the highly anticipated gender-based movie "Deafening Silence," as it hits the screen on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, at Ebony Life Place, Victoria Island, Lagos. Directed by the acclaimed Biodun Stephen, this powerful film is a joint production by the EU-UN and Spotlight Initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Development Fund, UNDP, and the Foundation for Resilient Empowerment and Development, FRED.
 
"Deafening Silence" boasts an impressive lineup of Nollywood stars, including Toni Tones, Kate Henshaw, Femi Jacobs, Daniel Etim Effiong, Chidi Mokeme, Bimbo Akintola, Derby Felix, and Ekamma Etim-Inyang. The movie explores deep societal issues, delivering a poignant message about gender equality and empowerment.
 
Esteemed directors Emem Isong Misode, Abiodun Adebayo, and Biodun Stephen have lent their expertise to bring this compelling narrative to life. The film is produced by the talented Joy Uduak Johnson.
 
Following the premiere, "Deafening Silence" will be available for the public to watch in cinemas nationwide.
 
Toni Tones a major cast in the movie thinks that everyone must see this movie. "I am incredibly honored to be a part of ‘Deafening Silence.' This film tackles important issues of gender equality and gives a voice to those who often go unheard. Can't wait for everyone to see it!" For Kate Henshaw "Working on 'Deafening Silence' has been an enlightening experience. This movie brings critical conversations to the forefront, and I'm excited for its premiere. It's a story that needs to be told."
 
Every cast has a memorable experience to share about the movie and the need for Nigerians to attend the Premiere and subsequently go to the cinemas to watch it live when it is publicly released. For instance, Femi Jacobs said that, "Deafening Silence' is more than just a movie; it's a movement. I'm proud to be part of a project that challenges societal norms and advocates for change. Join us at the premiere!" Daniel Etim Effiong corroborated Femi’s assertion when he said that "Being involved in 'Deafening Silence' has been a transformative journey. This film sheds light on gender issues in a profound way, and I believe it will resonate deeply with audiences."
 
Chidi Mokeme could not agree any less: ‘'Deafening Silence' is a powerful film with a powerful message. I'm thrilled to be part of such a meaningful project and look forward to sharing it with the world." Bimbo Akintola thinks that "'Deafening Silence' is an important film that highlights critical issues in our society. I'm proud to be part of a story that pushes for gender equality and empowerment."
 
The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, said "I am thrilled to be part of the premiere of 'Deafening Silence.' This film is a powerful exploration of gender issues that resonate deeply in our society. Bringing this impactful story to the big screen and to a global audience is a significant step towards fostering important conversations and driving change. We are excited to host such a meaningful event and look forward to a successful premiere on Wednesday, June 5th."

Again, scores of activists hit the streets of Lagos on Saturday demanding an end to what they described as the mischievous use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission platform to malign perceived enemies by opposition forces.

The activists, who frowned at the consistent call for anarchy in a democratic setting by those that their investigations had established to be working for known opposition figures in Kogi State, called on the EFCC to ignore the "sponsored, desperate calls" and focus on toeing the path of the rule of law.

The over 80 Human Rights Civil Society Organizations, under the broad umbrella of Citizens Action Against Lawlessness, said those calling for the EFCC to ignore an ongoing court process and forcefully arrest a defendant, former Governor Yahaya Bello, were not only ignorant of the rule of law and up to some mischief, but also tools in the hands of desperate political actors to rubbish the integrity of the Commission.

While commending the EFCC for heeding the calls of reasonable, unbiased Nigerians and CSOs for the Commission to correct past mistakes and avoid disregard for the rule of law, the activists labelled those calling for Yahaya Bello's arrest as anarchists who the EFCC boss must be wary of.

"The same way this particular group of people have spread falsehood against judges, who they earlier boasted were for them, against prominent figures perceived to be close to President Bola Tinubu, and against APC governors that they felt were supporting them during the election in Kogi and at the Tribunal, is the same way they will turn against the EFCC boss with baseless allegations. It is their stock in trade. The EFCC boss and other relevant authorities must detect this and put them in their place," Segun Abegunde, Co-Convener of the Joint CSOs platform, said.

Abegunde, who is also the Coordinator of the South West Progressive Youths Organisation stated, "We insist that this is beyond corruption investigation but political persecution. Some sponsored anarchists still went to the EFCC Zonal office today to call on the Commission to use military force to attack the defendant's known residences and abduct him. There have been insinuations that they are even planning to use fake soldiers in order to inflict maximum damage."

"The target of these anarchists is to provoke crisis so that a state of emergency can be declared in the state. If they've lost at the polls and at the Tribunal, they most likely think they can create a crisis that will still serve their purpose. Why the desperation to hunt the man down at all costs? Many who understand the politics in the state know that these calls are nothing more than a revenge mission for a botched Igala agenda, believed to be the sole fault of Bello, as well as a way for other political enemies in the state to get their pound of flesh," the activists noted.

According to them, "these anarchists" must be called to order as they have allowed their insatiable appetite for revenge turn them into agents of destruction for the country.

"We call on President Bola Tinubu to call on the security agencies to be at alert as nothing bad must happen to Yahaya Bello or any of his family members.

"Let the courts decide Yahaya Bello's fate. Desperate opposition forces should not plot to kill him by all means. We demand due court processes. We say no to political persecution. We say no to opposition politicians using EFCC to attack Yahaya Bello who they consider their political enemy.

"EFCC must avoid anarchists bent on tarnishing its image. They should rather sharpen their political skills and leave the anti-graft agency alone. We will always give our unflinching support to the EFCC to carry out its duties strictly in line with the rule of the same law that set it up," the activists said.

Jose Mourinho has reached an agreement to become Fenerbahce's new manager.



The iconic Portuguese boss has been out of work since Roma sacked him in January.

Fabrizio understands Mourinho recently held talks with Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah over their managerial vacancy.

However, Italian journalist......https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/2024/05/31/breaking-chelsea-legend-jose-mourinho-agrees-two-year-deal-as-fenerbahce-new-head-coach/

Indigenes of Kogi State have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against those they described as embittered and desperate ethnic jingoists who are strengthening the public opinion that the Commission is collaborating with certain opposition figures to persecute the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The indigenes said since the allegation of corruption by the EFCC against the former Governor became a national discourse, "some persons who are afraid of chasing their dreams at the polls have hidden under the veneer of activism to sponsor their tribesmen to impugn on the character of ex Governor Yahaya Bello maliciously".

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chairman of Kogi Youth Leaders Forum, Benjamin Oguche, PhD, specifically noted that those still calling for the arrest of Bello even in the face of an ongoing court process, were either uninformed or out to rubbish the image of EFCC while pursuing their prolonged vendetta mission.

The Kogi youth leaders said this particular group had consistently pursued a "we against them" agenda, causing division and hate among the ethnic groups in Kogi, spreading falsehood and propaganda to the public on the matter.

"It is sad and regrettable that the so-called corruption allegation against Bello, which remains an allegation until established in the court of law, has become an opportunity for chronic political failures to unleash their intolerance and deep-rooted frustration on a state that our founding fathers have laboured so hard to unite.

"Without credible reasons, they have been said to have mobilised resources to fight him for daring to govern a state he hails from and for overseeing a free and fair election which produced another Governor, not from their fold," they stated.

According to them, the polarisation, ethnic and religious colouration that have been introduced in recent times into the EFCC trial of the immediate past Governor calls for worry, especially among every Kogi indigene who has a firm belief in the peaceful co-existence of the state as an indivisible entity.

"Suffice to say that what we see playing out today is a microcosm of what our country represents, where the so called minority is discriminated against, sidelined and treated like a lesser citizen in a country he has made equal, if not greater, contributions to building. The so called minority has been made to believe his voice does not count and his fundamental right to pursue social, economic and political interest taken away.

"Since through divine providence that former Governor Yahaya Bello became governor in 2016, several arrow of ethnic bitterness, needless attacks and corruption profiling have been targetted at him and his government for no offence other than for the simple reason that the responsibility to lead our dear state at that time fell on his shoulder.

"While God saw him through his four years in office, the people of our dear state equally and overwhelmingly renewed their mandate for him, sending him to go again, amidst hate campaign, violence attacks and ethnic war by some ethnic driven elites who have sworn never to allow certain ethnic groups have a taste of leading the state. While this gathering is not about catalogue of exploits he achieved and the records he broke within these eight years, it is important to note that since he left office, same known tribal jingoists and ethnic champions have been having sleepless nights plotting the downfall of the man.

"The anti-Bello protests in the UK last week, Lagos last week and Abuja today highlight the glaring danger those they regard as minority ethnic groups face in the hands of those who feel that their population is for the purpose of suppressing the fundamental rights of others to seek political interest. One continues to wonder where the protesters gathered the money to go on a protest spray, if some people are not bankrolling them, which suggest a sinister plan different from genuine fight against corruption as the public is made to understand.

"We understand that the case for which these hate-induced protests are going on is in the court and the court is a place of orderliness where every party will push their stands without necessarily drawing dagger to murder our peace. We are, however, surprised that dimension of sustained protests have been added to their inglorious mission.

"We have often expressed our confidence in the judiciary and irrespective of how long it could take, the wheel of justice must grind to a logical end. We, however, frown at the seeming open hands the EFCC has been showing to the protesters which is fuelling an unfortunate suspicion that must be immediately corrected.

"While we welcome in its entirety the probe of the former Governor, we, however, reject the deliberate image smearing against him. We call on the EFCC to disregard the propaganda of ethnic agents and face the task of diligent prosecution," the Kogi Youth Leaders advised.

Desperate opposition figures in Kogi behind calls for Yahaya Bello's arrest despite court process - Activists

*CSOs raise alarm over alleged plots by desperate politicians to use gunmen in military uniform to attack Bello's residences




Hundreds of activists, on Saturday, stormed the streets of Lagos to protest alleged underground moves by some desperate opposition figures in Kogi State as well as other perceived political enemies to unleash terror on the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, using the platform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The activists, who addressed a press conference and also staged a huge rally, condemned calls by a group called Zero Corruption Agenda in collaboration with another group, Kogites United Against Corruption, for the EFCC to ignore court orders guaranteing Bello's fundamental human rights and effect an arrest despite the ongoing court process.

While raising the alarm that there were speculations going around that some desperate politicians were "even allegedly planning to use gunmen dressed in fake military uniforms to attack Yahaya Bello's residences", they called on the police and other relevant security agencies to be vigilant to prevent anarchy in the country.

According to them, many Nigerians already suspect that the alleged "endless attack on the former Governor, his family members and even innocent children by the EFCC in the most unprofessional way, despite revelations that showed he was actually protected by the law, have deep political undertones.

Comrade Segun Abegunde, who briefed the press on behalf of the CSOs, under the joint umbrella of Citizens Action Against Lawlessness, insisted that the desperation by some opposition figures and Yahaya Bello's political enemies to hide under the purported fight against corruption to call for the arrest of a man who has a court order for his fundamental human rights to be protected and who is already in court with the EFCC, "almost confirms this insinuation of an evil plan against him by some interested politicians, using the EFCC platform."

"This is not difficult to detect, having seen the composition of the so-called Kogites who made these curious calls, even in London. The videos exposed their ethnic leaning as they were speaking the language of the aggrieved politicians in Kogi State," the activists said.

They alleged that opposition political parties were using the EFCC to fight political battles in Kogi State and called on the ruling Party to be vigilant.

"The tribunal judgement on the last governorship election in Kogi State is coming up on Monday May 27th. The desperation by the opposition to have Yahaya Bello in custody has increased exponentially as that date approaches. There seems to be a determination to either keep him out of circulation while they try to steal APC's mandate in the state or to completely eliminate him for whatever reasons only known to them.

"Also, considering the way and manner the EFCC chairman has taken the Yahaya Bello matter so personal, it is glaring that a Yahaya Bello in the custody of the EFCC is not going to be safe at all," they stated.

Abegunde said, "The courts are there to mediate between government and citizens and between two or more contending interests and the court's intervention is sacrosanct until overturned by a superior Court.

"The rallies, both home and abroad, calling for jettisoning of the due process of law and for the EFCC to arrest Yahaya Bello, court orders or no court orders, sponsored by the opposition and his political enemies within, are not only reckless but dangerous to our polity and absolutely condemnable.

"Such calls have now given credence to the allegations that some powerful political forces are after Yahaya Bello, not because of corruption allegations, but that they are actually after his life. What have the military got to do with the EFCC that a group would be calling for military intervention to arrest a single citizen in a case where he is already a defendant?"

Emphasising the urgent need for President Bola Tinubu to call the anti-graft body to order before it is too late, the CSOs pointed out that the so-called Kogites call for the commission to use military force to arrest the former governor, even when his date to appear in court had already been fixed, was not only reckless but dangerous to the nation's polity.

"There is even a speculation going around now, which may be credible, that some desperate politicians are even allegedly planning to use gunmen dressed in fake military uniforms to attack Yahaya Bello's residences.

"We call on the police and other relevant security agencies to be vigilant. We also call on President Bola Tinubu to immediately call EFCC to order. The Commission seems to have offered its platform for enemies of the former governor to execute their plans against him and the President must wade in, especially with the facts on ground that EFCC has displayed flagrant disregard for the rule of law, all the way, in handling this matter.

"We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to, as a matter of urgency, call the EFCC to order with a view to staying off political interference. The Commission should concentrate strictly on its anti-corruption mandate by staying within the enabling laws that established it. The EFCC should not be identified with promoting anarchy, no matter what.

"The court processes should be allowed to run their course without disruption. That is when democracy and rule of law can be said to be functioning in our nation," the activists stressed.

Those still calling for Bello's arrest ill-informed, sponsored by opposition figures - CSOs





Again, scores of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations have kicked against what they described as the perceived use of the platform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by politicians to fight their political battles.

They said this during an emergency Press conference on Friday, in reaction to a joint press conference by "a civil society organisation and a group, which called itself Kogites United Against Corruption Coalition."

The frontline CSOs, led by the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, wondered why a few Nigerians were not seeing the persecution in the current case against the former Governor of Kogi State, considering the anomaly in the undending calls for arrest, mainly by members of the opposition party in the state, in collaboration with alleged sponsored CSOs, when the matter was before the courts.

According to them, the line-up of lawyers, both at the Tribunal and as seen on the current charge sheet against the former Governor, throws up the name of the same lawyer standing for the opposition party at the Tribunal and for EFCC in the suit against the former Governor.

Addressing the press on Friday, Chairman, CACOL, Debo Adeniran, said, "One wonders how opposition politicians and the EFCC now collaborate on a case of corruption allegations as is so glaring in this matter. We are aware of all the clandestine meetings by opposition political parties with some activists with a view to sponsoring protests and Press Conferences against us. For as long as they do that, they'll continue to spoil their own case in public view and justify the fact that this is beyond corruption investigation but direct persecution."

They described those who addressed a press conference, calling for the arrest of the former Governor and attacking their activities as "ill-informed folks" allegedly being sponsored by opposition political parties who had seen the EFCC as a reliable ally in actualising their interests.

"Today's Press Conference by those ill-informed folks, who we have reasonable suspicion are being sponsored by opposition political Parties who are fighting their own political wars on the matter and, even, the Commission against us, was filled with a poor comedy of judgment and an apparently orchestrated blackmail against our coalition. This is why this is so political rather than prosecutorial," the activists said.

According to them, the EFCC would be doing itself a lot of good by ignoring characters asking the Commission to disobey lawful court orders and apply maximum force by bringing in the military "with a view to violently arresting a defendant we are repeatedly told by the Commission is being investigated for 'white collar crimes.'"

Adeniran said, "Anyone who has even a little knowledge of our pedigrees in the fight against corruption should know that we have fought many battles against corruption and at the same time against all forms of injustice in this country, even at the risk of our lives and livelihoods. We do not pick and choose which injustice to fight against. We invest time, energy, resources and relationships into pursuing the cause of justice throughout this country for decades now.

"We are not emergency activists and we are beyond compromising even with all the billions in the world. We stand for the cause of humanity which is about justice, fairness and the highest ideals of a decent and free society.

"Therefore, any individual or a group of individuals who allege us of supporting corruption is either ignorant of the subject matter or doesn't know us at all and, therefore, cannot make an informed judgment on us or our activities."

The CSOs said their struggle was not only against corruption but also against injustice, adding that they would not be intimidated into silence in the EFCC/Yahaya Bello matter because there was a clear case of injustice and disrespect for the rule of law, which in itself was corruption.

Adeniran stated, "We are not politicians and we are not in the business of partaking of the loot by corrupt public officials, we fight them. Even as a sitting president, we came out vehemently against Olusegun Obasanjo because we believed he had a case to answer. Who paid us to do that?

When the current EFCC Chairman was nominated and there was brouhaha about his qualification for the job due to him not having a security training background, I was among the leading figures who stood by him and insisted that he was qualified enough for the office. Many groups were sponsored against his confirmation, some of whose leaders I personally called to convince them to drop their opposition and they did. How much did the EFCC chairman or anyone pay me for that?

"When he was eventually confirmed, we not only congratulated him but we also cautioned that he should avoid the pitfalls of his predecessors by doing everything according to law and must never act contrary to the orders, rulings and judgments of courts of competent jurisdiction because that would be a recipe for anarchy and his own downfall like the others. We were confident that as a lawyer, a senior one for that matter, he wouldn't follow the route of disobedience to lawful court orders.

"Therefore, when we saw that the commission under him was tilting towards that direction, we decided to speak up as a reminder to the chairman that this wasn't the way to go. Nobody should take this as a crime against us. We refuse to be intimidated into silence. We refuse to stop speaking out against injustice. We refuse to support lawlessness."

The activists said an EFCC chairman should engage in less of media celebrity show and concentrate on the critical assignments of making the Commission work.

"An EFCC chairman should not be someone you see everyday in the media exposing critical information that should even be secret in order to assist in the effectiveness of their investigation. An EFCC chairman should be seen lesser but be heard by the competence and capacity he brings to bear on his office. That is why the Commission has a publicity department. Let them do the talking whilst you provide effective leadership," they insisted.

"I don't know Yahaya Bello, I've never met him, I don't intend to meet him. But the same way that the June 12 actualization struggles were not about M.K.O Abiola as an individual is the same way that this intervention is not about Yahaya Bello as a person," Adeniran noted.

"Already, many of Yahaya Bello's supporters are alleging an assassination plot. The government would do well to avoid anything that could confirm these suspicions and the only way to avoid this is by playing by the rule of law to the letter," he said.

Those who represented over 80 Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations on Friday were Comrade Sina Loremikan (Campaign Against Impunity); Comrade Olufemi Lawson (Centre for Public Accountability); Declan Ihekaire (Activists for Good Governance); Gbenga Soloki (CAIDOV); and Ganzallo Gbenga (Transparency Advocacy for Good Governance).
Others were Comrade Funmi Jolade (Community Women Forum); Princess Ada Nwandu (Ohaneze Youth); Alh. A. Abdullahi (Justice and Peace Centre); Comrade Adeshina Ishola (Transparency Agenda); Comrade Daniel Oyesola (Stop Impunity Coalition); Comrade Leke Adebanjo (Committee for Amnesty); and Kayode Sampson (Democracy and Justice Forum), among others.

Kogi indigenes, Concerned Nigerians Stage Pro-Yahaya Bello Protest In London, Urge President Tinubu To Ensure Adherence To Rule Of Law----. Lambast opposition for alleged desperation




Kogi indigenes and concerned Nigerians gathered under the banner of the "Alliance For Emancipation and True Change" to stage a peaceful protest in the United Kingdom, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remains impartial and free from political interference.







They raised concerns that the Commission, with the handling of the corruption allegations against the former Governor of Kogi State, had given the impression of political persecution to Nigerians and the international community.







During the protest, held in London on May 20, 2024, the demonstrators stressed the importance of a fair and just prosecution process, in line with the rule of law, and condemned the alleged use of the EFCC by politicians to intimidate and harass perceived opponents.







They cautioned against the politicization of the EFCC's activities and called for a review of its operating procedures to ensure transparency and accountability.







Speaking during the procession, Dr Shaibu Ojogbane, Publicity Secretary of the Alliance For Emancipation and True Change, and Chukwunonso Ezeani, Director of Research & Public Affairs, reiterated the alliance's support for the government's anti-corruption efforts but called for greater oversight to prevent selective justice and abuse of human rights.







The group said, "The protest against the former Governor today, apparently sponsored by the Opposition in the state, indicates desperation on their part. We are aware that at least one of the opposition candidates is currently in London.







''Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has restated his readiness to answer questions regarding his period of leadership in Kogi state; all he asks for is that the rule of law be adhered to, as it is glaring that in this particular case, the commission is serving the interest of some powerful Nigerians beyond the eye meets.







''With this in mind, we state without any fear of contradiction that the commission must be called to order without delay.







''We trust that Mr President will act swiftly so this situation doesn't degenerate into a massive calling out of the government on matters related to selective justice, abuse of human rights and other issues associated therein.''







They urged the president to intervene promptly to prevent further damage to the government's reputation and ensure the EFCC operates with integrity and impartiality.







According to them, the Opposition has also continued to ride on the activities of the EFCC to malign Governor Bello by sponsoring ethnic onslaught against him even outside the country.







The protesters said they deemed it important to stage a peaceful protest on the side of justice so that Nigerians were not misled by a few people.

Contempt: Appeal Court grants EFCC's Exparte Motion for Stay of Proceedings, fixes May 20 for hearing


The Court of Appeal has granted an exparte motion for stay of proceedings filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against the contempt proceeding commenced by the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, against the Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede.

The Court of Appeal, presided over by Hon. Justice Joseph O.K. Oyewole, consequently granted the EFCC's application to serve the processes in the Appeal by substituted means on the former Governor. The Court consequently adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice to May 20, 2024.

The EFCC boss who was summoned to appear before the Kogi State High Court on May 13, 2024, to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for disobeying the Orders of the court, had appealed the Ruling of the trial Court and sought a stay of the proceeding of the Court.

The EFCC boss is facing a contempt charge for carrying out "some acts upon which they (the EFCC) have been restrained" by the Court on February 9, 2024, pending the determination of the substantive Originating Motion.


Justice I. A. Jamil, delivering a ruling in Suit No: HCL/68M/2024 and Motion No: HCL/190M/2024, ordered that "the said act was carried out by the Respondent (EFCC) in violation of the order, which was valid and subsisting when they carried out the act. That same act of the Respondent amounts to Contempt.

EFCC operatives had laid siege on the residence of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, as early as 8am on April 17, 2024, with a bid to arrest him, despite a court order restraining them from taking such action, pending the determination of the Originating Motion.

Justice Jamil's order was based on a motion ex-parte filed by Yahaya Bello through his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf, Esq, where he prayed the court
for an order to issue and serve the Respondent (EFCC Chairman) with Form 49 Notice to show cause why Order of committal should not be made on Olukoyede.