The Ohinoyi (King) of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, over 93 years old, actively participated in the commissioning of special multipurpose Alnor Islamic Centre, built in his honour at Karaworo, near his palatial palace in Okene, Kogi State last week Thursday, November 17.
The new Mosque
Islamic and academic scholars as well as top personalities from many parts of Nigeria and the State of Qatar thronged the venue. The Presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and son of the King, Prince Malik Ado Ibrahim, Prince Nazir Ado Ibrahim and several others were there. Special Jum’at (Friday) prayer was, for the first time, observed in the Ado Ibrahim’s new Friday mosque on November 18, 2022.
Prince Malik in black regalia, Prince Nazir to his right, others at the occasion.
The new owner of Twitter, Elon Musk has returned the former American President, Donald Trump following a majority of respondents in a poll conducted.
This was even as ex President Trump gave an indication that he had no immediate intention of returning to the social media platform.
In all, 51.8 per cent of more than 15 million respondents voted in favour in the poll, which simply asked: “Reinstate former President Trump.”
In another tweet, Twitter’s new owner wrote: “Vox Populi, Vox Dei,” which means the voice of the people is the voice of God.
The former president, who is the subject of several legal investigations previously had more than 88 million followers and would tirelessly tweet everything from policy announcements to attacks on his rivals.
“I don’t see any reason for it,” the former president said when asked whether he planned to return to Twitter by a panel at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual leadership meeting.
He said that he would stick with his new platform Truth Social.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has formally endorsed Peter Obi of the Labour Party as its presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Obi represents “Nigerian conscience, moral probity, generational hope, redemption epiphany, and above all, the Igbo collective unconscious.”
The Igbo political group said that by the principles of zoning and rotation of power in Nigeria, it is the turn of the South East of Nigeria to produce the president in 2023.
In a statement yesterday, November 20, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonna, stating its stand in the ongoing political realignment in the country, Ohanaeze said that the Labour Party’s candidate had filled what could have been a sad gap if he had not been on the ballot.
The statement reads: “In the first place, going by the principles of zoning and rotation of power in Nigeria, which have been in existence since 1999, it is the turn of the South East of Nigeria to produce the president in 2023.
“Second, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has canvassed to various eminent persons in Nigeria, seeking their support for the presidency in the South East come 2023. We are delighted by the responses from various groups and highly placed patriotic Nigerians.
“Third, Ohanaeze works in collaboration with the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), comprising the Afenifere, PANDEF, Middle Belt Leaders, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by an elder statesman, Chief E. K. Clarke. The group, in its quest for Nigerian unity, peace, and sustainable national development, has endorsed Mr Peter Obi as its candidate for the 2023 general elections.
“On the other hand, Ohanaeze brought a commodity to the market, and now the world is clamouring for it. We are rather excited, happy, and fulfilled that Nigeria is now in full possession of the commodity.”
Ohanaeze said that it endorsed Obi not only based on equity and justice but also on “merit, competence, a track record of accomplishments, and the veritable ideas that Obi espouses for a better Nigeria.”
The apex Igbo body noted that despite concerns that Labour Party had no structure, the Obidient Movement is “a massive disruptive reaction against the deplorable Nigerian pathologies.”
“People use the Obi phenomenon to express dissatisfaction with the status quo. It is a revolt against injustice, poverty, unemployment, corruption, and all other forms of vicious circles that have become the trademark of Nigeria. In other words, every revolution is a structural change.”
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Dr. Ezea Yakusak has said that Nigeria generated $2.5billion from the export of non-oil products from January to June 2022.
Yakusak, who spoke to news men in Abuja, in preparation for the forthcoming NEPC Export to begin today, said that Nigeria needs to embrace the export of non-oil products to guarantee Nigeria’s economic development export.
The Executive Director said that the event is being organized in line with the current management’s strategic efforts of imbibing, sustaining and deepening an export culture in the non-oil export ecosystem.
“The Council held its maiden National Conference on Non-oil Export with the theme: Export for Survival: Optimising Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Potentials.
“The conference provided a veritable platform for stakeholders in the non-oil export sector to ventilate ideas on current and emerging issues affecting the non-oil export sector. Export Week is a continuation of that engagement with critical stakeholders and discerning members of the public.
The objective is to keep the “Export4Survival” campaign on the front burner of national discourse using Export Week as a strategic information and communication tool to change the narratives.
“We envisage that the Export Week will provide a path for business and sector-led activities to thrive as well as help entrepreneurs particularly SMEs look out for new opportunities in the sector.
“Therefore, it is vital for these businesses to have the support and information they need to become successful.”
Asked what is being done to end the rejection of Nigeria’s produce in the international market, Yakusak said that a technical committee has been set up as well as an Implementation committee to address the challenge.
He identified lack of adequate documentation of produce, lack of compliance to export rules, high level of pesticides used in the preservation of produce as well as poor packaging as some of the issues confronting Nigeria’s products in the international market.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to bother about preparing for a runoff in the 2023 Presidential election, as its candidate, Atiku Abubakar will win in the first ballot.
In a statement, the spokesperson of the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization, Kola Ologbondiyan, stressed that INEC doesn’t need to bother itself with any preparation for a run-off of the election.
“Our campaign counsels INEC not to listen to diversionary narratives by apologists of the deflated APC who are ostensibly seeking ways to derail the election, having realised that their party has been rejected.
“The campaign urges INEC to deploy its resources towards conducting a free, fair, transparent and credible election that will be generally accepted by majority of Nigerians.
“Our campaign is confident that by every indices and data available, our candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will win the presidential election of February 25, 2023 at the first run.
“The APC has seen defeat ahead as Nigerians are quickly reaching a consensus on the fact that the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, is not electable.”
The Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed disappointment at the way ThisDay newspaper has abandoned the ethics of journalism profession in the pursuit of a questionable agenda.
Reacting to the newspaper’s report about the death of a respected medical doctor, Kolapo Akande, who was the husband of Lola Akande, a commissioner in Lagos, Tinubu, through his Presidential Campaign Council, said that the report subsequently turned into a huge embarrassment for the paper and further dented its credibility and integrity.
“ThisDay should be truly ashamed of its ethical standards. It descended so low that even the despicable David Hundeyin, said to be desperate for asylum in the UK, excoriated the newspaper for the report.
“Without sounding remorseful, Hundeyin recanted his tweet and wrote: “Not sure why ThisDay published such a story without confirming it, but my information now is that Dr Kolapo Akande who just died is the elder brother of Mueez Adegboyega Akande, (who is still very much alive.) As such I’m taking down my earlier tweet with the ThisDay story link”.
“In his earlier full tweet, the reckless journalist, whose modus operandi is more like Alex Jones of the U.S. based Infowars had suggested that Tinubu masterminded Kolapo Akande’s death, quoting fictional ‘back channel sources’.
“What a wicked, unconscionable lie!
“At the heart of journalism is the credo that a medium should seek to verify its information before dishing it out to the public. ThisDay, just like its sister Arise TV News, has now clearly shown that it does not operate by such standards.
“We have waited for the past 48 hours, hoping the paper will show some remorse and apologise to the Akandes and Asiwaju Tinubu over the malicious report. We are surprised it has not taken such a dignified step.”
In the statement, signed by the Director, Media and Publicity of the Campaign Council, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said: “We now formally demand a full apology from the paper and its publisher, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, for the utterly unprofessional report.
“We hope henceforth the paper will seek to be driven by the ethical ideals of journalism and not other material considerations. In view of the established evidence of violation of the core ethics of journalism, we demand that the Nigeria Press Council take appropriate disciplinary action against Thisday to save journalism at this sensitive period from the merchants of falsehood and abusers of the public trust that the press embodies.
“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to invoke the relevant sections of the Electoral Act 2022 to sue Thisday and any other medium that commits flagrant violation of editorial rules to the courts.
“These are the only remedies to the reckless journalism of Thisday.
“They are the guarantees that the provisions of the Constitution mandating the Press as the Fourth Estate of the Realm shall be protected.”
The State Chief of Protocol (SCOP), who can be described as President Muhammadu Buhari’s compass, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure has being conferred with the traditional title of Dan Masanin Kazaure, by the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Hussaini Adamu.
Hafsah, the only daughter of Ambassador Kazaure also got married to Ibrahim Tijjani Ibrahim.
In a personal letter, which was delivered by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari at a reception in honour of the couple and the newly turbaned Dan Masanin Kazaure, the President expressed delight that one of his principal aides has been deemed worthy to be honoured by the Emir of Kazaure.
”I also wish to take this opportunity to thank you immensely for your services as my State Chief of Protocol over the past seven and half years. A job discharged with exemplary commitment and efficiency.
”Accept, my best wishes, and that of my family as you serve your community in this new role. Be assured of our prayers and support.”
The President wished the newly married couple a happy life, describing marriage as a demonstration of love which goes beyond physical attraction.
He advised the couple to garnish their union with understanding, mutual respect and friendship, praying for God’s continued blessing on their home.
The reception which was attended by cabinet ministers, Heads of Government agencies, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Captains of industry, family and friends of the Kazaures and Ibrahim Gamawas featured an outpouring of goodwill messages to SCOP and the newly wedded couple.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said at the reception that from a historical perspective, the Dan Masanin is not a common title in the courts of Emirs and Chiefs.
”Rather, it is one that is usually reserved for members of the royalty and those who make staggering contributions to community and national well-being, and there is a willingness on their part to do even more.”
Garba Shehu recalled that Maitama Sule of blessed memory was worthy of that title and commended Lawal Kazaure, who alongside Femi Adesina and himself were the first three appointees of President Buhari after the first inauguration in 2015, for receiving three important awards in the last few months, including the Nigerien highest civilian national awards and the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Also speaking, Ambassador Appolinus Demenongu Agev, descried his colleague of over 35 years as ”a detribalized Nigerian, a dependable ally, resolutely dedicated to the service of our fatherland.
”We are excited and proud of the traditional conferment on ‘Ambassador Kaz’, having also celebrated the National Honours Award conferred on him by the President. We look forward to celebrating more awards.”
He also thanked Mrs. Saudatu Lawal Kazaure and children for the support from the home front and important contributions to Ambassador Kazaure’s successes in diplomatic, public and community services.
L-R: Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President Media & Publicity; Prof Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President; Ambassador Lawal Abdullahi Kazaure, State Chief of Protocol and Dan Masanin Kazaure; Hafsah and Ibrahim Tijjani Ibrahim; Hajiya Saudatu Lawal Kazaure; Mrs Maryam Abba and Sarki Abba, the Senior Special Assistant Domestic Affairs to the President at the reception in honour of the newly turbaned Dan Masanin Kazaure and the wedding of the only daughter of SCOP, Hafash, to Ibrahim Tijjani Ibrahim, at the weekend in Abuja.
A book, titled: “The Letterman: Inside the ‘Secret’ Letters of former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo,” has been scheduled for public presentation on December 1. Written by by the Editor-in-Chief of PREMIUM TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed, will be unveiled at a ceremony in Abuja, after which it will be available in bookshops. The 25-chapter narrative non-fiction, published by PREMIUM TIMES Books, curates some of the most significant and historical letters written and received by former President Obasanjo, which compellingly tell the story of his life, as defined by and is defining of the story of his country, Nigeria and the larger African continent. A number of these letters, written to dignitaries in Nigeria and around the world, have never been publicly seen. The 492-page book is a product of seven years of assiduous research, whose chronicle unfolds from the time of Obasanjo as General Officer Commanding the Third Marine Commando and his wartime efforts, through his tenure as military head of state between 1976 and 1979, his continental liberation struggles and political activism from the 1970s to 1999, his civilian presidential term from 1999 to 2007, as well as his post-presidency era. “These letters essentially tell a story that is as deeply personal as it is painstakingly national, and global”, Ololade Bamidele, who coordinated the production of the book, said. “This tour de force of historical writing situates Musikilu Mojeed as a witness and skillful raconteur who deftly manages to braid far-flung pieces into a magisterial whole that unveils the attitudes, worldview, relationships, emotional complexity and stewardship of this enigmatic global statesman, through the correspondences he exchanged with others.”
Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, who wrote the Foreword to the book, said: “I believe that the Olusegun Obasanjo letters will find a prominent place in the chapters of Nigeria’s contemporary history as informative insights into the national affairs of the country when they were written. I, therefore, recommend this book, The Letterman, by Musikilu Mojeed to the reading public. Mojeed said: “I am deeply pleased to release this book. It is my own modest contribution to knowledge and I pray it is well received. This effort is a product of a seven-year interesting voyage into the world of Obasanjo’s letters. “I hope what I found and shared in this book provides additional understanding of the Obasanjo persona.” About the Author Musikilu Mojeed is the editor-in-chief and chief operating officer of Nigeria’s PREMIUM TIMES newspaper, which he co- founded. He is a multiple award-winning journalist and a member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). A 2012 Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University, and 2009 Ford Foundation International Fellow at The City University of New York, Mojeed was a judge of the UNESCO World Press Freedom Awards, completing his three-year tenure in 2016. He is the President of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) and was member of the expert council of the Fetisov Journalism Awards, the world’s biggest journalism contest in terms of cash prizes. He has reported extensively on corruption, human rights and human trafficking and is one of Africa’s most regarded investigative journalists. A winner of several awards, Mojeed shared a Pulitzer for his team’s groundbreaking reporting on the Panama Papers. He has also been honoured with the Global Shining Light Award, FAIR’s Editor’s Courage Award, and the Wole Soyinka Investigative Reporting Awards, among other honours. Mojeed is a trustee of the Global Media Campaign to End FGM (a UK charity) and was president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from the University of Uyo, Nigeria, and a Masters in Journalism from the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism. He has been published by the Nigerian Tribune, TheNEWS, Tempo, TELL, The PUNCH, NEXT, New York Times, New York City News Service, PREMIUM TIMES, among others.
The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has insisted that the Governor of Rivers State, Nyeson Wike would be the best President for Nigeria from 2023, even as he said that the county has had enough of the North producing the President again.
The Benue Governor who spoke yesterday, November 19 during the flag off of the Campaign team of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, made it clear that the Presidency must go to the south regardless of political affiliation.
“Your son, the Governor of Rivers State contested, it was said that he lost, but some of us believes that he was the right person to unite, to bring us together and to ensure equity, fairness and justice for Nigerians. And after that, we talked about the issues of running mate, it was not done because of enemies of progress.
“I was the first Governor from the north to say that the five governors of the southern governors came out and say that the presidency should go to the south. The following day, i issued a press statement that what they have said is true and Nigerians for the sake of equity, fairness and justice, should have been fed up after eight years of President Buhari’s rule.
“The next president should go to the south, irrespective of political affiliation and that is the right thing to do. We are Nigerians and we must ensure that all of us work together. That is what i believe.
“Today we are in PDP and i want to assure you that we are working. That PDP is not together, they have not been able to deploy its conflict resolution mechanism to solve the problems that we have in the PDP.
“I’m sure this is where we are and i want Rivers State people to work with our Governor, Nyesom Wike and at the end of the day, just like the G5, who decide what we are going to do because Nigeria today is in turmoil. It is only when we choose the best that will help us to take us out of the challenges we are faced today, whether security, whether economy, whether in every other aspect, social lives that will help us redeem our image.
“And so, i want us to work together as a team and by the grace of God, in 2023, we are going to redeem Nigeria to the parts of security, in the parts of prosperity and everybody will be happy.”
Spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Management Committee, Senator Dino Melaye has questioned the sincerity of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State with regard to his demand for “justice” from the leadership of the party.
Dino Melaye wrote on his verified Facebook page: “Two days ago during Peter Obi’s visit in PH, Wike of Rivers state, stated that he would give Peter Obi support during presidential election.
“In Labour Party, their National party chairman is from South. Presidential candidate is from South. Their DG is from South. And majority of their national positions are being held by southerners.
“So where is the justice Governor Wike is talking about? Time to reunite with your family my brother.
“I thought it was agreed that it’s the turn of the South, to produce Buhari’s successor, how the South achieves this, I guess is the soul affairs of the Southern, some Comedian that wishes to sell his birth right, should do so without infiltrating.
“Atiku Abubakar is the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the grace of God.”
It would be recalled that ahead of the 2023 elections, aggrieved Wike had pledged to give all logistic support to the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi to campaign in Rivers State. The Governor spoke in Port Harcourt during the commissioning ceremony of a flyover in the state.
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Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, who wrote the Foreword to the book, said: “I believe that the Olusegun Obasanjo letters will find a prominent place in the chapters of Nigeria’s contemporary history as informative insights into the national affairs of the country when they were written. I, therefore, recommend this book, The Letterman, by Musikilu Mojeed to the reading public.
