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It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we inform you about the passing of Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, the Patriarch and Founder of FCMB (First City Monument Bank). Otunba Balogun, also known as The Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu and Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, peacefully departed from this world on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the age of 89. He passed away in London, United Kingdom, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.

While we grieve the loss of this remarkable individual, we are immensely grateful for the rich and purposeful life he led. Otunba Balogun leaves behind a legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, excellence, resilience, courage, faith, style, discipline, and unwavering commitment to God, church, family, community, philanthropy, and Nigeria. His life serves as an inspiration for us all to follow.

During this difficult time, we have found solace in the overwhelming outpouring of love, sympathy, and kind words we have received. We appreciate your heartfelt expressions of warmth and condolences. To provide an opportunity for those who wish to pay their respects, condolence registers will be available from Monday, May 22, 2023, starting at 11 am. You can find these registers at his residences in Lagos and Ijebu Ode, as well as the following offices:

FCMB:

FCMB Group Headquarters, 44 Marina, Lagos.

Primrose Tower, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos.

Founders Place, 2 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

First City Plaza, 252 Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja.

Chapel Hill Denham:

10 Bankole Oki Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Additionally, an online condolence register is available at www.olasubomibalogun.com.

We will share further details regarding the Celebration of his Life in due course. In the meantime, we humbly ask for your prayers and support. May God grant Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun eternal rest.

Bolaji & Jide Balogun

On behalf of the family. 

According to Ibifiri Bobmanuel, the President of the Rivers Entrepreneur and Investors' Forum (REIF), the actions of the Rivers State Government and certain local governments in the state were responsible for the relocation of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from Rivers State to Lagos State.

Bobmanuel revealed that the forum had engaged with the management of the Dangote Group and had also written to the federal government, urging them not to move the refineries to Lagos.

However, it was discovered that the Rivers State Government and the local governments where the refineries were intended to be located, namely Okrika and Eleme, had placed significant demands on the Dangote Group. These demands ultimately led the group to relocate the refineries to Lagos. Bobmanuel expressed disappointment with this turn of events, stating, "The Dangote refinery was to be situated in Rivers State and later they made a U-turn and went to Lagos, and we were very miffed by the whole approach."

Efforts were made by the REIF to communicate with the Dangote Group through letters, as well as with the Federal Government, and a meeting was even held. However, the pushback and demands from the state government at that time left the Dangote Group with no choice but to seek a location where they felt more welcome.

Bobmanuel emphasized the need for the Rivers State Government, local governments, and communities to understand how to effectively negotiate with business owners to attract investments. He highlighted the importance of speaking the language of businesses and creating an environment conducive to their growth. He also pointed out the significant impact the refinery would have had on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Rivers State had it been situated there.

Bobmanuel concluded by urging the incoming government to recognize the importance of private sector participation in governance in the state and to take necessary steps to foster a favorable business climate.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed plans to convert several skills acquisition centers in the state into Eko Creation Innovators Hubs as part of efforts to address the "japa" syndrome. During the commissioning of Sail Innovation Lab, an initiative by Senator Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East, Sanwo-Olu also announced the intention to transform Yaba into a Tech Campus to encourage digital skills among the youth.

The Sail Innovation Lab, established in 2021 in Ikorodu, falls within the jurisdiction represented by Senator Abiru. It operates in collaboration with Co-creation Hub, providing free training for young individuals, teenagers, and teachers in the Ikorodu area. Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Abiru's initiative, stating that it aligns with the state government's vision of leveraging technology for youth development.

Expressing his excitement, Sanwo-Olu praised Abiru's commitment to fulfilling the promises made to the people of Lagos East. He emphasized the government's responsibility to offer hope and opportunities to those in need, expressing his satisfaction with the impact of governance on people's lives. The governor stressed the importance of selfless service and commended Senator Abiru's efforts, emphasizing the role of technology in advancing the youth and positioning Ikorodu as a global competitor.

Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude for the collaboration with partners such as Microsoft and the Bank of Industries, highlighting the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for international businesses. He reiterated Lagos' position as the tech hub in Africa and mentioned ongoing efforts to establish a metropolitan fiber mesh, ensuring easier and faster internet access for the city.

Recognizing the significance of the innovation lab, Sanwo-Olu encouraged the youth not to "japa" (leave the country) but instead to compete and develop their skills in Ikorodu. He revealed plans to transform skills acquisition centers into Eko Creation Innovation Hubs, highlighting the government's determination to leave a lasting positive impact. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Abiru's character and expressed his willingness to collaborate with him.

In his remarks, Senator Abiru emphasized the global importance of technology and its impact on social interactions and daily life. He acknowledged the milestones achieved by the innovation lab since its inception, with over 490 participants benefiting from in-person programs and over 2,000 individuals participating in online programs. Abiru highlighted the lab's role in bridging the digital skills gap and announced upcoming training programs in areas such as digital product design, data science, and metaverse.

The joint efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu, Senator Abiru, and their partners demonstrate their commitment to fostering innovation, equipping the youth with valuable digital skills, and positioning Lagos as a tech hub. With a focus on technology and collaboration, they aim to drive the growth and development of the state while empowering individuals to thrive in the digital age.

The recent judgment by a State High Court in Kano, overturning the victory of the Labour Party in Abia, has been dismissed as "inconsequential" by the party. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party emphasized that the judgment held no weight due to the lack of jurisdiction of the court in question.

According to the statement, the court's ruling was deemed laughable and ineffective because it attempted to intervene in an election matter long after the elections had concluded and winners had been declared. The Labour Party argued that the Kano Court did not possess the constitutional authority to handle pre-election matters, making its verdict legally unsound.

The party clarified that the case involved only the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with no specific individuals mentioned. As a result, the court could not grant any relief that was not sought for. The Labour Party expressed confidence that the judgment would be overturned and announced their intention to seek recourse through the Appeal Court.

Highlighting a broader concern, the party raised alarm over alleged attempts by opposition parties to create internal conflicts within the Labour Party. They provided evidence of letters initiated by a certain Akingbade, sent to various tribunals requesting the withdrawal of cases. The Labour Party disassociated themselves from Akingbade, Lamidi Apapa, Abayomi Arabambi, and others associated with them, stating that they no longer represented the party in any capacity.

Furthermore, the party expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with the swiftness of the judgment, which was delivered within 48 hours without proper notification to the parties involved. This raised concerns about due process and fairness in the legal proceedings.

The Labour Party reiterated its disregard for the judgment, labeling it as insignificant and assured its supporters that they would pursue legal avenues to challenge and overturn the verdict. They also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the party from internal disruptions and ensuring the integrity of their cases in tribunals.

In a recent development, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has made serious allegations against Abdulrasheed Bawa, the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Matawalle, Bawa personally approached him, requesting a hefty sum of $2 million. These claims have stirred controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the EFCC.

On Wednesday, Governor Matawalle addressed the situation, urging Bawa to ensure that the EFCC's investigations were not solely focused on outgoing governors but also extended to officials within the presidency. This statement indicates Matawalle's concern that the probe may be politically motivated, targeting certain individuals while sparing others.

In response, the EFCC maintained its stance that the governor was under investigation for allegedly diverting N70 billion, which was originally allocated for contracts in Zamfara state. However, during a recent interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Matawalle vehemently denied these allegations. Instead, he claimed that the investigation was launched against him because he refused to fulfill Bawa's monetary request.

Governor Matawalle clarified that he was not resisting the probe and reiterated his immunity as the serving governor. He emphasized that no official invitation had been extended to him by the EFCC. Matawalle further alleged that the accusations against him were fabricated, and the real motive behind the investigation was Bawa's disappointment over not receiving the requested two million dollars.

Highlighting his side of the story, Matawalle disclosed that he had met with Bawa at a specific location, a house known to both of them. It was during this encounter that Bawa explicitly expressed his desire to meet with the governor and requested the substantial sum of money.

These allegations and counter-allegations have sparked a heated debate and cast a shadow over the credibility of the EFCC. The accusations leveled by Governor Matawalle against Chairperson Bawa have raised concerns about potential corruption within the anti-corruption agency. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the ongoing investigations and the reputation of the EFCC.

Hilda Baci, also known as the Nigerian Jollof Queen, is currently attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time. Her four-day cooking marathon started on Thursday, May 11, 2023, and is being held at Amore Gardens, Lekki.

The event, which features celebrity visitations, networking, games, and brand activations, has received support from the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. On Sunday, he showed his support for Hilda Baci and urged the crowd of supporters present at the event to continue cheering her on and wished her success.

Hilda Baci, who has showcased her culinary skills on various television cook shows and represented Nigeria at the Jollof Faceoff Competition in 2021, aims to break the Guinness World record of 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds set by Chef Lata Tondon in Rewa, India, in 2019. She plans to achieve this by cooking for at least 93 hours, taking an hour break in-between every 12 hours of cooking.

The Nigerian foodpreneur has spent at least 70 hours showcasing her culinary skills using various local and intercontinental recipes to put Nigeria on the global culinary map. Her attempt to break the Guinness World Record not only highlights her culinary skills but also represents Nigerian culture and cuisine on a global scale.

I showed up to support Chef Hilda Baci, in her quest to break the Guinness World Record @GWR for the longest time spent cooking by an individual.

Her dedication, passion for cooking as well as her desire to put our rich culture on the map by not only exhibiting our food but… pic.twitter.com/R5qBP4U7wN

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 14, 2023

Hilda Baci's attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time is a commendable feat. Her dedication, determination, and culinary skills are worthy of recognition and support. We wish her success in her endeavor to put Nigeria on the global culinary map.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), some officials of commercial banks in Nigeria are involved in money-related fraud. In a meeting with senior compliance staff from Kwara and Kogi states on Friday in Ilorin, the EFCC Zonal commander, Michael Nzekwe, warned commercial banks to stop protecting customers suspected of financial malpractices.

Nzekwe emphasized that these officials hold sensitive positions and play a critical role in the fight against economic and financial crimes. He added that the meeting aimed to educate banks on new trends in cybercrime and find ways to collaborate as stakeholders in the battle against financial fraud.

The Zonal Commander urged financial institutions to adhere strictly to bank rules and regulations and diligently discharge their duties. He claimed that major fraud, especially money laundering, is rarely committed without the connivance of bank officials.

In 2022, according to a report by the Commission, there were a total of 3785 convictions. The EFCC is working to curb financial fraud in Nigeria and has taken several measures to ensure that bank officials and customers suspected of fraud are prosecuted.

Dr. Tunji Ogunyemi, an economist at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, has issued a warning to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, advising him against resorting to bank loans to cover the salaries of the state's civil servants.

In an interview on a radio program in Osogbo, Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized that Governor Adeleke should prioritize paying salaries based on the available funds in the state's coffers. He discouraged the practice of borrowing money from banks specifically for the purpose of settling salaries.

Dr. Ogunyemi stressed the importance of utilizing the Osun Inland Revenue Service (OIRS), the state's agency responsible for generating internal revenue, to increase funds rather than relying on borrowed money for salary payments.

He asserted, "There must be a moratorium now on borrowing; Osun must never borrow to pay salaries. You pay salary only based on what you have, not by going to the bank and borrowing with the intention of paying salaries. It should never happen."

Furthermore, Dr. Ogunyemi urged Governor Adeleke to seek guidance from his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, regarding his successful management of Osun State without resorting to borrowing for four years.

"The era of politicking is over. The Governor should approach Oyetola and learn from him how he was able to govern Osun State during that critical period without depleting the state's resources," Dr. Ogunyemi advised.

He commended the remarkable performance of Governor Oyetola and encouraged Governor Adeleke to acquire insights from his predecessor's effective strategies for governance and financial management. By doing so, Governor Adeleke can gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate the challenges of sustaining Osun State without depending on loans.

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the apprehension of two individuals involved in a criminal syndicate that targeted unsuspecting passengers by luring them into their vehicles and robbing them. SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the arrest through his official Twitter account on Thursday.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Folashade Sholagbe, a 36-year-old female, and Seun Oke, a 29-year-old male. According to Hundeyin, the apprehension took place in the Ikeja area of Lagos State after the victim managed to raise an alarm for assistance. The vigilant officers from the Iju Division swiftly acted upon the distress call, leading to the successful arrest.

Further details provided by the police representative reveal that the suspects had developed a method of targeting victims and stealing their belongings. They specifically focused on luring passengers into their Corolla car at the 7up by Tollgate area. This allowed them to deceive their victims and carry out their illicit activities.

The swift action taken by the police highlights their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Lagos residents. The arrest of these individuals will undoubtedly contribute to curbing the activities of such criminal syndicates operating within the state. The police command encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.

By apprehending these culprits, the Lagos State Police Command sends a strong message to criminals that their illegal activities will not be tolerated. The diligent efforts of the officers involved in this operation demonstrate the effectiveness of the police force in combating crime and upholding the rule of law. The command remains dedicated to its mission of protecting the public and ensuring a safe environment for all residents of Lagos State.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup will not feature the Golden Eaglets, as Nduka Ugbade's team lost their final group game to Burkina Faso. This disappointing outcome has led to widespread controversy and criticism, with stakeholders questioning what went wrong with a team that had apparently undergone solid preparation for the U-17 AFCON in Algeria.

Adding fuel to the fire, the outstanding performances of former Eaglets player Victor Osimhen, who currently plays for Super Eagles and Napoli, have further frustrated fans who feel that Nigerian football has missed out on producing another talent like Osimhen.

It is worth examining the issues that may have affected Ugbade's team and prevented them from achieving success. After the victories of the Golden Eaglets in 2013 and 2015 under Garba Manu and Emmanuel Amunike, respectively, the team has struggled to qualify for or excel in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The 2017, 2019, 2021, and now 2023 Golden Eaglets have failed to replicate their trademark performances on the global stage. The question arises: what is going wrong?

To better understand the situation within the context of this article, let's focus on Ugbade's team and the concerns raised by Nigerian football stakeholders and fans.

Agents and scouts play a significant role in Nigerian football, often approaching players and luring them away from clubs and national teams. The undue influence and pressure exerted by these individuals, armed with cash and offers of opportunities abroad, can distract players from showcasing their true talents and instead focus on what the agents and scouts want.

Furthermore, some officials within the football hierarchy are suspected of being agents and scouts themselves, either directly or indirectly collaborating with partners locally or overseas. These individuals are the real enemies of Nigerian football.

Age cheating has become a problem in African football, including at the U-17 level. While it is believed that Ugbade's team consisted of genuine U-17 players in Algeria, the age discrepancies among players from opposing teams should be addressed by examining the official documents, such as international passports and MRI scan results, which were certified by CAF.

Despite the challenges, it is important to present a genuine U-17 squad, even if winning the tournament or qualifying for the World Cup is not guaranteed. Graduating talented players to the senior teams should be the focus in such cases.

There is no shortage of talent at the grassroots and secondary schools in Nigeria, yet coaches often fail to explore these areas to discover players. It is perplexing that a coach who did not visit major football grounds and centers across the country ended up with 3,000 players on the first day of the open screening for the team. The source and background of these players must be investigated to ensure a more effective team-building process in the future.

Hiding the team from the media and fans during training camps, instead of engaging in open training exercises, deprives coaches of the opportunity to identify and assess quality players based on the reactions and opinions of the fans. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has changed this approach, opting for closed-door friendlies against unknown clubs and academies, which hinders the open assessment of players.

The proliferation of football academies without proper oversight raises concerns about the quality of players they produce. Many of these academies are owned by individuals connected to influential figures and agents, who exploit the low remuneration of coaches to place their average players in exchange for favors. The involvement of these academies in the selection process of age-grade teams needs urgent attention, and coaches should focus on scouting talents from schools and grassroots areas, where true potential and accurate age verification can be found.

The quality of friendly matches played by national U-17 and U-20 teams is also a concern. Matches

Renowned musician Davido has disclosed that he has a new series titled "David" coming to Netflix. The docuseries will chronicle his life and showcase the highlights of his journey as a musician. In an interview with Esquire Middle East, the award-winning singer stated that this was the first time he was making the announcement public.

Davido, who recently released his latest album "Timeless," also revealed that the series would premiere in December. The talented artist stated that he shouldn't be talking about it yet but went ahead to describe the series as significant.

The announcement of "David" on Netflix has generated excitement among fans of the singer, who are eagerly anticipating the release. This new series will provide a rare glimpse into the life and experiences of one of Africa's most celebrated musicians.

Davido's success as a musician and businessman has brought him global recognition and accolades. With a vast fan base, he has become one of the most popular and influential musicians of his generation. The docuseries "David" promises to offer a captivating and insightful look into the life and career of this phenomenal artist. Fans can't wait to see what the series has in store for them when it premieres on Netflix in December.

The Free Nigeria Movement (FNM) has expressed its belief that the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal represents the last hope for many Nigerians who have lost faith in the country due to the controversial outcome of the presidential election. In a statement issued by the group's Convener, Moses Paul, FNM charged the tribunal to conduct its proceedings with justice, equity, and fairness, without any deviation from due process.

Paul warned that FNM would not hesitate to protest against any fraudulent outcome from the tribunal. He highlighted the challenge of character that Nigeria currently faces, and criticized the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, for demonstrating a disregard for the country's laws, including the Electoral Act of 2022 (as amended).

FNM emphasized that the judges at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) are aware of the high level of political consciousness that was evident during the last general elections, particularly the presidential election of 25th February 2023, and the apathy that characterized the gubernatorial election that followed. The group believes that this should be a cause for concern for both the judges and all Nigerians, and that it should guide their decisions when adjudicating on the matters before them.

The Convener called on the judiciary, through the judges of the PEPC, to be the voice of reason and save Nigeria's democracy from collapse. In conclusion, FNM hopes that the tribunal will uphold justice and fairness in its proceedings, and that its final decision will reflect the will of the people.

The Osun state governorship election has been a subject of controversy since its inception on July 16, with allegations of over-voting in some polling units. The Osun governorship election tribunal ruled in January that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gboyega Oyetola, was able to prove that there was over-voting in some of the polling units. Consequently, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and issue a fresh one to Oyetola as the duly elected governor of Osun.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Adeleke appealed the judgment. On March 24, a court of appeal sitting in Abuja reinstated Adeleke as the duly elected governor of the state. In its judgment, a three-member panel of justices held that the election tribunal erred when it ruled that Oyetola and the APC had proved their allegation of over-voting.

However, the controversy is far from over, as the Supreme Court in Abuja has fixed Tuesday, May 9, to deliver judgment on the disputed governorship poll in Osun state. A five-member panel of justices led by John Okoro fixed the date on Monday after all the parties involved adopted their written briefs in the matter.

In his appeal, Adeleke argued that there was no majority judgment as the second judge on the panel, Rabi Bashir, failed to write her opinion as required by section 294(2) of the constitution. He also challenged the jurisdiction of the tribunal to preside over the petition on the grounds that it failed to consider the preliminary objection he filed against the petitioners.

The forthcoming judgment by the Supreme Court will have significant implications for the political landscape of Osun state and the country at large. All eyes will be on the apex court as it makes its final decision on the disputed governorship election.

A new record for the highest price ever paid for a pair of sneakers at an auction has been set, with a game-worn pair of Air Jordan XIII Breds selling for over $2.2 million. This surpasses the previous record set in 2021 when a pair of Nike Air Ships worn by Jordan in his first NBA regular season game were sold for $1.4 million.

The head of streetwear and modern collectibles at Sotheby's, Brahm Wachter, stated that this result further confirms the ongoing and unparalleled demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia. Wachter said, “Today’s record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations.”

These sneakers were worn by the NBA legend during the second half of the Chicago Bulls' 93-88 victory over the Utah Jazz on June 5, 1998. During that game, Jordan delivered an impressive performance of 37 points, five rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers, leading Chicago to tie the series 1-1. The Bulls went on to win the finals, with Jordan receiving his sixth ring and being named the MVP of the finals.

Following the game, Jordan gifted these historic sneakers to a ball boy from the Utah Jazz. This act makes the sneakers even more special and valuable, as they hold a significant place in basketball history. The sale of these sneakers highlights the enduring appeal of Michael Jordan as a sports icon and his legacy that continues to inspire people today.

Bayern Munich regained their position at the top of the Bundesliga table with a 2-0 win over Hertha Berlin on Sunday. The victory saw the defending champions move one point clear of Borussia Dortmund with only four games left in the season.

Bayern took the lead in the 69th minute through a diving header from Serge Gnabry, assisted by Joshua Kimmich. Kingsley Coman then secured the win for Bayern with another goal in the 79th minute, also assisted by Kimmich.

Hertha Berlin, who has conceded ten goals in their last three games, put up a hard fight but were unable to challenge Bayern. The visitors relied on goalkeeper Oliver Christensen to prevent a heavier loss. Hertha remains at the bottom of the league and six points away from the relegation playoff spot, making them a strong candidate for relegation.

Despite Bayern's dominance in the first half, they struggled to break through Hertha's hard-working defense. Christensen made a crucial save from Gnabry, while Sadio Mane was unable to convert a couple of promising crosses from Coman. The home fans were disappointed with Bayern's lack of goals in the first half and voiced their concerns with whistles.

Bayern's highly-rated teenage striker Ibrahim Maza made his debut for Hertha in the 65th minute, but it was Bayern's forwards who eventually found the back of the net. The fans celebrated with the players after the game, chanting "German champion will only be FCB (FC Bayern)."

With the win, Bayern Munich is now on track to secure their 31st German championship. They will face Werder Bremen, Schalke, Leipzig, and Cologne in their remaining matches, while Dortmund will be hoping for Bayern to slip up in order to clinch the title.

The podcast episode featured Beauty Tukura and Modella as guests, and they discussed the ins and outs of relationships. Doyin mentioned that a partner could be unfaithful and still be loyal at the same time. She emphasized that cheating doesn't necessarily mean that the partner doesn't love their significant other.

Doyin explained that her definition of loyalty doesn't revolve around being faithful alone. She added that she tries to be realistic about her relationship expectations. For instance, she said that she wouldn't mind if her partner told her that he was traveling for six months and couldn't promise her loyalty during that period.

While some people may disagree with Doyin's viewpoint, she believes that loyalty is more than just staying faithful. In her opinion, communication is essential, and partners should have open and honest conversations about their expectations in a relationship. 

Akinyemi Onigbinde, a renowned Professor of Political Philosophy, specializing in public policies, politics, and governance, has criticized the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Yakubu Mahmood, over the outcome of the recently concluded 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. In an interview, Prof. Onigbinde accused Yakubu of "messing up" the election, which saw Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge as the winner.

The 2023 presidential election has been marred by allegations of fraud and unconstitutionality, with the opposition calling for its nullification. Prof. Onigbinde alleged that the election was not free and fair, "without prejudice to the outcome of court judgment," and that "INEC deliberately disabled BVAS for the presidential election."

In response to the criticism, Prof. Onigbinde clarified that being a professor did not mean that all professors are incompetent, and cited an example of a professor who was the returning officer for the Abia governorship election and rejected a bribe from politicians. He further explained that INEC chairmen are not usually chosen from the dominant ethnic group, especially in cases where a presidential candidate is likely to emerge and win.

He cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had no prior relationship with Attahiru Jega before appointing him as the INEC Chairman, as he wanted someone with some level of integrity to head the commission. However, he noted that President Buhari appointed people from his Fulani ethnic group to head various positions, including the INEC Chairman, which he believed was an attempt to "hatch an agenda."

When asked to explain what he meant by "Nigeria cannot be redeemed by election," Prof. Onigbinde stated that elections were not enough to fix Nigeria's problems, and that it required more than just elections to solve the country's issues.

Hudu Yunusa Ari, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner for Adamawa State, has finally spoken up about the controversial declaration of Aishatu Dahiru, popularly known as Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the governorship election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended Ari after his illegal declaration of Binani as the winner, which was contrary to the Electoral Act. After following due process, INEC later declared Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the authentic winner of the election.

Ari, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, recently claimed that he acted within the ambit of the law. He stated that the results to be announced by the INEC Collation Officer differed from the copies he signed and uploaded on the Result Viewing (IReV) portal. He also alleged that attempts were made to replace him with his secretary and accused two national commissioners of meeting with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the Government House, Yola, during the supplementary election.

“It was based on this that I compiled all the polling unit results and declared the election winner based on the highest number of valid votes scored by the candidate of the APC,” Ari stated. “I had the breakdown of the valid votes scored by the two leading candidates in the supplementary election, using the results from the polling units as collated into all relevant forms EC8B, C, D and E respectively by properly and legally appointed and recognised collation officers and my humble self as the Adamawa State Chief Collation Officer and Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).”

However, INEC has denied claims of its officials meeting with Fintiri during the supplementary election. INEC had previously asked the Inspector-General of Police and necessary security agencies to investigate and prosecute Ari for his role in the illegal declaration of Binani as the winner of the governorship election.

The Nigerian government has recently introduced new taxes on imported vehicles, alcoholic beverages and single use plastics, and has also updated the list of items banned from being imported into the country. The new tax regime is set to come into effect on June 1, 2023, according to a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

Under the new tax regime, imported vehicles with engine sizes ranging from 2000cc to 3999cc will pay a two per cent Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) levy on the value of the vehicle, while vehicles with engine sizes of 4000cc and above will attract a four per cent IAT levy. This is in addition to the existing 35% import duty and 35% levy paid by importers of vehicles. However, vehicles below 2000cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and locally manufactured vehicles are exempt from the IAT levy.

In addition to the new tax on imported vehicles, the Nigerian government will charge N75 per litre of beer, stout and wine imported into the country in 2023 and N100 per litre in 2024. Prior to the new tax regime, imported alcoholic beverages were taxed ad valorem, meaning the tax or customs duties were proportional to the estimated value of the goods or transaction concerned.

The government has also updated the import prohibition list to include used motor vehicles above 12 years from the year of manufacture, paracetamol tablets and syrups, cotrimoxazole tablets and syrups, metronidazole tablets and syrups, chloroquine tablets and syrups, folic acid tablets, vitamin B complex tablets (except modified release formulations), multivitamin tablets, capsules and syrups (except special formulations), aspirin tablets (except modified release formulations and soluble aspirin), magnesium trisilicate tablets and suspensions, piperazine tablets and syrups, levamisole tablets and syrups, ointments penicillin/gentamycin, pyrantel pamoate tablets and syrups, intravenous fluids (dextrose, normal saline, etc.), waste pharmaceuticals and mineral or chemical fertilisers containing the three fertilising elements – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Lastly, the government has introduced a green tax in the form of an excise duty on single use plastics, including plastic containers, films, and bags at a rate of 10%. The new taxes and import bans have been put in place to promote locally manufactured goods and protect the environment.

The drug problem in Nigeria is a growing concern, with the street value of seized drugs exceeding half a billion naira in just 12 months. Shockingly, more than two-thirds of drugs are going undetected, leaving Nigeria in a drug dungeon. The country is walking a tightrope of national drug addiction and terrible damage, without declaring an emergency on illicit drugs and marshalling a collective effort to strengthen the war against drug cartels, traffickers, and ignorant users.

Nigeria has become a haven for retailers of illicit drugs. These substances are now available across the streets of major cities and are popular among the youths. They are often cheaper than an average soft drink and used as bait for the uninitiated. The substances include Diazepam, Rohypnol, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, Colorado, codeine, opioids, tramadol, their synthetic variants, and other psychotropic substances. Street names for the drugs appear in different pseudonyms like molly or X, roofies, banku, white, Thailand, Ice, schoolboy/little C, upper speed, special k, Acid, loud, Arizona, Gegemu, Eskay, kush, skushies, among others.

The supply chain for these drugs is occupied by drug barons, cartels, and traffickers with footprints nationwide and on traditional international drug routes. Despite the revamped efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which seized over 1.4 million worth of drugs in 2022, stakeholders are unanimous that the war against drugs must be intentional, retooled, and all-embracing if the country must pull back from the looming national drug addiction.

Security agencies have recently arrested a 34-year-old South American from Suriname, Dadda Lorenzo Harvy Albert, at Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Rivers State, for importing into Nigeria 117 parcels of cocaine concealed in extra-large latex condoms factory packed inside bottles of 100ml body spray. The suspect claimed he departed his country, Suriname, located in the North Eastern coast of South America on April 2, for São Paulo, Brazil, and from Sao Paulo to Nigeria on Friday, April 7, 2023, on board a Qatar Airways flight in search of his long-lost Nigerian father, whom he called ‘Omini.’