In June 2022, few minutes after returning from a grocery shopping, I heard a knock on my door. My dog, a Shitzu, barked and ran to the door. I was wondering who must be visiting me
in my suburb home.

I went to the door, peeped through the door glass and two men in black were standing in front of my door, waiting.

Two FBI agents from the Local office have been detailed to come speak with me. The mission? To find out how I get all the exposures and exclusive information I release about high Government officials in Nigeria.

I opened the door. And immediately, my eyes went to the FBI badge clipped on the trouser of one of the officers. “Jackson Ude”? The officer asked. Yes, I answered. Both men introduced themselves politely as men from the FBI.

“We are here to ask you some questions.” The second officer said. The first officer took over the questioning session.

They asked me what I do. I told them I am an investigative Journalist. They asked me if I ever heard problems in Nigeria, if my life has ever been threatened. I said yes. And severally too. They asked of any latest incident.

I told them and narrated how.
They asked me how I get the information I publish about officials in the Nigerian Government.

I told them I have spent 26yrs as a journalist and all through those years, I have built a huge list of sources in and out of Government. They asked me who writes the stories on my websites and Twitter. I told them I have Reporters based in Nigeria and some of the articles, I write. And that I personally do my tweets.

The FBI officers asked me about my knowledge of computer and its usage. I told them I have basic-emailing, Microsoft, researches, etc. Just the basics. They asked me if I ever hack computers. I told them NO. I never had such trainings. They asked me about my income and sources. And if I file taxes, I told them yes.

They asked me when I became a U.S citizen, I told them the year and date.
After nearly 40 minutes, the questioning FBI agent looked at me and said I should be careful and should watch my movements because some highly placed people in Nigeria are not happy.

He told me some people in Government had petitioned claiming I have been hiding under the cover of the U.S as a fugitive from Nigeria, hacking Nigerian Government computers, stealing information and using it to blackmail and embarrass them.

He said if I have been hacking which he doesn’t believe I do, I should stop because even as an American, I can be sued for hacking. I told them I never hacked and never steal information. I obtain information professionally as a journalist and once it is of public interest, I release them.

As soon as they were about to leave, I asked them if I need to speak to a lawyer. They said no. I don’t need it since I am not in trouble with them. The visit was necessary because there were petitions against me and they needed to clarify.

I immediately made few phone calls after they left. This was how I was informed by a friend that two petitions against me were received at the U.S Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria, accusing me of hacking and stealing Government classified information which I use in embarrassing high level officials of the Government of President Mohammadu Buhari. I was able to trace the source of the petitions.

The desperation to hound investigative Journalists reporting and exposing the deep seated corruption in Nigeria is real. This is why I often encourage David Hundeyin to always keep his head high. And don’t be distracted. This job is a thanklessly dangerous job that only the strong willed can survive.

I was trained by Bala Dan Abu, a former Editor of News Watch, a consummate Journalist per excellence who was a colleague of the late Dele Giwa.

I know how many times he was taken to the DMI in Shangisha, during the military era. I know how many times we had to abandon our office to hold editorial meetings under the Jibowu, Yaba bridge. Investigative Journalism work is dangerous. Folks like Hundeyin, Samuel Ogundipe and few others risking their lives, must be protected.

The Nigerian Government would use all available resources to threaten and intimidate anyone seen to know their crookedness. It is a silencing strategy aimed at allowing them continue with their corruption. I have personally seen it all and now numb to fear and intimidations.

I have been sued severally here in the U.S by Nigerian Government officials. Not that they intend winning the cases. No. It is part of the intimidation strategy, get you spend money and then demand for out of court settlement midway.

Between 2022-date, I have spent well over $120k maintaining four lawyers. I am willing to spend more because I refuse to be bullied or intimidated by those who want to silence our voices. It is the price we pay!

The popular microblogging site, Twitter on Tuesday removed the verification tag of the new President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu barely 24 hours after his inauguration

New Telegraph had on Monday reported that the verification tag of the immediate past Vice-President of Nigeria,  Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was removed.

Adding to the list of political leaders the microblogging site had removed its special tag from the newly inaugurated President Tinubu.

Following the inauguration of Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as president and vice president respectively, which brought about an update on their social media profiles, checks by this platform showed that Tinubu’s verification tag has been yanked off.

However, the account of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari remained verified by Twitter.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 222.42 kilograms of cannabis, popularly known as marijuana at various drug joints in Ogun State.

The agency also seized 40 bottles of codeine weighing a total of 0.4 litres.

The Commander of Narcotics of NDLEA, Ogun State Command, Ibiba Odili who disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday, said the seizures were made during the raid of drug joints in Abeokuta, the State capital.

Odili said the operatives of the agency stormed various drug joints such as Mayas in Lafenwa, Odo-Eran in Obantoko and Randa, all in Abeokuta and uncovered the drugs.

She added that the operatives also recovered a locally made gun from the joint.

Odili said, “The gallant joint operatives seized a jaw-dropping 222.42 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, also known as marijuana, in one fell swoop.

“This will deal a significant blow to drug traffickers, interrupting their supply chains and destabilising their illicit operations.

“In addition to the cannabis seizure, the joint forces discovered 40 bottles of Codeine, weighing a total of 0.4 litres, highlighting the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.

“The operatives also seized a locally made gun during the operation.”

Odili said the NDLEA in collaboration with men of the 35 Artillery Brigade Nigeria Army and the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps launched the fourth phase of its mopping-up and counter-narcotic intelligence operations against illicit supply and abuse of drugs in Abeokuta.

Odili assured that efforts would be made to dismantle the drug trafficking network and disrupt the supply of chains of illicit substances so as to create a safe and drug-free environment.

In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Department of State Security Service (DSS) to immediately vacate the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) located in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The President's directive came after reports surfaced that DSS officials had stormed the EFCC office, preventing the anti-graft agency's personnel from accessing their workplace.

In his statement via his media aide, Tunde Rahman, President Tinubu emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution if any issues existed between these crucial government agencies. He expressed his expectation that the matter would be resolved amicably.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, when DSS operatives reportedly obstructed EFCC officials from entering their office premises in Ikoyi, Lagos. However, the DSS has denied these claims, asserting that such an incident never took place.

Both the EFCC and the DSS have been sharing the office space for approximately two decades. This facility previously served as the headquarters of the now-defunct National Security Organisation (NSO), which preceded the establishment of the DSS.

EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren condemned the actions of the DSS agents in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja.

Uwujaren stated that this incident had broader implications for the fight against economic and financial crimes. He expressed the EFCC's surprise at the actions taken by the DSS, who had blocked the entrance to the EFCC's office using armored personnel carriers.

Uwujaren emphasised that this unprecedented development disrupted the operations of the EFCC at its largest hub, which housed over 500 personnel, numerous exhibits, and many detainees.

As a result, court hearings scheduled for the day had to be canceled, and many individuals invited for questioning were left unattended. The spokesperson also raised concerns about the well-being and rights of the detainees who were now lacking proper care.

Uwujaren emphasised that this siege was contrary to the collaborative efforts required between agencies working under the same government and for the nation's benefit, particularly at a time when discussions were ongoing regarding the matter.

Dr. Peter Afunaya, the spokesperson for the DSS, refuted any claims of a rift with the EFCC. In a statement addressing the issue, Afunaya stated that there was no rivalry between the two organisations.

He urged the media not to fabricate imaginary rivalries, highlighting that the DSS and the EFCC were partners working together for the nation's welfare.

Afunaya clarified that the DSS was simply occupying its own facility while carrying out its official and statutory responsibilities. He dismissed the insinuation of any controversy surrounding No 15A Awolowo Road, the office location in question.

Pandemonium in Ibadan As Auxiliary Boys Unleash Terror On Road Users

There are reports of non-stop indiscriminate gunshots by Mukaila Lamidi Auxiliary gang at Olodo, Iyana Church, Alakia Isebo and Iwo Road areas of Ibadan on Tuesday morning.

Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday afternoon disbanded Mukaila Lamidi Auxiliary-led Motor Park Management System.

Men of Nigeria Police on Monday night confiscated pump action guns and other dangerous weapons from one of Auxiliary’s properties.

The head of Anti-Crime was caught saying ‘To God be the glory. Our operation was successful. These are the exhibits recovered. The principal suspect “AUXILIARY” escaped , his lieutenants were apprehended, one neutralized & no casualty from our side. Pride goes before a fall!’

@goldmynetv reliably gathered that the notorious ex NURTW boss is at large as at the time of filing this report.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GoldMyne (@goldmynetv)

Two entertainment centres, the CSKR Hotels and Priscy’s Bar and Suites, both in Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rivers State were early yesterday sealed by armed policemen. Staff and lodgers at the two facilities were forcefully ordered out of the premises by the security operatives who stormed there in a commando style.

The businesses are owned by a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Jones Ogbonda. Ogbonda is said to be a staunch supporter of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

It was learnt that the heavily armed operatives, all dressed in black, are said to be from the C4i Intelligence unit of the state police command. A visit to one of the sealed premises (Priscy’s Bar and Suites) at about 6:55 am yesterday showed that heavily armed, stern-looking policemen occupied the entrance, while two white Hilux patrol vans were stationed there.

In a voice note, Ogbonda confirmed the incident, saying the managers of the facilities put calls across to him in the early hours of yesterday to break the news. He stated,
“That they have taken occupation under the orders of His Excellency. This is sad.” Recall that on 19th August, 2022, the Priscy’s Bar and Suites was sealed and some staff and customers were arrested and detained by security operatives.

Chelsea striker, Romelu Lukaku, who is on loan at Inter Milan has sparked dating rumours with American rapper, Megan Thee Stallion.

The pair were spotted at his teammate Lautaro Martinez’s wedding which took place at a five-star hotel in Como, Italy, over the weekend.

The Belgian footballer recently broke up with his girlfriend of five years, Sarah Mens. While Megan Thee Stallion is believed to have broken up with her man, rapper Pardison Fontaine, according to All HipHop reports.

It is not understood if the 28-year-old Hot Girl Summer hitmaker attended with Lukaku hand in hand or if they just met there as they are both signed under Jay Z's Roc Nation label.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial)

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has said fuel pump price may rise to N500 per litre following the removal of petrol subsidy and the harmonisation of foreign exchange rates by the new government.

Long queues resurfaced in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano and other cities across the country shortly after newly sworn-in President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies in his inaugural speech yesterday.

The announcement triggered a rush to filling stations as consumers moved to buy fuel at the current official pump price of N185. The panic-buying led to long queues at some of the petrol stations selling the product.

IPMAN National Operations Controller, Mike Osatuyi told New Telegraph yesterday the subsidy removal would provide oil marketers and importers a level playing field. He appealed to Tinubu to fulfil his promise by channelling the accruals of the subsidy removal to infrastructure and other programmes that will benefit Nigerians.

Osatuyi said:
In Lagos, queues reappeared in such areas as Ikorodu, Ikeja, Victoria Island, Lekki, Onipanu, Ogba, Alimosho, Ojo, Mile 2, FESTAC and many other areas. Information from other states indicated panic buying by petrol users and queues at petrol stations.

It was also learnt that the managers of some petrol stations have shut their retail outlets and refused to sell petrol to anxious buyers who besieged their stations.

A filling station manager, speaks on condition of anonymity, said even though the stock available was subsidised, they were going to pay more to restock since the fuel subsidies had been removed.

He said if they continued to sell at the current rate, they would not make enough money to still buy the same quantity of petrol they bought with the same amount. He said the cost of restocking the same quantity will rise astronomically.

Tinubu said in his augural speech: “On fuel subsidy, unfortunately, the budget before I assumed office is that no provision is there for fuel subsidy. So the fuel subsidy is gone.”

Two men have been arrested by the Lagos police command for allegedly stabbing a 13-year-old boy to death over a rubber slippers.

The state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin said the incident happened on Sunday, May 30, around 6pm at Iganmu under the Bridge.

The suspects were arrested after a concerned resident of the state alerted the police about some youths mobilizing to cause mayhem in the Iganmu area. The crisis was caused by the killing of the 13-year-old boy identified as Ekene.

Hundeyin said;


The suspects who were taken to Ijora Badia Police Division where they confessed to the crime, will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti for discreet investigation.

The police in Lagos state is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman and her two daughters in a shop around PPL, Ijagun Okokomaiko area of the state.

Gistmania reports that the deceased persons, whose identities could not be immediately ascertained, were said to have locked themselves inside the shop for two days before their corpses were recovered.

While some residents suspected generator fume as the cause of death, some suspected food poisoning.

A resident of the area who spoke on condition of anonymity said;

“On Friday night, the woman locked herself in the shop with her daughters while the generator was on. On Saturday, someone passed by and still saw the shop locked with the generator on. On Monday morning, people were worried as there was an offensive odour around her shop. Then, the husband broke into the shop and he found the dead bodies of his wife and children. These bodies were found in the inner shop and the other extension was where the generator was placed.”

Officials of the Ojo Local Government later came in and evacuated the corpses from the shop.

The spokesperson of the state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident stating that it happened last week.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the founder of Daar Communications, owners of African Independence Television (AIT) and Raypower, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi. Dokpesi died on Monday at an Abuja hospital.

In a statement issued from his office yesterday but Abduaziz Abduaziz, the President described the death of the media mogul as a huge loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country. “The death of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi is a blow to the media industry where he has played pioneering roles in private broadcasting. His pacesetting investment in the industry is an inspiration to many who come after him.

“The history of the evolution of the Nigerian media industry will be incomplete without prominent mention of Dokpesi and his giant footprints on the media landscape. “I express my sincere condolences to the management and staff of DAAR Communications and the family of the late media entrepreneur for this monumental loss,” he said.

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has been sworn in as the sixth Executive Governor of Benue, alongside his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode.

Alia who was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, immediately froze all bank accounts belonging to the Benue State Government.

“May I announce that with immediate effect and until further notice, all government bank accounts in all banks are hereby frozen. A ‘Post No Debit’ instruction shall remain in force until all Signatories are changed. Any Bank that violates this instruction does so at its own risk,” he warned.

He said his administration would be guided by a seven-point development agenda featuring security of lives and property, industrialization, trade and investment, as well as human capital and social development.

Other priority areas include care for the environment to mitigate the effects of climate change, investment in
information and communications technology, Civil Service and local government systems reform, as well as the review of laws to make Benue state investor-friendly through political and economic governance.

“My fellow Benue citizens, these seven pillars represent a Social Contract between our Government and your good
selves. On these promises, we shall be held to account. You hired us with your votes to deliver on these promises. We will do everything in our powers to fulfill our side of the contract,” he promised.

He promised to work closely with security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure the safety of lives and property of Benue people.

“We will also work tirelessly to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.”

The Catholic Priest pledged to prioritize job creation and economic empowerment by promoting private sector-led industrialization, with a particular emphasis on agriculture.

As part of measures to address the perennial problem of flooding in the state, Gov. Alia said government would engage the Federal Authorities towards the dredging of the River Benue to address the flooding problem in Makurdi and other parts of the state.

According to him, government has already set in motion machinery for clearing blocked drainage systems in Makurdi metropolis, pending when a comprehensive solution would be found to the perennial flooding of the state capital.

“To provide immediate succour to the army of unemployed youth in the state, we shall execute this exercise through a public works scheme or direct labour,” he said.

He assured that in the next 100 days, work would commence on the design of a comprehensive infrastructure development programme involving unemployed graduate youths in continuation of government’s public works programme.

“In addition, our industrial parks and technology incubation centers, designed to bring the best out of our youth and provide gainful self-employment, would be equally unveiled within the period.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Alia is the second priest to govern the state as late
Very Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu (12 June 1945 – 20 November 2005) became governor on 2 January, 1992, elected on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot dead a man identified as Kinikanwo Ojindah, popularly called Agala, in Ogbakiri community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Ojindah, an indigene of Rumuokani village in Ogbakiri community, was reportedly shot on Sunday night in his apartment by men who introduced themselves as “government”.

The Secretary to Rumuokani Council of Chiefs, Godspower Kamalu and the youth president, Ezebunwo Ike, in an interview with newsmen, described the deceased as a peaceful person.

They called on the government at all levels to ensure that those behind the death of Ojindah, are arrested and made to face the law.

They also called for the security of lives and properties of the people in the area.

“We slept last night, and when we woke up this morning, we heard that unknown gunmen just came into our community and shot one of our sons dead.

“We are now living in fear; we want the government to come to our aid. We don’t know if the people that killed him will come back to the community”. Kamalu said.

Ike said, “Last night, we heard gunshots, and when we got to the scene; we saw that one of our youths was lying dead in the pool of his own blood.

“Our community has remained peaceful, even when cultism was prominent in the area, but all of a sudden, we just discovered this last night.

“The people that saw one or two movements said the people introduced themselves as the government. We describe them as unknown gunmen because we do not know them.

“If they are the government, are they supposed to kill somebody that is unarmed”?

The wife of the deceased, Gift Kinikanwo-Ojindah, said the death of her husband will bring hardship, stating that her husband did nothing to warrant someone wanting to take his life.

Ojindah was, before his death, securing a pipeline in the area under the Tantita Pipeline Surveillance Company.

Emohua LGA has been bedeviled with incessant killings and kidnappings since the general election.

The Chairman of the LGA, Chidi Llyod, had declared a notorious cultist in the area wanted, putting a N1,000,000 bounty on his head.

Speaking after taking the oath of allegiance and office administered by the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun used the occasion to announce the release of 49 prison inmates and three condemn prisoners on medical and long imprisonment term.

“The Constitution of Nigeria allows me to exercise a prerogative to pardon anybody connected to or convicted of an offence in Ogun State. Thus, having received the guidance from the Council set up to advise me on this prerogative, I have signed the appropriate warrant ordering the immediate release of 49 convicts who are currently imprisoned in different correctional facilities across Ogun State.

“I have also signed a warrant ordering that the death sentences imposed on 3 death row convicts be immediately converted to prison sentences. The convicts who have received this gesture today, are inmates who have served long prison sentences with some having been in prison for more than 20 years. At least two of these convicts have serious medical conditions such as tuberculosis and HIV which even render them a health hazard to the prison community.

“Three of these convicts are over 60 years old, with one being 84 years old. Others already have less than two years of their sentences to serve anyway. All of these convicts have shown remorse for their crimes, they have acquired skills and certifications in prison, and they have demonstrated verified good conduct during their imprisonment.

“The Ogun State of our dreams is not only for one class of persons. It is not for the perfect. It is an inclusive State that gives opportunities to the law-abiding, and second chances to deserving offenders. If we spend considerable time, effort, and resources in supporting correctional facilities, then we must believe in their capacity to correct, and be willing to reabsorb, reintegrate, and utilise those that these facilities have corrected. While we are not softening our stance on crime”. He stated.

The governor who noted that his administration had fulfiled its electoral promises and reeled out some of his achievements in the last four years, said infrastructure had been developed and fairly and equitably distributed across the State to engender more development, listing the Ilaro-Owode, Siun- Abeokuta, Ilisan-Ago-Iwoye, Atan-Lasada as some of the 400 kilometres of roads constructed.

He said affordable houses were constructed in major cities in the State, while an aetropolis, made up of airport, Special Agro-Processing Zone, Air force Base, is currently being constricted by his administration.

On social welfare, Governor Abiodun said many women have been empowered through the Oko’wo Dapo scheme, health facilities have been upgraded including the provision of 50 Ambulances, as well as recruitment of medical personnel to man health centres in the State.

While assuring that his administration in the next four years would invent new policies that would speedily move the State towards ‘Building the Future of the people, the governor said his government would continue with ISEYA mantra and focus on completing ongoing projects that creat more prosperity to the people.

The governor emphasized that he would work towards achieving 250 Primary Health Centres and the completion of the 250 bed- hospital in Abeokuta and providing 6,000 affordable housing units, including the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate in the State capital.

Other projects the people should expect according to the governor, include the digitalisation, improvement of e-learning in the education sector, collaboration with the private investors to key into the Lagos Blue Rail Line project to benefit the people and the construction of Dry Land Port at Wasimi, to fast track economic development in the State.

Governor Abiodun informed the people that his administration would liaise with the private investors to explore oil at Tongegi Island and Ogun Waterside, while agriculture would be encourage by assisting farmers to produce more food.

The governor said the state would host the 2024 National Sports Festival as part of efforts to discover and develop more world beaters to the state and the nation.

While appreciating the people for their support and the Ogun State workers for their cooperation in the last four years, Abiodun maintained that his administration would sustain Investment drive, give attention to human development, and carry out more reforms to reposition the civil service for more efficient service delivery.

“Just like I said four years ago, I will listen to your concerns, seek your input, and work tirelessly to make our state a better place for all. I believe that through hard work, determination and a shared vision for the future, we can achieve great things. I am committed to building a government that is transparent, equitable, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our people. We will work together to make our state a place where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background,” he submitted.

The Labour Party (LP)/has described as shallow and defective, the inaugural speech made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday after his swearing-in.

The opposition party in a statement issued by the Acting National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh said the inaugural speech exposed the policy incongruity of the administration.

According to the statement, the claim by the President that “the election that brought him to power was tough but fairly won,” was defective, recalling that late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, on the inauguration of his government stated that the election that brought him to power was flawed and imperfect but promised to fix the nation’s electoral system.

“Nigerians were aghast with the boldness and glee with which Tinubu declared his election as fair.

“We consider this audacity as a slap on the faces of millions of Nigerians who voted their conscience but were robbed by a collective power of state institutions and brute brigandage unleashed on them,” the party added.

It noted the admonition of the then-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Tinubu to his supporters to ‘grab power and run with it,’ and said it was “a directive that was effected on the February 25 election day.”

The party described Tinubu’s inauguration as Nigerian president as “a celebration of lies and deceit,” and said “That explains why the streets are like graveyards with no pomp and pageantry usually associated with a major” event like that.

The statement added that President Tinubu’s speech showed that there would be no departure from what Nigerians experienced between 2015 and now.

“In the last eight years, Nigerians were constantly fed with the narratives that the previous government of the PDP brought economic and political calamity upon the nation.

“In all those years, the Buhari government made little or no effort to improve upon these challenges,” it stated, adding that “Nigeria is again about to be confronted with a similar scenario if not a worse scenario.

“We are now calling on the highest office in Nigeria, the office of the people, not to allow this government any space to toy with the destiny of this nation again.

“APC ruined this nation and we must not allow a worse situation again. We must wake up to our roles of holding accountable those in positions of authority,” the party demanded.

The venue of the presidential inauguration ceremony on Monday in Abuja became a ground for the display of colourful aso-ebi by friends and relatives of the president and vice-president.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that different groups from different parts of the country adorned themselves in beautifully made fabrics to add life to the event.

Kemi Babalola, who was part of one of the aso ebi groups, said it was a sign of solidarity for the new president and the vice president.

She said the dress code, which is common in the southwestern part of Nigeria, was an age-long practice that had reinvented itself over the years.

"We chose a dress code to identify with the new administration. It is our way of saying we are in support of President Tinubu’s emergence and I believe it is the same with the other aso ebi groups here today," she said.

Idris Abdullahi, an All Progressives Congress(APC) member, who was also adorned in a particular dress code said "using uniform for any event adds colour."

NAN reports that aso ebi is a Yoruba word that connotes family cloth. It has, however, gone beyond being used by family members to friends and well-wishers and it can be used during gatherings including weddings and funerals.

The practice, which was common among the Yoruba-speaking people in Nigeria, has gained prominence in other parts of the country.

NAN reports that aso ebi can be made from very cheap fabrics or very expensive ones depending on the class of persons, occasion or place.

The operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Sunday recovered the body of a cart pusher crushed to death by a truck carrying a container fully loaded with concrete stones in the Dopemu area of the state.

Confirming the incident, Taofiq Adebayo, the LASTMA Spokesperson in a statement made available to newsmen said the driver lost control of the truck while on a high speed and it fell on the cart pusher,  who died instantly.

According to Adebayo, the driver of the fallen truck ran away, while LASTMA officials retrieved a photocopy of his driver’s license at the accident scene.

He said, “Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today recovered a dead body of a cart pusher trapped under a fallen container at Goye by UBA inward Dopemu area of Lagos.

“LASTMA Badmus Abdul-Akeem ‘Zebra’ (zone 32 Dopemu Akowonjo) who led the rescue team disclosed that the fallen container truck fully loaded with concrete stones fell on a cart pusher who died instantly.

LASTMA Abdul-Akeem disclosed further that preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the container lost full concentration while dragging the road on top speed with another trailer before falling off the road blocking the entire brt corridor inward Dopemu”

Adebayo said a LASTMA official in the zone, Zebra Abdul-Akeem, alerted the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and policemen after a body was found trapped underneath the fallen container.

A South African lady, Lesego got engaged to her boyfriend who she met at an art gallery.

She said he proposed to her at the same gallery where she had photo-bombed him.

“F1: How it started; photo-bombed this guy at the gallery. F2: This guy (now LOML) proposed at the place we met. F3: The moment,” she tweeted on Saturday, May 27, 2023

Barely 24 hours to the inauguration of the incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, veteran Nigerian singer and a die-hard-fan of Obident movement, Charly Boy has urged Nigerians not to feel unhappy over the situation of the country.

The singer who made this known on Sunday via his Instagram handle said that many people are unhappy about how issues regarding the 2023 election in Nigeria have panned out.

According to him, it feels like evil and wickedness have won over the goodness and desire of many Nigerians.

Charly Boy, however, said it is important for people to be gentle with themselves and remember that things are not yet over.

He wrote: “I know many people are sad and unhappy about how Nigeria has panned out. It feels like evil and wickedness have won over goodness and the desire of millions of Nigerians. Don’t be unhappy
Be gentle with yourself and let the process play out.

Just remember, it’s not yet over. For now, smile and make yourself a priority. A very happy, peaceful and reflective Sunday my people. God is able”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CharlyBoy (@areafada1)

As President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office today, he has apologised to Nigerians over some decisions he took that brought pains and sufferings to the citizenry.

However, Buhari, who will hand over to President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, today, gave himself a pass mark, saying he is leaving Nigeria better than he met it in 2015.

This was even as he regretted that his administration was unable to rescue some children still in captivity and said he mourned with parents, friends and relatives of all those who lost loved ones as a result of senseless brigandage and carnage.

Buhari said these in his farewell speech to Nigerians as he bowed out of office after eight years in charge of Nigeria’s affairs.

The out-going president spoke amid high expectations and demands as Tinubu takes over, with the Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, outlining reasons Tinubu must restructure the country without delay.

This was as the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, scored Buhari very low in tackling insecurity but commended him on infrastructure, completion of the Second Niger Bridge and approval of Lux Mundi University, with Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, describing Buhari as Nigeria’s worst president.

Also, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, counseled Tinubu not to rush into removing subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol because of its socio-economic implications as the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, asked Tinubu to get prepared for challenges with Labour because Buhari did not conclude most industrial disputes.

Buhari’s apology

Tendering his apology over policies that brought hardships to Nigerians, Buhari said: “In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologise to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the overall good of the country.

“Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends, and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our security agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed.

“Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.

“As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfills its destiny to be a great nation. I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.”

Buhari urged Nigerians to capitalise on the power of unity by working together in one spirit and purpose.

Buhari said, “As your President, I call on all of us to bring to bear the strength of our individualism, the power of our unity, the convictions of our beliefs to make Nigeria work better and together with one spirit and one purpose.

“To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past 10 years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world.

Nigerians chose well at the polls

“You have indeed worked for this day and God has crowned your efforts. I have no doubt that your passion for excellence, reliance on competence, fairness in relationships, commitment to equity, loyalty to the country and desire for Nigeria to be globally relevant would come through for you, under God’s guidance, as you lead our country to levels higher that I am leaving.

“You are the best candidate among all the contestants and Nigerians have chosen well. The last eight years have been an exciting experience in my desire and commitment to see a Nigeria in which public goods and services are available and accessible within a united, peaceful and secure nation.”

Terrorists, bandits terrorised Nigerians under Buhari – Catholic Bishops

However, as Buhari leaves office today, the CBCN scored him low on fighting insecurity. Criticising Buhari, Catholic Bishops President, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, who is also the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, commended him on provision of infrastructure especially the approval granted the newly established Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia State. Dr. Ugorji, while fielding questions from newsmen, equally praised the outgoing President for completing the Second Niger Bridge.

On the security situation under Buhari, he said, “Buhari did not achieve much in the fight against insecurity in our region and other parts of the country being terrorised at the moment by bandits and other criminal elements.

“When he came on board, he promised that he was going to battle insecurity and at that time,we had only Boko Haram in the North East but as he is leaving office today, we have not only Boko Haram but also banditry. We have Fulani herdsmen.

“We also have the unknown gunmen terrorising many communities in the country and particularly, the South East part of the country. Many people can no longer go to their farms because of the activities of the Fulani herdsmen. So, he has done well in some areas but in the area of securing the lives and property of Nigerians,I don’t think, he has done well. “

However, he said the impacts of the newly approved 36 universities among which is Lux Mundi, in the educational development of the country cannot be overemphasised as it will go a long way in accommodating thousands of university admission seekers, left out every year due to limited opportunities in the existing universities.

According to him,
The Catholic Bishop also eulogised President Buhari for giving attention to the decadent infrastructures in the South East zone, noting that he initiated and completed the Second Niger Bridge as one of his legacy Projects.

“We are also happy with the progress of work on Enugu – Port Harcourt high way among others.

“Well, the President has said he is satisfied with his performance. Definitely there are a number of achievements he has made and of course, we cannot forget that he completed the Second Niger Bridge which was commissioned few days ago. We see some roads, federal roads being done.