Tag: Economy

it’s Increasingly dangerous to speak Under Tinubu- Dele farotomi

June 19, 2025 (updated June 19, 2025) Published by

Nigerian lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has raised the alarm that it is becoming increasingly dangerous to speak under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Farotimi stated this on Thursday in an interview during Channels Television’s Morning Brief.

The former spokesperson for the 2023 presidential campaign of the Labour Party said it is difficult to pinpoint if Tinubu’s administration leans towards military dictatorship or democracy.

According to him, Nigerians are not feeling the breeze of democracy as projected by Tinubu.

In the administration of Tinubu, there is the ambiguity of whether we are in a military dictatorship or a democracy. It is very easy to forget exactly what kind of government we have in place. The level of depression of free speech and the readiness to criminalise every civic disagreement.

It is becoming increasingly dangerous to speak; I don’t know how much of this is traceable to the President or his temperament. Unfortunately, when the fish rots, it begins from the head. There is always somebody on whose desktop the buck must stop. The reality is that Nigeria is more repressed than it is in this moment. Nigerians are feeling the kind of breeze the president is projecting,” he stated.

This comes as President Tinubu, in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, said he was assured that the country’s democracy is not invisible but alive.

Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive,” he stated.

They show killers the way’ – Gov Alia blames villagers for attacks on Benue communities

June 16, 2025 (updated June 18, 2025) Published by

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has raised fresh concerns over the ongoing wave of violence and killings in parts of the state, alleging that some members of affected communities may be aiding the attacker

In an interview with Channels Television, Alia, who described the situation as “carnage,” said there is now a disturbing pattern pointing to internal collaboration.

He said, “What we are observing is a pattern, a simple but disturbing equation. A thief does not break into a community unless someone from within shows him the way,” he said.

He lamented the persistent bloodshed, noting that the crisis, which started years ago in Makurdi and Guma local governments, has since spread and intensified.

When we came into governance in 2023, 17 local governments were in the frontlines. We fought hard and brought it down to nine, then six. But the attacks have resurged,” he revealed.

According to him, the local governments currently worst affected include Gwer West, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Apa, Agatu and Guma, many of which had previously seen relative peace.

Guma had peace for over a year. People returned home, farmed and had a good harvest. But this farming season, the attacks have resumed, with a new face,” Alia said.

He explained that while the violence was previously framed as a farmer-herder crisis, the nature of the attacks has since evolved

They no longer bring cattle. These are not regular herders. What we now see are armed men carrying AK-47s and AK-49s. They come to attack, to kill and soon after, others move in to occupy the land.

Benue shares borders with Cameroon, Taraba and Nasarawa. Some of these attacks are said to originate from the Cameroon axis. The attackers do not speak the Hausa or Fulani we know. Their language is unfamiliar.”

Peter Obi’s Allies Fire Back At Kenneth Okonkwo Over ‘Betrayal’ Claim

June 15, 2025 (updated June 15, 2025) Published by

Close allies of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have fired back at veteran actor and former campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, over allegations of betrayal.

Naija News reports that Okonkwo, in a viral podcast interview released on Saturday, accused Obi of abandoning him after the 2023 elections and siding with a faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Julius Abure, despite repeated warnings

How Peter Obi Betrayed Me – Kenneth Okonkwo

June 14, 2025 (updated June 14, 2025) Published by

Former Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has narrated how the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi betrayed him.

Okonkwo who officially confirmed his resignation from the Labour Party in February 2025 made this allegation against Obi in a viral video on social media.

If there is anybody that betrayed the other, I can say it emphatically that Peter Obi betrayed me,” the former Nollywood actor and spokesperson for the LP Presidential Campaign Council said.

The Julius Abure-led LP members lied to Obi that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had accepted them and Obi surreptitiously went back to them but I told him: ‘Sir, you have made a public statement on integrity and even if INEC has accepted them, that is not a criterion for you to go back and start dealing with them because they have shown that they are not democratic. If you go back to them, they will destroy your political career and everything you have said about integrity will die’.

“I told Obi that these people had become agents in the hands of the government to destabilise him. What they did was absolutely illegal and unconstitutional, I told him that if he went back to them, I wouldn’t join him in doing so.

Thereafter, I called all the people that were in the inner circle and told them the same thing about what Obi was trying to do. I told them he wanted to go back with the Abure people and if he did, I wouldn’t go back with him because I do not swallow back my words.

And after saying all those things, within like 72 hours, Obi went back to Abure’s office to publicly endorse them and while he was there talking to them, one of the leaders in that executive sent me the video to mock me that the person I was fighting for against them has come to their office to endorse them.

“It was when INEC dissociated itself from Abure that Obi came out to start acting neutral but I told him he could not be neutral and something had to be done.”

Okonkwo earlier said he decided to leave the party after Obi failed to solve the party’s internal crisis, explaining thathe no longer had the confidence that PO had what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he had proven that even if the people voted for him, he lacks what it takes to secure the mandate.Okonkwo earlier said he decided to leave the party after Obi failed to solve the party’s internal crisis, explaining thathe no longer had the confidence that PO had what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he had proven that even if the people voted for him, he lacks what it takes to secure the mandate.

“I believed that Peter Obi will seize the momentum and build a solid party of integrity that will have the solid base that we need to overthrow these kakistocrats and kleptocrats. He just needed to give the right directives and everyone will fall in line.

“I received my first shock when he publicly declared that he didn’t promise Nigerians to build a strong Labour Party, but to solve Nigeria problems. I was like, does it mean HE Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading to no where politically? However, I continued in his defence believing he will still privately bring the needed solution to LP problems. to no avail.

PO also publicly demanded that the Abure led National Working Committee must organise an all inclusive convention that will guarantee the participation of all members of Labour Party in the choice of their leaders.

This didn’t happen, and surprisingly, PO refused to disassociate himself from the shenanigans and criminal activities of the former NWC as their time has expired. Every member of Labour Party is confused today as to the future of Labour Party because of lack of leadership from PO over the party, and unfortunately, when they look up to me to tell them about PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself. I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader that I do not know his stand on issues of great importance. I simply don’t know how to manipulate facts.“

Okonkwo said he was shocked that Obi could not openly support the efforts of the Labour Unions who founded the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers to the extent that some of them are openly saying that Obi is now the problem of the party.

He said the Labour Unions now have the unfortunate situation where they are fighting criminals who want to hijack their party when an ordinary statement from Obi would have brought the solution.

EFCC Declares Seun Ogunbambo Wanted Over Fuel Subsidy Scam

June 14, 2025 (updated June 14, 2025) Published by

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the Managing Director of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited, Seun Ogunbambo, wanted over fake fuel subsidy claims.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Ogunbambo defrauded the federal government to the tune of over nine hundred million naira.

The statement added that the businessman was standing trial before a Lagos State High Court, but disappeared after he was released on bail

ObasEmpire understands, according to the EFCC statement, that his co-defendants, Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor, were convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment each on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Meanwhile, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has revealed that Nigeria lost $450 million to fraud under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) between 2006 and 2012.

ObasEmpire reports that Bawa made the disclosure in his newly released book titled “The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Uncovering Nigeria’s Petroleum Subsidy Fraud”, which chronicles the deep-rooted corruption that plagued Nigeria’s petrol subsidy regime.

The former EFCC boss, who led a special investigation team during his tenure at the commission, stated that several oil marketers were found culpable and subsequently faced prosecution.

Bawa also provided insight into Nigeria’s broader subsidy burden, estimating that the country has spent more than ₦16.5 trillion on petrol subsidies since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

‘I Told My Father To Help Me Apologize To Him, I Am Wise Now’ – Bello El-Rufai Regrets Criticizing Jonathan

June 13, 2025 (updated June 13, 2025) Published by

The lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Bello El-Ruafi, has expressed regret for criticising the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan.

Obasemprire reports that Bello, son of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, in an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, admitted that he was naive in his criticism of Jonathan.

He said that his naivety prevented him from realising that there was governance in the country during Jonathan’s administration.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker noted that he realised his naivety in criticising Jonathan after his father told him about going to visit Jonathan for political talks.

He said, “I visited my father after I became a member and I saw him wearing a polo shirt and I said ‘where are you going?’ And he said he was going to see President Jonathan, and I paused because when I was naive or when I thought ego or gratification mattered, I used to be very active in criticising President Jonathan.

I even forgot in my naivety as many young people do, that we had governance then and I found my father saying that he is going to consult President Jonathan. I said, ‘please when you see him, tell him I am very sorry, I am wiser now’.

The system is a problem. Now, why did I mention President Jonathan? It takes a lot particularly in Africa to lose an election and leave, he did that.”

While expressing his support for the elevation of electoral reforms, including the electronic transmission of election results, Bello El-Rufai added that if there is any truth to the rumour of an electoral amendment that would allow people to vote without a voter’s card, he would vote against such a proposal.

BREAKING: Tinubu Confers National Honour On Yar’Adua, Kudirat Abiola, Soyinka, Saro-Wiwa, Shehu Sani, Falana, Others [Full List]

June 12, 2025 (updated June 12, 2025) Published by

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on distinguished Nigerians who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

ObasEmpire reports that Tinubu conferred that national honour while addressing Nigerians at the National Assembly.

Those honoured with posthumous national honours are: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).

Also conferred with national honours are Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falan2a, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olaw1ale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).

Tinubu said: “Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.

Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.

Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year:

Presiding National Assembly Officers

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENT

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – Speaker

Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker.”

Elon Musk expresses regret over Trump posts after online feud

June 11, 2025 (updated June 11, 2025) Published by

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has admitted that some of his recent social media posts about U.S. President Donald Trump “went too far”, following a highly publicized online feud between the two former allies

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO made the remark on Wednesday morning in a post on X, the platform he owns, after days of heated exchanges with Trump.

I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk tweeted.

The feud erupted shortly after Musk resigned from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he had controversially held under the Trump administration.

Musk criticized Trump’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill,” claiming it would reverse much of DOGE’s streamlining efforts.

As tensions escalated, Musk posted a series of inflammatory comments on X, supporting impeachment calls and accusing the president of ingratitude.

He also referenced unverified allegations linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, and warned that Trump’s tariff policies could lead the U.S. into recession.

Most of the contentious posts have since been deleted.

President Trump dismissed the idea of reconciling with Musk, telling reporters, “He was disrespectful to the office of the president.

I haven’t really thought about it actually. I would imagine he wants to speak to me. I would think so, if I were him, I’d want to speak to me.”

And maybe he already called… ask him whether or not he’s already called,” Trump added, noting that he would not oppose taking a call from the billionaire.

Musk’s shift in tone comes in the wake of violent protests in Los Angeles sparked by a federal immigration raid. The events appear to have influenced Musk’s stance, aligning him once again with the Trump administration.

Earlier this week, Musk reposted a statement from Vice President JD Vance praising the president’s hardline response to the riots, adding American flag emojis to show support.

He also shared a Truth Social screenshot of Trump demanding an apology from California officials for the unrest.

Vice President Vance offered a diplomatic take on the Musk-Trump spat in a recent interview:

The President is a little frustrated but he’s actually been restrained because he doesn’t want to be in some blood feud with Elon Musk.

“I think if Elon chills out a little bit everything will be fine,” Vance said.

Musk responded to the comment with a brief “cool”.

As of now, no direct conversation between Trump and Musk has been confirmed. Whether the two will reconcile publicly remains to be seen, but insiders suggest the door remains open on Trump’s terms.

Two people confirmed dead as hotel fence collapses in Kwara

June 11, 2025 (updated June 11, 2025) Published by

Two people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of the fence of the Kwara Hotel, in Ilorin.

It was gathered that the fence at the hotel premises was under construction before it collapsed and killed two workers.

One other person who was among those buried under the rubble of the collapsed fence was said to have been injured from the incident.

While those injured have been taken to the Sadiku Hospital at Unity Road for medical care, the others were pronounced dead on arrival.

Sources privy to the incident said several workers at the hotel premises had raised fears and concerns over the state of the structure and the quality of work being done by the contractor, Craneburg Construction Company.

However, despite these concerns, the management completely ignored the warnings.

The source said, “The deaths of these workers are truly heartbreaking. This tragedy could have been avoided if proper safety measures had been in place — especially on a project of this scale.

We’re currently at the Janaza burial ground with the foreign contractors. It’s a deeply unfortunate situation,” the source stated.

Rafiu Ajakaye, the chief press secretary to the Governor of Kwara State, while confirming the incident said the affected fence is an old one separating the hotel from another facility nearby.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ajakaye said three workers were injured during the fence collapse.

“It is quite saddening. Yesterday, an old fence between the hotel and a nearby facility gave in. Three workers on duty were badly injured. One of them made it, but the remaining two didn’t survive it despite the first aid and the emergency response at the nearest hospital,” Ajakaye said.

He added that the family members of the victims have since been notified.

Boko Haram Attacked ex-Army Chief Buratai’s Convoy In Borno-Ndume

June 9, 2025 (updated June 9, 2025) Published by

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), narrowly escaped death on Friday after his convoy came under a heavy gunfire attack in Borno State.

The assault, believed to be orchestrated by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, has further raised concerns about the escalating insecurity in the region.

The revelation was made by the lawmaker representing Borno, Senator Ali Ndume, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday evening.

According to Ndume, the retired army general and his accompanying soldiers were ambushed near a frontline military base.

While details on casualties remain unclear, the lawmaker disclosed that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued between the attackers and the troops escorting Buratai.

We are in a dire security situation. Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno.

His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets,” he said.

In some cases, Ndume added, the insurgents not only destroy these assets but also cart away weaponry and equipment.

The attackers reportedly targeted high-value equipment including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and machine guns.

The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly.

Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis,” he added

Ndume also used the opportunity to paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s broader security landscape, noting that violent conflict, banditry, and sabotage have extended across the nation.

All six geopolitical zones are experiencing security challenges to varying degrees.

Even in the South-South, we are grappling with economic sabotage like oil theft. At this point, the South-West appears to be the only relatively safe region,” he said.

The attack on Buratai comes amid renewed calls for a more aggressive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in the troubled North-East where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions continue to operate with deadly impunity.

Buratai served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021 and was a central figure in the country’s counterinsurgency campaign.

Since his retirement, he has remained an influential figure in security circles.

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