On Tuesday, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, met with the newly inaugurated members of the 10th Ogun State House of Assembly, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy for all, regardless of party affiliations, religion, or tribe.

Welcoming the members, led by the re-elected Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, to the Governor's Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun emphasized that the era of politics was over and urged all elected officials to unite in serving the people.

The governor commended the members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during their proclamation and inauguration, highlighting that it demonstrated the ability of the state's residents to resolve differences amicably. He stated, "This is how we like to be defined as a state - a state that upholds the tenets of democracy, a state that knows how to resolve its problems, a state that resolves its differences peacefully."

Prince Abiodun expressed his appreciation to those who contested elections and graciously accepted defeat, ensuring that the proclamation and inauguration ceremonies remained peaceful and devoid of conflict.

He also thanked the members of the 9th Assembly for their cooperation and collaboration over the past four years. While acknowledging the separate roles of each branch of government, he stressed the importance of working together harmoniously to successfully implement the executive's vision.

The governor expressed his hope that the 10th Assembly would build upon the foundation laid by its predecessor by legislating on issues that positively impact the people.

"I want to promise you that I will be the governor of all. We are all here to remain winners; there is no winner and there is no vanquished. I promise to maintain an open-door policy for everyone, regardless of party affiliations, religion, and tribe. I will continue to be fair, just, and equitable. I promise to support you in the discharge of your legislative duties," assured the governor.

Prince Abiodun urged the lawmakers to cooperate and reminded them of his administration's vision, which is to provide good governance and create an enabling environment for public-private partnerships, fostering the economic growth and prosperity of the state and its people. He emphasized the importance of their role in achieving these objectives.

During the courtesy visit, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oluomo, expressed gratitude to the governor for his consistent support to the House. He reported on the peaceful conduct of the proclamation and inauguration of the 10th Assembly, affirming their commitment to work in unity and cooperation with the executive for the peace and development of the state.

All 26 members of the Assembly, including the newly appointed Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Ayayi, who is the first woman to hold that position, were present during the visit.

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Paris, France, on Tuesday evening, marking his first official trip outside of Nigeria since assuming office as President on May 29, 2023. A video capturing his arrival and disembarkation from the presidential jet was shared by his media team on Twitter.

Tinubu's visit to the European country is centered around his participation in the Global Financing Summit, which is being convened by President Emmanuel Macron. The summit aims to address global financial challenges and explore opportunities for economic cooperation among participating nations.

Acknowledging 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 itinerary in France includes engaging in discussions with world leaders, policymakers, and financial experts to foster collaboration and seek potential avenues for financing and investment. It is expected that his participation in the summit will contribute to Nigeria's economic goals and strengthen bilateral relationships with other nations.

President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria on Saturday, June 24, after concluding his engagements at the Global Financing Summit.

During the ongoing Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja, it was revealed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that certain documents requested by Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, do not exist.

Mr. Obi and the Labour Party are disputing the election of President Bola Tinubu, filing a petition marked CA/PEPC/03/2023.

Deputy Director of ICT at INEC, Mr. Lawrence Bayode, testified before the court, stating that out of the five documents requested by Obi, two were non-existent, and one was still being worked on.

One of Obi's witnesses, Ms. Loretta Ogah, an ICT cloud engineer and a former House of Representatives candidate for the Labour Party in Cross River, was cross-examined by the counsel for Tinubu and Shettima, Mr. Wole Olanipakun (SAN). Ogah explained that she filed a lawsuit against INEC after losing the election because her name was not listed on the INEC portal due to network failure.

Under cross-examination by Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the counsel for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogah stated that no glitches occurred on the INEC portal on February 25. She also clarified that she was not an employee of INEC and, therefore, was not familiar with the organization's password protocol.

The court presided over by Justice Haruna Tsammani, adjourned further hearings to the following day.

Please note that the information provided is based on the ongoing proceedings and may be subject to updates as the case progresses.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a state of emergency on passport issues in the country, as declared by the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju. During her visit to Lagos on June 15, 2023, Adepoju emphasized the urgent need to address the challenges faced by Nigerians in obtaining passports and unveiled a comprehensive plan of action to tackle these issues effectively.

The gravity of the passport crisis was evident during Adepoju's visit to Lagos, where she inaugurated a state-of-the-art Visa on Arrival Lounge at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. This move demonstrates her commitment to improving the overall travel experience for visitors entering Nigeria. Additionally, she made an unscheduled visit to the Alausa Passport office to assess the situation firsthand.

In her address, Adepoju stressed the necessity of dismantling all man-made bottlenecks that hinder the passport application process. She also highlighted the NIS top management's dedication to addressing institutional and technology-based drawbacks to ensure a more efficient and streamlined service delivery.

Recognizing the significance of collaboration and community engagement, Adepoju embarked on a grassroots sensitization initiative targeting traditional rulers. She commenced this effort by visiting the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, seeking the cooperation of traditional leaders in raising awareness about the menace of human trafficking and initiating joint efforts to combat this grave 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 calls upon 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 in eliminating hindrances that prevent Nigerians from accessing passports promptly. 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 underway to ensure that every eligible Nigerian who requires a passport can obtain one in a timely manner.

Signed,

Tony Akuneme

CIS Media and Publicity

For: Comptroller General of Immigration

June 15, 2023

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has made a significant statement suggesting that President Bola Tinubu plans to remove more prominent Nigerians who are heading government agencies. Dokubo's remarks were in response to the recent dismissals 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).

Expressing his thoughts after a meeting with Tinubu, Dokubo stated that Tinubu would ensure that more heads would roll. He emphasized that individuals who hinder the progress and development of the country would not be tolerated by the President. Dokubo further added that President Tinubu would take decisive action to remove those against the advancement of the nation, and by doing so, they would also address the issue of oil theft.

The removal of Emefiele and Bawa has sparked speculation regarding Tinubu's intentions and his plans to address key positions within the government. As a former militant leader from the Niger Delta region, Dokubo's comments carry weight and suggest that significant changes may be underway. While the exact individuals and agencies affected by these potential dismissals are yet to be revealed, the statement highlights Tinubu's determination to remove obstacles hindering the progress of Nigeria.

The mention of addressing oil theft in Dokubo's statement indicates the importance of tackling corruption and illegal activities that have plagued the nation's oil sector for years. The implication is that the removal of individuals obstructing progress will create an environment conducive to combating oil theft effectively. This aligns with the government's efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria's natural resources.

Asari Dokubo's disclosure has undoubtedly piqued the interest and curiosity of Nigerians who are now eagerly awaiting further developments and announcements regarding Tinubu's plans. Whether these actions will result in positive changes and contribute to the overall progress of the country remains to be seen. However, it is evident that President Tinubu is poised to make decisive moves to reshape key positions within government agencies and address the persistent challenges faced by Nigeria.

Reno Omokri, a socio-political activist, has issued a cautionary message to President Bola Tinubu regarding the arrest of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Omokri stressed the importance of allowing Emefiele to defend himself against any allegations that have been raised.

Drawing a parallel to the actions of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Omokri urged Tinubu not to repeat the mistake of arresting officials from the previous administration without giving them an opportunity to defend themselves. In a tweet, Omokri stated, "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."

Omokri expressed concern about the practice of imprisoning individuals while making allegations against them, which turns the public against them without providing an opportunity for a proper defense. He acknowledged that while Emefiele could be questioned and accused, he should be given a fair chance to address the rumors and innuendos surrounding him.

Emphasizing the need for transparency, Omokri called for clarity on Emefiele's whereabouts and the legal basis for his detention. He urged Nigerians to hear directly from Emefiele himself. Omokri reminded President Tinubu of his promising start and urged him not to continue the draconian practices of his predecessor. He likened the situation to the actions of former military ruler Sani Abacha, which eventually forced even Tinubu into exile in 1994.

The cautionary message from Reno Omokri highlights the importance of upholding due process and providing individuals with the opportunity to defend themselves against allegations. It serves as a reminder of the need for fairness and transparency in handling cases involving public officials and the potential consequences of disregarding these principles.

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

The North Central region comprises six states: Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and holds a substantial number of Senate seats, totaling 19 senators. Prior to the 2023 election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held the majority in several states, while the PDP maintained its ground in others.

However, after the 2023 election, the political landscape in the North Central region witnessed a significant transformation. Apart from Abba Moro, all incumbent PDP senators lost their re-election bids. The new Senate representation for the region in the 10th Assembly is 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), and 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) and the Labour Party each have 2 and 1 senator(s), respectively.

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

Edwin Onuh, a prominent PDP member from Benue State, expressed grave concern over the party's dwindling fortunes nationwide, including in the North Central region. He emphasized the urgent need for the party to regroup and strategize to survive, highlighting the proverbial notion that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Onuh likened the party's current state to a patient in the political intensive care unit, stressing the necessity of addressing internal challenges before succumbing to a final demise.

Sunday Okechuku, another PDP member from the FCT, attributed the party's electoral losses in Abuja to what he called the "Peter Obi – 'Obidients' tsunami" that swept across the country. He called for the PDP to address its internal divisions, reevaluate its strategies, and reverse its declining fortunes. Failure to do so, he warned, may lead to further electoral setbacks and potentially spell the end for the party in Nigeria's political landscape.

The PDP's standing in the 10th Assembly in the North Central region necessitates strategic planning, effective leadership, and the ability to collaborate across party lines for the region's benefit. 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 the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, following an ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives and planned financial sector reforms. Emefiele has been directed to hand over his responsibilities to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate) during the investigation period. Speculations arise that Emefiele's suspension may be connected to allegations of terrorism financing and the House of Representatives' inquiry into missing crude oil barrels and questionable payments made by the Central Bank.

The House of Representatives had initiated a probe into the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under Emefiele's leadership. The investigation focused on the alleged missing 48 million barrels of Bonny Light crude and the N32.5 billion payment made to two companies, GSCL Consulting and Bizplus, without proper documentation. Emefiele was summoned by an ad hoc committee to provide details on the payments, which were later revealed to be withdrawn by the companies within two months. As the probe unfolded, it became evident that Emefiele's suspension was necessary to facilitate a thorough investigation into the allegations.

Following his suspension, Emefiele has been barred from leaving the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. There are indications that the Department of State Services (DSS) may reopen its investigation into Emefiele for alleged terrorism financing. Sources suggest that Emefiele's previous attempt to join the list of presidential candidates and pending allegations against him contributed to the decision to suspend him.

The suspension of Emefiele rather than an outright sacking was a strategic move by President Tinubu due to legal constraints. According to the CBN Act, the President cannot unilaterally remove a CBN Governor but requires a two-thirds majority support from the Senate. As the 9th Senate holds its valedictory session, it is unlikely that Emefiele will be recalled from suspension. The situation mirrors the suspension of former CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi by the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Financial economist Uche Uwaleke reflects on Emefiele's tenure, highlighting his implementation of significant initiatives such as the Anchor Borrower Programme, the RT200, and the eNaira. Emefiele's policies aimed to stimulate the economy during periods of recession, promote import substitution, and maintain relative stability in exchange rates. However, criticisms arose regarding the currency redesign exercise and the exponential growth of the CBN Ways and Means during his tenure. Despite the turbulence, Emefiele deserves some respite after his term concludes.

Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, the Deputy Governor of the CBN in charge of Operations, has assumed the role of acting Governor during Emefiele's suspension. Shonubi brings a wealth of experience from various financial institutions and has been serving on the board of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) since 2019. His expertise will be crucial in maintaining stability within the central bank and overseeing its operations until the investigation concludes.

The suspension of Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele has raised eyebrows due to ongoing investigations and planned financial reforms. As the House of Representatives probes the alleged missing crude oil barrels and questionable payments made by the CBN, Emefiele's suspension aims to facilitate a thorough investigation. With Emefiele barred from leaving Abuja and the possibility of a renewed DSS investigation, the future remains uncertain for the suspended governor. Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Folashod

Tonto Dikeh

Tonto Dikeh, a popular Nollywood actress who has now transitioned into politics, recently opened up about her upbringing and revealed that she had considered becoming a cleric during her formative years. In a post on her Instagram page, the actress shared that she had a strong connection to the church while growing up and held various roles within its community.

Dikeh expressed her deep-rooted involvement by stating, "I grew up in church… I was a Cell leader. I was Dept. Assistant. I almost became a pastor." These experiences indicate her significant engagement and dedication to her faith during that time.

Furthermore, the actress disclosed that despite her current career in the entertainment industry, she still values decency and finds herself uncomfortable in revealing clothing. This sentiment highlights her personal preference for more modest attire and suggests that her upbringing in the church has had a lasting influence on her sense of propriety.

With her candid revelation, Tonto Dikeh offers a glimpse into her upbringing and the role that religion played in shaping her values. As she continues her journey in the public eye, it is evident that her connection to the church has left a lasting impression, guiding her choices and influencing her perspective on personal expression.

Seun Kuti, the acclaimed afrobeat musician who recently found himself in prison following an assault on a police officer, has dismissed the incident as a mere "misdemeanor charge." In an Instagram live session with his fans, Kuti addressed the criticism he faced on social media, pointing out that other Nigerian celebrities with felony charges received far less backlash.

Expressing his frustration, Kuti noted that these same fans often celebrate and defend celebrities facing serious criminal charges. Comparing his misdemeanor charge to their felonies, he emphasized that assaulting a police officer is a misdemeanor by legal definition. He called for fairness in judgment, highlighting the disparity in public perception and support for individuals charged with more severe offenses such as fraud, assault, and rape.

Kuti expressed his willingness to take responsibility for any wrongdoing and acknowledged that he might have committed crimes against Nigerians. In a gesture of contrition, he even mentioned his intention to rent the National Stadium for a week to apologize to the Nigerian people.

Last week, Seun Kuti was released from the State Criminal, Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Panti, Yaba, Lagos after spending eight days in detention. The incident leading to his arrest had gained widespread attention due to a viral video capturing the altercation between Kuti and the police officer.

While Kuti has faced criticism for his actions, he remains determined to address the issue responsibly and work towards making amends with the Nigerian public. As he moves forward from this incident, Kuti's fans and followers will be watching to see how he approaches his role as a prominent musician and advocate for social justice. 

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

Obi highlighted a recurring issue in Nigeria, stating, "The problem in Nigeria is that often the government tells the masses to suffer and sacrifice for a better future, but in the future, things get worse." He emphasized that he had consistently maintained his stance on subsidy removal because he considered it to be organized crime.

Taking to his verified Twitter handle, Obi argued that the resources of the country were being plundered, with individuals claiming excessive amounts of fuel consumption that did not align with the reality. He believed that subsidy removal would address this issue and prevent the continued mismanagement of resources.

Obi referred to his manifesto, which clearly outlined his plans to remove subsidies. He expressed his commitment to governance that prioritizes the people, providing them with statistical and empirical evidence of the savings that could be achieved through subsidy removal. Additionally, he outlined how these savings could be utilized to improve the lives of the suffering masses.

In essence, Obi's perspective on subsidy removal stems from a belief that it is necessary to combat corruption and redirect resources towards benefiting the Nigerian people. He hopes to break the cycle where the government asks citizens to endure present hardships for the promise of a brighter future, only to see conditions deteriorate further down the line. By addressing the issue of fuel subsidy, Obi aims to bring about meaningful change and alleviate the struggles faced by the Nigerian populace.

            The Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja made a significant development on Tuesday by accepting forms for the collation of presidential election results in 17 states as exhibits in a petition filed against President Bola Tinubu. The petition was brought forward by Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the February 25 election, and his party. The exhibits, known as Forms EC8B, were presented by Obi and the LP during the hearing of the petition.

The petition, marked as CA/PEPC/03/2023, named President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his deputy Alhaji Kashim Shettima, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as respondents. In the courtroom, Mr. Ben Anichebe, SAN, a member of Obi's legal team, tendered the Forms EC8B from the 17 states under contention.

The states for which the forms were presented include Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Sokoto, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Kaduna, Oyo, Cross River, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos. These states collectively accounted for a significant portion of the overall election results.

Representatives of the respondents, namely Mr. Kemi Pinhero (SAN) for INEC, Mr. Wole Olanipekun (SAN) for Tinubu and Shettima, and Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for the APC, objected to the tendering of the Forms EC8Bs by the petitioners. However, they reserved their reasons for objection until their final addresses.

Despite the objections, the court admitted all the documents submitted by the petitioners as their schedule of documents and marked them as exhibits. This decision affirmed the relevance and admissibility of the Forms EC8B in the ongoing proceedings.

The five-man panel overseeing the case, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, adjourned the further hearing of the petition until the following day, allowing both parties to prepare for their final arguments and submissions. The admission of the forms as exhibits represents a crucial step in the petition process, providing important evidence for the court to consider in evaluating the validity of the election and the claims made by the petitioners.