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*Pascal Okechukwu, aka, Cubana Chief Priest (Nigeria) Pan-Igbo sociopolitical pressure group, the South East Revival Group, SERG, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately release popular socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged tax fraud and money laundering. In a statement signed by its President and National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the SERG said “the arrest of the Cubana Chief Priest is part of the deliberate harassment of Igbo sons and daughters for political reasons by the EFCC.” Arrested at the Lagos airport on Thursday, the Cubana Chief Priest is being quizzed by anti-graft operatives while the agency was said to be on the hunt for his alleged accomplices. However, the SERG noted that “money laundering and tax evasion allegations against the Cubana Chief Priest were the same allegations leveled against Obinna Iyiegbu, known as Obi Cubana, by the EFCC when he was arrested last year. “Arrest

*Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria) President Muhammadu Buhari hailed the  National Leader of the All Progressives Party, APC, and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 70th birthday. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina in a statement on Monday, said: “President Buhari joins members, leaders and chieftains of the APC, in rejoicing with National Leader of the party and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 70th birthday, March 29, 2022. “President Buhari affirms the contributions of the party stalwart to the political, economic and social development of the country, setting a standard in leadership, governance and philanthropy. “As the former Governor of Lagos State turns 70, the President notes and salutes his courage, resilience, selflessness and nobility in always placing the welfare and unity of the nation above self, backed with vision of a greater Nigeria through investments in people,

*Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (Nigeria) The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has felicitated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Lawan describes Asiwaju Tinubu as an astute administrator who laid a solid foundation for the modernisation of Lagos State, and a visionary political leader with a track record of building people and organizations. "I heartily felicitate the National Leader of our great Party, Asiwaju Tinubu on this occasion of his birthday. "I join members of his family, friends, political associates and numerous well-wishers across and outside of Nigeria in rejoicing with Asiwaju for reaching this milestone in sound health of body and mind. "Asiwaju Tinubu has lived a life of service, impacting many lives in several decades of active political participation and public service. "This has made him a political pathfinder, leader of leaders and a legend in his own lifetim

*Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria) The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, heartily felicitates former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday. Lawan joins his family members, friends and well-wishers in rejoicing with the elder statesman on this auspicious occasion. "I heartily felicitate former President Obasanjo as he continues his strong march in his remarkable journey of life. "President Obasanjo is a true Nigerian patriot, pan-Africanist and global figure who has made great contributions to the political development of Nigeria and the emancipation of Africa. "President Obasanjo is a consistent protagonist of the Nigerian project. Even now as an elder statesman, he has continued to push for Nigeria to realise her huge potentials as a great nation. "This is to be expected, as his name is linked to some of the greatest events and developments in the Nigerian history. "I therefore heartily join Nigerians acros

*Pastor Enoch Adeboye (Nigeria) The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, has described Pastor Enoch Adeboye as a man divinely chosen by God to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG. Dr. Obasa, who said this in a message congratulating Adeboye on his 80th birthday on Tuesday, added that the Pastor's leadership style has resulted in massive growth, progess and expansion of the church making him one of the most popular religious leaders across the globe. The Speaker also thanked the General Overseer for his advice to leaders, encouragements and contributions to the efforts to have a peaceful Nigeria. "We thank God for picking you to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Today, like always, there is no doubting the fact that you were truly and divinely chosen to lead His flock," he said. Read the full Congratulatory message below: “Tribute To Pastor Adeboye At 80. Your humility, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, respected man of God and Genera

*Late Dr. Emmanuel  Ojeagbase (Nigeria) Dr. Emmanuel  Ojeagbase, founder and executive chairman of Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspapers, SuccessDigest and other online publications, has passed on to Glory. He died on February 26, 2022, in Atlanta, United States of America, USA, after a brief illness. He was 71 years. A statement by Mr Julius Ojeagbase for the family on Monday, said: “Dr. Ojeagbase hailed from Uzebba, Iuleha in Owan West of Edo State. Popularly known as Sunny Ojeagbase (or simply “S.O.”) before he added Emmanuel to his names, the late media entrepreneur broke into national consciousness as the pioneer publisher of sports news in Nigeria when he established Sports Souvenir weekly newspaper in 1984.  Before then, he was a retired soldier of the Nigerian Army who cut his teeth in sports journalism as a stringer at the Daily Times newspapers in the mid-1970s. Through sheer talent, determination and hard work, Ojeagbase blossomed ve

(Nigeria) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his good offices and leadership position to “direct the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to provide our organisation with a copy of the agreement recently signed with Twitter, Inc, and to widely publish the details of any such agreement.” SERAP also urged him to “direct Alhaji Lai Mohammed to clarify the manner and scope in which the agreement with Twitter will be enforced, including whether the agreement incorporates respect for human rights, consistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international obligations.” In the letter dated January 15, 2022, by SERAP deputy director,  Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Publishing the agreement would enable Nigerians to scrutinize it, seek legal remedies as appropriate, and ensure that the conditions for lifting the suspension of Twitter are not used as pretexts to suppress legi

*Missing Journalist, Mr. Tordue Salem (Nigeria) The Senate on Tuesday mandated the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba to, as a matter of urgency, direct a special investigation into the circumstances surrounding the whereabouts of the missing Journalist, Mr. Tordue Salem. The chamber made the call amid a resolution after a point of order raised by Senator Orker-Jev Emmanuel Yisa (Benue North-West) to draw the attention of the Senate to the disappearance of the reporter who covered the National Assembly. Coming under order 42 and 52 of the Senate Rules, Senator Yisa noted that Tordue Salem, before going missing, was a journalist with the Vanguard newspaper covering the House of Representatives. According to the lawmaker, on October 13, 2021 between 8-9pm, the said Tordue Salem went missing and all phone contact with him ceased. He lamented that efforts by his family, friends and colleagues to uncover his whereabout or what may have happened proved abortive. He, how

*Naira Marley in court (Nigeria) A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, heard that there were a total of 2410 messages analysed from the iPhone of Nigerian musician, Azeez Fashola a.ka Naira Marley, who is charged with Cyber Crime.  A second prosecution witness, Mr Augustine Anosike, so narrated how the messages as well as different credit card numbers were extracted from  the defendant's phone. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Naira Marley on 11-counts of cyber fraud. The anti-graft agency had on May 14, 2019, preferred the charge against the defendant, bodering on conspiracy, possession of counterfeit credit cards and fraud. Fashola, who sang the popular song: “Am I a Yahoo Boy”, was consequently, arraigned on May 20, 2019  before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, but he pleaded not guilty. The court had granted him bail in the sum of two million naira, with two sureties in like sum. Trial had since commenced in the case and the second pros

*Senator Francis Alimikhena being installed as the Iyase of Uwanno Kingdom (Nigeria) Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr Philip Shaibu has congratulated Senator Francis Alimikhena on his successful  installation as the Iyase of Uwanno Kingdom. The Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom,  Dr. George Egabor, weekend conferred the prestigious title of "Iyase" on the Senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly. " In his good will message, the Deputy Governor said, "as the Prime Minister of the respected Uwanno people, I pray the good Lord to grant you spiritual Insight and the wisdom to provide  the needed leadership for your  people. "No doubt, Senator Alimikhena deserves to be honoured as someone whose passion for service to humanity is uncommon, especially in Afemai land."Comrade Shaibu maintained that by this high chieftaincy title, "Senator Alimikhena has surrendered himself to a higher purpose for the betterment of humanity, adding that doing thi

(Nigeria) The Ministry  of Youth and sports Development on Monday signed a Memorandum of understanding  with BravoPoint International  Limited for the  Next Titan Television  programme  which would create employment opportunities  for  participants. Speaking during the signing ceremony  in his office,  the Minister said: "We are delighted  to go into strategic  partnership  with  Bravopoints,a partnership  that will accelerate  and deepen Youth development  in our country. Al ot of work has been done  to put the MOU together. We believe this is a bold step  forward  as we embark on the journey  to support our Youth. We believe this would also support SME, SMs and other  business  enterprise. Bravo point already has a programme  called the Next Titan which is like the Apprenticeship  Program where young   Enterprenuers, innovative youth are invited to talk about their businesses, answer  questions  about their works. " What we are going to see is a pluck into what the Fede

(Nigeria) Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain and former Delta State gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has appealed to the Federal Government  to ban the ongoing reality TV  show, Big Brother Naija. He appealed to religious leaders, including Muslims and Christian clerics to add their voices to the call for ban of the programme on Nigeria televisions. Onuesoke said  allowing “immoral” show like the ‘Big Brother Naija’ to be broadcast in Nigeria could corrode the minds of the younger generation, especially teenagers. According to him:  “BBNaija is an exhibition of recklessness. We are encouraging it so badly that we allow it to be displayed openly on television. It is an invitation to chaos and exhibition of nudity. We now idolize idleness and immorality.  What do we gain from open vulgarity, open nudity, the spread of shamelessness? For me  BBNaija is “an abomination. “It  not a Talent Show because  it  does not promote real development in any sense of the word.

L-R: Chief of Staff  to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of State for Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor (Celebrant) and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State,  at the 60th birthday ceremony of Chief Sharon Olive Ikeazor at Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, weekend.   (Nigeria) Imo State Government on Sunday, warned the opposition against engaging in acts capable of setting the state on fire. It also warned that it will unleash the law on anyone who for selfish and political reasons engages in seditious acts that would trigger security crisis in the state. The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba gave the warning while reacting to the cloning of a Thisday publication alleging that Governor Hope Uzodinma plans to marry out imo daughters to the Fulani herders. Describing the act as criminal and the height of desperation by the opposition, Emelumba vowed that the perpetrators of the forgery and perjury would not go unpunished. He noted

*Late Sir Victor Uwaifo (Nigeria) Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the death of a legendary singer and guitarist, Sir Victor Uwaifo, as a sad development. Gbajabiamila said Uwaifo's accomplishments would never be forgotten as he used his genre of music to entertain and educate Nigerians. The Speaker recalled how Uwaifo became popular in handling the guitar, which he said attracted the attention of a lot of Nigerians at the time. Speaker Gbajabiamila said Sir Victor Uwaifo would be missed by Nigerians and prayed God to grant the soul of the legendary musician eternal rest.

(Nigeria) Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has reiterated the need for the members of the veracity team to be vast in the publication of the veracity magazine. Mr Aniagwu said this today during the inauguration a reconstituted 18-member committee of the veracity team in the ministry’s conference hall, Asaba. The commissioner harped on the need for the head of the team to carry every member along, including all information officers, stating that the contributions from everyone was needed to boost the diversity of the magazine. He commended the immediate past editorial team for a job well done while encouraging the new team to surpass their predecessors, stating that all hands must be on deck to give subsequent publications a reasonable facelift. Justifying the reconstitution of the team, Aniagwu reiterated on the fact that it needed a rejig to bring in new heads with new ideas. While buttressing on the commissioner's speech, the Permanent Secre

*Chief Ighoyota Amori (Nigeria) Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has congratulated renowned politician and statesman, Chief Ighoyota Amori, on his 69th birth anniversary. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Monday in Asaba, the governor noted that Amori, an accomplished leader and statesman, had contributed immensely to the growth and unity of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and development of Delta. He commended the gifted politician fondly known as``Odidimadi’’ in political circle, for his keen efforts at bridge-building and described him as ``a great political strategist" whose passion for uplifting of his Urhobo people of Delta Central Senatorial District was unparalleled. The governor recalled Amori’s contributions to the development of Delta through his services as Commissioner for Education; Water Resources; Senior Political Adviser, Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District and currently, Chairman, Asaba Capital Te

Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege (Nigeria) President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan felicitates with the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, on the auspicious occasion of his 58th birthday on Tuesday. Lawan joins other Distinguished Senators, his family members, friends and political associates in celebrating the joyous occasion with his deputy whom he describes as "a worthy son of Urhobo and great representative of Delta Central Senatorial District." "Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has been an invaluable colleague and dependable ally in the leadership of the august assembly of the ninth Senate. "This has enabled us to work in harmony between us and with fellow Distinguished Senators who had graciously given us the mandate to pilot the affairs of the Upper Chamber. "I am confident that we will continue to work together as we have done so far to enhance the delivery of the promises contained in the Legislative Agenda that we published at the inception of

L-R: Special Assistant II to the President attached to the Minister’s Office, Mr Williams Adeleye; Special Assistant I to the President attached to the Minister’s Office, Mr Segun Adeyemi;  Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora, NIDO, UK Chapter, Mr Chibuzo Ubochi when members of NIDO visited the Minister on Tuesday.   (Nigeria) Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, to help counter the false narratives by secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists who portray Nigeria in a bad light. The Minister made the call in Abuja on Tuesday, when he received members of NIDO, UK Chapter, on a courtesy visit. He said: “As an organized and well connected group, I implore NIDO to leverage its contacts in government circles, parliamentary groups and global think tanks in world capitals to help change the narrative and sweep the carpet off the feet of secessio

*President Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, and Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development have a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, asking the court to “declare illegal the gag order stopping journalists and broadcast stations from reporting details of terrorist attacks and victims, as the order violates media freedom, and Nigerians’ freedom of expression and access to information.” Joined in the suit as Defendant is the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC. The suit followed the directive by the NBC asking journalists, television and radio stations in Nigeria to stop “glamourising and giving too many details on the nefarious activities of terrorists and kidnappers” during their daily newspaper reviews. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/725/2021 filed last Friday, SERAP and PTCIJ are seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the government of Presi

*Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (Nigeria) On the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has enjoined Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, to remain committed to God in prayers for the peace, unity, security and progress of the country. In his Sallah Message, Governor Ugwuanyi felicitated with all Muslim faithful, wishing them the blessings and guidance of Allah. The governor urged Nigerians to embrace the cherished virtues of love, peace, charity and sacrifice as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed. He stressed that the significance of the Islamic celebration has a huge positive impact in enhancing the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria as well as the nation’s efforts in surmounting its security, socio-economic and public health challenges. Governor Ugwuanyi who called for a secure, peaceful and healthy celebration, advised Nigerians to stay safe and adhere strictly to all precautionary measures put in place to