₦airaland Forum

The Senator representing Lagos Central, Senator Remi Tinubu has faced a public backlash for calling a woman a thug during a Constitutional Hearing Review on Wednesday, May 26.
According to The Cable, the lawmaker was involved in a shouting match with some Nigerians who attended the event at the Marriot Hotel in Lagos.
Tinubu is leading the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution in the South-West.
It was reported that residents queued to register before they were allowed into the venue of the event.
However, when the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, came in through the back door, the front door was shut and the registration closed.
Those who were yet to register were said to have stayed in the queue, protesting their exclusion from the event.
Tinubu entered through the back door. A woman who was denied entry voiced out her anger which caught the attention of the Senator. Tinubu then called her out and dismissed her as a thug which led to tempers rising among those who heard her.
Some people demanded an apology from her but she was adamant and stuck to her guns in not apologizing to the distraught woman.
A video of the incident posted by The Cable and seen by our correspondent showed people criticizing the senator for being “rude” to the woman.
“Madam senator, don’t call her a thug. You begged us to vote for you…” a man at the scene said.
Reacting to the video on Twitter, one Roun @EverROUN, said, “Remi Tinubu, the highly cantankerous woman wishing to be Nigeria’s first lady called another woman a thug at the South-West Constitution Review hearing. So, very unfortunate! I just wish that Nigerians would not submit to the Govt of Satan.”
Another user, Marvyn @Dark_Whistler, wrote, “E good say all these dey happen. See the way she attempts to shut down anyone that opposes or challenges her.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/27/remi-tinubu-faces-backlash-for-calling-a-woman-a-thug/

Popular media personality, Denrele Edun recalls an ugly incident when he turned 20. The controversial presenter who turns 40 on June 13 this year recalls how he was tormented on his birthday two decades ago.
He said that his mum was thoroughly insulted before they pounced on him verbally and physically.
He wrote:
This wonderful 20th Birthday of mine fell on an Environmental Sanitation day and as usual, we had to wake up at 5a.m to start cleaning out the entire Surroundings.
Since our Family House was located at the corner piece of Faneye Junction in Ebute Metta, it meant cleaning out the entire Stretch of “Gutter” that spiraled from the back of the house through to the next building.
And that job fell on the shoulders of the only Male in the house: ME!
In the process of cleaning out the Gutters, I heard raised voices emanating from the house.
“Witch! Bastard! Go back to your country, you poor foreigner with your children. Wretched Oyinbo!”.
I already knew my female Cousins were at war with my Mother but trusting my MFM Prayer Warrior of a Mum, she was one to never back down!
“Not on my Birthday. Please GOD! Can I even survive this day in peace and tranquility?”. I thought to myself.
Next thing, my cousins waltzed out of the house still screaming expletives at my Mum, one slapped my lil sister on the face cos she was in her way and then they came up to me.
5 girls in total.
They started taunting me especially insulting my Dad’s 1986 Honda Accord parked in the compound.
“Kalo Kalo Car! Poor dirty Indian! Wretched idiot! Oyiboyi (that was the name they used to call my Mum)!”
“You guys stop! Please! Abeg!”
As if on cue, they pulled up to me face to face in a semi circle. Head on, they started screaming outside the house,
“Stop what?”
Next thing, the five of them started flogging me. And I mean, with proper masquerade whips…. the ones with branches jutting out!
I was Angry. Frustrated. Pained.
And I felt like a Coward at that point because I couldn’t fight back. I just stood there willingly as two of them began to push me around.
When they had their fill, they all moved to the house saying they would extend the same treatment to my Mother and Sisters as we weren’t welcome in the Family House.
That moment I made up my mind;
NOBODY was ever gonna kill my HAPPINESS again!
I’m Still A Story waiting to be told!
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/27/i-was-assaulted-by-my-female-cousins-on-my-20th-birthday-denrele-edun/

Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa a.k.a Charly Boy has disclosed to the public that he fell off his famous bike but only sustained minor injuries and was fine now.
He wrote in the caption:

See as I go fall on top my scooter Scatter my face.
Thank God am healing very wella.

All those wey SORRY for me God bless una.
All those wey yab me, dey call me Agbaya, biko allow me catch my cruise jare!!!

Charly Boy’s musical career began in the 1980’s but he came into national limelight in the early 1990’s with his show ‘Charly Boy Show’ which was an attack on both conservative societal values and on the government. The show got rested after a decade due to lack of sponsorship. Shortly afterwards, he teamed up with Tunde Obe to anchor ‘Zoom Time’ where he interviewed top personalities and celebrities on their personal lives. The show always ended with an imaginary ride on a bike.
He is a father of eight children from different women and numerous grandchildren. He has been married to his American wife Lady Diane for about four decades. One of his daughters based in the US recently came out as lesbian and he was called out by her for abandoning her when she needed him most. He is an advocate for gay rights equality.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/26/charly-boy-sustains-injuries-after-falling-off-his-bike/

Tboss’s sister, Wendy Idowu a.k.a Goldie has advised Rosie Meurer to stop shading people on social media and focus on her marriage.
Rosie has gotten into fights lately starting from when a troll asked her if her husband Olakunle Churchill only lasts two seconds in bed to a subtle shade at Tonto Dikeh yesterday, May 25.
The actress also reacted to her husband’s ex-wife, Tonto Dikeh’s social media post where she said “going back to your ex is like going back to your vomit.”
Rosy had taken to her Instagram story to share a post that reads;
“We dey recycle ourselves. Only few be tear rubber.”
“I chop your own, you chop another. Live.”
Goldie advised her to focus on her newly born son as her fights were absolutely unnecessary.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/26/rose-rest-na-no-one-is-fighting-man-with-you-tbosss-sister-goldie-blasts-rosy-meurer/

Senagelese-American artiste Akon had his car stolen in a gas station in the Buckhead neighbourhood of Atlanta.
The car was reportedly stolen while he was buying gas into it.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Akon stopped at a Quiktrip gas station to fill his white Range Rover up with gas. He left the car running with the keys inside the vehicle, so he could fill up the gas tank. Before he was done, he noticed someone diriving his car, which held valuables, including a $25,000 diamond necklace, a Louis Vuitton bag and his iPhone.

Akon called the cops, who arrived at the gas station at 11:59 p.m. He told authorities that a dark-colored sedan followed his SUV when it made a right onto Sidney Marcus Boulevard. Surveillance footage of the theft confirmed his account.

A police report stated that the video showed the sedan as it pulled into the station right next to Akon’s SUV.

“Shortly after, you can see the suspect get out of the passenger seat of what looks to be a black, four-door BMW sedan, get into the driver’s seat of the victim’s vehicle and drive off with the black BMW following right behind,” the report read.

Since his phone was left in the vehicle when it was pilfered, Akon reportedly used the FindMyPhone app to track his phone and find his car. He was first led to Lawton Street in southwest Atlanta, but when police went to that location, they were unable to find it. The second time around, after the app determined the vehicle was in Forest Park, it was recovered by the Forest Park GA Police Department and returned to Akon on Tuesday morning (May 25).

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/26/akons-range-rover-stolen-while-in-the-gas-station/

A woman who identified as a traditional healer said she is living in peace with her seven husbands. She also said she doesn’t cut her hair because her powers are derived from there.
When asked why she married seven husbands she said: “I didn’t do it of my will. I was commanded by the elders. It was an order from them and that’s when I was given superpowers.
The elders told me to produce more children from my husbands and I mustn’t have more than one child from one man hence the reason why I married more than six husbands. It was strange to me but I had to comply else I’ll be seriously punished,” she said.
She went on to say that she built houses for them and makes love to them whenever she feels like doing so and they dare not cheat on her as her super powers will reveal when they want to do so and there are dire consequences for it.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/26/my-seven-husbands-cannot-cheat-on-me-polyandrous-woman-declares/

Ex Governor of Cross Rivers State and former Minister of Power and Steel, Senator Liyel Imoke has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress is collapsing and not the best place to be in.
He made this view known at a Stakeholders meeting held in Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Calabar on Sunday.
The main agenda of the meeting was the defection of Governor Ben Ayade from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
He said: “APC is a party that is collapsing. It is not a place to go for Cross River. We will revive the glory of Cross River. I took risks to see the emergence of this government. They even accused me of collecting money. It is an insult,” Imoke said.
Speaking further, he said, “I have been a governor and I served my people diligently. Now we have seen a different approach to governance. It is not democratic. Our politics is sweet. We don’t play politics of harassment and intimidation.”
“We want youths that can deliver. The time has come for a generational shift. The next governor (of Cross River State) will be a man of character. The next National and state Assembly members will be men of character.” he added.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/25/apc-collapsing-not-the-best-place-to-be-in-imoke/

Yeni Kuti, eldest child of Afrobeat Maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is 60 today, May 24.
She was a famous dancer in her younger days and played an active role in her famous father’s Egypt 80 band.
She was once married to late Femi Segun, a polyglot and public relations expert who was the son of renowned novelist Mabel Segun. The marriage hit the rocks a few years ago and produced Rolari who is now married to her Australian beau.
In her later years, she became an activist and is a member of TVC’s popular program ‘Your View’ where she airs her views on burning issues.
She is currently in a relationship with Theo Lawson who never fails to profess his love for her on social media. He once gave her a commitment ring which left her fans wondering whether she will walk the aisle a second time.
We from The Vent Republic wish her a Happy Diamond Jubilee celebration!
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/24/yeni-kuti-is-60-today/

The leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governors in the south west region as well as the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives have endorsed true federalism and the ban on open grazing in the region.
The party leaders met in Lagos and reinforced their endorsement of the earlier call by their colleagues in Asaba held a fortnight ago.
Also at the meeting were the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; governors of Lagos, Ogun and Osun states, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mr Dapo Abiodun and Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, respectively; a former interim chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande; General Alani Akinrinde (rtd.); a former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Pius Akinyelure, among others.
Reading the nine points communiqué at the end of the deliberation, Akande, who convened the meeting, said they were concerned about the state of the nation.
The communiqué reads partly: “For Nigeria to overcome these challenges, we must do so with unity of purpose and action. The desire for peace and the chance for a prosperous and just society are universal and transcend all regional, religious or ethnic divisions. Sadly, many public figures have made statements that spark division and undermine the needed unity of purpose.
“We hold to the view that true federalism where more power and resources are allocated to the states will be an essential part in strengthening society and improving democratic governance so that we beat the present challenges but also engender durable peace and security. True federalism and the reallocation of resources and authority that comes with it will empower the states to solve localised issues before they spread and transform into national ones. In addition to mitigating political competition for control of the national government, greater federalism will empower grassroots economic development and political reforms that will stand as bulwarks against the terrorism and criminality now experienced in too many parts of the nation. A hallmark of this enhanced federalism will be the establishment of state police forces.
“We endorse the position of the southern governors taken at their May 11, 2021 summit in Asaba, Delta State, regarding ranching. We do so because such a decision will lessen tensions between farmers and herders while also helping the long-term economic viability of both the farming and herding communities. We are mindful of the short-term dislocation this might cause but are also mindful that this position is in the best interests of all parties concerned. We, therefore, recommend that the federal and state governments cooperate fully with each other to enact the necessary measures to encourage this more effective and modern method of cattle-rearing so that both farmers and herders can pursue their livelihoods with greater productivity and in a more cooperative relationship that minimizes the friction between these two important pillars of our agricultural economy.”
The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi were absent at the meeting.
Efforts to speak to Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Olabode Olatunde, and the state Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo, were not successful.
But the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Kayode Fayemi on Public Communication, Segun Dipe, said he did not know the governor’s itinerary.
Dipe said, “I honestly will not know whether he was at the meeting or not.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/24/fayemi-akeredolu-absent-as-southwest-political-leaders-pass-resolution-on-ranching-and-state-police/

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Richard Mofe Damijo a.k.a RMD has declared that he has grown wings as he has done what he has always wanted to do which is to wear earrings.
He took to his page and captioned his post, “I’ve always wanted to wear an earring for some time now. I personally think they are so cool if you find the right one.”
“When I was turning 50 I had threatened to wear one but I wasn’t too sure how the people of Delta state would feel about an earring-wearing commissioner. 10 years later I still want to wear it. I will. I will be 60 in a few weeks, and I have grown wings. I’m in my house if you have a problem you know where to find me. ”.
The actor who made his name in the now rested sitcom ‘Checkmate’ will be turning 60 soon and has decided to let his guard down. He has gone on to act many more sitcoms as well as movies and was once married to celebrated journalist and former Publisher of Classique Magazine, May Ellen Ezekiel who passed on in 1996. He remarried again when he took Jumobi Adegbesan, a then presenter with AIT to the altar and they celebrated their wedding anniversary a few weeks ago.
The Vent Republic wishes him a happy 60th birthday anniversary!
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/23/i-have-grown-wings-rmd-declares-as-he-wears-earrings/

Last year’s Big Brother Nigeria’s winner, Moshood Olamilekan Agbeleshe a.k.a Laycon has said that veteran Ghanaian artiste Michaeal Owusu Addo a.k.a Sarkodie has a huge influence on his music.
The reality TV show star made this known in an interview he had on a national TV station in Ghana where he spoke about his life and music career.
He recalled how he used to rap all of Sarkodie’s rap songs back in the day although he never understood the words Sarkodie used.
He rated Sarkodie as one of the best rappers in the globe.
Laycon made his first trip to Ghana for the first time to meet and greet his fans after winning the most watched African reality show.
The rapper’s visit comes after his ex-housemates, Nengi, Erica, Neo and Vee flew to Ghana to meet with their fans, and he believes the time is now to finally meet his Icons in Ghana to appreciate them for their support and votes whilst in the house.
A video shared online captures some moments Ghanaians including some his Nigerian brothers and sisters in Ghana gave him a grand reception after touching base on Ghana soil.
In the video, Laycon could be seen looking very excited to be in Ghana and fans could not withhold their phones in the pockets as they took photos and selfies with him amidst music and cheers.
Laycon first released two singles which streamed over 2.5 million on audiomack before releasing his debut album which has streamed over 7 million times on the platform. His album is also the number one in Finland.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/22/sarkodie-has-a-huge-influence-on-my-music-laycon/

Some gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, Malunfashi, Katsina State and killed a priest, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Yashim Bello.
They stormed the church at 11 pm on Thursday, abducted the slain priest who initially resisted arrest and another priest Rev. Fr Joe keke.
The lifeless body of Fr. Alphonsus Bello was found abandoned in the farmland behind the Catechetical Training School, Malunfashi on Friday morning.
The Communications Director, Diocese of Sokoto, Fr Chris Omotosho, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement on Friday.

"Last night (20/05/2021) one of our parishes – St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church Malunfashi, Katsina state – was attacked by unknown gunmen. 2 priests were kidnapped – *Frs Joe Keke & Alphonsus Bello*. Fr Joe Keke the former parish priest, now in residence is in his late 70s. Fr Alphonsus Bello (parish priest) is in his 30s," the statement reads.

"This morning the body of Fr Alphonsus was found (lifeless) in the farmland behind the Catechetical Training School, Malunfashi. The whereabouts of Fr. Joe Keke is still unknown. No contact has been made thus far."

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/21/catholic-priest-murdered-another-kidnapped-as-bandits-attack-katsina-church/

Popular Nigerian artiste Azeez Fashola a.k.a Naira Marley has reacted to the backlash over his comment on social media that he would love to have a party with a mother and daughter.
The post read: “I’m still going to have sex with mother and daughter together one day sha. The mother should be younger than 40 and the daughter 18 and above.”
The tweet stirred reactions online and criticisms on social media.
However, reacting the ‘Marlian’ president queried those quick to judge him but tell him to be himself.
On his Twitter page, Naira Marley wrote: “They tell you to be yourself but when you’re yourself they’re quick to judge you.
Popular Nigerian singer, Naira Marley has reacted to backlash after saying he will have sex with mother and daughter together one day.
The singer, who is known for not censoring his words on social media, on Thursday, disclosed some of his sexual fantasies.
This time around he made a tweet about how he hopes to have party with mother and daughter on same bed.
The post read: “I’m still going to have sex with mother and daughter together one day sha. The mother should be younger than 40 and the daughter 18 and above.”
The tweet stirred reactions online and criticisms on social media. Popular Nollywood actress, Ada Ameh who acts as Mrs. Emu Johnson in the popular sitcom ‘The Johnsons’ was among his critics and she said she regretted hugging him in the plane when they met.
However, reacting the ‘Marlian’ president queried those quick to judge him but tell him to be himself.
On his Twitter page, Naira Marley wrote: “They tell you to be yourself but when you’re yourself they’re quick to judge you.
“Maybe my thoughts are wild but if no be say I fear God and I don’t want to go hell ‘I for Don do and undo’.
“I have the right to party, as long as it is consensual and legal.”
The soapy crooner is known for his controversial and lewd statements which have earned him many criticisms as well as fans as his fan base keeps growing on a daily basis.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/21/naira-marley-reacts-to-backlash-over-party-comment/

Multiple award winning Nigerian artiste, Davido is now the proud owner of a brand new Rolls Royce. He made this known in a post on social media where he wrote: “We rise by lifting others but don’t forget to reward yourself!!! WHO DEY ZUZU!! Just copped my first RR!! God is good! I’m forever grateful to y’all!! … oh yea 2021 BTW ”.
In a related development, Davido and his music rival, Grammy award winner Wizkid have bagged a music award nomination in the 2021 South Africa Music Awards, SAMAs.
Davido’s album “A Better Time” and Wizkid’s album “Made In Lagos” were selected and secured recognition in the 27th edition of SAMAs. Davido and Wizkid were placed in the category of “Rest of Africa”, a category comprising other African artists that are not South Africans.
Davido is the most followed African artiste on Instagram with over twenty million followers. He has two daughters and a son from three women. He recently bought a Range Rover for his first child Imade when she turned six.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/21/davido-shells-out-183-million-naira-for-rolls-royce/

The Senate on Wednesday, May 19 is considering a bill seeking to criminalize the payment of ransom for kidnapped persons with the possibility of a fifteen year jail term.
Named ‘The Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Bill, 2021; the proposed legislation sponsored by Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi scaled second reading during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate on the bill, the lawmaker said the piece of legislation would seek to amend the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013 to outlaw the payment of ransom to abductors, kidnappers and terrorists for the release of any person who has been wrongfully confined, imprisoned or kidnapped.
He said: “Kidnapping is on the increase in Nigeria and it is prevalent across all the geopolitical zones.
“Some blame the rise of this criminal activity on poverty, religion, politics, deficiency of existing laws, unemployment, connivance of security agents, corruption, and greed among others.
“Our unemployed youths are also turning to kidnapping to get money (ransom) as a survival strategy.
“Whatever the reason, it is most obvious that kidnapping in Nigeria puts everyone at risk; the rich and the poor, old and young, male and female, foreigner or indigene, expatriate or non-expatriate, traditional rulers and religious leaders, among others”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/20/senate-mulls-bill-criminalizing-payment-of-ransom-with-fifteen-years-imprisonment/

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN said that he will not share the over 4.2 million pounds James Ibori loot which was recently transferred to the Federal Government from the United Kingdom as that will amount to deviating from the agreement they had with the UK.
He made this known on the Channels Television Programme ‘Politics Today’ anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.
During the programme, Malami listed the projects the money would be spent on according to the agreement reached.
He said the government would deviate from the agreement.
The minister said, “The way international diplomatic processes operate with particular regard to the recovery of looted asset is more or less about engagement among the nations of interest.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/20/i-will-not-share-ibori-loot-with-delta-state-malami/

The Pan Niger Delta Forum has criticized the anti restructuring stance of Senate President Ahmad Lawan. They blasted him for sweeping aside the official position of the southern governors in their last meeting in Asaba.
The group insisted that in line with equity and fairness, the Presidency must return to the south in 2023 when President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure would have been over.
This was contained in a 14-point communique issued after a virtual meeting held on Monday.
The document which was jointly signed by the national leader and national chairman of PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark and Senator Emmanuel Essien, was made public on Tuesday.
The communique said PANDEF “Maintains emphatically that the Presidency must rotate to the south in 2023, at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s two tenures of eight years. It is non-negotiable, a Southerner must succeed President Buhari. Whether the Southerner would come from the South-South, South-East or South West is a different matter entirely.
“Reiterated the call on the National Assembly to accelerate the amendment of the Electoral Act, with the inclusion of provisions for electronic voting, before the 2023 general elections to guarantee free, fair and credible elections. That anything otherwise would be unacceptable.”
The PANDEF also “Strongly condemned the irrational comments of the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan, and the provocative expressions of some northern elements, against the decisions of the Southern Governors on Restructuring of the country, and the banning of open grazing.
“Deplored the worsening security situation in the country, with expanding activities of Boko Haram, audacious raids and kidnapping of innocent students by bandits, heartless activities of Fulani herders, and the recent spate of attacks on the police, and called on the Federal Government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property of citizens.”
The body also “Restated its position on the restructuring of the country and insisted that Nigeria cannot continue in the present flawed trajectory. That restructuring is now not only a vital necessity but has become expedient for the survival of Nigeria.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/19/pandef-blasts-lawan-insists-that-presidency-must-come-to-the-south/

Delta State Governor, Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa has dissolved his State Executive Council and fired all commissioners in the state directing them to hand over to their permanent secretaries.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who himself was affected by the dissolution, made this known on Tuesday.
He made this known while briefing journalists at the Government House Asaba.
“It happened that the Exco today lasted a bit longer than we anticipated. Let me from the onset drop what may be the headline for today: the Exco has been dissolved.
“And so, I am the immediate past commissioner for information. All commissioners are to handover to permanent secretaries with immediate effect.
“All special advisers are also to handover to the person next to them, including the chief strategist of the Government, and of course, including the chief of staff, the SSG and the senior political adviser,” Aniagwu said.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/18/breaking-governor-okowa-dissolves-state-executive-council/

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodu of Ogun State, Abidemi Rufai has been arrested in the United States for attempting to defraud Washington State of over $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington Employment Security Department during the Covid 19 pandemic.
He was apprehended at the John Kennedy International Airport as he made an unsuccessful attempt to flee back to Nigeria.
The FBI wrote: “Since the first fraud reports to our office in April 2020, we have worked diligently with a federal law enforcement team to track down the criminals who stole funds designated for pandemic relief,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “This is the first, but will not be the last, significant arrest in our ongoing investigation of ESD fraud.”
“Greed is a powerful motivator. Unfortunately, the greed alleged to this defendant affects all taxpayers,” said Donald Voiret, Special Agent in Charge FBI Seattle. “The FBI and our partners will not stand idly by while individuals attempt to defraud programs meant to assist American workers and families suffering the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Rufai allegedly used the identities of more than one hundred Washington residents to file fraudulent claims with the ESD for pandemic related unemployment benefits. He also filed fraudulent unemployment claims with Hawaii, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania. Rufai used variations of a single e-mail address in a manner intended to evade automatic detection by fraud systems. By using this practice, Rufai made it appear that each claim was connected with a different email account.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/18/governor-dapo-abioduns-aide-arrested-for-defrauding-washington-state/

"But i have promises to keep,
And miles to go before i sleep."
Robert Frost
Having reignited a much needed tendency Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola who turns sixty four today still has a lot of consolidation of his path breaking intervention " and miles to go.....".
When he arrived on the scene, the progressive tendency associated in the past with the position that "government must be for the benefits of the many and not a few" was in the sick bay gasping for breath. It took a reconfiguration of forces forged in the fire of the struggle to restore democracy to bring the perspective back to life. In that pivotal struggle Aregbesola was in the vanguard as a key strategist and operative.
Through the exciting thrust of eight years as the infrastructure czar of a Lagos state in dire of rebuilding to the two path breaking terms as the path - breaking governor of the state of Osun, the symbol has remained faithful to the core definition of progressive intervention.
There are however "miles to go...". We are at the moment permutating about what the economy and society will look like as a gradual recovery is made from the Covid - 19 pandemic. The progressive tendency with people like Aregbesola at the vanguard must be conscious of the necessity of now and the historical imperative. For the tendency to stampede into a return to the discredited neo - liberalism of the structural adjustment program will rear its head. It has to be resisted, those like Aregbesola who demonstrated the efficacy of an " alternative perspective " must be at the forefront of producing and implementing a new program for a different world order. Such a program will once place human development as the overriding purpose of government.In navigating perilous waters we should be reminded of the admonition of the Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci at a similar period of turmoil and heightened anxiety: "The old is dying and the new cannot be born. In this interregnum there arises a great diversity of morbid forces". Brave hearted committed progressives like Aregbesola will once again be beckoned forth to contain the retrogressive " morbid forces ".
The clearest testimony of Aregbesola's intervention is the adoption of the social programs pioneered in Osun state by the federal government and many of the states. In doing so he has achieved that most necessary thrust of political action, he shifted the territory of the discourse and entrenched a new way of looking at things, an hegemony.
If the sensible objective of pulling a hundred million Nigerians out of poverty by the end of the century is to be achieved that hegemony must be sustained and today's celebrator must be at the heart of it. There are great miles of achievement still to be covered for a progressive who in words and deed continues to symbolise an alternative perspective which gives hope that "life more abundant" can be achieved.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/18/by-way-of-introduction-by-kanmi-ademiluyi/

Former media aide to Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has reacted to reports published by the Will newspaper that he welcomed a baby with a UK based lover.
The outspoken critic of President Muhammadu Buhari described the report as false.
He wrote on Facebook:
Yesterday (Sunday, May 16, 2021), I declared my intention to convene a #HarassBuhariOutofParis peaceful protest, between Monday, May 17, 2021 and Tuesday, May 18, 2021, and this morning we woke up to a salacious and scandalous story about me, that I will not even want to repeat.
A Nigerian proverb says the bird flew at night, and the baby died in the morning.
The story is false. If you look at the platform that originally carried the story, it becomes obvious that it is being sponsored by the Presidency, to distract me from going to Paris, because they know that the Africa-France summit is an international platform and any protest will highlight the failures of General Muhammadu Buhari.
That platform is notorious for pro-government stories. I am not the first perceived opponent of the Buhari administration to be targeted by them, neither will I be the last. You only need to visit the site.
I have never and can never engage in premarital or extramarital sex. I abhor it. God forbid!
I am so loathe to even respond to such a malicious attack on me by the Buhari administration. And I will not be baited to talk about private family issues publicly. Suffice to say that I have never had, and will never have a child out of wedlock.
To me, it is best ignored because the devil is a known liar, and that is who has inspired those behind this story.
Nobody can break my focus. After we are done with the Paris protest, my lawyers and I will sit down to decide if and when we should sue.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/18/reno-omokri-reacts-to-reports-that-he-welcomed-a-baby-with-a-uk-based-lover/

There are speculations that former world’s richest man, Bill Gates had multiple affairs with women linked with Microsoft and that may be a possible reason for his divorce to his wife of 27 years, Melinda Gates.
A report by New York Times detailed how Bill Gates chased women connected to both Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
However the times reported that it was the friendship between convicted child sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Gates that set the chain in motion for their eventual divorce.
Microsoft's board of directors contracted a private law firm to investigate a more than decades-old "intimate relationship" Bill Gates had with a company employee. The investigation, according to a company spokesman, took place in the months before the billionaire resigned from the board last year.

"Microsoft received a concern in the latter half of 2019 that Bill Gates sought to initiate an intimate relationship with a company employee in the year 2000," a company spokesman told NPR.

"A committee of the Board reviewed the concern, aided by an outside law firm, to conduct a thorough investigation. Throughout the investigation, Microsoft provided extensive support to the employee who raised the concern."
Melinda Gates said in a court filing that their 27 year old marriage had irretrievably broken down.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/17/microsoft-investigates-bill-gates-affairs-with-women-linked-to-the-company/

Minister for Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Sunday had a clash over the spate of rising insecurity in the state.
Amaechi aired his view while presiding over a formal defection ceremony of two erstwhile commissioners in Wike’s government to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Port Harcourt to the high level of unemployment in the oil rich state. He also accused Wike of corruption in his being the owner of many properties scattered across the state acquired with public funds.
Amaechi fondly known as the Lion of Ubima said: “Rivers State is in danger, completely; a state where properties are being collected and somebody is busy building everywhere and nobody is talking.
“When I was governor, God knows, I did my best. I did not build only roads, I built schools. I built electricity. I built farms. I created employment.
“The reason why crime is high in Rivers State is because of unemployment is very high. That the reason why we had the Songhai Farm. Today, the Songhai Farm is gone. That is why we had the Banana Farm that they stopped in Khana (Ogoni land)
“ We were doing all those things to create employment for the youths. That is why we hired 13,200 teachers and that is why we sent our children overseas to study.”
But Wike in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, on Sunday said: “Is unemployment fuelling insecurity in Kaduna, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Ondo, Ebony, Imo and Niger states governed by the All Progressives Congress?
“Is he (Amaechi) trying to indict his boss, President Muhammad Buhari, who is the Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and who is constitutionally saddle with the responsibility to provide security for Nigerians?
“It is a well-known fact that Amaechi is the one who appoints every Commissioner of Police that has been posted to Rivers State since 2015. So, if there is any security failure, he is to blame.”
On the imposition of curfew in the state following attacks on security formations which Amaechi criticized, the governor said the the minister “is happy that members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra are killing innocent policemen, who were protecting lives and property.
Reacting to allegation by the minister that he is acquiring property in the State, the governor said it better to acquire property in Nigeria than to do so in Ghana.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/17/insecurity-amaechi-blames-unemployment-in-rivers-state-wike-faults-fg/

THE Caretaker/ National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress, is considering a 60-to-70-member strong convention planning committee The Vent Republic has learnt.
A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said:
“It is after this has been done that we expect the convention planning list to be made public.
“However, because of the shortage of time, a few things may be twerked to speed up the process because considering the variables, we really don’t have time on our side.”
In response to a question on the possible size of the convention committee, the source said, “We are looking at between 60 and 70, in order to accommodate as many of the tendencies within the party as possible.
“Of course, as has been the tradition, serving and former governors, Senators, members of the House of Reps, serving and former as well as serving and former party leaders will be given the opportunity to serve.
“Exemptions will be made for those who are interested in contesting for any of the positions to avoid a conflict of interest.”
The source further said: “We are now very interested in how our congresses at the state level are held because it will determine a lot of things. Delegates who will vote at the national convention will be elected from the Ward, Local Government and State levels. This is our procedure.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/17/70-members-for-national-convention-apc/

Former New Media aide to Goodluck Jonathan and bestselling author, Reno Omokri has reacted to the news making the rounds that the Presidency has denied Gimba Yau Kumo as the son-in-law to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Gimba Yau Kumo is the son-in-law of President Buhari. He is married to the second daughter of Buhari. However, the president through his spokesperson has disowned Gimba as his son-in-law. The president spokesman Garba Shehu issued a statement on behalf of the president putting a disclaimer on Gimba.
Kumo was declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, ICPC for embezzling the national housing funds while he was the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank.
Omokri tweeted:
“We are told the alleged crook has metamorphosed from @MBuhari’s son-in-law to FORMER son-in-law, according to @GarShehu, the professional liar for hire, ready to work for Any Government in Power, from @OfficialPDPNig to @OfficialAPCNg Respect who doesn’t fear Garba #TableShaker“

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/16/reno-omokri-reacts-as-presidency-disowns-buharis-son-in-law-over-65-million-fraud/

What about John Fashanu (Wimbledon) 1988

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In 1519 the Spanish Explorer and Colonialist, Hernando Cortez arrived the New World with about six hundred men. He was determined to set up a colony in America by conquering the local Red Indians but needed the maximum cooperation of his men in his quest. While his men slept, he burnt all their ships thereby making them burn their bridges and leaving no room for any alternative plan to go back to Spain. The men fearing death in a strange, cold land fought with all their might and defeated their adversary.
World’s wealthiest investor Warren Buffett was once asked his investment strategy and he replied in simple language: ‘Put all your eggs in one basket and watch it carefully.”
This week Sunday, a viral video went round of how the charismatic and handsome Founder of the House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin told his congregation that his wife Ifeanyi had gone ahead of him to an undisclosed foreign country to prepare his way for his eventual departure given the terrible security situation in the country which could lead to a Second Civil War. He urged his congregation to have a plan b – a life in exile as he couldn’t guarantee their safety any longer.
In his words: ”I bring you greetings from Pastor Ifeanyi (his wife) who is busy taking care of the frontier of our world and preparing our escape route. If you don’t have a plan B… I know you have faith. I have faith too but I have a plan B. With technology I can speak to you from anywhere in the world. Get yourself a plan B. Whether that’s an Okada to Cameroon or flying boat or speed boat as we call them to Seme Border or a hole in the ground, get your plan B because these people are crazy. They are nutters. The whole bunch of them. And watch the signs because it can happen like this. God forbid!”
I was surprised that this was coming from a Clergy man as I have always viewed the religious class with utmost suspicion as they are complicit with the political elite in the rot of the country. Rather than speak the truth to power, they massage the over bloated ego of our Emperors and sell their followers the elixir of some elusive ‘Heaven’ which can only be attained by regular forgiveness, praying for our leaders, tithes, offerings and battleground seeds in order to obtain unprecedented favour from God and enjoy economic prosperity while still domiciled on earth.
The Clergy in The Philippines spoke against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcus which led to his eventual overthrow in 1986. Ours are more preoccupied with saying prophecies and hustling for security contracts.
In as much as I agree with Adefarasin as it is necessary to have a plan b in lieu of the deteriorating quality of life experienced by the majority of the citizens, it is imperative to question the raison d’etre behind the plan b and posit whether it is not wiser to have only a plan a for more effective living.
The plan b is responsible for the fact that Nigerian citizens have failed to hold the government to account. There is no light so we buy generators, no good public schools so we send our children or wards to private schools or schools abroad, no good hospitals so we either go to the private hospitals or travel abroad, no security so we hire the use of policemen or form vigilantes in our neighbourhoods, lack of governmental presence in our lives and our Clergy men urge us not to fight back to demand for our fundamental human rights but to pray for them so as not to jeopardize our chances of going to Heaven since there is a Biblical injunction that makes it compulsory for our leaders to be prayed for.
The plan b has entrenched a culture of lukewarmness and a lackadaisical attitude of the citizens towards their ability to ensure good governance and a fair deal from their supposed leaders.
How practicable is Adefarasin’s advice? Nigeria has over 200 million people and it is the most populous black nation on earth. Is it possible for the country to get totally depopulated at any given time? In a country where millions live on less than a dollar a day with a 33% unemployment rate among the youths, how many can afford the millions required to relocate abroad? How many can even afford to relocate illegally via the perilous road trips across the Sahara and by the Mediterranean to Europe? Why can’t his advice be geared towards rousing the dormant fighting spirit of the largely complacent citizens towards demanding for the dividends of democracy? Is he rallying round a scheme towards helping the masses raise funds for their relocation? Is he not leaving them in the lurch like Sheep without a Shepherd through his prescription? Why can’t he advocate a peaceful version of the Arab Spring which shook dictatorships in Northern Africa to its very foundation and proved that citizens’ power was supreme? Where was his voice during the End Sars protest which was the most effective peaceful protest this country has ever witnessed which was spearheaded by the youths? Enough of this placebo as the country needs pragmatic solutions that can swiftly get her out of the woods and not advice that leaves much to be desired!
Migration is as old as man and mortals gravitate towards places that they feel their bread is most buttered and one is not disparaging efforts towards legal migration. Permit me to go Biblical, the Israelites were God’s chosen race yet they migrated to foreign lands a lot. Lot migrated to Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob migrated, Joseph became the Prime Minister of Egypt, Esau who even sold his birthright prospered in a foreign land. Joseph the foster father of Jesus Christ had to migrate to Egypt when the latter was an infant to escape Herod’s sword which slaughtered the infants in cold blood.
In as much as migration is innate in man, it shouldn’t be promoted as the only alternative. It should just be one more option as Nigerians should be empowered to have as many choices as possible to live the good life.
Adefarasin should use his immense clout and influence to galvanize the citizens to press for a better deal rather than shove an option that’s not applicable to the beleaguered Plebians. It is high time the Clergy became partners in progress of the citizens rather than work perpetually in cahoots with the elite to perpetually suppress them or dish out advice whose practicability is worse than chasing a pie in the sky.
Tony Ademiluyi is the Co Founder of The Vent Republic Media – www.theventrepublic.com and wrote from Lagos.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/14/issues-arising-from-the-plan-b-tony-ademiluyi/

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has picked holes on the calls by southern governors on restructuring asking them to first restructure their states before asking the Federal Government to do so.
He said: “I believe that, as leaders, especially those of us who are elected into office should not be at the forefront of calling for this kind of thing (restructuring).
“Because, even if you are a governor, you are supposed to be working hard in your state to ensure that this restructuring you are calling for at the federal level, you have done it in your state as well.
“What you may accuse the Federal Government of, whatever it is, you may also be accused of the same thing in your state.
“So, we are supposed to ensure that we have a complete and total way of ensuring that our systems at the federal, state and even local government levels work for the people.
“We must allow people to participate in governance so that whoever feels he has something to offer to make Nigeria better does so freely without any let or hindrance.”
The Senate president further said, “The President is reaching out to all the stakeholders. And I believe that as leaders, particularly those of us who were elected at all levels of government, we should avoid partisanship.
“We should avoid regionalism. We are all leaders and we are in this together.
“The solutions to our challenges must come from us regardless of what level of government we are.
“Whether at the federal, state or the local government level.
“I believe that Nigeria is going to come out of these challenges stronger.” He also called for support for the federal government”.
Source:
https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/14/restructure-your-states-lawan-to-southern-governors/

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the National Assembly, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Federal Government to solve the electoral flaws and structural defects in the country’s electoral systems.
The Lagos State PDP Chairman Deji Doherty made this call in Lagos in a town hall meeting urging President Muhammadu Buhari to give his assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill as it will make the elections generally acceptable as well as free and fair.
“There are so many electoral flaws, systemic\weaknesses, structural defects and loopholes in our electoral system, which have caused more damage during and after elections. But, we must engage the Federal Government, National Assembly and INEC to do the right things now.
“Any system or structure that favours a microcosm of people against the well-being and welfare of the masses must not be acceptable and a new pro-people structure, system, laws and policies should be instituted.”
He urged the voters to vote wisely as they will suffer if incompetent leaders were elected into office.
He added: “We are coming to give a better life to Lagosians and Nigeria at large as we are sure Nigerians would not make another terrible mistake in the coming elections. This time, PDP is coming with healing balm and we shall fix the power, health, education, social infrastructure and other critical sectors of the economy. Nigerians shall see better days again.”

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/14/pdp-pleads-with-the-national-assembly-to-solve-electoral-loopholes/

Senators Biodun Olujimi (PDP Ekiti) and Yusuf Yusuf (APC Taraba) have bickered over calls for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari as a result of the terrible insecurity situation in the country.
The PDP which is in the opposition challenged Buhari to tackle the situation or risk impeachment while the ruling APC opined that he is doing his best to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians.
“Impeachment is not yet on the table. When it is on the table, we would all look at it squarely in the face because if we have a serious problem like what we have in Nigeria, we need to also think seriously about the solution.”
She lamented that the Buhari regime was not doing enough to tackle the scourge.
In response, Yusuf, (APC, Taraba Central) vehemently disagreed. He said: “If you impeach the President, who takes over? Is it not the Vice President? Is it not the same government? Or you remove the president and his vice, and the Senate President takes over, is it not the same government?
“We must think out of the box and part of that is to see it as our own responsibility to solve insecurity in this country.
“Intelligence is very important. Yes, there are some elements of frustration here and there, yes, I agree. This is governance. If you are frustrated, that does not mean that you should condemn, kill and damage, no.
“In my own opinion, President Muhammadu Buhari is doing the best that he could. We must also synergize with him. We must give him the kind of assistance that will help solve our problem.
“The responsibility to provide security lies not only on President Muhammadu Buhari, but also on all state governors, who also control the local governments.”
But Olujimi responded: “I think we are all tired of the lingering insecurity in the country. For instance, we have a 12-year -old insurgency with us, the Boko Haram in the North-East, then we got this nasty experience of insecurity.
“What will it cost us to declare insecurity a national emergency so that everybody will take it very seriously?
“I see that the will to do it is not there and the leadership is not rising to the occasion. When a country is fighting insecurity, it needs a committed leader to be in the saddle.
“I believe and hope that the President will rise to the occasion and give us a time frame whereby the current state of insecurity will be tackled once and for all.
“To think that robbers could strike at the villa which is the epitome of security for all of us is unthinkable. They even gained access to the apartment of the Chief of Staff to Mr. President, then we are in serious trouble.
“The time for the government to do something serious is now. We must not allow people to resort to self-help because it could take us to a different direction.
“The President should sit up because of insecurity. This is Ramadan yet nobody is traveling because they are not sure of what they will meet at home. I hope somebody is listening.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/13/apc-pdp-senators-bicker-over-calls-for-the-impeachment-of-buhari/

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa has mentioned a legion of obstacles in prosecuting the former Minister for Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
He said she currently lives in the United Kingdom which is not in the jurisdiction of Nigeria and bringing her home to face justice is a gargantuan challenge.
This position was made known in the April edition of the EFCC magazine, EFCC Alert.
He said: “There are several cases surrounding Diezani’s case. I was part of that investigation, and we have done quite a lot. In one of the cases, we recovered $153m; we have secured the final forfeiture of over 80 property in Nigeria valued at about $80m. We have done quite a bit on that.
“The other case as it relates to the $115m INEC bribery is also ongoing across the federation. We are looking forward to the time we will, maybe, have her in the country, and, of course, review things and see what will happen going forward. The case has certainly not been abandoned.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/05/13/there-are-many-obstacles-in-prosecuting-diezani-efcc/