Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communications and Strategy, has fired back at Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, over a threat to institute a lawsuit against him.
Obi had demanded a retraction and apology from Onanuga over his allegation that Obi and his supporters were behind planned nationwide protests against the Tinubu-led government.
Onanuga, however, remains unapologetic, saying he is not afraid of any legal action and is willing to meet Obi in court. In a post on his official X handle, Onanuga dared Obi and his lawyer, saying “We shall meet in court.” The presidential aide’s bold response has set the stage for a potential legal showdown between the two parties, with many eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Oh Lord our creator, we come before you this day with praises and gratitude for taking us this far in our planning for celebration of our birthplace, Ibadanland. Thank you Oh Lord. We beseech your name in all that we do and we commit ourselves and families under your protection. We pray that you take absolute control of the entire week so that we return all glory to you at the end of this year Ibadan Cultural Festival. We appreciate our governor and the First Lady, His Excellency, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE, DSC, GSSRS and Her Excellency, Engineer Oluwakemi Tamunominini Makinde for all their support on the program and for all other developments in Ibadanland. May the good Lord continue to guide them, Amen .
We congratulate and felicitate with His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 and pray that his reign is peaceful and blissful for all of us. Amen
On behalf of the entire 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, I congratulate the President General CCII, Alhaji Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole and the entire Executive council CCII for all their support for this committee since inception.
Lastly, our immense thanks and gratitude goes to all our fantastic donors and sponsors and we pray their blessings shall never diminish. God will continue to increase them in blessings. Ibadan is grateful.
From all of us at the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, we say a big thank you as we celebrate this year Cultural heritage of Ibadanland as we commence with Amala/Fuji Festivals today.
Ile Ibadan yoo gbe Gbogbo wa O. Aamin
God bless Ibadanland God bless Oyo State God bless Nigeria.
Balogun Gaphar Ojetola Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee.
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to shelve a planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for next month.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris, who briefed selected State House correspondents after a meeting with the President on Tuesday, said Tinubu urged the organisers of the protest to shelve the plan and await the President’s response to their complaints.
“The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” the minister said.
The protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media, has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The organisers of the protest have been faceless.
Prices of food and basic commodities have gone through the roof in the last months, as Nigerians battle one of the country’s worst inflation and economic crisis sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.
The Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Nigeria Police Force as well as the House of Representatives have warned against the planned demonstration.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and embattled Senator Ali Ndume asked the President to address the demands of the displeased persons, who are mostly youths.
Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Saturday warned that the planned protest, if staged, could degenerate into the destruction of assets that trailed the EndSARS protest against police brutality and extrajudicial killings in October 2020.
They were arrested with six trucks fully loaded with lithium, according to a Monday statement by the agency’s Head, Media & Publicity Dele Oyewale. The suspected illegal miners are Yunusa Adisa, Ganiyu Kazeem, Muideen Babayemi, Sulaiman Usman, Adeleke Waliu, Tiamiyu Rokeeb, Olusola Sunday, Oyedokun Oluwagbemiga, Sulaimon Ishiaq and Olufimihan Eniola.
The arrests followed credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in the criminal extraction of solid mineral resources in the state, especially lithium, and their evacuation to unknown destinations. They will be charged to court after investigations, the agency said.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC has arraigned one Audu Ishida (a.k.a Baddie Kylemilli) for alleged internet crime. Ishida is facing a one-count charge, bordering on impersonation, retention of proceeds of crime, and money laundering before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna State, Oyewale said in a separate statement. The charge reads: “That you Audu Ishida (Baddie Kylemilli) on or about the 2nd of June, 2024 in Jos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, retained the total sum of $50 USD from your victim which you reasonably ought to have known, forms parts of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20(a) of the Money Laundering(Prevention And Prohibition)Act,2022 and punishable under Section 20(b) of the same Act.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charge, prompting prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye to pray the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). Defence counsel, Umar Usman did not raise any objection.
Justice Buhari ordered that he be remanded in Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kaduna, and adjourned the case till November 7, 2024, for commencement of trial. Ishida was arrested alongside other members of an internet fraud ring in Jos, Plateau State following an intelligence-driven raid on their hideouts by operatives of Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC.
Investigations revealed that the defendant created fake online video content and dating sites which he used to defraud unsuspecting victims. Investigations further showed that he obtained the proceeds of his crime through gift cards which he traded online through an FSS card app in foreign currency and converted to Naira and paid into his bank accounts.
A forty five year old man, Taiwo Ojo of Ojido street, Ado Ekiti has been arrested by the police for allegedly having carnal knowledge of his thirteen year old daughter.
The suspect who is a council worker was arrested after a tip off by some members of his community who observed the immoral act.
We gathered that the suspect began to have the unlawful affair with the teenager few years ago after the mother was said to have passed on.
Witnesses said, the act started at Inisa street where the man was residing before but he relocated to Ojido after he suspected that people were already getting to know about the shenanigan.
The survivor in her statement with the police confirmed the allegation and said she had lost count of how many times the father slept with her.
Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes on Monday paid homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin in continuation of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival.
“In his message, the Chairman of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola delivered the congratulatory messages on behalf of the President General CCII, Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole and his executives and informed the Kabiyesi that the President General was on another Ibadan assignment to the UK.
He said the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee were paying homage to Kabiyesi on behalf of the President General CCII and the entire Executive Council.
Following the presentation of the final program of events to the Kabiyesi, Balogun Ojetola also register appreciation on behalf of the President General and the entire Ibadan people to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun MAKINDE FNSE, DSC, GSSRS for his achievement on the recently commissioned Aafin Ile Ibadan.
He reiterated the commitment of the President General CCII to mobilise His Imperial Majesty to the new palace immediately on his return to the country.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 praised almighty God for the uncommon mercy God has bestowed on him. He also thanked His Excellency the Executive Governor for his love and support for Ibadanland in general. The Kabiyesi praised the Ajewole led executive council for their uncommon passion and the mission to place Ibadanland in its right leadership position.
Kabiyesi expressly blessed the visiting 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee members and pledged to support and participate actively in the programs of Ibadan Cultural Festival.
Prince Sunmbo Olakulehin gave the votes of thanks before the visiting team were given a generous reception.
The Ogun State Government has awarded scholarships to nine students who performed creditably well in an essay competition to mark the 90th birthday celebration of the Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
Speaking at the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme held at Prof. Soyinka’s ARI residence, Ijegba, Abeokuta, on Monday, Governor Dapo Abiodun, said they would also be given laptop each for their efforts.
The gesture Governor Abiodun emphasized is to encourage the beneficiaries to keep writing as well as motivate other students to participate in the next edition of the competition.
While describing the Noble Laureate as the most celebrated black African, who has excel in his chosen career, Prince Abiodun noted that as the key to bringing about change and prosperity in Nigeria and around the world, It is imperative to engage the youth and ensure that their thinking and goals are oriented toward progress for the motherland and humanity.
He said the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) was established to honour the legacy and reflects Prof. Soyinka’s lifelong commitment to education, cultural exchange, and in nurturing future leaders, adding that the initiative underscores his values, which include justice, freedom, and the pursuit of excellence in the arts and humanities.
According to Governor Abiodun, this year’s theme, “Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-Building (E.N.I.O.G.U.N),” perfectly encapsulates Professor Soyinka’s profound commitment to creating a just and equitable world.
The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) consists of three aspects, which comprise essay competition, the advocacy, and the performing arts, which include poetry, drama, and Spoken Word.
The governor said: “We celebrate a project that, for over 14 years, has upheld his ideals and vision. There is no doubt that the Nobel Laureate has optimally utilized the inherent values and wisdom of African culture and tradition in his global engagement as a world citizen of African descent.
“The mission and underlying objectives of WSICE are clear and commendable. They seek to create unity among mankind regardless of nationality, culture, or religion by focusing on youth as the future of humanity, in line with the thoughts and guiding principles of Professor Wole Soyinka.”
The project, Abiodun said is designed to serve as a beacon, illuminating the path for future thinkers who are passionate about the progress and betterment of humanity, pledging that the State would take ownership of the event to make it international.
Speaking while answering questions from children on his life experiences for the past 90 years, Prof. Soyinka said that he did not envisage living up to 90, adding that he decided to be a writer to correct some anomalies from stories he listened to while growing up.
On why he broke into a radio station during the military era, the Nobel Laureate said: “I never broke into a radio station, but sneaked in. The radio station was holding on to something that belonged to the people, and I decided to retrieve it. If that item had been played, it would have demoralized the people and established the culture of brutality.”
He chided Nigerians for always critising the State but refused to examine themselves.
He noted that crimes like kidnapping and robbery, among others, are not because of poverty or inequality, but selfishness and the desire to live a luxury life.
He lauded Governor Abiodun for helping in developing the environment around his abode and saving it from degradation, even as he emphasized that this has led to his not abandoning the country.
The 2024 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme drew students from different parts of the country who participated in an essay competition on national and international topics.
About 383 students participated in the competition, 90 were chosen, while nine were selected with Alabi Oluwanifemi emerging the best essayist, Okoye Collins John came second, while Adebusi Adeoluwa, came third.
The call came as he expressed deep concern over the country’s economic trajectory since 2015, in a series of tweets on Monday via X.
In the post, he highlighted the contrast between Nigeria’s economic performance in the early years of its return to democracy and its current state.
“When Nigeria returned to democratic governance in 1999, it maintained an average GDP growth of about 6.72% for 16 years from 1999-2014,” Obi wrote. However, he pointed out that this growth was not sustained, with GDP growth collapsing to 2.79% in 2015 and the economy slipping into recession in 2016.
He said, “In 2014, just before the inception of a new administration a year later, Nigeria had the biggest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product of $568.5 billion and a GDP Per Capita of about $3,200.” In contrast, he noted that by 2023, Nigeria had fallen to the 4th largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $375 billion and a per capita of $1700.
Accordingly, the situation worsened in 2024, with the GDP further declining to an estimated $253 billion and per capita dropping to $1087. This is according to data obtained from StatiSense, an AI data company specialising in financial report analysis, bank statement evaluation, and AI chatbot services.
Subsequently, the former governor expressed alarm at the current state of affairs, saying, “Today, poverty is pervasive and on the increase. Unemployment is rising. Food inflation has skyrocketed to over 43%. Foreign and local investors are losing faith in the future growth of our economy and are leaving in large numbers. Businesses are shutting down.”
He then called for urgent action to prevent further economic collapse and move it from consumption to production as he criticised the current leadership. Obi said, “Urgent actions need to be taken to salvage the nation from further economic collapse and move it from consumption to production.
“However, instead of concerning ourselves with all these challenges threatening our collective existence and finding ways to recreate an inclusive and sustainable economy, pull millions of people out of poverty, and return our nearly 20 million out-of-school children to schools, our leaders are more concerned with funding their selfish luxuries and individual lavishness, while throwing blames at others who are only committed to solving the nation’s problems.
“In the face of all these challenges, we the leaders should commit to inclusive and sustainable growth to end the hardship which has continued to burden our fellow Nigerians. Only through that can we achieve a peaceful and secure society.”
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate reached 34.19 per cent in June, even as the food inflation was over 40 per cent.
Nigeria’s Dangote refinery is in talks with Libya to secure crude for the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant and will also seek Angolan oil, a senior executive said, as it seeks to overcome problems with domestic supplies.
The $20 billion refinery, built by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote on the outskirts of Lagos is Africa’s largest, and is designed to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuels because of insufficient refining capacity. Since Dangote began operations in January, it has been unable to get adequate crude supplies in Nigeria, which, although Africa’s biggest oil producer, is struggling with theft, pipeline vandalism and low investment.
Dangote has resorted to importing crude from as far as Brazil and the United States.
“We are talking to Libya about importing crude,” Dangote refinery senior executive Devakumar Edwin told Reuters late on Saturday. “We will talk to Angola as well and some other countries in Africa.”
He declined to give detail about the talks, but said international traders and oil companies were among the biggest buyers of Dangote’s gasoil, much of which was being exported.
“The biggest offtakers are the two big traders Trafigura and Vitol and BP and, to some extent, even TotalEnergies. But all of them are saying they are taking it to offshore,” Edwin said. Traders and shipping data have shown that Dangote is increasing gasoil exports to West Africa, taking market share from European.
Edwin said Dangote’s oil trading arm was operational, with staff in London and Lagos, to help manage supplies and sell products. Reuters first reported the planned trading arm in March.
Nigeria’s upstream regulator has clashed with Dangote, saying the sulphur content in its gasoil was above the required limits of 200 parts per million (ppm).
Aliko Dangote has denied that, saying the sulphur level was higher when production started, but had fallen to 88 ppm and would sink to 10 ppm in early August as output rises.
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Dada Taiwo, aged 35, of No 34 Agbado Crossing, for fatally stabbing his girlfriend’s elder brother, Damilola Momoh, over a borrowed phone. Olaife Momoh of No 11, Sowemimo Street, Akera, Agbado and the girlfriend of the accused, Taiwo, reported the incident to the Agbado Division of the Nigeria Police at about 2 pm on Sunday.
This was according to a statement from the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Omolola Odutola, on Sunday. Taiwo was said to have stabbed his lover’s elder brother, Momoh, with bottles during an altercation which arose as a result of the phone he (Momoh) borrowed from the suspect.
Giving updates on the incident, Odutola said “An assault resulting in harm has occurred. I am pleased to inform you that today, July 21, at about 1400hrs, a woman named Olaife Momoh, residing at 11 Sowemimo Street, Akera, Agbado, Ogun State, reported to the station that her boyfriend, Dada Taiwo, of 34, Crossing Road, Agbado, aged 35, had a dispute with her elder brother, Damilola Momoh, aged 34, over a phone her brother borrowed.
“During the argument, the suspect, armed with a bottle, stabbed her brother in the neck, causing severe injuries and profuse bleeding “The victim has been rushed to a hospital in Agbado for medical treatment. The suspect has been apprehended and is currently under interrogation at the station. Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.”
Odutola has however warned people to be wary of manifesting uncontrollable anger as this could lead to a death sentence if without caution another person gets killed in the process. She advised young persons to report every hurtful incident to the nearest police station and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
