NewStats: 3,265,170 , 8,185,880 topics. Date: Friday, 13 June 2025 at 06:02 PM s6h5b

The presidency has refuted reports that former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori was granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.

There were viral reports that Ibori who is a strong ally of the president was granted presidential Pardon but the presidency did not want to make it public.

Speaking with TheScrutinyNG, a media aide to the president said there was nothing of such.

” There was nothing like that. All the names of those given national honours were published, including those pardoned. Even when errors were made in the names of the posthumous awardees, a statement was issued to correct. So, the issue of Chief Ibori getting presidential pardon is news to me. There was nothing like that”.

Also speaking, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who asked not to be named, said given the provisions of Nigeria’s constitution, a presidential pardon is not needed in Ibori’s case.

He said “Let us look at the necessity and validity of a presidential pardon in Ibori’s case, given the specifics of Nigeria’s Constitution and the fact that his conviction occurred in the UK. Let’s break this down clearly:

“The President of Nigeria Has No Authority Over UK Convictions.
The Nigerian president’s pardon power under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution applies only to Nigerian convictions, federal or state offenses”.
“A UK conviction is outside Nigeria’s jurisdiction, meaning the president cannot legally pardon it just as the UK monarch/prime minister cannot pardon a Nigerian conviction”.

” Section 182(1)(e) Disqualification Expires After 10 Years.This section bars someone from running for president if they have been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or imprisonment for at least 10 years unless 10 years have ed since the conviction. Even without a pardon, Ibori’s conviction no longer disqualifies him after a decade. A pardon would be redundant in this context”.

” Is a Pardon Even Needed? If the conviction was in the UK, it has no legal bearing on Nigerian eligibility unless Nigerian law explicitly recognizes foreign convictions (which it generally doesn’t for disqualification under Section 182)”.

“If the conviction was in Nigeria, the 10, year rule already removes the disqualification so a pardon is unnecessary unless for symbolic reasons”.

“So, the President’s Pardon is Irrelevant in Ibori’s case. For a UK conviction: Nigeria has no authority to pardon it. For a Nigerian conviction: After 10 years, the disqualification automatically lapses under Section 182(1)(e), making a pardon pointless” the senior lawyer said.
https://thescrutinyng.com/why-presidential-pardon-is-unnecessary-in-iboris-case/

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has decried the current state of the nation, calling it depressing.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Obi stated that the last two years are pointers to the next general election.

While paying homage to the late MKO Abiola, he added that politicians have paid the ultimate price for democracy.

“It is deeply troubling that under the current istration, Nigeria cannot be said to be in a democracy, even though the current president was part of the struggle to bring back democracy.
“The state of the nation is depressing as the economy and security are at an all-time low, and even key indicators for measuring national progress like health care, education and production.

“In 2023, about 38.9% of Nigerians lived below the poverty line, but it has now increased to 54%. Less than 10% of primary health care centres across the country are functioning.

“I have travelled to several states in the last six months, and I have had to make interventions in maternity wards where giving birth is a 50/50 chance of survival for both mother and child,” Obi said.

On the hunger crisis and food insecurity in the nation, the former Anambra governor said they were at an all-time high as most Nigerians are unable to afford basic food items.

Obi noted that due to the above, many resort to “professional begging”.

“Due to this, the World Health Organisation released a report saying over 20 million Nigerians have mental health issues.

“Yet such monies have not been used to better the lot of the people, as corruption is now at an all-time high, with the national assembly blatantly padding the 2025 budget.

“Nigerians now pay more tariffs for more darkness. This is against the president’s promise during his campaign, where he said if he didn’t give Nigerians power in four years, they should not vote for him for a second term.”
https://thescrutinyng.com/june-12-nigeria-cannot-be-said-to-be-in-a-democracy-peter-obi/

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose has sounded a grave warning that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, is on the brink of becoming a political “carcass” unless urgent and decisive measures are taken to rescue it from decline.

Despite the party’s challenges, Fayose reaffirmed his steadfast loyalty to the PDP and emphatically dismissed any plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

During a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Monday night, Fayose acknowledged the current istration’s efforts, despite his history as a vocal critic of past governments.
He remarked, “For Nigerians, no one is saying it is easy. There is no miracle that can turn things around overnight. But for the little the President has done, we must commend him.

“I was a critic of the last istration, but you cannot compare the situation now. I am here today, not just because of his homecoming, but also to encourage him to do more for the country.”

Fayose, who governed Ekiti State under the PDP banner, highlighted his long-standing for President Tinubu even before his presidency.

“Even while I was in office, I had always believed in his leadership, and I never hid my for him, even before he became President. As leaders, we must be courageous enough to encourage him where he is doing well.

“Stabilising an economy that was on the brink is no small feat. There’s a clear difference between total change and steady stabilisation. The steps taken so far by the President, especially regarding the economy and the currency, give us hope.”
https://thescrutinyng.com/no-miracle-by-tinubu-can-turn-nigeria-around-fayose/

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau has promised to give loans ranging from N1m to N5m to young northern farmers in order to boost agricultural production in the north.

Barau stated this while giving his scorecard for his two years in office.

A statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir reads “In agriculture, in addition to distributing hundreds of trucks of fertilisers and farming implements annually, Senator Barau, through the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the North West (BIARN), has selected over 1,000 young farmers to receive loans to cultivate rice and maize this year in the seven North West geopolitical states.

Each selected beneficiary will receive a loan ranging from N1 million to N5 million to invest in farming this year. The selection process has since been concluded. This programme will take off maybe before you finish reading this article.

The transport sector is not left out. Last year, he launched the Kano North Transport Service (KNTS) with 107 buses. Launched in May 2024, the service has contributed immensely to enhancing the country’s transport sector.

Senator Barau’s security interventions have also benefited the state. In November last year, he donated 1,000 motorcycles to the Kano police to facilitate their patrol of the state’s 44 LGAS”.
https://thescrutinyng.com/1000-northern-farmers-to-get-n5m-loans-from-deputy-senate-president/

shame of a nation

The poor masses are still suffering

President Bola Tinubu, this afternoon, told the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he was no longer angry with him and that “all his sins” had been forgiven.

This development came about after the president met with of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), who came to plead on behalf of the governor, and others who might have erred in the sight of the president.

Chairman of the GAC, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, who welcomed the president to Lagos, said it was obvious he was unhappy with some persons in the state, especially the governor, and, therefore pleaded for mercy.

Responding, the president, according to multiple sources, said, “It’s all over now. All is forgiven,” assuring everyone in the room that he was no longer angry with anyone, let alone Sanwo-Olu.

It was at this point that Sanwo-Olu and other of the GAC prostrated to the president in apparent remorse and appeasement.

One of the sources said that the meeting didn’t entertain a situation where the President or the governor had to start explaining what happened between them.

They just pleaded for outright mercy on behalf of the governor, and the president granted it.

The governor’s forgiveness came after the president’s meeting on Saturday with former Delta state governor, Chief James Ibori and business mogul, Chief Razak Okoya.

Sources said both men pleaded with the president to forgive his political godson in the interest of the state.

https://thescrutinyng.com/tinubu-to-sanwo-olu-your-sins-are-forgiven/

Will president Tinubu declare state of emergency in his home state?

As a way of playing down the outrage that trailed the glaring snub of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu last week, President Bola Tinubu has invited the governor to accompany him for the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road on Thursday.

TheScrutinyNG exclusively gathered that many leaders of the party were unhappy with the events that played out at the weekend during the commissioning and have been making efforts to intervene.

The President last Saturday snubbed Sanwo-Olu at the commissioning of the Lagos-Calabar highway.

The commissioning of the first 30-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway marked the official launch of what Tinubu described as a bold step toward economic transformation, national unity, and infrastructure legacy.

The event was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and governors including Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ahmed Ododo (Kogi) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), among others.

While entering the venue of the commissioning, Tinubu exchanged pleasantries by shaking hands with the dignitaries as he proceeded along the line of officials.

However, when Tinubu reached Sanwo-Olu, he ignored the Lagos governor and extended a handshake directly to greet Ahmed Ododo, the governor of Kogi, who was next in line.

Questions were also being asked why Sanwo-Olu, as the host governor didn’t accompany the president to the venue of the commissioning but was among the waiting guests.

One of the president’s aides who initially declined to comment told our correspondent on Tuesday that the issues between the governor and the president is a “family affair that is being resolved”.

He also urged journalists to focus their attention on pressing issues and stop making a mountain out of molehill.

“A lot of people have been intervening and the issues will be resolved. You will see the president and the governor together at the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road commissioning. The president is busy and has lots of projects to commission. You people should focus attention on that and not all these irrelevant things” he said.
https://thescrutinyng.com/sanwo-olu-snub-presidency-plans-damage-control-with-lekki-deep-sea-port-commissioning/

Radda

Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has issued a stern warning to bloggers, threatening arrest and detention for anyone who reports on him negatively.

In a video circulating online, the cleric accused some bloggers of deliberately twisting his messages and alleged that certain church are working against him.

Declaring that he would not tolerate misrepresentation, Ibiyeomie vowed to take firm action against anyone who “crosses the line.”

He added that he would not be moved by pleas for mercy, insisting he will deal decisively with those who defy him.

He said, “My type when I go after people, they will now send people to come and beg. So I’m warning you for the last time. Next time, there will be nothing like a warning. If you dare it.

“A young man, I know you. Your father won’t beg me, I know your father too. Your mother won’t beg me. I will deal with you.

“Because when I pick them and people say, why do you go like this? You know, people are one kind – some people will be for me and some people will be against me. But for me, there are always many.

“I’m warning all of you who used to be against me. Hear now, because when I go that way, they will say ‘how can a man of God curse people, go and arrest people, will you do this one’.

“So, when I go the other way, don’t come back to say this man of God is now using the police to arrest people. I will arrest you, I will lock you up. I don’t care. No man of God will pray for you and succeed.

“Don’t carry my news. I don’t want your news. You won’t make me popular. Already, I am talking to the world. Good or bad, don’t carry my news. I don’t want you to carry it. Don’t carry news from this church.

“You know what they do? They will carry news and incite other bloggers. And some of you in this church are part of it. They plant you inside the church, and instead of you listening to the message and getting blessed, you now pick one thing and twist, say what I didn’t say.

“My gospel is before you slap, I slap you. I am not that kind of pastor. Young man, I will fight you.”
https://thescrutinyng.com/dont-carry-my-news-pastor-ibiyeomie-vows-to-deal-with-bloggers/

Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday said President Bola Tinubu has made Nigeria far better in just two years in office with his remarkable policies and Renewed Hope agenda.

The governor, in an opinion article titled ‘Two Years After, The Indicators Are Positive’ commended the president for the bold and audacious move he made in announcing the removal of subsidy on his inauguration in May 2025, saying, the president has clearly demonstrated that he meant business as far as tending to the seemingly intractable problems of Nigeria was concerned.

“With requisite but rare confidence and the willpower to make crucial but difficult choices, he gave a clear inkling of what serious leadership means right from his inauguration at the Eagle Square”.

“That one-liner – subsidy is gone and gone for good – was to later set the stage for several other revolutionary game-changing decisions that are fast altering the narrative of our dear nation, dipped in a truly genuine Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Critics are quick to remind the nation, nay the world, that the President once opposed fuel subsidy removal. Truth is, such individuals are too short-sighted to understand the place of time in decision-making. Only a leader in the cast of Asiwaju does” .

“Subsidy removal was an idea whose time had not come, when it was first mooted. That was why to even muster the political will at the time was in itself herculean. Besides, it was all obscured by other environmental elements.

“When the time eventually came, Tinubu who, as a realist, would not miss such an opportunity, embraced the idea, not just as a Nigerian, but now as the President. Of course, the consequences of this tough choice have hit the masses so hard. It was so because subsidy removal was sudden – and shocking. Understandably so!

“But with comion and magnanimity of leadership, the President has so far managed the fallout very well, with the otherwise scathing effects now gradually thawing, giving meaning and clarity to the decision”.

Sanwo-Olu said President Tinubu not only invested in Compressed Natural Gas buses to cushion the pains of subsidy removal but also “provided palliatives for us, the subnationals, as development partners, just so we could collectively attack the consequences from all sides and give reprieve to our people”.

The governor also lauded the president for initiating other bold reforms such as the Tax Reform Bill, Student loan scheme, floatation of the naira and executing “major projects, such as bridges, railways, power, oil and gas developments, as well as crucial road construction, notably the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway”. These, according to him are the “the real positive indicators for investment purposes”.

Other achievements listed by the governor include the Digital and Creative Enterprises designed for the empowerment of young people and creating millions of IT and technical jobs, The Skill-Up Artisans Programme, which introduced the Nigerian Youth Academy and the National Youth Talent Export Programme and the g into law of the new National Minimum Wage.

“To those who may say why celebrate two years of the President Bola Tinubu istration? I say take a look around and get your facts right before diving into this conversation. After all, “comment is free; facts are sacred”.

“Needless to say, it is not yet uhuru as there are still some challenges – there will always be; that is the nature of life. For example, in security, the remnants of the heavily decimated anti-social elements have been battling to create anarchy and divide us, but the capacity of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the resolve of his security team to get a hang of this, are quite evident. It is a matter of time. The last of these criminals will be cleared off the surface of the earth”.

“It is on the strength of these and more that true patriots and progressive elements alike cannot but congratulate our dear President Bola Ahmed Akanbi Tinubu GCFR, and also urge him not to drop the ball on of fleeting distractions”.

While urging the President not to drop the ball despite distractions from naysayers, Sanwo-Olu concluded by saying that voluntary defection by key leaders of the opposition parties the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a testament to the fact that they acknowledged that President Tinubu and his team means well for the country and they have chosen to identify with him.

“What is more – we have begun to see results in the gale of defections of key personalities from pivotal states into the APC. These are not defections coerced by anyone but out of the freewill of the individuals who have chosen to identify with a team that is determined and means well for the ultimate good of the country”.

“Overall, the truth of the matter is that with these positive indicators capped with the “Nigerian First” policy, the ship of state is definitely berthing safe, with a decorated captain and political war general – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – who has been tested and trusted in times of crises and challenges”.
https://thescrutinyng.com/sanwo-olu-to-tinubu-you-have-achieved-so-much-in-just-two-years/

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that he has come to a point where difficult decisions must be made in the interest of the people and Rivers.

Fubara, in a statement he personally signed to mark two years of his istration, said the of the people had emboldened him to embrace the path of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.

Fubara said, “We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.

“Your has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.”

Fubara said he was hopeful of the future while reflecting on the lessons of the past two years, pledging to work with the people to build a better state.

He appealed to persons still offended by the political struggles in the state to turn a new leaf and work for the unity of the state.

He said, “As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a State we can all be proud of: a Rivers State that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.

“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now.

“In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first. I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you enjoy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken.

“While we have faced daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress. I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved, modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.

“These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State. For your sacrifices, contributions, and the roles you’ve played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.

“As we look ahead, I reaffirm my pledge to consolidate on our gains and remain fully committed to the key priorities of this istration: peace, security, community welfare, and the socio-economic advancement of our State. Though our momentum may have been affected by political circumstances, our focus remains clear, and we are determined to emerge stronger, more united, and more result-oriented.”
https://thescrutinyng.com/were-at-a-crucial-point-where-difficult-decisions-will-be-made-fubara/

Billionaire tech mogul, Elon Musk, has announced his departure from the Trump istration, bringing an end to a controversial chapter in the United States governance marked by aggressive budget cuts and mass layoffs.

Musk, who held a temporary position as a Special Government Employee, helped oversee the Department of Government Efficiency, ironically dubbed “Doge”, an agency tasked with drastically reducing federal spending and bureaucracy.

In a post on his social media platform, X, Musk confirmed his exit, “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

According to the BBC, sources close to the istration said the White House began off-boarding Musk on Wednesday night. While his departure was anticipated, federal rules allow special employees to work only 130 days a year, its timing has drawn attention, coming just a day after Musk openly criticised Trump’s latest budget bill.

Speaking to CBS, Musk described the legislation as contradictory to Doge’s mission, “I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful. But I don’t know if it could be both.”

He added that the bill, which includes multi-trillion dollar tax breaks and a dramatic increase in defense spending, would significantly inflate the federal deficit. “It undermines the work of Doge,” Musk said.

Musk’s time in the federal government was not without conflict. He reportedly clashed privately with senior Trump officials and faced backlash over the impact of Doge’s cost-cutting measures.

At its height, the programme led to the elimination or buyout of an estimated 260,000 positions from the 2.3 million-strong federal civilian workforce. Some terminations were later overturned by court orders after judges ruled them unlawful.

There were also some issues where in one notable instance, employees within the U.S. nuclear programme were mistakenly dismissed, a blunder that critics said exposed the recklessness of the initiative.

Musk, who initially pledged to slash $2 trillion from the federal budget, gradually walked back that figure to just $150 billion. The scope of Doge shrank along with the ambition, even as political tensions and public scrutiny grew.
“Doge is just becoming the whipping boy for everything,” Musk said during an interview with the Washington Post in Texas. “Something bad would happen anywhere, and we would get blamed for it even if we had nothing to do with it.”

Musk’s departure also coincides with troubling developments in his business empire as Tesla recorded a 13% drop in vehicle deliveries in the first quarter of 2025—the steepest in its history. Its stock price, once battered by nearly 45%, has partially recovered but remains 10% below previous highs.

On a recent earnings call, Musk signaled a shift in focus, “The time I allocate to Doge will drop significantly. I will be allocating far more of my time to Tesla.”

Public outrage over Musk’s political role has translated into real-world action. Protesters have staged demonstrations at Tesla dealerships, damaged charging stations, and vandalised vehicles.

In response, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a stern warning, “Acts of vandalism will be treated as domestic terrorism.”

Despite the turbulence, Musk appears committed to leading Tesla for the foreseeable future. “I am committed to being the leader of Tesla for the next five years,” he said at an economic forum in Doha, Qatar.

Meanwhile, the billionaire vowed to scale back his political involvement, after reportedly spending nearly $300 million to Trump and Republican candidates in 2024.

Whether Doge continues to influence federal policy remains uncertain but Musk, for his part, insists its legacy will endure, even as he steps away from the spotlight in Washington.
https://thescrutinyng.com/breaking-elon-musk-quits-trumps-istration/

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his istration’s determination not to yield to blackmail from any quarter, particularly regarding the enforcement of ground rent payments.

He stressed that his greatest challenge remains the refusal of some residents, especially the elite, to pay ground rents.

“My greatest challenge is people refusing to pay their money. I will speak on that in the next media chat. And people just want facilities; people want infrastructure, but nobody asks where you are getting these funds from. Abuja is not one of the oil cities, we only rely on taxes. These are not new taxes. These are taxes that have been there for years,” Wike stated.
President Bola Tinubu had granted a 14-day ultimatum for defaulters to pay their arrears, along with penalties ranging from N2 million to N3 million, depending on property location.

Speaking on the recent sealing of properties belonging to ground rent defaulters, including major institutions like the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Agency for Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank and a TotalEnergies Filling Station, which have drawn criticisms, Wike said: “It is unfortunate that most elite own houses overseas. They know the implication of not paying taxes, they know such houses are gone. But when it comes to your own country, you don’t want to do that, simply because nobody wants to obey the law, everybody thinks there are no sanctions.

“Look at the years, over 20, 30 years and how much is it? We have not increased the ground rent, but we are working towards that, we will do that, I can assure. The President has given a waiver of two weeks. Let nobody think that blackmail or whatever will stop us, we will do what we are supposed to do,” he stated.
https://thescrutinyng.com/we-are-working-towards-increasing-ground-rent-charges-wike/

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has commended President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the recent mass sealing of buildings in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) istration.

He also criticised the actions of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, stating that he is behaving like Nigeria’s alternate president.

The Federal Capital Territory istration (FCTA) began sealing over 4,000 properties on Monday in Abuja for non-payment of ground rent.

Among the affected buildings were the PDP national secretariat, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) offices, Access Bank, TotalEnergies, and Ibro Hotel, all located in the Wuse Zone.

The sealing followed a directive issued last Friday by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, instructing the FCTA to take possession of the revoked properties.

However, in a statement on Monday evening, FCT Director of Land istration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, announced that following President Tinubu’s intervention, owners of the sealed properties have been given two weeks to settle outstanding ground rents and associated penalties.

“However, the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding ground rents, with associated penalties,” the statement said.

Reacting to the development on Tuesday, Momodu praised Tinubu’s decisive action while sharply criticising Wike.

“Your Excellency, good evening Sir. I have just read the news here in America that you have stepped into the matter of your cantankerous Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesome Wike who sealed the National Secretariat of the PDP, the biggest rival of your ruling party, APC, and properties of other defaulters in Abuja earlier today,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“While no one should condone non-compliance of government obligations, government must always restrain itself from vindictive outbursts such as that of Nigeria’s most querulous politician who I’m sure is fast becoming a liability to your government.

He added, “The decision to stop Wike today achieved several points in your favor. We used to think we had two Presidents in Nigeria, Tinubu and Wike. Now, we know Wike has a boss who can checkmate his excesses.”

Momodu further lamented, “How I wished you had stopped his reckless disruption and distraction of the Sim Fubara government in Rivers State and saved the hapless people from this unfortunate contraption called emergency rule.

“Nigerians are currently going through so much hardship and pain, and you need to rescue them from Wike’s additional burden and insults.”

Comparing Wike to other ministers, he said, “Wike’s assignments are far smaller than that of Minister Dave Umahi [Minister of Works], yet the man is so humble while Wike subjects Nigerians to his tautological press conferences as if he’s running his own federal government and not under anyone’s control.

“Sir, there can’t be two Captains in one ship and I hope Wike got that message loud and clear from your powerful intervention today.”
https://thescrutinyng.com/ground-rent-we-used-to-think-tinubu-and-wike-are-nigerias-presidents-momodu/

The husband of a Palestinian doctor in Gaza whose children were killed in an Israeli strike on Friday remains in critical condition, according to the hospital treating him.

Hamdi al-Najjar’s “life remains in danger”, Dr Milena Angelova-Chee, a Bulgarian doctor working at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, told the BBC.

An Israeli strike killed nine of the couple’s 10 children on Friday and left him and the couple’s 11-year-old son injured.

The Israeli military has said the incident is under review.

On Sunday the Hamas-run health ministry said Israeli air strikes had killed 22 people since dawn, mostly in the central and southern areas of the territory.

Hamdi al-Najjar – also a doctor – sustained significant injuries to his brain, lungs, right arm, and kidney, Dr Angelova-Chee said.

The hospital is “doing everything we can for him”, she added.

The couple’s surviving son Adam was also injured. Dr Angelova-Chee said her colleagues had told her he was doing “reasonably well”.

Dr Alaa al-Najjar was working at Nasser hospital when the Israeli attack happened. Video shared by Health Ministry Director Dr Muneer Alboursh and verified by the BBC showed small charred bodies being lifted from rubble.

The nine children – Yahya, Rakan, Raslan, Gebran, Eve, Rival, Sayden, Luqman and Sidra – were aged between just a few months old and 12.

Her colleague faced “unspeakable suffering”, Dr Angelova-Chee said.

Right now Alaa’s “priority is her family”, she said, adding: “She’s not the only one who faces this, many families are in the same position.”

“Everybody is really shocked because this continues already 18 months and it’s compounded by constant threat of death, constant relocations and evacuations,” she said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday that its “aircraft struck a number of suspects who were identified operating from a structure adjacent to IDF troops in the area of Khan Younis”.
https://thescrutinyng.com/gaza-israeli-strike-kills-doctors-nine-children-husband-in-critical-condition/

By Olawale Olaleye

One irreducible takeaway from QUALITY education – guaranteed – is that it obliterates every form of ignorance and its markers from the life of an individual. This is why a certain saying appears very famous in the academic environment, even at the foundation level.
“If you say education is expensive,” the academic will gladly advise you “try ignorance.”

However, when a professor, who supposedly worked really hard to earn the degree and not honourary, believes that the answer to an evident leadership challenge can be located in prayer, then it is finished. In fact, it’s game over.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State is not just a professor but of civil engineering, one of the most technical and intricate fields of human interest. It is not for the fickle and feeble-minded. China is an engineering giant today, not by conceding their challenges to prayers but working through them.

Zulum not only held a teaching professor at the University of Maiduguri, but he also rose through the ranks to become a professor before emerging the governor of Borno State. This much his resume states.

Yesterday, Zulum dedicated the day to prayer and fasting in the state, an idea he claimed was to foster unity, spiritual resilience, and hope among the people amid the ongoing security challenges in the state.

The governor, who arrived in Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Council, before sunset on Sunday, had spent the night coordinating for security agencies and volunteer forces, during which he begged the federal government not to let Marta, a part of the state, fall to Boko Haram.

“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity.
“This Monday, I am inviting you to me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, and indeed the entire country,” he said.

Being a professor, anyone would have thought that Zulum knew better. But, clearly, he did not. Unfortunately, for him, any prayer that puts human responsibility on God is an irresponsible prayer and will never be answered by God. It’s a basic principle in man-God relationship.
While security challenges vary from terrain to terrain, the management, too, is dependent on the respective leadership, speaking of competence, capacity, and their understanding of the issues.

In recent years, three governors – all from the south – faced tough and decimating security challenges in their states. But without sulking or wailing about it, they all tamed the scourge effectively.

The first is a former governor of Rivers State, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Rivers was a no-go-area when he became governor. It was a major test of leadership as the various criminal syndicates had become institutions in the oil-rich state.

But Amaechi rose to the challenge and uprooted everything labeled crime. With the of the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, who was wowed by Amaechi’s courage and determination, Rivers soon heaved a sigh of relief.
In one December, the criminals had the temerity to ask people not to go to crossover service. Amaechi responded immediately and asked people to go about their annual rite. Indeed, the criminals struck as promised, Amaechi, too, responded as a government, picked them all up overnight.
On many occasions, he went to different clubs to give people confidence in the security of the state. Leadership! Whatever happened to the security architecture that he designed after he left office was also a function of leadership.

The second example was Lagos State under former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. Fashola was so confident about the security of Lagos that if crime was perpetrated anywhere, he’d confidently tell you, “We’ll get them within 24 hours.”
With a weekly security meeting held every Wednesday, Lagos became too hostile for criminals that they started fleeing to neighbouring states. There was a particular Sunday that the same set of robbers raided about four locations, and in 24 hours, Lagos rounded them all up.
A kidnapper once traced to his bedroom somewhere outside the state in Mowe or Ibafon, part of Ogun State, where he hid, had told security operatives they must have caught him with the aid of potent charm. He couldn’t believe the clinical accuracy of the operation. Yet, it was all technology.
Fashola will gladly tell anyone his biggest achievement as governor was in security. He, too, like Amaechi, went to clubs to send a clear security message to the state. He was proud of himself and his team. The Lagos template has endured because of continuity.

The number three example is Ogun State under Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Ogun was a mess in of insecurity when he took over. Robbers carried out operations at any time of the day. Banks started shutting down operations, mostly in the eastern part of the state.

But Ajiri omo oye, as he loves to proudly call himself, picked up the gauntlet, and did the needful, without trading blame or seeking pity party. Soon, the criminals found Ogun unwelcoming and relocated elsewhere. That was leadership. The truth is that nothing meaningful can work in any terrain where insecurity reigns supreme, and playing the victim will never help.

Unfortunately, those who were part of the team that Amosun put together could not replicate anything after they, too, assumed office. The state is groaning today under suffocating insecurity, in addition to poor governance and infantile leadership. The problem is still leadership, even though they are not organising prayers like Zulum.

The problem with people like Zulum is that they don’t seek counsel. What does it take to ask those who had done it before, ‘steal’ ideas from them, and replicate where applicable in your state? This is not a Bola Tinubu problem. It is your problem as a governor, who is bereft of requisite capacity to tackle the particular challenges.

It seems Zulum’s idea of leadership, in spite of his professorship, is still very primitive and inane. Leadership is not a circus show. Clowns are, therefore, not needed around here. If the prayer idea was intended to embarrass the federal government and put up a face of helplessness, then the joke is on Zulum, who has failed in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of Borno.

God is not for Nigeria alone. The resort to prayer at every turn is now very embarrassing. You have only wasted your time and that of your people fasting and praying amiss. If you guys in the north are not praying, you are either negotiating with criminals, which questions even the regional collaboration you often allude to across the northern states.

Pray all you can, Professor Zulum. The answer to your challenge is leadership. QED! If you genuinely desire results in the security of Borno State, first seek counsel on plausible ideas from those who know better, then buckle your strap, roll up your sleeves, and get to some serious work.Prayer and fasting ko, biribiri and singing ni. Olodo!

Olaleye, a journalist and public affairs analyst writes from Lagos

https://thescrutinyng.com/security-challenges-zulums-irresponsible-prayer/

A prison governor who had a relationship with a drug-dealing gang boss in the United Kingdom (UK) has been jailed for nine years.

Kerri Pegg, 42, was seen as a “rising star” of the Prison Service, climbing the career ladder from graduate to governor at HMP Kirkham in Lancashire in six years.

But her trial heard she “didn’t play by the rules” and began a relationship with major Liverpool crime figure Anthony Saunderson, helping him secure day release.

Sentencing her at Preston Crown Court, Judge Graham Knowles KC told her: “You betrayed the public trust in you and you betrayed the Prison Service.”

He continued: “It was shocking and unconscionable that you should have had that relationship. You knew how you should and should not act. You had training and . You were warned and you were challenged. The boundaries were clear and explicit and you knew you were crossing them.”

Pegg, from Up Holland in Lancashire, was convicted of misconduct in public office and possession of criminal property following a trial at the same court in April.

The jury heard how, when police raided Pegg’s home in Orrell, Wigan, they found a toothbrush with Saunderson’s DNA on it.

It also emerged Pegg, who was also found guilty of one count of possession of criminal property, had been given a £12,000 Mercedes C-class car by Saunderson, which was paid for from the proceeds of 34 kilos of amphetamines.

During his communications with other criminals, Saunderson – who is now spending 35 years behind bars – had used the name Jesse Pinkman after a meth dealer in the hit TV show Breaking Bad, the trial heard.

He also went under the name James Gandolfini, the actor who played Tony Soprano in the mafia TV series.

Jurors heard Pegg was known to spend a lot of time in her office with the inmate and, in October 2018, he put in a request to be released on temporary licence.

Though such requests are routine there are specific rules for how they should be dealt with – rules which the governor broke.

Detectives found Pegg, originally from Bramhall, Stockport, was living way beyond her means, buying designer jewellery and clothes including Jimmy Choo shoes and Chanel necklaces.

They found that despite her £3,000 a month income, she was deeply in debt and had not declared three County Court judgments which amounted to misconduct, as debts make officials vulnerable to corruption.

Her four credit cards were “maxed out”, the court heard, and she had just 6p in her savings .

Judge Knowles said the fact she had not declared the County Court Judgements left her “catastrophically compromised” and vulnerable to “corruption and blackmail”.

He added that Pegg was “impossibly vulnerable to Saunderson'” once she started in her “dereliction of duty” because she “knew he could destroy your career”.
https://thescrutinyng.com/female-prison-governor-jailed-in-uk-for-having-sex-with-drug-dealer/

nlfpmod fergie seun. Let's help these lecturers get justice they deserve

*Accuse University Authorities Of Withholding Sacked Staff Gratuities

Tributes have continued to pour in for Professor Joseph Olugbuyiro, a former lecturer at Covenant University who died on Sunday May 11, 2025.

Olugbuyiro, a professor of Pharmacognosy was said to have died from shock as a result of the abrupt termination of his appointment and forceful ejection from his official quarters by the university authorities.

While demanding justice for him, his friends and colleagues have set up #JusticeForCovenantLecturers while also calling on the federal government and the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa to order an investigation into staff welfare in the university.

They claimed that Covenant University was deducting its contribution to the pension fund from employee’s gratuity upon their retirement.

According to them, when the action of the university was declared illegal by the industrial court in 2021, the university only paid the person who instituted the case in court and got judgment and has continued to deduct the pension fund contribution from gratuities of the staff.

In a Facebook post on May 13, Samuel Tuesday Owoeye, a former colleague of the deceased, recalled their last conversation on May 4, 2025, where both men discussed the harsh economic realities facing them.

He wrote “Huummmmm, my brother and colleague, you couldn’t survive the shock. Covenant terminated our appointment with immediate effect in September 2024 and gave us 3 weeks to vacate our residence, failure which we would be forcefully ejected. Not because we violated any regulations, but there was need to bring down the wage bill and few had to go. That wasn’t even bad as every employer has the right to hire and fire”.

“The shock came when months after months, Covenant has WICKEDLY refused to pay us our terminal benefit. As I make this post, they are still devising how to cut, cut, cut and cut from the entitlement we worked for. It is now over 8 months and the organization we spent almost half of our lifetime to serve doesn’t care if we go and die. Of course, you have gone and you have now died untimely. Hummmmm, the Word of God captures it properly in Jeremiah 17:9: The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it”.

“My brother and colleague, we spoke last on May 4, 2025 for 7 minutes and 41 seconds and we both shared our individual experiences in the face of the present economy in Nigeria. We didn’t know that death was already knocking. Rest in the bosom of our Lord Professor Joseph Olugbuyiro. May the Holy Spirit comfort and help everyone you left behind. I am sure Covenant will now call your next of kin and pay him/her what they like and not what you are entitled to receive. God will judge the wicked!”.

Owoeye’s post generated a lot of comment especially from former staff of the university who lamented the alleged inhumane treatment meted to lecturers and other workers who have devoted most of their lives to the service of the institution but were left with nothing.

Commenting on the post, Oluwole Akinsola wrote “So so sad. Prof Olugbiyiro is one of the pioneer lecturers at Covenant University and that he was treated like this speaks volumes of rot overtime in that University. What a perfect gentleman. So soft in speaking. May his gentle soul rest in peace”.

Joshua Israel Jonah Odubele, another lecturer whose appointment was terminated wrote “It’s unfortunate this is going on in the system. The same thing done to us in 2020, immediately we resumed from COVID-19 break. Till date, what they cut from our terminal benefit is not paid”.

“Some of us are dead, but l give thanks to God who have been sustaining the rest of us. Things as this should not be heard in an institution established under the name of the covenant keeping God. It’s expected that after some courageous ones among us got favorable judgement from the court, other concerned be paid. And further cuts from others that follows be stopped. Because, it’s said that justice for one is justice for all. God’s the judge of all. May the console, comfort and take care of the family.”

Fynnba Derby wrote “I saw how each lecturer put in so much effort, tirelessly, to ensure the fulfillment of the 1 of ten in ten mantra. Even then, I was concerned. Stress levels were pretty high, and the mould in all buildings, including mine, equally troubled me. I feared the long term effects that could have on lecturers and their families. I share your pain, brother Sunday. Hopefully, we get to talk soon, and I pray for God to make so many ways, not just one, for you and all those affected. May he rest well”.

Dosa JM John wrote “Cut, cut and cut has been a usual practice. when I resigned, it took them more than a year before my terminal benefits was released to me. In the beginning it was not so, if you work for 10 years and resigned you will go home smiling, though it depends on your cadre and take home. But immediately the idea of cut, cut and cut started after the holy spirit spoke again that let there be review of staff condition of service precisely 2016, ever since then the labourer labour on their own, very sad reports to be heard in public about the land that flow with milk and honey. May God have mercy on his Churches”.

Morenikeji Akinbola also wrote “ I knew God does not slumber either does he sleep…The judgment belongs to him and he will give it to everyone(Covenant)according to their work. Professor Joseph Olugbuyiro May your gentle soul rest in peace with the Lord till eternity”.

Speaking further on the issue of their withheld gratuities, Odubele also wrote “Do know that we wrote collectively the Registrar, copy The chancellor, the vice, Pro-chancellor, and the Board of Regents, for over three years till date, no response. We are watching and God’s watching. The sweat of the labourers has dried and their wages is still being withheld”.

Efforts to reach Covenant University for official comment on the allegations have so far been unsuccessful.

Multiple calls made to the university’s Registrar’s office went unanswered as of press time.
https://thescrutinyng.com/joseph-olugbuyiro-friends-demand-justice-for-late-covenant-university-professor/

Unresolved mystery like the Bermuda triangle

This is why they are dying to go to National Assembly
#scrapnassnow

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has praised the t issions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its transparency in addressing issues from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Deputy Director of Media and Communication, Paul Odenyi, the NOA described JAMB’s acknowledgement of its lapses as a commendable act of leadership.

“The Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, lauded the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for demonstrating the kind of integrity and courage that public leadership demands. He noted that this act of forthrightness is not only a testament to Professor Oloyede’s personal values, but also aligned with the principles of the National Values Charter (NVC), which ens all public institutions to operate with the highest standards of transparency and ability,” Odenyi said.

However, Issa-Onilu urged JAMB to implement remedial measures for affected candidates, parents, and stakeholders. “While recognition of mistakes is the first step, redemption and restitution are other necessary steps to be taken. Having decided to provide another opportunity to the candidates as a way of redeeming the errors, it is imperative that JAMB considers appropriate compensation to mitigate the stress and anxiety these candidates may have suffered,” he said.

He emphasised NOA’s commitment to fostering a governance culture rooted in trust, integrity, and mutual respect. “JAMB’s example should serve as a model for other public institutions. When institutions own their mistakes and act to correct them, they earn the respect and confidence of the people,” Issa-Onilu stated.

Referring to the Citizen Codes in the National Values Charter, Issa-Onilu stressed that leadership is a shared responsibility. “Every citizen, whether in public service or private life, has a duty to uphold the core values of integrity, ability, and transparency. These values are not optional—they are the pillars of a just and equitable society,” he said.

The NOA reaffirmed its dedication to promoting responsible leadership and value-driven citizenship. Issa-Onilu noted that the agency’s campaign to embed the National Values Charter’s ideals across society remains a key focus, as Nigeria strives for ethical and inclusive governance.
https://thescrutinyng.com/mass-failure-jamb-must-compensate-candidates-noa/

The t issions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that it recorded some technical errors that affected the credibility of the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, told journalists at a press conference in Abuja, on Wednesday, that the error affected candidates in some states, and plans are underway for a new arrangement for such candidates.

He said a total of 379,997 candidates in the five states of the South East geographical zone and Lagos were affected by the glitches in the 2025 UTME.

He said, “206,610 in 65 centres were affected in Lagos and 92 centres in the Owerri zone comprising 173,387 candidates in the five states of the South East were affected.”

Oloyede, who took responsibility for what he described as a “sabotage” of the 2025 UTME, said the affected candidates will start getting text messages from the Board starting Thursday.

He added, “The affected candidates will start getting text messages for rescheduling starting from tomorrow.

“I apologise, I take full responsibility" Oloyede said.

Of the 1.9 million candidates who sat the UTME, over 1.5 million reportedly scored below 200 out of the maximum 400 marks, raising concerns across the education sector.

https://thescrutinyng.com/mass-failure-jamb-its-error-says-five-south-east-states-lagos-affected/

A former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce has predicted a political future for Afrobeats star Davido, suggesting he could one day become the Governor of Osun State.

Murray-Bruce based his prediction on the singer’s family background, pointing to the political success of Davido’s uncles.

Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle, is the current Governor of Osun State, while another uncle, the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, once held the same office.

In a video message, Murray-Bruce argued that the Adeleke family’s political legacy, combined with Davido’s massive popularity and influence, could bring a new and dynamic approach to governance.

He also emphasized the potential of entertainers like Davido to reshape the political landscape, given their unique ability to connect with a broad and youthful audience.

He said, “David Adeleke, the global phenomenon better known as Davido, is undeniably an international artist and a true Nigerian superstar. He stands as one of Nigeria’s most valuable cultural exports. However, beneath the surface of this music icon lies a side that many may not be aware of.

“He is, by his own ission, a political animal with deeply held views and a clear-cut political ideology. This revelation, which came to light through a personal discussion, perhaps, shouldn’t be entirely surprising when you consider the DNA of the Adeleke family. His uncle, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is the Governor of Osun State. Furthermore, his uncle, Isiaka Adeleke, also served as a former Governor of Osun State during Ibrahim Babangida’s military istration.

“Considering all of these, the thought that Davido himself could one day aspire to become the Governor of Osun State seems more like a potential trajectory, especially if his political inclinations are nurtured and strategically channelled”.

“Here in Nigeria, there is a growing sentiment that more entertainers should consider seeking political positions. Their ability to connect with the different demographics could inject fresh perspectives and dynamism into the political landscape. Davido, if you run, I predict you will win.”
https://thescrutinyng.com/davido-will-win-if-he-contests-election-as-osun-governor-ben-bruce/

well said but Yoruba people cant unite. Its a curse by an Alaafin. i can't his name

UncleAyo:
If I was the Alafin, I'll not even wait for the Ooni to reach me and meet me seated. I will meet the Ooni when still away from me, hug him and made him to wait with me a little bit for some small talks. We'll then walk back together to where I'm seated, have some more hug/handshake and get separated to our different seat.

If you're great, you're great. You don't need to act like a "small mind" to ascert your greatness or trying to prove any superiority...

We should learn wisdom, scruples and the Omoluabi ethos from kings...

VeryDarkMan has revealed why he was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The popular social media critic was apprehended on Friday, May 2, after a visit to GTBank in Abuja.

VeryDarkMan’s arrest outraged Nigerians, who condemned the development as unlawful and urged the EFCC to release him.

He was released on Wednesday, as announced by Omoyele Sowore and his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
Speaking in a viral video after his release, VeryDarkMan shared that he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in money laundering.

He questioned the anti-graft agency for suspecting him of the crime, hinting that he does not possess the kind of wealth to warrant such suspicions.

“They think I am into money laundering, how would they put money laundering for person wey no get money? I have done so many charities, and them they wonder how.

“They don’t know that I use debt for charity. Anyway, we are outside, with my lawyer, of course,” VeryDarkMan stated.
https://thescrutinyng.com/i-was-arrested-over-money-laundering-verydarkman/

a doctor even recommended it for someone in the US as means of fighting prostate cancer

SmartPolician:
Shockingly, you see several online articles telling you why you should masturbate because it has several health benefits.

Why is the president still retaining this man as Minister?

Best goalkeeper in Nigeria's female football history