I didn’t Collect Money From Sanwo-Olu For 2023 Election Campaign – Atiku

by

  Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he never collected any money from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for his 2023 election campaign. This is contained in a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on Thursday. The Media Aide to Atiku, Paul Ibe, who issued the statement, denied the reports making the rounds that Sanwo-Olu gave money to the former vice-president for his 2023 presidential election campaign. Atiku was the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections. Ibe, in the statement, described the insinuations as a lie and kindergarten propaganda. He said that the report claimed that Sanwo-Olu made money purportedly belonging to Lagos State available to Atiku. The media aide stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was also credited with investigating the matter. Ibe described the report as ‘a blatant lie from the pit of hell; a contrived political hogwash and a futile campaign of calumny aimed at advancing a political interest against Abubakar’. He said that Atiku did not know Sanwo-Olu and had never met him before. “How is it possible for an Atiku who did not know and had no connection with Sanwo-Olu to have a transaction with him involving the exchange of money, let alone during the presidential election of 2023 in which his boss was a contestant? To what end would that be? he queried. Ibe advised the EFCC to make public the outcome of its alleged investigation, since it had been dragged into it. He called for an immediate halt to what he described as a voyage of misadventure and a campaign of calumny against the person and reputation of Atiku. NAN

BREAKING: NNPCL Set To Sell Shares

by

  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has revealed that it is now in the final stages of preparing for its highly anticipated listing on the capital market, by the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. The NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, made the announcement in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja. Soneye said the Company’s Chief Finance and Investor Relations Officer, Mr Olugbenga Oluwaniyi, hinted at the development during a consultative meeting with partners at the NNPC headquarters. He said NNPC Ltd was currently engaging with prospective partners in an exercise tagged, “NNPC Ltd. IPO Beauty Parade” in line with capital market regulations before the commencement of the Initial Public Offer. “According to the CFIO, the aim of the IPO Beauty Parade, is to access potential partners and determine in what ways they could be of support to the company,” the statement explained. He listed the areas of partnership required to include Investor Relations, IPO Readiness Advisors, and Investment Bank Partners. He said the company with the best offer in terms of project partnership would be selected for each of the three categories. An IPO is a public offering in which shares of a company are sold to institutional investors. The PIA provides for the NNPC Ltd to list its shares in the capital market in line with the provisions of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990. Punch

Aare Olayinka Segelu Hosts Oyo PDP Stakeholders To Iftar, Preaches Unity

by

  Aare Hon Olayinka Segelu, a Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman and politician of high repute has called on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) political stakeholders in Oyo State to give room for unity of purpose. Hon. Segelu, a philanthropist and former Political Appointee in the National Assembly, the Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland while addressing journalists shortly after an Iftar program organized for the Peoples Democratic Party Muslim stakeholders in Lagelu Local Government, held at his residence in Monatan Axis of Ibadan, congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the peaceful ongoing of the of Ramadan fasting for the year 1446 AH. Aare Olayinka, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YSEG Hotels and Suites Ibadan, noted that Ramadan fast is one of the 5 pillars of Islam which symbolizes a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, charity, and acts of kindness towards humanity. Aare Olayinka Segelu, a gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State described the holy month as a period for deep sober reflection, patience and dedicated community service. In his words, “We thank God that the fast is gradually coming to an end, today we are hosting our Muslim faithful in our party PDP to an ifar so we can break the fasting together and have time to discuss on way forward on my ambition.” “These people are here today not because they don’t have money to break their fast in their respective homes but because of the love they have for me and their commitments towards the successful achievement of my ambition. “As we all know, I’m a converted Muslim and a practicing one at that, I have been trying my best since all these years by organizing an Iftar during the month of Ramadan for our Muslim brothers and sisters, I do this every Wednesday of the Ramadan but today will be the grand finale of the program for this year’s Ramadan period and I really love the atmosphere because it gives us the opportunity to speak out our minds and shares some ideas that will help us to move ahead on our journey. “As a bonafide member of the People’s Democratic Party in the state, I want to call on our political stakeholders across the state to give room for unity of purpose, we should embrace a developmental politics and eschew politics of bitterness. “Unity of purpose will give us a sellable candidate that will sustain the developmental process we are currently enjoying in Oyo State under Engr Seyi Makinde led administration. “Governor Makinde need a young and vibrant successor, a personality that will give room for sustainability of his achievements, all his projects must be well guided and sustained, we need someone that can leverage on Governor Makinde’s laudable achievements,” Olayinka said. Speaking on behalf of the attendees, Honorable Tawakalitu Omolara Alamu, Counselor of Ward 14, Lagelu Local Government and Mr Shina Akande popularly known as “Shinafolly” lauded Hon Olayinka Segelu for the Iftar program. Hon. Tawakalitu urged Olayinka Segelu to continue pursuing his political ambitions without looking back, stressing that politics is a game of numbers and permutations. “Hon. Olayinka Segelu is a great grassroot politician and we are ready to support him anyday anytime to achieve his political ambitions.” Hon Tawakalitu said. Punch

JUST IN: Ajimobi’s Eldest Child, Bisola Kola-Daisi Dies In UK

by

  Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the first child of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, late Abiola Ajimobi is dead. It was gathered that Bisola who is married to Mr Kolapo Kola-Daisi died in the early hours of Thursday. She died at the age of 42. Our correspondent learnt that she died in the United Kingdom. Until her death, she was the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu. The Special Adviser to the former governor, Mr Bolaji Tunji confirmed the incident to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday. Tunji said, “Yes. It has been confirmed”.   •DAILY POST.

Natasha Apologises To Ezekwesili Over Clash With Nwaebonyi

by

  Embattled Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has apologised to a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, over her clash with the senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi. PUNCH Online reports that Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi clashed on Tuesday at the hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on a fresh petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Kogi lawmaker has repeatedly accused Akpabio of intimidating, maligning and sexually harassing her. On Tuesday, Ezekwesili joined Abiola Akiode, counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the petitioner, Zubairu Yakubu, at the senate committee hearing as a witness in the case. Nwaebonyi, who appeared as a witness for Akpabio, repeatedly interrupted the former minister during the hearing. Ezekwesili then asked the Senate Deputy Chief Whip to “compose himself and stop making noise” and said, “please, will you shut up?”. Following the comments, Nwaebonyi lashed out at the former minister. Responding, Nwaebonyi said, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.” Reacting to the clash in an X post on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan apologised to Ezekwesili over the insults hurled at her by the Imo lawmaker. The Kogi senator also commended the former minister for her unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy. She wrote, “Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership. “Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations. “A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. You are a hero.” Punch

FG Begins Payment Of N77,000 New Monthly Allowance To NYSC Members

by

  The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the N77,000 new monthly allowance to members of the National Youth Service Corps, PUNCH Online has gathered. This follows the promise made by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, that the new monthly allowance will be implemented starting in March 2025. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, assured that the backlog of the new monthly allowance will also be paid The PUNCH Online gathered that several corps members have started receiving alerts of the new allowance on Wednesday. An NYSC member serving in Lagos, identified simply as Chinedu, expressed joy over the increase, saying, “I just checked my account balance, and I saw N77,000 credited from the Federal Government. This is a huge relief.” “Yes, corps members have started receiving their new allowance in line with the newly approved minimum wage,” publisher of Corpers Diary (@corpersdiary_ng) an online community for corps members, Jeremiah Olatinwo, also confirmed. In September 2024, the Federal Government announced a new allowance for NYSC members better known as corpers much to the excitement of the participants of the youth scheme. The government said the increment was in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. The implementation of the new allowance suffered several setbacks despite repeated assurances from the government. Punch

I Don’t Regret Insulting Ezekwesili At Senate Hearing – Nwaebonyi

by

  The senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has defended his clash with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The clash occurred during a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Ezekwesili was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu. Trouble started when the petitioner urged the Chairman of the Committee, Neda Imasuen, to step down in the case following the ‘controversial’ manner in which he had so far handled the alleged sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. He further alleged that some committee members had pre-existing ties to Akpabio, which he said compromised their ability to be neutral. His remarks angered some lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility. Ezekwesili also came under fire for what they saw as her insistence on forcing herself into the proceedings. However, Ezekwesili insisted on being heard out. She said, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.” This led to a heated argument with Nwaebonyi, who lashed out at her, saying, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.” Ezekwesili called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation. The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored. During the proceedings, tensions flared when Nwaebonyi was heard hurling derogatory remarks at Ezekwesili, referring to her as an “insult to womanhood” and a “hooligan.” However, in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday evening, Nwaebonyi claimed that Ezekwesili had instigated the confrontation by calling him a hooligan and telling him to “shut up” despite his position as a senator. “It started when she was asked to take an oath because she said she was a witness. She refused, saying she couldn’t be placed under oath. As I was addressing the presiding officer, she turned to me and said, ‘Will you shut up your mouth? You are a hooligan,’” Nwaebonyi said. He insisted that his response was justified, adding that he had no regrets about the incident. He said, “For a mother like you, a grandmother of your age, a former minister of the Federal Republic to tell a sitting senator to shut up and call him a hooligan, that’s unacceptable.” Asked whether he regretted the altercation, Nwaebonyi was resolute: “How can I regret the scenario? I gave it to her. Is it fair for her to address me that way? As a former minister and a grandmother, ask her first.” Punch

Real Madrid Making Progress On Alexander-Arnold Transfer – Reports

by

  Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on a move to Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season, according to reports on Tuesday. The defender has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu on a free transfer and talks between the 26-year-old and the Spanish giants are understood to be making progress. The England international, who came through the youth ranks at Liverpool and has been at the Premier League club for more than two decades, has been able to discuss terms with overseas clubs since January. Alexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut as an 18-year-old in 2016. The right-back has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Club World Cup with his boyhood club and is on course to add a second league crown this season, with Arne Slot’s side currently 12 points clear at the top of the table. Alexander-Arnold is one of three key Liverpool players out of contract at the end of the season, with the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk still unclear. Alexander-Arnold is currently out of action with an ankle injury and missed Liverpool’s defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup final earlier this month. Liverpool have declined to comment on the reports. AFP

Dasuki, Others Re-Arraigned Over Alleged N33.2bn Fraud

by

  A former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), and three others were re-arraigned on Tuesday before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over an alleged N33.2 billion fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission brought the charges against Dasuki alongside a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba-Kusa, as well as two companies—Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. The defendants are facing a 32-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust and dishonest release of public funds. Their re-arraignment before Justice Charles Agbaza follows the reassignment of the case by the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, who was previously handling the matter. Dasuki was first arraigned on December 14, 2015, before Justice Baba-Yusuf, alongside a former Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Shuaibu Salisu, on a 19-count charge linked to an alleged N15.5 billion fraud. The charges were later amended, and Salisu’s name was removed. Subsequently, Dasuki and the others were re-arraigned on May 11, 2018, on a fresh 32-count charge involving N33.2 billion. However, the trial was stalled after the prosecution presented only one witness—the investigating officer—who was yet to conclude his testimony before the case was indefinitely adjourned. The EFCC had also filed another case against Dasuki in 2015, in which he was charged alongside a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda; a former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa; his son, Sagir Bafarawa; and his company, Dalhatu Investment Limited. They faced a 25-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of N19.4 billion. The case was recently transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu. Both trials suffered multiple delays due to the refusal of the Department of State Services to release Dasuki on bail, despite court orders granting him bail. At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 32 counts read to them. The prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, then requested a trial date. Lawyers to Dasuki and Baba-Kusa, A.A. Usman and Richard Ibiye, urged the court to allow the defendants to continue enjoying their existing bail, assuring that they had always been present for court proceedings. The prosecution did not oppose the request but stressed the importance of the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial. After considering submissions from both sides, Justice Agbaza ruled that the defendants should remain on their existing bail and adjourned the trial to July 1. Punch

Judge Steps Down From Natasha’s Case After Akpabio’s Petition

by

  Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from a case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Egwuatu was assigned to hear the suit, but on Tuesday, he announced that he would no longer handle the matter. He made this decision after Senate President Godswill Akpabio wrote a petition questioning his impartiality. Although the case was scheduled for hearing, when the court clerk called it up, the judge ruled that he was stepping aside. He said he would return the case file to the Chief Judge, who would assign it to another judge. On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan. She was accused of violating Senate rules. The judge ruled that the disciplinary process should not continue until the case was decided. He also gave the defendants 72 hours to explain why the court should not stop them from investigating the senator without following the rules laid out in the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. Justice Egwuatu allowed the senator to serve legal documents on the defendants using substituted means. The court ordered that the documents be given to the Clerk of the National Assembly or pasted at the National Assembly premises. They were also to be published in two national newspapers. The interim order came after the senator filed an urgent application. However, despite the court’s ruling, the Senate Committee still held its meeting and suspended her for six months. Later, after the defendants applied, Justice Egwuatu amended his earlier order. He removed the part that prevented the Senate from taking any action while the case was ongoing. Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, questioned the court’s authority to interfere in Senate affairs. Punch

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.