Obasempire reports that a pharmacist, Yusuf Dauran, who criticized former president, Goodluck Jonathan, for pegging the price of petrol at N87 a litre, has asked God for forgiveness.
Quoting the tweet on Tuesday September 3, the pharmacist wrote: “Lord forgive me for I have sinned”
The NNPCL on September 3, 2024, increased the pump price of petrol from N568 to N855, N897 per litre (depending on the location) amidst lingering fuel scarcity.
Obasempire reports that Blackface, a former member of the dissolved music group Plantashun Boiz, has reached out to his ex-bandmates, 2Face and Faze, proposing a reunion.
In an Instagram update on Monday, Blackface highlighted the significance of togetherness and collective strength, urging fans to support a reunion with 2Face and Faze.
The group, which once ruled the Nigerian music scene in the early 2000s, split in 2004 after their second album, “Sold Out.”
Though they briefly reunited in 2007 for a third album, “Plan B,” they eventually parted ways once more.
Obasempire reports that Nigerian artist Seun Kuti has shared his perspectives on conventional Western and Abrahamic religious beliefs, challenging the typical portrayal of God.
In a recent podcast interview, Seun Kuti condemned the image of God as a “white God,” pointing out possible problems with this depiction.
Seun shared his skepticism about the idea of an all-powerful deity constantly monitoring human actions, drawing parallels to earthly leadership and the desire for accountability.
He also pointed out perceived negative portrayals of women in religious books, citing examples from the Bible.
Seun discussed his interpretation of religious teachings, specifically referencing the Book of Revelations. He believes that, according to these teachings, Africans are not destined for heaven but rather for servitude in the temple.
In his words:
“I don’t believe in God in the concept that the Western and Abrahamic religions portray God as their own white God”.
This their own God, if he was living with us , nobody will like him; someone watching you every time and telling you what to do? 5000 years on the throne with no election? Just spend 15 years on earth on the throne and hear your people start complaining, ‘Oga when is the next election.
“He also didn’t like women, every bad thing that happened in the Bible was because of a woman, Eve, Delilah, Jezebel. If you close your eyes and you imagine your God as a white man with white hair, beard and a white robe, you’re lost.”
“Revelations has already made it clear that African people would never make it to heaven. Only 12,000 people from the 12 tribes of Judea, that is 144,000 people, would enter the real heaven. The rest of you will go there to serve in the temple. So slavery has already been secured for you again.”
Obasempire reports that a surge of public anger has erupted following the Federal High Court in Abuja’s ruling to detain protesters from the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, accusing them of sedition and terrorism.
The court, led by Justice Emeka Nwite, decreed that the protesters be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre until a bail hearing on September 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through these accusations, has framed the protest as an effort to destabilize the nation, a move widely criticized as an assault on democratic rights.
The decision has triggered significant outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning it as indicative of a “full-blown dictatorship.”
Critics have charged the administration with attempting to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices.
Some have even alleged that the government is enslaving its own citizens, with the charges viewed as a direct attack on the right to protest in a democratic society.
One Twitter user, @PureStanley1, voiced his concerns, stating, “According to APC and the police, Activists and Journalists are a threat to Nigeria and should be eradicated from the face of the earth, but terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers are not a threat to Nigeria? Nigeria has been captured. The same people that championed and spearheaded series of protests under and against GEJ’s government are now against protests? And you call this democracy? Nigeria is practicing DemoCRAZY and not Democracy, know the difference!!!”
Another user, @AndinoAsuquo, questioned the charges, writing, “Treason for protesting?? Can someone please explain to him that this is democracy government.”
The severity of the charges has also raised alarms among other social media commentators. @Isthisjohnson remarked, “This is really alarming! Treason charges for protesting is a serious escalation. It feels like we’re stepping into dangerous territory where speaking out could have dire consequences. We need to keep raising awareness about this.”
@OurFavOnlineDoc added, “To charge protesters to court for ‘treason’ in a country where the punishment for treason is the death penalty is an attempt by the government to use the powers of the state to execute its own citizens. Why is the Nigerian judiciary entertaining this madness? Why is nobody speaking up about this? Or wait, are we in a dictatorship now?”
The perceived double standard in the government’s handling of different groups was highlighted by @Shehusky, who tweeted, “So, peaceful protesters are the enemies of Nigeria that should be sentenced to death for treason. Not Boko Haram, not bandits, not killer herders, not treasury looters, not kidnappers, not election riggers, not corrupt judges, and not religious extremists. Nigeria is captured.”
@FS_Yusuf_ echoed this sentiment, criticising the government’s actions: “You are rehabilitating Boko Haram terrorists. You are watching politicians loot and walk away freely. Every day terrorists on TikTok send us videos of their successful operations. But you arrested peace protesters and charged them for treason??? The Nigerian government is a criminal organisation.”
According to @mrfestusogun, “Arresting peaceful protesters for the heinous crime of treason is full-blown dictatorship.”
This sentiment was echoed by @bassiology, who said, “The regime is doing everything possible to scare people from protesting and holding them accountable.”
@OkpanachiUdale expressed frustration, stating, “I’ve always maintained my thoughts about this government. There is nothing democratic about it; in fact, it’s worse than any military regime in Nigeria. At least Nigerians didn’t live in fear of kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists during military regimes.”
As the protesters await their next court appearance, the controversy surrounding the charges is expected to grow, with many questioning the state of democracy in Nigeria under the current administration.
The debate over the legitimacy of the charges will likely intensify as the September 11 hearing approaches.
Obasempire reports that law enforcement in Canada has detained Amaka Sonnberger, a Nigerian woman residing in Canada, who had threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin individuals living in the North American nation.
The Toronto Police Service indicated that Ms. Sonnberger, aged 46, was apprehended on Sunday and has been charged with making threats.
“She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 107,” the Toronto Police said in a statement published on their website on Sunday.
“This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence,” the police said, adding that those who wish to volunteer information on the case should contact them.
“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.
“If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.
“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time,” the statement said.
Abike Dabiri, the chairperson of a federal agency, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, disclosed the identity of Ms Sonnberger after a video where she allegedly made the threat surfaced on X.
“Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one,” Ms Sonnberger said in what appears to be a virtual meeting on TikTok.
The woman vowed that she would take poisonous substances to her workplace and poison any Yoruba or Benin person she came across.
She claimed that her comment was in response to the “hate” against the Igbo. Some other voices could be heard, interjecting and prodding her.
It is, however, unclear how many people attended the virtual meeting with her.
“I want make Ndi Igbo get that heart of wickedness. Una too dey quiet,” the woman said, addressing other participants. “Enough is enough! If you have any means of kpaing them, kpai them commot for road.”
