Alibaba Weighs In On Bobrisky’s EFCC Arrest

Obasempire reports that Alibaba, the Nigerian comic, has expressed his viewpoint on the apprehension of Bobrisky by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The self-styled transgender and cross-dresser was detained on Wednesday evening in Lagos for purportedly mistreating the naira bills.

Bobrisky was seized for purportedly scattering the naira bills and defacing currency, among other charges.

In a social media post on his Instagram account, the 58-year-old comic shared an image depicting some individuals dispersing and trampling on the cash notes at an event.

The ace comedian queried if the anti-graft agency “failed to arrest them because they were men”.

He also inquired about the rationale behind Bobrisky’s arrest, adding that “it is not right”.

Alibaba implied that the EFCC is beaming its searchlight on women, arguing that the way ladies are treated in Nigeria is “not good”.

Alibaba also referred to the case of Simi Gold, the actress sentenced to six months in prison in February, adding that the “EFCC has arrested another lady (Bobrisky) for a similar offence”.

“And Bobrisky was arrested for what again? Because they are men? This is not right. The other time on a celebrity lady was sentenced for the same thing,” he wrote.

“Now, EFCC has arrested another lady for the same thing that men get away with. The way we treat women in this country is not good. Mennnnn, I just taya.”

The crossdresser has been granted bail but she has yet to meet the conditions.

Born Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, the social media celebrity has always been in the news for controversial reasons.

She claimed to be Nigeria’s first transgender and once admitted to having severed her genitals.

In September 2021, the social media celebrity also talked about some of the perks she enjoys being a “woman”.

Government Vows To Prosecute Kidnappers Of School Children, Information Minister Announces

Obasempire reports that the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, has announced that the Federal Government is poised to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for the abduction of school children.

Mr. Idris made this declaration during an engagement in Kano on Wednesday, addressing media professionals and practitioners at a forum organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

He disclosed that President Tinubu had instructed security agencies to expedite efforts in ensuring the safe rescue and reunion of recently abducted school children in Kaduna with their families.

Furthermore, the minister urged journalists to refrain from sensationalizing the activities of kidnappers and bandits.

“Mr President is disturbed that journalists celebrate the activities of kidnappers and bandits on the pages of national dailies. He believes that such publicity encourages the unpatriotic elements,” he said.

He said that the Federal Government was currently putting adequate modalities in place to overhaul the agricultural sector towards ensuring food security.

He stated, “Mr President is insisting that Nigeria must be self-sufficient in food production. Proactive measures have been adopted by the Federal Government to ensure adequate provision of assorted fertiliser to farmers at subsidized dates,”

Oluremi Tinubu Criticizes Nigerians Seeking Opportunities Abroad

Obasempire reports that the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed her views on Nigerians who choose to emigrate in search of better prospects overseas.

In a widely circulated video on social media, Tinubu denounced such migration trends.

In the footage posted by Arise News on YouTube, the First Lady observed that Nigerians often pursue employment opportunities abroad that they would decline in their homeland.

She contended that highly educated individuals from Nigeria opt to work overseas to afford luxuries like cars, whereas they would refuse similar positions domestically.

Additionally, the senator advised Nigerians to assist the less fortunate within their communities rather than solely relying on government assistance.

She suggested that resources spent on lavish celebrations could instead be directed towards aiding those in need locally.

Apostle Suleman Raises Concerns Over Peculiar Deaths Of Mr. Ibu And Herbert Wigwe

Obasempire reports that the untimely demise of former Nollywood actor, Mr. Ibu, and former Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe, continues to stir conversations, with popular clergyman Apostle Johnson Suleman adding his perspective to the discourse.

As the senior pastor and general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Suleman has shed light on the unique familial patterns surrounding the deaths of these prominent Nigerian figures, suggesting that their deaths were not mere coincidences.

Apostle Suleman highlighted concerning trends observed in the family histories of both Mr. Ibu and Herbert Wigwe. He pointed out tragic patterns, such as poisoning-related deaths among Mr. Ibu’s grandparents and father, leading to his similar fate.

Similarly, in the case of Herbert Wigwe, Apostle Suleman noted a series of unfortunate events within his family, including the deaths of his elder brother in an accident and his sister shortly after her honeymoon, preceding Herbert Wigwe’s own demise.

Apostle Suleman emphasized the existence of foundational curses, indicating that such curses could impact individuals regardless of their spiritual beliefs unless actively addressed.

The revelations made by Apostle Suleman have sparked discussions on the potential implications of familial patterns and the importance of addressing underlying spiritual issues.

Many are contemplating the significance of breaking generational curses to prevent the recurrence of tragic events within families.

Prioritize Health, Job Lifespan Longer Than Worker Nollywood Veteran Yemi Solade Urges

Obasempire reports that Yemi Solade, a well-known figure in Nigeria’s Nollywood realm, has emphasized the paramount importance of health, stressing that he does not compromise on his well-being.

Read More: Nollywood Star Yul Edochie Denies Marital Bond With Judy Austin

He implored colleagues within the Nollywood fraternity to conscientiously attend to their health, noting that the longevity of a profession surpasses that of an individual.

Solade conveyed this message at a commemorative event honoring the late actor, Quadri Oyebamiji, fondly known as Sisi Quadri.

Addressing attendees, he earnestly urged them to cherish their health while they have the opportunity to do so.

According to him, “What concerns me in all of this is good health. There is nobody that will not die someday.

“But, while we are alive, we should take care of ourselves. The lifespan of a job is longer than that of a worker. May God forgive the sins of those that have departed, and may their souls rest in peace.”

Dwelling on the fleeting nature of life, the actor said: “It is the popular ones (that are dying) that we know of. What of those we don’t know?

“It makes me look at myself in a certain way. So, when I die, this is how it is going to be? They would bring cameras and microphones in front of those present and they would talk about me.

Read More: Netizens Taunt Rexxie With ‘Call Wizzy’ Amid Arrest In Uganda

“I have come to realise that my health is more important to me than any job, and I often tell producers that.

“If I am at a location and I die, the work will continue. If you are the star of the moment and they are calling you here and there, you need to personally take precautions and rest.

“Some people might say that I am only talking this way because I am no longer in demand like I used to. But, I will always be relevant till I die, because it is God that gave me the talent.”

Afenifere Leader Advocates Nigeria’s Return To Parliamentary System

Obasempire reports that Ayo Adebanjo, the head of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has thrown his weight behind the proposition for Nigeria to revert to the parliamentary system of governance.

Read More: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour: Peter Obi Not the Right Politician for Nigerians

Adebanjo contended that the presidential system of governance is excessively costly and riddled with corruption.

His stance emerged during an appearance on Arise Television, where he articulated his views passionately.

Adebanjo staunchly maintained that the presidential system transforms the president into a dictator post-election, rendering questioning of his authority obsolete.

According to him, “Those of us who’ve had experience with the parliamentary system in this country see that it’s the only way out. The presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria; it makes the president a dictator.

“To question the supremacy of the president is only in operation before the election; the moment he’s elected, he becomes a dictator where no one can oppose him. His word is the law.

“Particularly in Nigeria, our constitution makes the president the most powerful in the world. The system is too expensive and corrupt. The earlier we revert, the better.

Read More: Northern Youth Group Backs Govt’s Stand Against Bandit Negotiations

“Under the parliamentary system, the prime minister becomes more responsible; he’s responsible to the parliament. By the name itself, the prime minister falls among equals. If he misbehaves, the parliament will question him because the ministers are elected members of their constituencies.

“The advantages of a parliamentary system are many. It is a welcome development that should be implemented expeditiously, and the constitution should be changed.”

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour: Peter Obi Not The Right Politician For Nigerians

Obasempire reports that in a recent development, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos state for 2023 election has voiced his reservations about the party’s choice for the presidential candidacy, Peter Obi, asserting that Obi does not align with the kind of politician Nigerians require.

Read More: Northern Youth Group Backs Govt’s Stand Against Bandit Negotiations

Rhodes-Vivour conveyed this sentiment during an appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast.

In a snippet circulated across online platforms, the LP stalwart indicated that the former Governor of Anambra State might possess the qualities of a leader Nigeria requires; however, he falls short of embodying the quintessential politician. “we need for us”.

He said, “Peter Obi is the leader that we need for Nigeria, but not the politician we need for us.”

Rhodes-Vivour also insisted, “Peter (Obi) does not buy votes. He won Lagos without buying votes.”

Netizens Taunt Rexxie With ‘Call Wizzy’ Amid Arrest In Uganda

Obasempire reports that renowned Nigerian music producer Ezeh Chisom, professionally known as Rexxie, has appealed for assistance following his detention by Ugandan immigration authorities.

Read More: Kizz Daniel Opens Up: Sobriety Hinders My Music Recording

In a plea posted on his Instagram page on March 11, Rexxie denounced his arrest as unjust and called for his prompt release.

The news sparked a flurry of reactions among online users.

While some individuals queried whether Rexxie was in possession of contraband substances, others suggested enlisting the support of popular Afrobeats icon Ayo Balogun, widely recognized as Wizkid, to intervene on his behalf.

Some social media users have reacted to the singer’s arrest.

See some of their comments below:

@celebrity__mechanic: “Abi kin kpe Wizzy oya call Wizkid.”

@lanre_pablo: “Se you carry powder?”

@abjokescomedian: “When you go Uganda, you tell us?”

@jamesgibson5209000: “Which one of the borders?”

@horlar_jide_: “Give their Oga phone, let me talk to him.”

@itslaycrown: “Which country is Uganda first?”

@ivsexchange: “Wetin carry you go Uganda?”

@jagaban075: “Wetin you self go do there?”

@ricowhitenyc: “Something like this happened to a female singer I know.”

@insigniabeauty_pro: “New song about to drop.”

@officiall_maverick: “Na wah for this country dem arrest our artist. Una dey use am catch cruise.”

@therealblizzy6: “Why this uganda all the time same thing Omah lay and Tems thus this thing no funny at all o.

Nigerian Presidency Dismisses Notions Of Aso-rock ‘Cabal’

Obasempire reports that rumors of a potent ‘cabal’ amassing power in Aso-rock to seize control of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have been quashed by the Nigerian Presidency.

Read More: Presidency Denies Senator’s Claims Regarding 2024 Budget

During an appearance on TVC Politics on Sunday, Ajuri Ngelale, a media aide to the President, revealed that no individual or group could wield authority over the President’s decisions.

Ngelale clarified that the President had structured his government to prevent any single official or faction from exerting undue influence capable of hijacking governance.

He stated, “We are fortunate to have elected not just a professional accountant, but a professional auditor who comprehensively understands governance mechanisms, not only at the federal but also at the sub-national level.

No individual in the Presidency monopolizes what the President sees, hears, and reads. This intentional setup ensures that no one wields such power.”

“He maintains open communication with heads of intelligence agencies, anti-graft agencies, and others,” Ngelale continued, emphasizing the President’s accessibility to those who require it.

Ngelale highlighted the reputation of the current CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, known globally for his prudent management of resources.

President Tinubu deliberately appointed such individuals to maintain fiscal discipline.

Read More: Northern Youth Group Backs Govt’s Stand Against Bandit Negotiations

Furthermore, Ngelale underscored the President’s commitment to instituting safeguards against past irregularities, including legislative changes to prevent future occurrences.

“He’s determined to close loopholes, just as he did in Lagos State years ago,” Ngelale asserted, emphasizing President Tinubu’s background as an auditor and accountant.

The Presidency’s firm stance aims to thwart elite conspiracies and ensure accountability in governance, signaling a robust commitment to transparent and effective leadership.

Presidency Denies Senator’s Claims Regarding 2024 Budget

Obasempire reports that the presidency has refuted claims made by Senator Abdul Ningi, accusing him of spreading falsehoods regarding President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the 2024 budget.

Read More: Northern Youth Group Backs Govt’s Stand Against Bandit Negotiations

Senator Ningi, in an interview with BBC Hausa, alleged discrepancies between the budget passed by the National Assembly and the one being implemented by the federal government.

He asserted that the budget presented by President Tinubu amounted to N28.7 trillion, contrary to the N25 trillion passed by the Assembly.

However, Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesperson, rebuffed Ningi’s assertions in a statement, labeling them as untrue.

“To set the record straight, President Tinubu presented a budget of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly on November 29, 2023, comprising N9.92 trillion for recurrent expenditure, N8.25 trillion for debt service, and N8.7 trillion for capital expenditure,” Onanuga clarified.

Contrary to Ningi’s claims, Onanuga emphasized that the Senate could not have debated and passed a N25 trillion budget that was never presented to the National Assembly.

“We don’t expect a senior senator to overlook such details before making baseless allegations,” Onanuga remarked.

Furthermore, Onanuga underscored that the budget signed into law by President Tinubu on January 1, 2024, amounted to N28.7 trillion, as passed by the National Assembly.

Reports suggested that Ningi and other senators, in a closed-door meeting, also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of unlawfully inflating the budget.

Read More: Deputy Speaker Addresses Lawmakers’ Salaries, Rejects Calls for Reduction

Akpabio, however, denied the allegations during the meeting.

Regarding Ningi’s claim of bias against the North in the budget, Onanuga asserted,

“President Tinubu’s administration is committed to fairness and equity across all regions of Nigeria.”The presidential rebuttal seeks to dispel misinformation and reaffirm the government’s commitment to transparency and equitable governance.