Category: News

President Bola Tinubu delivered his inaugural New Year speech on Monday, outlining his commitment to overcoming challenges and enhancing business competitiveness in Nigeria. In a comprehensive address, he expressed gratitude for the successful transition of power in 2023 and detailed his administration’s plans to boost the economy and tackle national issues.

Full Text of the Address:

Dear Compatriots,

I extend warm greetings to each one of you as we usher in the new year, 2024. Our gratitude goes to Almighty God for His grace and benevolence throughout the past year, a year marked by challenges but also significant events. The peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another stands out as a remarkable milestone in our 24 years of unbroken democracy.

To the gracious people of this blessed nation, who entrusted me with a mandate to improve our country, revitalize the economy, enhance security, bolster the industrial sector, and promote agricultural production, I express my sincere appreciation. The core of my Renewed Hope campaign was centered on building a better nation and fostering a society that cares for all its citizens.

Throughout my tenure, every decision, trip, and action has been taken in the best interest of our country. In the past seven months, my administration has made tough but necessary choices, such as removing the longstanding fuel subsidy and addressing foreign exchange challenges. While acknowledging the resulting discomfort, I assure you these decisions were essential to prevent fiscal catastrophe.

The rising cost of living, high inflation exceeding 28%, and the concerning underemployment rate have not gone unnoticed. I am aware of the frustrations and concerns of our citizens, and I want to assure you that these challenging times are temporary. Our resilience should remain unbroken, and our commitment to Nigeria’s promise should be unwavering.

Despite challenges, progress has been made in ensuring security, with ongoing efforts to bring peace to our homes, workplaces, and roads. As we move forward into 2024, my administration is prepared to accelerate service delivery across various sectors.

During COP28 in Dubai, the German Chancellor and I committed to expediting the Siemens Energy power project under the Presidential Power Initiative. This initiative aims to provide reliable electricity to our homes and businesses. Additionally, power installation projects to strengthen transmission lines and optimize the national grid are underway.

Recognizing the importance of steady electricity supply for economic transformation, we are taking steps to restart local refining of petroleum products with the Port Harcourt Refinery and the impending completion of the Dangote Refinery.

To ensure food security, we will intensify efforts to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland across the country for staple crops. The National Wheat Development Programme, launched with 120,000 hectares in Jigawa State, is a step toward achieving this goal.

In 2024, we are committed to implementing fiscal and tax policy reforms to create a conducive business environment. Nigeria is open for business, and I will vigorously address obstacles hindering our competitiveness, both locally and internationally.

The 2024 budget reflects our dedication to national defense, job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security. Every Nigerian should feel the impact of their government, and we are instituting a new national living wage for our industrious workers.

Accountability remains a priority, and the Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit in the Presidency will ensure governance outputs improve living conditions. In this new year, ministers and agency heads will be evaluated within the first quarter to uphold standards.

My ambition is to build a fair and equitable society, reducing inequality and providing opportunities for hardworking Nigerians to succeed. While recognizing individual differences, my government will strive to offer equal opportunities for all.

To achieve the benefits of the new year, each Nigerian must contribute. Building a prosperous nation is a collective effort, transcending political, ethnic, and religious differences. Let us resolve to work for the peace, progress, and stability of our country, extending this call to political opponents. The election is over, and it’s time to collaborate for the greater good.

As we navigate through 2024, let our collective light shine bright, illuminating the path to a glorious dawn. I wish everyone a happy and prosperous year, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

There are heighten allegations of marginalization of Christians community in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, by the Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who’s rated one of the most finest Governor in the current dispensation.

A statement released to journalists in Kaduna, Sunday by the Director, General Center for Justice on Religious And Ethnicity in Nigeria, Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa alleged that neither Governor Zulum nor any government officials in the state denied the allegations.

Rev. Dikwa statement, entitled press release on the true position of the Christians in Borno state Governor Babagana U. Zulum, 30th December, 2023, lament alleged marginalization of Christians community in Borno state.

Proving his allegations, Rev. Dikwa cited the press release of 20 December 2023 on the marginalization of Christians community in Borno state by Governor Zulum and the appointment of Special Advisers made by Governor.

He expressed dismay that attempt to challenge the development was met with strict resistance and attempted attack from Governor Zulum’s loyalist thugs and that of vice President, Shettima crew respectively.

“The press released on 20 December on the marginalization of the Christian community in Borno State by Governor Zulum was not refuted by either him nor any government officials in the state which affirmed the truth except his wife that called out few widows to share rice a day after for Christmas purposefully for the media to carry it.

“The only way they refuted was to send thugs after my life like Barrister Bashir Maidugu who called me and put a threat to my life and civilians joint task Force (CJTF) who met me on the road and harassed me but as usual God Almighty saved me to continue exposing the truth.

“Let the public court judge, How can a professor and a Governor show tribalism, sectionalism and ethnic segregation like Professor Zulum of Borno State? How many are from Southern Borno and how many are Christians among these political appointments?

Rev. Dikwa who quoted a “Public Announcement” and that of “Appointment of Special Advisers to Borno State Governor”, alleged that only one out of 29 appointed advisers was a Christian.

“The Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Gana Umara Zulum has graciously approved the appointment of the following Special Advisers:

1. Alhaji Ali Makinta Jere
2. Idrissa L Kemdey
3. Tijjani Goni Mohammed
4. Hon Ibrahim Haruna Biu
5. Hon Tukur Digira
6. Engr Kori Shettima
7. Hauwa M Musa
8. Hon Abubakar Tijjani
9. Hon Garba Saje
10. Hon Kester C Oguali
11. Hon Alao Hassan
12. Alhaji Audu Maaji
13. Hon Abba Jato Bama
14. Hon Abba Saje Mohd Nur
15. Engr Musa Gashigar
16. Hon Abba Nguru
17. Hon Bukar Dalatu
18. Hon Idrisa Jidda
19. Shettima Bukar Kulima (Marte)
20. Hon Kaka Adam Mustapha
21. Shettima Lawan Maina
22. Dr Abubakar Hassan
23. Modu Ali Gana Dikwa
24. Sheikh Modu Mustapha
25. Abba Kawu Shehu Abubakar
26. Hon Musa Abbas
27. Alhaji Musa Gwamma
28. Baba Ali Haruna Kukawa
29. Abdullahi Mohd Nganzai.

According to Rev. Dikwa “Amongst all of the appointees of 29, only
Hon Kester C Oguali is a Christian from the Eastern Nigeria, an Igbo by tribe.

“In the threat by the political thugs like Barrister Bashir Maidugu of the Vice President crew, he categorically said only four local government in the state have Christian indigenes which is a blatant lies from the pit of hell.

“I’m kanuri by tribe from Maiduguri the state capital and a Christian amongst many kanuri Christians. Going by the Barrister Bashir Maidugu, I will now ask, have the indigenous Christian from the Southern Borno State relocated to the Igbo land (Eastern Nigeria) to get a slot from the 29 appointment or still the marginalization?

“We condemned in a strong term this total excluding of Christians in the governor’s appointment and Hon. Kester C Oguali is not representing any Christians in the state but political strategy to show the world he’s in love with even Christians in the south but marginalized his main duties of inclusive governance.

“Let me talk little for now about the LGA Chairman primaries in the State, a Christian dominated area like Chibok has 7 contestants in which 4 are Christians and 3 are Muslims. He disqualified the four Christians and told the 3 Muslims to choose one among themselves.

“In Askira Uba, the contestants have the highest a Christian with 14 votes followed by a Muslim with 7 votes, however, Zullum imposed the Muslim candidate with 7 and dropped the Christian with 14, can someone define marginalization for me in different actions than these?”, he lamented.

Confirming the reports, Rev. Dikwa personally revealed that the Borno state government have discerned several strategies to also marginalised Christians in the state by keeping them away in the neighboring country, adding that thousands of Christians are in Cameroon, Taraba amongst other states while Muslim colleagues returned back to their communities and benefiting government palliatives.

Ritualist beheads mother of 3 in Benue

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The residents of Ottoh in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue state, were on weekend thrown into deep griefs and mourning over the brutal murder of one Patience Ubahi by suspected ritualist.

Patience Ubahi, a 30 years old mother of three, was reportedly butchered on Saturday evening by a neighborhood boy of over 20years old (name withheld).

The sad and callous incident reportedly occurred in Otukpa, the headquarters of Ogbadibo LGA of Benue South, zone three.

However, luck ran out of the suspected ritualist who was caught by curious villagers on his way to deliver the victim’s head to his sponsor around the popular Ede Market in the area.

Eyewitness and relations told our correspondent on phone on Sunday that the suspected ritualist was dragged to the victims family resident where he met his waterloo as youths of the area set fire and burnt him to death alive without knowledge of the police.

The source also stated that the family of the alleged ritualist escaped death by mud attacks, as the angry youths also moved to attacked them before the family took to their heels.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerians in the year 2024. In his New Year message to the nation released on Sunday, Atiku expressed gratitude to God as Nigerians entered the new year, acknowledging that 2023 had been a challenging year with valuable lessons for the future.

Highlighting the rising costs of food items, goods, and services, as well as issues in the national economy and security, Atiku emphasized that these challenges must be squarely faced in the new year. He criticized the government’s policy prescriptions, stating that the intensity of the trying times could have been different with smarter governance.

Atiku called for a well-thought vision of national planning that prioritizes the common people of Nigeria in development. He urged the government to outline a clear direction for its policy projections and avoid the current approach of groping in the dark.

As the canvas of the year 2024 unfolds, Atiku emphasized that there is ample time for the government to address the acute hardships faced by Nigerians. He encouraged the government to champion a pathway that alleviates the economic difficulties experienced by the citizens.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered under her watch through a contractor, James Okwete.

The former minister was asked to appear before interrogators at the EFCC headquarters, Jabbi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to explain the alleged fraud, an exclusive document seen by our correspondent on Saturday revealed.

The document read in part, “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during your time as minister.

“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”

The ex-minister could not be reached for comments on Saturday as her telephone indicated that it was switched off. When our correspondent contacted her former media aide, Nneka Ikem, over the development, she told our correspondent off and proceeded to switch off her phone.

“As you’re asking me? I’ll be asking you too, where did you learn that the EFCC has invited her, “ Ikem queried before ending the call. Subsequent calls indicated that her phone had been switched off.

Umar-Farouq had earlier denied knowledge of the contractor, James Okwete, who is still being held by the anti-graft agency.

The former minister tweeted on her X handle on Monday, “There have been a number of reports linking me to a purported investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into the activities of one James Okwete, someone completely unknown to me.

“James Okwete neither worked for, nor represented me in any way whatsoever. The linkages and associations to my person are spurious. While I resist the urge to engage in any media trial whatsoever, I have however contacted my legal team to explore possible options to seek redress on the malicious attack on my person.

“I remain proud to have served my country as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.”

“I’m not around at the moment, and I can’t speak on that, please,” Oyewale said.

The EFCC had arrested Okwete in connection with the ongoing probe into the N37.1bn allegedly laundered by the ministry under Umar-Farouq.

A top EFCC official, who confided in our correspondent, said the contractor had made useful statements concerning Umar-Farouq and former directors-general of agencies under the ministry.

The development coincides with the probe of three other ministers, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari for alleged graft estimated at N150bn.

“It is not only Umar-Farouk we are investigating. Three other former ministers are also under probe. They were allegedly involved in graft to the tune of N150bn,” a credible source in the EFCC had confided in our correspondent.

Sources revealed that Umar-Farouq and some former directors-general of agencies under the ministry might be arrested by the commission following the details of the alleged financial misappropriation so far revealed to interrogators by the contractor.

Investigations by the anti-graft agency allegedly revealed that the N37.1bn was transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers and sent to 38 different bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks belonging to or connected with Okwete.

Impeccable sources had earlier confirmed that Okwete was cooperating with investigators.

According to the EFCC officials, the contractor was arrested four days ago.

A source said, “The contractor, Mr Okwete, who was used in laundering the money, has been arrested by the commission. He is currently in our custody and has been giving investigators more details that have indicted the former minister and some DGs under the ministry, and they may be brought in anytime soon too.”

Another source stated, “The contractor involved in the N37.bn fraud has been arrested and will spend Christmas in our custody. He has given some names, and the former humanitarian affairs minister and directors-general in the ministry were linked to the fraud.”

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs currently serves as the parent ministry to eight agencies, including the National Social Investment Office, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internationally Displaced Persons, among others.

Umar-Farouq was the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

She was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019 as the youngest cabinet member.

Her work with Buhari dates back to his days as the leader and presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change when she was the national treasurer of the party and later the national treasurer of the All Progressives Congress.

Documents obtained by Sunday PUNCH revealed that following receipt of the funds, Okwete allegedly transferred N6,746,034,000 to Bureau De Change operators, withdrew N540m, purchased luxury cars with N288,348,600 and bought luxury houses in Abuja and Enugu State with N2,195,115,000.

A total of 53 companies were reportedly traced to Okwete, who was also said to have used 47 of the firms to secure Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86.

He was also linked with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks of which 134 accounts are corporate accounts linked to different companies.

Checks by our correspondent with the Corporate Affairs Commission revealed that Okwete is a director in only 11 of the 53 companies, while the remaining 42 companies’ accounts are linked to his Bank Verification Number as a signatory to the accounts.

The document stated, “Between 2018 and 2023, the subject (Okwete) received the sum of N37,170,855,753.44 from the coffers of the Federal Government linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

“The money was sent to 38 bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks. The suspect transferred N6,746,034,000 to Bureau De Change operators, N540mn withdrawn in cash, N288,348,600 used to purchase cars, and used N2,195,115,000 to purchase choice properties within Abuja and Enugu State.

“Fifty-three companies were traced to the suspect. He used 47 of the companies to lift Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86.

“Okwete is associated with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks in which 134 of the 143 accounts are corporate accounts linked to different companies.”

In 2020, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it uncovered N2.67bn meant for the ministry’s school feeding programme in private bank accounts.

The former ICPC Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, disclosed that the commission unravelled N2.67bn in personal accounts, being payment made to some federal colleges for school feeding during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

Other discoveries by the ICPC include 18 buildings, 12 business premises and 25 plots of land.

Owasanoye said under the Open Treasury Portal review carried out between January and August 15, 2020, of the 268 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, 72 had cumulative infractions of N90m.

The former ICPC chairman argued that the money was paid when children were not in school.

Ukandi Odey, Jos

Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah David Jang has commiserated with the families and victims of last Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State, and called on the National Assembly to consider the necessity and urgency of approving State Police.

In a statement in Jos, the former Governor who commended the federal and state governments’ prompt response to the ugly development, said the National Assembly should give legislative backing to the issue of State Police to enable States improve on the security of their citizens.

According to the statement,”this dastardly act has once again tampered with the peace of our dear state as it was orchestrated by people who are hell-bent on ensuring that the ordinary Plateau man does not enjoy the serenity God through nature has bestowed on him”.
It said further that”choosing to murder harmless villagers in their homes as they prepared to celebrate the yuletide is the most horrendous wickedness that anyone could imagine. None of the hundreds of our people who lost their lives in the Christmas Eve attack by marauding terrorists envisaged that their lives would be cut short in such a gruesome manner”.

“The killings on the Plateau would seem to have gone on unabated as the non-arrest and prosecution of perpetrators have bolstered the serial killers to carry out more and more killings”.
According to Jang, “unfortunately, villagers in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom and Mangu LGAs have continued to bear the brunt of terrorists who seem to have sworn to dispossess them of their heritage at all costs. That these killers are out on a cleansing agenda and plan to take over the lands of the people they try to wipe out is no longer hidden”.

“As painful as these killings are, equally hard and painstaking efforts must be made to put an end to them to restore Plateau to its known peaceful atmosphere which made it home to many people, even in decades past”.

Jang also said”while we agree with the President that the culprits must be apprehended and made to face prosecution, we must note that these directives have been issued repeatedly. Yet, neither arrests nor prosecutions have been made in the past. It is therefore pertinent that at this point, there is the need to attend to the call for State police as part of measures for boosting security, ensuring early response in crises, and confronting the challenges of insecurity headlong”.
“A situation”, he said again, “where State Governors have no powers to immediately deploy personnel to quell attacks and confront marauding terrorists is worrisome. The killings are getting out of hand and the State Police option is viable for nipping these massacres in the bud”.

According to him,”States should be given the power to create, train, and equip their police to enable State Governors to deal with peculiar security situations in their various states”.
“More than ever, the time to heed the call for state policing is NOW. The National Assembly must take this call seriously and rise to the occasion, act in the interest of the Plateau People and consider the issue as a matter of urgent importance”.

“While we commend the efforts of the Federal and Plateau State Governments in responding to the recent attacks, we reckon that more can be done to stop the seeming non-stop attacks and needless loss of the lives of innocent villagers who are murdered while in their sleep or as they struggle in their farms to eke a living for themselves.

There is more that can be done, the endless killings are unacceptable, and our people must be allowed to stay in their homes, and continue to cultivate their farmlands without any intimidation or fear of unprovoked attacks which leave them homeless or decapitated”.
We join millions of Plateau people and our well-wishers in sending our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost loved ones in the recent attacks”.

Added I Jinxed Moses, a 34-year-old father, has raised concerns over the alleged swap of his biological child at birth at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. He narrates the ordeal, stating that results from genotype tests for his daughter showed an SS genotype, conflicting with his SC genotype and his wife’s AA genotype.

The incident occurred in 2018 when Moses’ daughter was born at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. Following health complications and a prolonged stay in the hospital, the child’s genotype became a matter of concern. Subsequent tests consistently revealed an SS genotype, causing distress for the family.

Despite seeking answers and conducting multiple tests, the results remained consistent, prompting Moses to approach LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. After lodging a complaint and undergoing further tests at the hospital, the family received the same SS genotype result, intensifying Moses’ distress.

Moses emphasizes that his primary goal is not to pursue legal action but to seek assistance in understanding the circumstances surrounding the genotype discrepancy and ensuring appropriate care for his daughter, who is diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

He pleads for intervention from the Oyo State Government, urging them to expedite an investigation into the matter. Moses desires closure and hopes that the truth behind the alleged child swap will be uncovered, emphasizing that the child’s well-being is his main concern.

In an alarming turn of events, Moses reports facing threats, including an incident where he was abducted by unidentified individuals. The perpetrators warned him against pursuing the case further, emphasizing potential harm to innocent people if he persisted. Moses, shaken by the incident, expresses reluctance to escalate the matter legally.

As of December 21, 2023, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital’s spokesperson, Omotayo Ogunleye, stated that the case had been transferred to the Ministry of Health, Oyo State. Investigations are reportedly ongoing to unravel the mystery behind Adediji Moses’ case.

The distressing situation underscores the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to address the concerns raised by the father and ensure the well-being of the child involved.

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an interview on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. The probe relates to an alleged N37.1bn money laundering case during her tenure, involving a contractor, James Okwete.

The EFCC’s exclusive document revealed the scheduled interview, citing investigations into money laundering within the ministry. Umar-Farouq denies knowledge of Okwete, who is currently held by the anti-graft agency. The former minister expressed intent to seek legal redress against what she called a malicious attack.

The investigation coincides with the probe of three other former ministers for alleged graft amounting to N150bn. Umar-Farouq, along with some former directors-general, may face arrest based on details provided by Okwete, who reportedly made useful statements to investigators.

Documents suggest that N37.1bn was transferred from the federal government to various bank accounts linked to Okwete. The contractor, arrested by the EFCC, is cooperating and implicating the ex-minister and DGs under the ministry. The probe involves transactions, luxury purchases, and government contracts associated with Okwete.

Umar-Farouq served as the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. The investigation focuses on financial misappropriation during her tenure.

Users of the social media app, X, expressed deep condolences and heartfelt emotions on Saturday following the passing of Ayokunle Odekunle, a popular Canada-based Nigerian lawyer. Odekunle lost his life to stage 4 cancer.

Announcing his demise, X user @KayceeMaduYEG tweeted, “It is with profound sadness that I bring to you that our dear brother, friend and colleague, Ayokunle Odekunle, @oddy4real, lost his courageous battle with stage 4 cancer.”

Odekunle, a brilliant young lawyer, was called to the Alberta Bar in June despite battling terminal illness. He worked as a barrister and solicitor at Queck and Associates Law Office in Alberta, Canada. A 2011 Law graduate from the University of Ibadan, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 and the Alberta Bar in 2023.

Odekunle’s practice focused on Family Law, Immigration, Wills and Estate, and general litigation. He had previously worked with Kenna Partners, a leading commercial litigation firm in Nigeria, handling high-profile cases for multinationals.

Condolences and memories poured in on X. @Omojuwa tweeted, “Rest in peace my brother @oddy4real. I am glad I spent time with you and your beautiful family on my visit to Canada earlier this month. You were strong and dogged. You couldn’t have done more. I love you, brother. Rest in peace.”

@OgbeniDipo wrote, “Rest in peace @oddy4real. You fought a good fight. May God bless your soul and comfort your wife and kids. Amen.”

@alexlobaloba tweeted, “Rest in peace, my dear brother, friend and a great mentor! The writing seed you planted in me back in Mayflower and University of Ibadan will continue to blossom.”

@WunmiWonka stated, “Oddy was one of the people who saw the GoFundMe for my dad and amplified without me reaching out to them. He then would reach out to check how I was doing despite battling cancer himself. I was really hoping he’d win the battle. Rest in Peace, Soldier.”

@seunonigbinde tweeted, “Rest in peace, @oddy4real. A warrior who stood by his convictions. This is really tough to take.”

@iSlimfit tweeted, “Woke up to the sad news of Oddy’s demise. This life is just a pot of beans. Death is final. Rest In Peace, Champ.”

@dentalgiorgio wrote, “Of course, I regret the things I said to him in the heat of the moment but I was hurt by the things he said to me too. I feel so distraught for his lovely wife and child. Rest in peace bro. @oddy4real.”