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Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State held a meeting with the newly inaugurated members of the 10th Ogun State House of Assembly on Tuesday. During the meeting, he emphasized his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy for all, regardless of political party affiliations, religion, or tribe.

Led by the re-elected Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, the members visited the Governor's Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun reminded them that the political campaign period was over and urged all elected officials to work together to serve the people.

Expressing his appreciation, the governor commended the members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during the proclamation and inauguration of the assembly. He viewed their behavior as an indication that the state is home to individuals who know how to resolve differences amicably.

Governor Abiodun acknowledged Ogun State's position as the industrial capital of Nigeria, the preferred destination for investors, and a center for education and religion. He emphasized that the peaceful conduct of the assembly members would contribute to the positive image of the state.

The governor also praised those who contested elections and gracefully accepted their loss, ensuring that the proclamation and inauguration processes were peaceful and devoid of conflict.

Expressing his hopes for the 10th Assembly, Governor Abiodun urged them to build upon the foundation laid by their predecessors and focus on legislating issues that positively impact the people.

The governor made a promise to be the governor of all, maintaining an open-door policy regardless of party affiliations, religion, or tribe. He pledged to be fair, just, and equitable in his governance and to support the legislators in their legislative duties of passing laws and providing oversight for various sectors of the state.

Governor Abiodun called for the cooperation of the lawmakers, reminding them of the vision of his administration, which is to provide good governance and create an enabling environment for public-private partnerships that drive the state's economic growth and individual prosperity. He referred to the "Building Our Future Together" mantra encapsulated in ISEYA.

In response, Speaker Rt. Hon. Oluomo expressed gratitude on behalf of the members for the governor's continuous support to the House. He assured the governor of their commitment to work as a team and collaborate with the executive for the peace and development of the state.

The meeting was attended by all 26 members of the assembly, including the newly appointed Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Ayayi, who is the first woman to hold that position.

Tinubu arrives Paris for Global Summit

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Paris, France, on Tuesday evening for his first official trip outside of Nigeria since assuming office on May 29, 2023. His media team shared a video on Twitter showing the president disembarking from the presidential jet upon his arrival.

Tinubu's visit to the European country is in connection with his participation in the Global Financing Summit, which is being hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. The summit aims to bring together leaders from various countries to discuss and strategize solutions for global financing challenges.

Expressing his presence in Paris, Tinubu tweeted from his official Twitter handle, stating, "My team and I arrived in Paris, France where we'll be taking part in the Global Financing Pact Summit convened by President Emmanuel Macron."

The President's visit to France signifies his commitment to engaging with international partners and participating in global initiatives focused on financial cooperation and development. After the summit, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Saturday, June 24.

Stay tuned for updates on the President's activities and engagements during his visit to France and his involvement in the Global Financing Summit.

In a recent development at the Presidential Election Tribunal, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed that some of the documents requested by Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 election, do not exist. The tribunal, marked as CA/PEPC/03/2023, is currently hearing the challenge brought forward by Obi and the LP against the election of President Bola Tinubu, which took place on February 25.

During the court proceedings in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Lawrence Bayode, Deputy Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at INEC, testified that out of the five documents requested by Obi, two were non-existent, and one was still a work in progress. This revelation casts doubt on the credibility of the evidence being presented by Obi's legal team.

Among the witnesses called by Obi, Ms. Loretta Ogah, an ICT cloud engineer and a former Labour Party candidate for the House of Representatives in Cross River, also provided testimony. Ogah recounted her electoral defeat and shared that she took legal action against INEC due to the omission of her name from the electoral portal, which she claimed was a result of network failure.

Under cross-examination by Mr. Wole Olanipakun (SAN), counsel for Tinubu and Shettima, Ogah confirmed that she did not experience any glitches on the INEC portal on February 25. Additionally, she admitted that she was not familiar with INEC's password protocol, as she was not an employee of the organization.

Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), counsel for the All Progressives Congress (APC), also cross-examined Ogah, seeking further clarification. She reiterated that no technical issues occurred on the INEC portal on the election day.

The presiding judge, Justice Haruna Tsammani, adjourned the proceedings to Wednesday for further hearings on the matter.

This development raises concerns about the authenticity and reliability of the evidence presented by Mr. Peter Obi and his legal team. As the tribunal continues, the credibility of the requested documents and the implications for the overall case will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.

Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing legal battle as the Presidential Election Tribunal continues its proceedings.

Note: The information provided is based on the available news report from NAN.

In a recent statement by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Tony Akuneme, it was revealed that the Acting Comptroller General of the NIS, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, declared a state of emergency on passport issues during her visit to Lagos. The urgent need to address the challenges faced by Nigerians in obtaining passports was emphasized, and a comprehensive plan of action was announced to tackle these issues effectively.

The statement highlighted the significance of the events that took place during Adepoju's visit to Lagos, which emphasized the severity of the passport crisis. As part of her visit, she inaugurated a state-of-the-art Visa on Arrival Lounge at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria. Additionally, she made an unscheduled visit to the Alausa Passport office to personally assess the situation.

During her address, Adepoju stressed the importance of dismantling all artificial barriers that hinder the passport application process. She further emphasized the NIS top management's dedication to addressing institutional and technology-based challenges to ensure a more efficient and streamlined service delivery.

Recognizing the value of collaboration and community engagement, Adepoju initiated a grassroots sensitization campaign targeting traditional rulers. Starting with a visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, she sought the cooperation of traditional leaders in raising awareness about human trafficking and initiating joint efforts to combat this pressing issue.

The declaration of a state of emergency on passport issues signifies the NIS's renewed commitment to resolving the challenges faced by Nigerians seeking passports. It serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.

Adepoju had previously directed all Passport Control Officers, relevant units, and personnel within the NIS, including missions abroad, to work diligently towards eliminating hindrances that prevent Nigerians from promptly accessing passports. The NIS is leveraging technology and implementing robust administrative measures to enhance the passport application and issuance process.

Adepoju urges Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with the NIS as it takes decisive steps to address the passport crisis. She assures the public that efforts are being made to ensure that every eligible Nigerian in need of a passport can obtain one in a timely manner.

Signed,

TONY AKUNEME

CIS MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

For: COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF IMMIGRATION

June 15th, 2023

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has recently made a statement suggesting that President Bola Tinubu plans to dismiss additional prominent Nigerians who hold positions in government agencies. Dokubo's remarks were prompted by the recent removal of Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Abdulrasheed Bawa as the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking to State House Correspondents after a meeting with Tinubu, Dokubo asserted that Tinubu would ensure the termination of more high-ranking officials. He emphasized that those who obstruct the progress of the country will not be tolerated by President Tinubu. Dokubo confidently stated that the President will take decisive action to remove individuals who stand in the way of Nigeria's advancement, thereby addressing issues such as oil theft.

Dokubo's comments reflect the sentiment that President Tinubu is committed to bringing about change and purging government agencies of individuals who hinder national progress. The dismissals of Emefiele and Bawa serve as examples of this resolve, according to Dokubo. The former militant leader implies that Tinubu's upcoming actions will further solidify his stance against those who impede Nigeria's development.

It is important to note that these statements from Asari Dokubo are his own opinions and should be treated as such. While the future actions of President Tinubu remain uncertain, the remarks made by Dokubo shed light on the expectations and speculations surrounding potential changes in the Nigerian government's leadership.

Hilda Baci, a renowned Nigerian chef, has refuted claims that she is charging a fee of twenty-five thousand Naira for people to witness her culinary expertise in Abuja. The chef took to her Instagram page to address the reports and deny any involvement in such activities.

Rumors had circulated that Hilda had organized a "meet and greet" session with her supporters in Abuja, during which attendees were allegedly required to pay the mentioned amount. However, the chef, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, clarified that she never made such a request nor intended to charge anyone for the opportunity.

In her Instagram post, Hilda directly addressed the issue and set the record straight. She stated, "Hi everyone. This is to inform everyone that I'm not doing any meet and greet in Abuja. I would also never ask anyone to pay for such."

Hilda Baci gained widespread recognition after accomplishing the remarkable feat of completing 100 hours of non-stop cooking, surpassing the previous Guinness World record set by Indian chef Lata Tondon.

Her clarification aims to dispel any confusion or misinformation regarding her alleged charging of fees for a meet and greet event. By addressing the issue directly on her social media platform, Hilda emphasizes her commitment to her fans and the values she upholds in her culinary career.

In a recent cautionary statement, socio-political activist Reno Omokri advised President Bola Tinubu against imprisoning the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, without providing him with an opportunity to defend himself against any allegations brought against him.

Omokri urged Tinubu not to repeat the same mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who arrested officials from the previous administration without granting them a chance to present their defense. Taking to Twitter, Omokri expressed his concern, stating, "Where is Godwin Emefiele? The Tinubu administration should not lock him up and begin to make public allegations against him. This is precisely what Buhari did to Jonathan administration officials as soon as he took over in 2015."

He further emphasized the need for due process and fairness, urging Tinubu to allow Emefiele the opportunity to address the rumors and innuendos surrounding him. Omokri acknowledged that while it is acceptable to question and even accuse Emefiele, it is crucial to provide him with a platform to defend himself against these allegations.

Omokri also raised important questions regarding Emefiele's whereabouts and the legal basis for his detention. He called on Nigerians to hear directly from Emefiele and insisted that, in the interest of upholding democracy, President Tinubu should refrain from adopting the draconian practices of his predecessor. Omokri drew parallels with the actions of former military ruler Sani Abacha, which led even Tinubu himself into exile in 1994.

This cautionary message serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness, justice, and the preservation of democratic values. It highlights the need to grant individuals the right to defend themselves and to uphold transparency in governance. Only by adhering to these principles can Nigeria continue on the path of progress and democracy.

The 2023 general election in Nigeria has caused a significant political upheaval, particularly in the North Central region, where a wave of change swept aside many political heavyweights. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was the most affected party in the region, as all of its incumbent senators, except Abba Moro from Benue South, lost their bids for re-election.

The North Central region, comprising six states - Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) - holds a considerable number of Senate seats, totaling 19 senators. Prior to the 2023 election, the Senate representation from the region was dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in some states, while the PDP held its ground in others.

The pre-2023 election Senate composition in the North Central region was as follows: Niger - APC (3); Kogi - APC (3); Plateau - APC (2), PDP (1); Kwara - APC (3); Nasarawa - APC (3); Benue - PDP (3); and FCT - PDP (1).

However, the political landscape in the North Central region underwent a significant transformation after the 2023 election. Apart from Abba Moro, all incumbent PDP senators lost their re-election bids. Consequently, the Senate representation from the region for the 10th Assembly stands as follows: Benue - PDP (1), APC (2); Kogi - APC (3); Nasarawa - SDP (2), PDP (1); Plateau - PDP (2), APC (1); FCT - Labour Party (1); Kwara - APC (3); Niger - APC (2), PDP (1).

With this new composition, the PDP finds itself in the minority within the North Central region's Senate representation for the 10th Assembly. The APC holds the majority with 11 senators, while the PDP has 5 senators. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has 2 senators, and the Labour Party has 1 senator.

Interestingly, since its formation in 1998, the North Central region has produced six out of the 14 PDP chairmen so far.

The diminished presence of the PDP in the North Central region's Senate representation raises questions about the party's future strategy and its ability to influence legislative decisions effectively in the region. To regain prominence in subsequent elections, it will be crucial for the party to regroup and rebuild its support base.

Edwin Onuh, a prominent member of the PDP from Benue State, expressed deep concern over the party's dwindling fortunes not only in the North Central region but across Nigeria as a whole. Onuh sees the outcome of the 2023 general election as a sign of the PDP's demise in the country. He emphasizes the urgent need for the party to regroup and strategize if it wishes to survive.

According to Onuh, the PDP is currently in a state of coma and requires immediate attention, similar to a patient in the political intensive care unit. He stresses the necessity of addressing the party's internal challenges before it succumbs to a final demise.

Another PDP member, Sunday Okechuku from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), echoes Onuh's sentiments and attributes the party's electoral losses in Abuja during the last election to what he refers to as the "Peter Obi - 'Obidients' tsunami" that swept across the country. Okechuku believes that the PDP needs to address its internal divisions and reevaluate its strategies to reverse its declining fortunes.

The PDP's position in the 10th Assembly in the North Central region will require strategic planning, effective leadership, and the ability to work across party lines to achieve positive outcomes for the region. It remains to be seen how the party will navigate these challenges and rebuild its political influence in the region in the coming years.

In a surprising turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has suspended Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), following an ongoing investigation initiated by the House of Representatives. The suspension has raised speculation about the motives behind the decision, and it has also led to allegations of terrorism financing against Emefiele. This blog post delves into the details surrounding the suspension and sheds light on the investigations that have led to this development.

Investigations by the House of Representatives:

The House of Representatives had launched a probe into the activities of the CBN under Emefiele's leadership. One of the investigations focused on the alleged missing 48 million barrels of Bonny Light crude, which prompted the summoning of Emefiele. The CBN governor was asked to provide details on the N32.5 billion payment made to two companies, Messrs GSCL Consulting and Bizplus, without proper records. Another investigation examined the alleged payment of $200 million to these firms for "consultancy services."

Suspension and DSS Probe:

President Tinubu suspended Emefiele from his position, citing the ongoing investigation and the planned reforms in the financial sector. The Deputy Governor in charge of Operations, Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, was directed to assume the role of acting Governor during the suspension period. Sources in Abuja revealed that Emefiele has been barred from leaving the capital and might face a probe by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged terrorism financing. The House of Representatives' inquisition into the CBN's activities under Emefiele had unveiled several issues, leading to the decision to suspend him pending further investigation.

Implications of the Suspension:

The suspension has raised questions about the legal framework surrounding Emefiele's removal from office. The CBN Act stipulates that the President cannot unilaterally remove a CBN Governor, requiring a two-thirds majority vote by the Senate. Due to these constraints, Emefiele was technically suspended rather than outright sacked. However, it appears unlikely that he will be recalled from suspension, given the circumstances. The DSS investigation into Emefiele's alleged terrorism financing has gained significance, and his restricted movement suggests further action may be taken against him.

Reactions and Reflections on Emefiele's Tenure:

Financial economist Uche Uwaleke commented on the suspension, emphasizing that it marks the end of a turbulent era. Uwaleke acknowledged Emefiele's implementation of significant policies, such as the Anchor Borrower Program and the eNaira, which helped stimulate the economy during periods of recession. While he credited Emefiele for ensuring financial sector stability and effective forex demand management, Uwaleke noted criticisms concerning the currency redesign exercise and the significant growth of CBN Ways and Means during Emefiele's tenure.

The suspension of Godwin Emefiele as the Central Bank Governor amid ongoing investigations has sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria. The decision by President Tinubu, triggered by the House of Representatives' probe, raises questions about the future of the CBN's leadership. As Emefiele faces allegations of terrorism financing, the possibility of a thorough investigation by the DSS looms. This turn of events highlights the need for accountability and transparency within the financial sector as Nigeria strives for economic stability and growth.

Ally McCoist, the former Scotland and Rangers football legend, has expressed his opinion on West Ham United captain Declan Rice's potential move to a new club. McCoist believes that if Rice is considering his options, he would be better off joining Arsenal instead of Manchester United during this summer transfer window.

Rice has expressed his desire to leave West Ham United, and several top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, have been linked with him in recent weeks. However, McCoist offered his perspective on Rice's situation during a discussion on talkSPORT.

In McCoist's view, if he were in Rice's shoes, he would prefer a move to Arsenal over Manchester United. He highlighted Manchester United's recent performances and their overall standing in comparison to their rivals, particularly Manchester City. McCoist stated that while Manchester United has won the League Cup this season, they seem to be lagging behind Manchester City by four or five players.

On the other hand, McCoist believes that although Arsenal is still behind Manchester City, they have the potential to narrow the gap more quickly. He sees Arsenal as a club with the potential to make strides toward challenging the dominance of Manchester City in the future.

McCoist's perspective offers an interesting take on Declan Rice's potential move. While both Arsenal and Manchester United are historically significant clubs, McCoist believes that Arsenal may be better positioned to make progress and bridge the gap to Manchester City in the near future. However, the final decision rests with Rice, and it remains to be seen which club he will ultimately choose to further his career.

Tonto Dikeh, the popular Nollywood actress who has transitioned into politics, recently shared an interesting revelation about her upbringing. She disclosed that she had considered becoming a cleric during her formative years. Dikeh emphasized that she had a strong connection to the church, having served as a cell leader and a worker within the church community.

Taking to her Instagram page, the talented actress shared her thoughts on her upbringing and personal values. Dikeh expressed her deep-rooted respect for decency and her uneasiness when it comes to revealing clothing. She wrote, "I grew up in church... I was a Cell leader. I was Dept. Assistant. I almost became a pastor. I still have 70% village mentality.. I'm so uncomfortable with revealing clothing..."

This revelation provides a glimpse into Dikeh's spiritual journey and the influence her religious background had on her upbringing. Despite her successful career in the entertainment industry, she remains grounded in her values and maintains a sense of modesty. Dikeh's openness about her village mentality suggests that she carries with her a strong connection to her cultural roots.

As Tonto Dikeh continues to navigate her career in both the entertainment and political spheres, her background in the church and her commitment to decency serve as guiding principles that shape her choices and perspectives. Her transparency about her past aspirations and personal values adds depth to her public persona and sheds light on the multifaceted nature of her identity.

Seun Kuti, the acclaimed afrobeat musician who recently found himself in prison after assaulting a police officer, has described the incident as a "misdemeanor charge." Speaking during an Instagram live session with his fans, Kuti expressed his frustration at the criticism he received on social media, comparing it to the lenient treatment of other Nigerian celebrities facing more serious felony charges.

Kuti argued that while he acknowledges the gravity of his actions, he believes that certain celebrities with felony charges receive unwavering support and defense from their fans online. He pointed out that despite the difference in charges, his misdemeanor charge resulted in intense scrutiny, while others facing felony charges are celebrated on social media.

In his own words, Kuti stated, "I know at least three celebrities in Nigeria who have felony charges. Mine is a misdemeanor charge. Whether they talk as if heaven is falling and thunder is crashing, my charge is still a misdemeanor. If we are going to be just, assaulting a police officer is a misdemeanor. That is the charge I have. But felony charges—fraud, assault, rape—you people come online, and you fight for these people with felony charges. Real criminals."

Despite the backlash, Kuti expressed remorse and hinted at his desire to make amends. He revealed that in the future, he plans to rent the National Stadium for one week to apologize to Nigerians for any wrongs he may have committed against them.

Seun Kuti's recent release from the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) at Panti, Yaba, Lagos, comes after spending eight days in detention following his assault on a police officer, which was captured in a viral video.

As the afrobeat musician reflects on his actions and the public's response, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape his future and whether his sincere desire to make reparations will resonate with his fans and the Nigerian public.

Mr. Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), has expressed his support for the removal of subsidy on fuel in Nigeria. He revealed that he had been advocating for this since his time as a member of the Economic Management Team during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

Obi believes that the major issue in Nigeria is the government's tendency to ask the masses to endure hardship and make sacrifices for a promising future, only to witness things worsening instead. According to him, subsidy removal is essential because it is essentially an organized crime that enables individuals to exploit the country's resources for personal gain.

Taking to his verified Twitter account, Obi emphasized that the claims of high fuel consumption by Nigerians were exaggerated and used as a cover-up for corruption. He firmly stated that the country's resources were being stolen, while the citizens were made to believe that they were consuming vast amounts of fuel.

Obi also pointed out that his manifesto clearly outlined his plans to remove subsidies. He envisioned a governance approach that involved the people, demonstrating through statistics and empirical evidence how much money could be saved and how those savings could be utilized to improve the lives of the suffering masses.

Obi highlighted the recurring problem in Nigeria, where the government urges the population to endure hardships and make sacrifices for a better future, only to witness the situation deteriorating further down the line. His stance on subsidy removal stems from his belief that it perpetuates organized crime and hinders the country's progress. He remains committed to governing alongside the people, providing transparent explanations of the potential savings and how they will be utilized to benefit the suffering masses.

The Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja made a significant development on Tuesday by admitting forms as exhibits in a petition challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu. Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 election, along with his party, presented the exhibits known as Forms EC8B. The petition, labeled as CA/PEPC/03/2023, was filed against President Tinubu, his deputy Alhaji Kashim Shettima, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the proceedings, Mr. Obi and his party, represented by Mr. Ben Anichebe, SAN, submitted Forms EC8B from the 17 states they contested. These states include Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Sokoto, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Kaduna, Oyo, Cross River, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos. The forms contained the collated presidential election results from various local government areas (LGAs) within these states.

However, the respondents' counsels, including Mr. Kemi Pinhero (representing INEC), Mr. Wole Olanipakun (representing Tinubu and Shettima), and Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (representing the APC), objected to the tendering of the Forms EC8Bs by the petitioners. They reserved their reasons for objection until their final addresses.

Nonetheless, the court admitted all the documents submitted by the petitioners as their schedule of documents and marked them as exhibits. The five-man panel, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, subsequently adjourned further hearing of the petition until Wednesday, allowing both parties to present their arguments and counterarguments.

This development signifies a crucial step in the ongoing presidential election petition, as the court acknowledges the relevance of the collated results from the contested states. The admission of these exhibits paves the way for a thorough examination of the electoral process and the validity of the election results. As the proceedings continue, all parties involved eagerly await the court's final decision, which will determine the fate of President Tinubu's election victory.