Saturday, September 19, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
Egor Efiok And Her Fiance Kweku Elenitoba-Johnson Spotted At Eden Hotel Eket - PHOTOS
Posted By: Official Admin - 9:29 AMThursday, August 6, 2015
I Regret Smoking Igbo; It Made Me leave Church to Steal Cars
Posted By: Official Admin - 6:10 PM
A suspected armed robbery gang have confessed to the police in Lagos that smoking "igbo" Indian hemp, led them into violent crime. The gang, was arrested by the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of Zone 2 of the Nigeria Police Force based at Onikan, Lagos.
One of them, simply identified as Chukwuemeka, says he was introduced into armed robbery after he joined the Igbo smokers in Ajegunle, a popular suburb in Lagos.
One of them, simply identified as Chukwuemeka, says he was introduced into armed robbery after he joined the Igbo smokers in Ajegunle, a popular suburb in Lagos.
UNILAG Lecturer R*pes Female Student Seeking Admission
Posted By: Official Admin - 9:45 AM
The police in Lagos State have arrested a part-time lecturer in UNILAG, Afeez Baruwa, for allegedly r*ping an 18-year-old girl, identified simply as Caroline (real names withheld) in the Yaba area.
The young girl, who is just 18-year-old, was reportedly r*ped inside one of the study rooms in the institution, while she was seeking admission into the University of Lagos, Akoka.
But the story is not very straight. Looks like the girl agreed. The lecturer told the police in his statement that the s*xual act was by mutual consent, insisting that he did not r*pe her...
The young girl, who is just 18-year-old, was reportedly r*ped inside one of the study rooms in the institution, while she was seeking admission into the University of Lagos, Akoka.
But the story is not very straight. Looks like the girl agreed. The lecturer told the police in his statement that the s*xual act was by mutual consent, insisting that he did not r*pe her...
Saraki’s Move Against Senate Forgery Suit Dismissed, Case Transfered To No-Nonsense Judge
Posted By: Official Admin - 9:25 AM
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday rejected a complaint by Senate President, Bukola Saraki against a suit seeking to sack him and other principal officers of the Senate elected under the controversial Senate Standing Orders 2015.
His lawyer, Sikiru Oke told the court that he appeared for the Senate President “in protest” and has not filed “memorandum of appearance” which must be filed before a lawyer could enter appearance for a party.
But the judge, Justice Kolawole disqualified Mr Oke from appearing for Saraki during the proceedings. He directed that the case be transferred to another judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, who will take over as the vacation judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 10.
His lawyer, Sikiru Oke told the court that he appeared for the Senate President “in protest” and has not filed “memorandum of appearance” which must be filed before a lawyer could enter appearance for a party.
But the judge, Justice Kolawole disqualified Mr Oke from appearing for Saraki during the proceedings. He directed that the case be transferred to another judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, who will take over as the vacation judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 10.
Female Artist Protest Against Slavery With Nu*dity
Posted By: Official Admin - 9:12 AM
In memory of African slaves, Ms Nona Faustine, a black artiste in America, has gone to different spots in New York to pose n*de as a way of protesting over African slaves who were sold in the 18th century at those spots. She says her going n*de shows the vulnerability of the slaves sold there and the violence against humanity that still troubles the nation till date. The pictures are too graphic, I can't post all.
AMAECHI: Governor Wike Has Been Put To Shame
Posted By: Official Admin - 8:45 AM
...Rivers APC hails Nigerians for celebrating Ex-Governor’s legacies
The Caretaker Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been put to shame by the large crowd of Nigerians from all walks of life who gathered at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Monday to honour the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and celebrate his legacies.
The Caretaker Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been put to shame by the large crowd of Nigerians from all walks of life who gathered at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Monday to honour the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and celebrate his legacies.
Finally, CBN bans All Foreign Currency Deposits to Save Naira
Posted By: Official Admin - 8:00 AMIn its frantic efforts to save the Naira from further humiliation by the Dollar and other currency, the Central Bank of Nigeria has banned the payment of cash into domiciliary accounts all over Nigeria.
In a circular on Wednesday signed by the Director of Trade and Exchange, CBN, Olakanmi Gbadamosi, the apex bank said its action followed recent statements by individual banks suspending the payment of foreign currencies into domiciliary accounts.
Gbadamosi wrote, “The Central Bank of Nigeria has considered the recent statements by Deposit Money Banks concerning the large volume of foreign currencies in their vaults and the decision to stop accepting foreign currency cash deposits into customers’ domiciliary accounts as a welcome development.
“Therefore, in its continued efforts to stop illicit financial flows in the Nigerian banking system which aligns with the anti-money Laundering stance of the Federal Government, the CBN hereby prohibits from the date of this circular the acceptance of foreign currency cash deposits by DMBs.
“For foreign currency cash lodgements made prior to the date of this circular, the account holder has the option to either withdraw his or her foreign currency cash or the Naira equivalent. For the avoidance of doubt, only wire transfers to and from Domiciliary Accounts are henceforth permissible.
“The CBN advises individuals that wish to source foreign currency for eligible and legitimate purposes such as BTA, PTA medical, mortgage, school fees, goods etc. to do so through recognised channels with the use of Form ‘A’ for “invisible” and Form ‘M’ for ‘visible’ transactions. By this circular, those who deposited foreign currencies into their accounts before the directive will now have to withdraw the cash as they are not going to be allowed to transfer the funds.”
In a circular on Wednesday signed by the Director of Trade and Exchange, CBN, Olakanmi Gbadamosi, the apex bank said its action followed recent statements by individual banks suspending the payment of foreign currencies into domiciliary accounts.
Gbadamosi wrote, “The Central Bank of Nigeria has considered the recent statements by Deposit Money Banks concerning the large volume of foreign currencies in their vaults and the decision to stop accepting foreign currency cash deposits into customers’ domiciliary accounts as a welcome development.
“Therefore, in its continued efforts to stop illicit financial flows in the Nigerian banking system which aligns with the anti-money Laundering stance of the Federal Government, the CBN hereby prohibits from the date of this circular the acceptance of foreign currency cash deposits by DMBs.
“For foreign currency cash lodgements made prior to the date of this circular, the account holder has the option to either withdraw his or her foreign currency cash or the Naira equivalent. For the avoidance of doubt, only wire transfers to and from Domiciliary Accounts are henceforth permissible.
“The CBN advises individuals that wish to source foreign currency for eligible and legitimate purposes such as BTA, PTA medical, mortgage, school fees, goods etc. to do so through recognised channels with the use of Form ‘A’ for “invisible” and Form ‘M’ for ‘visible’ transactions. By this circular, those who deposited foreign currencies into their accounts before the directive will now have to withdraw the cash as they are not going to be allowed to transfer the funds.”
How True? Saraki Has Secretly Started Campaigning For 2019
Posted By: Official Admin - 6:00 AM
On Monday, Bukola Saraki led a team of his closest senate collaborators on a visit to Maiduguri. Any rookie political analyst could have seen through the stage-managed trip, given the near-presidential halo around it, with hands pumping, photo ops with IDPs and a visit to the Shehu of Borno. On Tuesday morning, most newspapers carried a syndicated picture of the ‘august visitor’ waving to the IDPs. Never before in the history of Nigeria’s transition to civil rule since 1999, have we had a senate president determined to seize the public space like Bukola Saraki.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
FULL DETAILS: See The Big Men Owing Banks N143.81billion
Posted By: Official Admin - 12:00 PM
A financial expert told OyatoTalks.Com that most of these people are not really to blame but high interest rates charged by the banks, plus the facts that the Federal Government too is owing most of them.
Nigerian Deposit Money Banks has continued with the policy of revealing delinquent debtors with publication of names of firms and directors whose loans have become non-performing for over one year. READ MORE GIST HERE
Nigerian Deposit Money Banks has continued with the policy of revealing delinquent debtors with publication of names of firms and directors whose loans have become non-performing for over one year. READ MORE GIST HERE
Jonathan's Meeting With PDP In Otueke Fails; Alamieyeseigha, Dickson Walked Out
Posted By: Official Admin - 11:42 AMIt seems Governor Seriake Dickson is going to defeat Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, who is particularly bent on removing from office Bayelsa State governor by ensuring he doesn't get PDP ticket.
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP held an emergency meeting at the country home of Goodluck Jonathan in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, to wade into the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party.
But to the shock of many, both the state governor, Seriake Dickson, and former governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, were ordered out of the venue of the meeting.
At the meeting which looked into the recommendations of the National Peace Committee for the state, the acting Chairman of the party’s BoT, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, called on all feuding members and stakeholders of the party in the state to close ranks, while also upturning the decision of the state chapter of the party to expel some prominent members from the party.
President Jonathan was said to been scandalised by the action of the party at the state level, adding that the party cannot afford a major crisis less than five months to the governorship election.
At the meeting which was held at the Jonathan country home amid tight security, some uninvited prominent persons, including those who had already defected to the APC, were walked out of the venue.
Some loyalists of the expelled party leaders, including the embattled Chairman of the PDP in the state, Col. Sam Inokoba, claimed that the Chairman of the state reconciliation committee and first governor of the state, Alameiyeiseigha and other party members were barred from attending the meeting due to non-membership of the party BoT.
But Col. Inokoba and Senator Emmanuel Paulker were allowed into the meeting.
Meanwhile, Governor Dickson is strategizing with majority of the PDP delegates already on his side.
Amaechi Explodes: Jonathan was fighting me over dirty money
Posted By: Official Admin - 10:07 AMFormer Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has said his refusal to support ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid to secure the support of governors for an upward review of subsidy payments was one of the reasons why they fell apart, leading to the dirty tactics Nigerians witnessed.
Amaechi also revealed that Jonathan asked him not to seek re-election as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum because of his principled stand against the unjustified depletion of a common patrimony.
The former governor said this in Abuja at a dinner organised in his honour by his friends in Abuja.
The Committee of Friends was chaired by ex-Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva. Others are Senator Magnus Abe, Dakuku Peterside and the governors of Plateau and Bauchi states, among others.
According to Amaechi, the former President also presided over the taking away of oil wells belonging to the people of Rivers State, a situation which adversely affected the state’s revenue base.
Amaechi said, “As the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I was in a position to get my own share of the N1.9trn, but I chose the part of honesty and truth; you cannot catch me being dishonest.”
He continued, “There was a time I walked into a meeting with the former President (Jonathan) and in the meeting, the argument was that they wanted more money for oil subsidy. As the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I stood my ground and told the then President I was not going to support that.
“He asked me why and I explained that we are already in court with you on the issue of fuel subsidy. The ex-President abused the hell out of my life. I have huge respect for the President, but the only thing that made me disagree with him was on the issue of the management of the country’s treasury.”
Amaechi challenged those who claimed that he betrayed the South-South with his support for the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari to tell the world how former President Jonathan’s presidency benefited the region in particular and Nigeria in general.
He pointed out that by Jonathan's own admission, the former President, while seeking re-election, appealed to the people of the zone to give him a second chance because he did nothing for them in his first term.
Amaechi also said the looting of the nation’s treasury was done by people from all the geo-political zones, but noted that the bad thing was that it was presided over by a President from the South-South.
He said the victory of the APC during the last general elections was largely due to the fact that the party had a good product in the person of Muhammadu Buhari to sell.
Amaechi said his successor, Nyesom Wike and his supporters were trying very hard to dent his image because they know that if he gets a federal appointment, it would change the politics of the state.
In his remarks, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described Amaechi as a man of tremendous courage who stood up, not just against former President Jonathan, but the entire establishment.
He said, “Everyone agreed that the PDP was powerful and it would be difficult to remove it from office, but one man stood up against the whole might of the Federal Government, and today, we are celebrating the man and the victory of our party because of what he did.
“Amaechi is also a man of big ideas and very insightful. He understands how to live long in the hearts of men. His education policies in Rivers State and all of those children he gave real hope and opportunities will always be there. He will be remembered long after he left this earth.”
Amaechi also revealed that Jonathan asked him not to seek re-election as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum because of his principled stand against the unjustified depletion of a common patrimony.
“When the trouble between me and the former President started, as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the oil subsidy was N300bn under President Obasanjo. It remained the same under Yar’Adua. Six months of President Goodluck Jonathan, the oil subsidy rose to N1.9trn. Is it that the country now doubled its population or bought more machines or started manufacturing?"
The former governor said this in Abuja at a dinner organised in his honour by his friends in Abuja.
The Committee of Friends was chaired by ex-Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva. Others are Senator Magnus Abe, Dakuku Peterside and the governors of Plateau and Bauchi states, among others.
According to Amaechi, the former President also presided over the taking away of oil wells belonging to the people of Rivers State, a situation which adversely affected the state’s revenue base.
Amaechi said, “As the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I was in a position to get my own share of the N1.9trn, but I chose the part of honesty and truth; you cannot catch me being dishonest.”
He continued, “There was a time I walked into a meeting with the former President (Jonathan) and in the meeting, the argument was that they wanted more money for oil subsidy. As the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I stood my ground and told the then President I was not going to support that.
“He asked me why and I explained that we are already in court with you on the issue of fuel subsidy. The ex-President abused the hell out of my life. I have huge respect for the President, but the only thing that made me disagree with him was on the issue of the management of the country’s treasury.”
Amaechi challenged those who claimed that he betrayed the South-South with his support for the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari to tell the world how former President Jonathan’s presidency benefited the region in particular and Nigeria in general.
He pointed out that by Jonathan's own admission, the former President, while seeking re-election, appealed to the people of the zone to give him a second chance because he did nothing for them in his first term.
Amaechi also said the looting of the nation’s treasury was done by people from all the geo-political zones, but noted that the bad thing was that it was presided over by a President from the South-South.
He said the victory of the APC during the last general elections was largely due to the fact that the party had a good product in the person of Muhammadu Buhari to sell.
Amaechi said his successor, Nyesom Wike and his supporters were trying very hard to dent his image because they know that if he gets a federal appointment, it would change the politics of the state.
In his remarks, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described Amaechi as a man of tremendous courage who stood up, not just against former President Jonathan, but the entire establishment.
He said, “Everyone agreed that the PDP was powerful and it would be difficult to remove it from office, but one man stood up against the whole might of the Federal Government, and today, we are celebrating the man and the victory of our party because of what he did.
“Amaechi is also a man of big ideas and very insightful. He understands how to live long in the hearts of men. His education policies in Rivers State and all of those children he gave real hope and opportunities will always be there. He will be remembered long after he left this earth.”
I Gave My Boyfriend My Virginity, Yet He's Doing This To Me
Posted By: Official Admin - 9:40 AMMy boyfriend who I'm in love with complains and sometimes gets upset that my v*gina happens to be looser at sometimes than other times. He thinks I’m cheating, but I’m not. In fact, I lost my virginity to him when I was just 19 and we are planning to get married when I graduate from the University.
Now, I’m 22 and we are still an item and this problem is surfacing. What’s going on?
- this is a message from Ibukun who is based in Ibadan to Aunty Julie. Below is her response:
Dear Ibukun,
A woman’s v*gina is less elastic when it is not s*xually aroused. It becomes more elastic or “looser” when the woman is s*xually excited. The more excited, the looser. A woman may feel “tighter” to a man when she is less aroused, less comfortable, and having less pleasure than her partner.
Also, hormonal shifts during a woman’s menstrual cycle affect v*ginal secretions and may affect the v*ginal elasticity. She may feel “looser” on certain days of her cycle than on others.
Certain drugs, such as antihistamines, may make the walls of the vagina feel dry so they seem “tighter.”
Some men tend to be anxious about their s*xual performance. It’s always best to discuss such problems with your partner or with a professional.
Now, I’m 22 and we are still an item and this problem is surfacing. What’s going on?
- this is a message from Ibukun who is based in Ibadan to Aunty Julie. Below is her response:
Dear Ibukun,
A woman’s v*gina is less elastic when it is not s*xually aroused. It becomes more elastic or “looser” when the woman is s*xually excited. The more excited, the looser. A woman may feel “tighter” to a man when she is less aroused, less comfortable, and having less pleasure than her partner.
Also, hormonal shifts during a woman’s menstrual cycle affect v*ginal secretions and may affect the v*ginal elasticity. She may feel “looser” on certain days of her cycle than on others.
Certain drugs, such as antihistamines, may make the walls of the vagina feel dry so they seem “tighter.”
Some men tend to be anxious about their s*xual performance. It’s always best to discuss such problems with your partner or with a professional.
Lagos Seals Up Popular Kanu Nwankwo Hotel
Posted By: Official Admin - 8:55 AMThis used to be one of my favourite hotel when I was coming to Lagos from Abuja. I just hope they settle.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has sealed a hotel owned by ex-Super Eagles player, Kanu Nwankwo, the Hardley Apartments, located on Victoria Island in the state.
They said, “After today, the enforcement unit will go round. Anybody that breaks the seal has violated the Lagos State law. We will then involve the Ministry of Justice.”
Kanu's hotel was among other hotels, churches and mosques sealed across the state on Monday over alleged air and noise pollution. No fewer than 30 facilities were shut in many areas across Lagos.
LASEPA said the owners of the facilities had been contacted several times in the last one year, adding that they refused to fully complied with instructions.
At the Hardley Apartments, it was noticed that the generators powering the hotel had large exhaust pipes facing the road.
The Director of Enforcement, Kayode Bello, ordered that one of the generators be tested, and it was discovered that it gave off thick gaseous emissions.
Bello said, “Even the sound is going to be more than 45 decibels at night. We want you to comply ─ that is the reason we are here. We have been on this for more than a year.”
The doors and gates of Kanu's hotel were subsequently chained, and plastered with the LASEPA seal.
LASEPA General Manager, Rasheed Shabi said the owner of the places sealed would sign an undertaking that they would comply with instructions meant to clean up the environment.
Jimoh Ibrahim wants to kill me for exposing how he stole N35b
Posted By: Official Admin - 8:26 AMFollowing President Muhammadu Buhari war on corruption and my various publications in sahara reporters and a few national newspapers, of which a copy is hereby attached, Bar. Jimoh Ibrahim paid some hired assassins to eliminate me.
I am being monitored by four men with two power bike after a meeting was held in Bar. Jimoh Ibrahim hotel, where it was agreed that if they could not get me kidnapped on or before the 4th of Aug, my house will be attacked on 5th Aug, 2015.
That John Nnorom exposed the N35.5Billion Aviation Intervention fund fraud, which was diverted by Bar Jimoh Ibrahim into his personal account and the Nigeria Senate resolution dated 29th Nov, 2012 signed by Senator Hope Uzodinma, asking the then Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, current Emir of Kano, to recover the money. There is a big panic in Jimoh house, that President Buhari, who has refused to grant Bar Jimoh Ibrahim audience despite four attempts made by Bar Jimoh Ibrahim will prosecute him in the next few months.
That John Nnorom exposed the N10Billion paid to Nicon Insurance Plc by the Accountant General of Nigeria, for payment of pensioners but Bar Jimoh Ibrahim diverted the money into the acquisition of his private challenger jet with Reg No : NG 605 GF. The pensioners are dying. This case has been established, as EFCC has traced the fund movement from the money paid by the accountant general into the seller of the aircraft account based on my petition. We have even contacted the lawyer that processes the purchase of the Aircraft in USA as part of the witness. The challenger is currently parked in SAO TOME.
That John Nnorom will take all risk to testify against Bar Jimoh Ibrahim during trial and therefore, it is better to assassinate him now.
I therefore call on all patriotic Nigerians, including the Inspector- General of Police, our President Buhari, the DG - SSS, to note that if anything happen to me, Bar Jimoh Ibrahim should be prosecuted.
JOHN I NNOROM (FCA, ACTI, MBA)
17 KODEOSH STREET, IKEJA, LAGOS http: www.nuclearworld.com.ng
e-mail: john .nnorom@gmail.com TEL: 08033064519; 07068021111
I am being monitored by four men with two power bike after a meeting was held in Bar. Jimoh Ibrahim hotel, where it was agreed that if they could not get me kidnapped on or before the 4th of Aug, my house will be attacked on 5th Aug, 2015.
Having paid the assassins, Barrister Ibrahim, out of fear that he might be arrested, left Nigeria few days ago to London and has enrolled as a student in Oxford University, for a part time course as a cover up.The reason for assassinating is as follows:
That John Nnorom exposed the N35.5Billion Aviation Intervention fund fraud, which was diverted by Bar Jimoh Ibrahim into his personal account and the Nigeria Senate resolution dated 29th Nov, 2012 signed by Senator Hope Uzodinma, asking the then Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, current Emir of Kano, to recover the money. There is a big panic in Jimoh house, that President Buhari, who has refused to grant Bar Jimoh Ibrahim audience despite four attempts made by Bar Jimoh Ibrahim will prosecute him in the next few months.
That John Nnorom exposed the N10Billion paid to Nicon Insurance Plc by the Accountant General of Nigeria, for payment of pensioners but Bar Jimoh Ibrahim diverted the money into the acquisition of his private challenger jet with Reg No : NG 605 GF. The pensioners are dying. This case has been established, as EFCC has traced the fund movement from the money paid by the accountant general into the seller of the aircraft account based on my petition. We have even contacted the lawyer that processes the purchase of the Aircraft in USA as part of the witness. The challenger is currently parked in SAO TOME.
That John Nnorom will take all risk to testify against Bar Jimoh Ibrahim during trial and therefore, it is better to assassinate him now.
I therefore call on all patriotic Nigerians, including the Inspector- General of Police, our President Buhari, the DG - SSS, to note that if anything happen to me, Bar Jimoh Ibrahim should be prosecuted.
JOHN I NNOROM (FCA, ACTI, MBA)
17 KODEOSH STREET, IKEJA, LAGOS http: www.nuclearworld.com.ng
e-mail: john .nnorom@gmail.com TEL: 08033064519; 07068021111
BAR JIMOH IBRAHIM: THE FACE OF CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA
On the 23rd of June, 2015, Our President, vowed to recover within three months all the money looted from our treasury. For making such a vow, history and posterity will remember President Buhari. I recalled during the first week of June, 2015, I dreamt a dream, where some of my friends, who died fighting corruption, were celebrating in a cloud of rainbow. I woke up, wondering, why this celebration in the heavenly realm. Three weeks later, President Buhari vowed to recover our stolen wealth, my joy is unlimited.
Dear President Buhari, I promised to fight corruption with the last breath in my life in 2012 and would like to mention that, Bar Jimoh Ibrahim represents corruption institutionzed at the highest level in Nigeria. The sale of the following Federal Government investments, which Jimoh was a front, namely Air Nigeria Development Ltd, Nicon Insurance Plc, Nigeria Re-insurance Corporation were all fraudulent sales. Jimoh has been on asset stripping of these institutions, into Nicon Investment Ltd, a company blacklisted by Central Bank of Nigeria during the era of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now the Emir of Kano.
Mr. President, I summarized below, how these institutions, which were partly owned by Federal Government were stripped of her assets by Jimoh. No board meeting has been held for all these massive withdrawals by Jimoh and the effort that, I made in whistleblowing his activities with little emphasis on various assassination attempts on my life.
ACQUISITION OF OUR NATIONAL CARRIER: VIRGIN NIGERIA, N35.5B DIVERTED FOR PERSONAL USE
Virgin Nigeria was in debt of $237M (N35.5Billion) repayable over a period of 5years, when Jimoh acting as a front for highly placed Federal Government official fraudulently acquired the National Carrier without paying a kobo. The debt of N35.5B was transferred to Nicon Group Account with UBA PLC. This transfer gave the Air line, a clean account, which was highly published. Air Nigeria immediately took the Aviation Intervention Loan of N35.5Billion from Bank of Industry through United Bank for Africa. This loan was debited back to Air Nigeria account and Nicon Group of companies account was credited. This loan was diverted into the purchase of the land, where the largest oil well in the world is deposited in SAO TOME including acres of land for the building of a university by Jimoh . Part of this loan was used in the purchase of choice properties in Dubai, USA and UK. I wrote to the then, Nigeria Senate President, David Mark, who directed my petition to the Senate Committee on Aviation, then chairman by Senator Hope Uzodinma. This committee confirmed my petition and recommended in senate resolution dated 29th Nov, 2014 that, Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now the Emir of Kano should recover this money from Jimoh . We all know, how the Emir of Kano exited from CBN and to date THIS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION FUND HAS NOT BEEN RECOVERED (documents are hereby attached)
AIR NIGERIA DEVELOPMENT LTD : N6B STOLEN BY JIMOH
The loan of N35.5B was repayable over a period of 5years to UBA PLC but Federal Government Aviation Intervention fund, which the Bank of Industry approved for Air Nigeria was repayable over a period of 15years with lower interest rate, which resulted to an excess of N6Billion yearly cash inflow into the Airline account from 2009 to 2013. This is the amount that Jimoh diverted to Nicon Investment Ltd, a company owned by his family, despite the fact, that there are many stakeholders in the airline, which includes the employee, the shareholders, the creditors etc. In addition to my resignation, he sacked 790 staff on the pages of newspapers and many are dead to date without any pension. Our suit No ; NICN/LA/481/2012 still pending in court. Despite all, Jimoh, sold the Airline for N3Billion and pocketed the money. (Schedule of withdrawal is hereby attached)
ACQUISITION OF NICON INSURANCE PLC VALUED AT 10% OF TOTAL COST
Nicon Insurance Plc, had 20million pounds in her special Foreign account in London , shares in Union bank valued at N500Million, millions of pounds in union bank London branch, millions of dollars in American Express Bank, which were not disclosed at the time of acquisition. The Nicon Insurance was under-valued by 90% based on Jimoh instruction, that only the Naira valuation will be considered in the purchase. The Nicon Insurance was not in distress as at the time of acquisition by Jimoh. The naira valuation represents 10% of the total value of the company. Jimoh without following due process won the privatization bid on Nicon Insurance Plc. Like in all his acquisition, it was heavily published that Jimoh acquired Nicon Insurance Plc.
With fake building document deposited in bank for the acquisition, Jimoh appointed the Managing Director, Mr.Emmanuel Jegede, who signed the purchase agreement and before payment could be made to Federal Government, he travelled to London with Jegede, The EX-MD and EX-Company Secretary of NICON Insurance Plc, and clean the account of NICON in London, thereby recovering nine times the value of the company. To cover this fraud, Jimoh sacked all the NICON staff in the five story London office, located at 21 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2BH. When the auditor representing the Federal Government 30% shareholding started shouting internally in Nigeria, on the looting of Nicon Insurance Plc, Jimoh, invited him for a meeting and on his way back to his house, he was assassinated. Having assassinated the internal auditor, the following people namely: Mr. Emmanuel Akinmolu Jegede, the MD- Nicon Insurance Plc, pledged his 100% loyalty, Ms Prisca Soares the Ex-MD/CEO of Nicon Insurance and the Ex-company secretary ran away from Jimoh for safety reasons. Dear President Buhari, let these people be interrogated under oath on this deal, with your assurance that they will not be assassinated by Jimoh.
DYING PENSIONER MONEY USED TO BUY JET WITH REG NO: NG605GF
In the last few years, the Accountant –General of Nigeria paid over N13Billion to Nicon Insurance Plc, for the purpose of paying pensioners. As usual, the money was laundered to USA and out of this money; Jimoh bought the challenger 625 jet with Reg No: NG605GF that he is currently flying around the world, while pensioners are dying every day. I reported this case to EFCC and it was investigated. EFCC confirmed my petition that Jimoh diverted this money but refused to charge him to court saying that I am not an interested legal person. However, this money represents fraudulent withdrawal from corporate institution owned by Federal Government, of which I am a Nigerian by birth. It should be noted that Federal Government still holds 30% of Nicon Insurance Plc shares. Please, President Buhari, help us to recover this loot.
BAR JIMOH IBRAHIM TAX EVASION SUIT OF N6. 4B/FIRS IN COOLER
The Federal Inland Revenue Services after thorough investigation of my petition on the N6.4Billion owed FIRS, made several efforts to recover this money despite the threat by the then Attorney- General Bar Adoke. Jimoh was arrested and charged to court. The first case was a criminal suit on tax clearance certificate forgeries in Abuja and the second suit was recovery of the debt. I followed this up with several visits to FIRS office and various publications but Jimoh paid back only N150Million to FIRS, the balance of this money need to be recovered, for which Jimoh wrote an undertaking to pay in FIRS office. In addition to the above, the criminal case in Abuja on tax certificate forgeries is now in the cooler. Dear President Buhari, please help FIRS to recover this loot, which belongs to Federal Government.
BAR JIMOH IBRAHIM DOES NOT PAY CORPORATE TAX ON HIS 16 COMPANIES
The following companies namely ; Global fleet oil & Gas Ltd, Nicon Insurance Plc, Nigeria RE-insurance Corporation, Nicon Properties Ltd, Nicon Luxury Hotel Ltd Okitipupa, Abuja Nicon hotels Ltd, Nicon hotels Ltd VGC, Nicon hotels Ltd, PHC and National Mirror Ltd, do not have current tax clearance certificate. All these companies do not pay corporate taxes to the Federal Inland Revenue Services in Nigeria. Even withholding taxes deducted from sales on behalf of Federal Government, are not remitted. The last signed audited account of these companies were in 2009 and I have challenged Bar Jimoh Ibrahim to published in two national newspapers the tax clearance certificate of his conglomerate since 2012. This is a criminal offence in addition to recovery. Please, help us sir.
EMPLOYEE TAX FRAUD : EFCC REFUSED TO CHARGE JIMOH IBRAHIM TO COURT
In all the companies owned by jimoh, taxes are not remitted to the relevant tax authorities but were deducted from staff salaries. I am a victim and I petition Jimoh to EFCC, listing as witness the 790 Ex-staff of Air Nigeria sacked on the pages of newspapers. The same EFCC charged to court Steve Judd, the MD of Ascot Flowlines Limited for tax deduction not remitted to the board and pension fund deducted not remitted on one staff named, Bar Austin Aguguo. However to date, EFCC has refused, to charge Jimoh to court for refusal to remit tax deduction from my salary and 790 Ex-Staff of Air Nigeria. Please, help us sir.
For this cause, I was arrested on false allegation, charged to court and was discharged. The gallant FIRS officers that arrested Jimoh were transferred out, at a point, shown red and green pen by the Attorney- General Bar Adoke, the IPO in EFCC was harassed and warned by OGA, in addition to various assassination attempts on my life.
I hereby appeal to our President to consider this open letter and ensure that the loot is fully recovered. Thank you President Buhari.
Yours Faithfully,
JOHN I NNOROM (FCA, ACTI, MBA)
I've Identified People, Banks Holding our Stolen Money –Buhari
Posted By: Official Admin - 8:04 AMPresident Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that his administration had made headway in the bid to recover the country’s looted funds from former senior public office holders, by identifying financial institutions and countries in which payments for stolen Nigerian crude oil are deposited.
Mr President said: “We are getting cooperation from the international community, including information on ships that take crude oil from Nigeria and change direction, or pour their contents into other ships mid-stream.
“Some monies were paid to individual accounts.
Mr President said: “We are getting cooperation from the international community, including information on ships that take crude oil from Nigeria and change direction, or pour their contents into other ships mid-stream.
“Some monies were paid to individual accounts.
We are identifying the financial institutions and countries that are involved. I have been assured that when we get all our documents together, the United States and other countries will treat our case with sympathy.”
On his part, Congressman Darrel stated that, “We look forward to helping you in many ways to end the Boko Haram insurgency and the theft of crude oil in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Buhari disclosed this during a meeting with United States Congressmen who paid him a visit at Aso Rock. He told the US Congressmen, led by Rep. Darrel Issa, that the international community had been helpful to Nigeria in terms of gathering intelligence in tracing and recovering the stolen funds.
On his part, Congressman Darrel stated that, “We look forward to helping you in many ways to end the Boko Haram insurgency and the theft of crude oil in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Church of England Begs For Betraying Bishop Ajayi Crowther
Posted By: Official Admin - 7:30 AMThe Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the Church of England, Justin Welby has apologised for the church’s mistreatment of Africa’s first bishop, Samuel Ajayi Crowther.
Archbishop Welby preaching at a ‘thanksgiving and repentance’ service marking the 150th anniversary of Bishop Crowther’s ordination, said: “This is a service of thanksgiving and repentance. Thanksgiving for the extraordinary life, which we commemorate [and] repentance, shame and sorrow for Anglicans who are reminded of the sin of many of their ancestors.”
“We in the Church of England need to say sorry that someone was properly and rightly consecrated Bishop and then betrayed and let down and undermined. It was wrong.”
Regarded as the father of Anglicanism in Nigeria, Bishop Crowther, who was born as Ajayi in western Nigeria in 1807, is credited with bringing many Nigerians to Christ. So great was his impact that he was ordained the first African Anglican bishop in 1864, despite great protest.
A former slave, Bishop Crowther became a great linguist, translator, scholar and mission teacher. He is also credited with producing the Yoruba Bible and greatly influenced how government’s improved their view of Africa in the 1800s.
But despite his passion and high achievements, Bishop Crowther’s mission was undermined and dismantled in the 1880s by racist white Europeans, including some of his fellow missionaries.
According to reports compiled by historians, prejudiced fellow Anglican missionaries wrongly questioned the moral values and competency of Bishop Crowther and his African staff – and systematically dismantled his mission and undermined his work. In the end, he resigned.
Archbishop Welby speaking of Bishop Crowther continued : “In spite of immense hardship and despite the racism of many whites, he evangelised so effectively that he was eventually ordained Bishop, over much protest. He led his missionary diocese brilliantly, but was in the end falsely accused and had to resign, not long before his death.”
“Crowther did not make himself grand. He lived out the commands of the words he took at his consecration. And from his time forward, God has demonstrated his grace through that ministry. Today well over 70 million Christians in Nigeria are his spiritual heirs.
“Today we honour him and in so doing The Lord Jesus Christ whom he served. We are sorry for his suffering at the hands of Anglicans in this country. Learning from their foolishness and from his heroism, we seek to be a church that does not again exclude those whom God is calling. We seek new apostles, and the grace to recognise them when they come.”
Buhari Directs 2 Islamic Books included in Schools’ Curriculum
Posted By: Official Admin - 7:00 AMPresident Muhammadu Buhari has told the Federal Ministry of Education to include two Islamic Studies books written by the late Justice Muhammad Bashir Sambo in the secondary school curriculum for all Federal Government Colleges in Nigeria.
The president gave the directive over the weekend in Kaduna while launching the reviewed editions of the books which were first published in 1974.
Represented by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, the President noted that such books had become essential in the face of declining moral and religious values in the country.
The Islamic Studies for Secondary Schools, co-sponsored by the Bashir Sambo Centre for Islamic Da’awah and Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation in memory of late Justice Bashir Sambo, former Judge of Sharia Court of Appeal and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, were reviewed by Mallam Mukhtar Lere to conform with the current 6-3-3-4 educational system in the country.
Buhari thanked the co-authors for updating and structuring the books to match the new secondary school curriculum. He urged the Ministry of Education to adopt them in all government colleges.
The president gave the directive over the weekend in Kaduna while launching the reviewed editions of the books which were first published in 1974.
Represented by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, the President noted that such books had become essential in the face of declining moral and religious values in the country.
The Islamic Studies for Secondary Schools, co-sponsored by the Bashir Sambo Centre for Islamic Da’awah and Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation in memory of late Justice Bashir Sambo, former Judge of Sharia Court of Appeal and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, were reviewed by Mallam Mukhtar Lere to conform with the current 6-3-3-4 educational system in the country.
Buhari thanked the co-authors for updating and structuring the books to match the new secondary school curriculum. He urged the Ministry of Education to adopt them in all government colleges.
SSS Storms PDP National Secretariat In Abuja
Posted By: Official Admin - 6:45 AMThe lingering crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, following a sharp disagreement between the national leadership and staff over plans to reduce the staff strength, their salaries and allowances by 50% took another twist on Monday as men of the Department of State Security Services, DSS, stormed Wadata Plaza, National Secretariat of the party.
Men of DSS who were dressed in black, arrived the Secretariat as early as 9am
Men of DSS who were dressed in black, arrived the Secretariat as early as 9am
apparently sensing that the aggrieved workers who have been at logger head with the National Working Committee, NWC may cause chaos that may lead to breakdown of law and order, just as they went upstairs where they stayed for over 30 minutes during the meeting between the directors and leaders of the aggrieved workers.
They also went round the premises of the Secretariat and finally went to the National Executive Committee, NEC meeting hall before they finally left, with assurances that there was temporary peace.
They also went round the premises of the Secretariat and finally went to the National Executive Committee, NEC meeting hall before they finally left, with assurances that there was temporary peace.
What President Buhari Should Do with Tompolo & Asari Dukobo
Posted By: Official Admin - 6:30 AMOne of the monarchs that have carried himself with admirable gait and candor in Niger Delta, nay Nigeria and the world is His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi, Dein of Agbor Kingdom, an Igbo town in Delta North Senatorial district of Delta State.
Born on June 29, 1977, the 38-year-old monarch, who became the world’s youngest monarch when kingmakers installed him in 1979 at the age of two years, four months, has demonstrated wisdom beyond his age. The Guinness Book of World Records captured the rare feat in its 1981 edition.
He has avoided scandal like a plague and rarely grants press interviews.
What was childhood like, how did you grow up?
As many people know in Nigeria, I crowned at the age of 2 years, 4 months and not too long after that for security reasons, I had to travel abroad. As at the time that I was crowned, I will take as honour to Nigeria because honour to anybody in Nigeria is an honour to the country.
The Guinness Book of Records recorded the country as having the world’s youngest crowned monarch at the time. I grew up in the United Kingdom; it was very interesting and as far as am concerned, that was the building block of who I am today.
Security reasons
Rather than growing up with silver spoon in my mouth, which I would have grown up with had I been here with my father, instead I grew up in a country where I had to be very silent about who I was for security reasons. However, the relevant authorities, royal palace and queens’ palace knew who I was and where I was. The headmaster in the schools always knew who I was, but thanks to those who made it so and I am very grateful for this, I was able to grow up pretty normally without the rest of the children knowing who I was and I have always enjoyed that. Therefore, it was somewhat a strong training ground for me.
Born on June 29, 1977, the 38-year-old monarch, who became the world’s youngest monarch when kingmakers installed him in 1979 at the age of two years, four months, has demonstrated wisdom beyond his age. The Guinness Book of World Records captured the rare feat in its 1981 edition.
He has avoided scandal like a plague and rarely grants press interviews.
However, he finally broke his time-honored silence...
Last week, he played host to a team of Vanguard, led by the Editor of Niger Delta Voice in his palace:
What was childhood like, how did you grow up?
As many people know in Nigeria, I crowned at the age of 2 years, 4 months and not too long after that for security reasons, I had to travel abroad. As at the time that I was crowned, I will take as honour to Nigeria because honour to anybody in Nigeria is an honour to the country.
The Guinness Book of Records recorded the country as having the world’s youngest crowned monarch at the time. I grew up in the United Kingdom; it was very interesting and as far as am concerned, that was the building block of who I am today.
Security reasons
Rather than growing up with silver spoon in my mouth, which I would have grown up with had I been here with my father, instead I grew up in a country where I had to be very silent about who I was for security reasons. However, the relevant authorities, royal palace and queens’ palace knew who I was and where I was. The headmaster in the schools always knew who I was, but thanks to those who made it so and I am very grateful for this, I was able to grow up pretty normally without the rest of the children knowing who I was and I have always enjoyed that. Therefore, it was somewhat a strong training ground for me.
I finally came back to Nigeria in the year 2000; I had been to Nigeria previously on two occasions for short visit. The final coming back was after I aged 15, I had become very pro-African after understanding that Africa is actually the cradle of civilization. Africa is where the great stories of the Bible mainly took place, Africa is where you can find the Garden of Eden, we are great people in Africa and at 15 years, I dedicated my life to making sure that the world one day will recognize Africa as it was in the distant past.
So, it has been a very interesting life, it has taught me one thing, we are all human beings, those in position of power and leadership are simply in a position of trust, our people trust us and we must dedicate our lives to serving them. Once again, being abroad taught me that even it is once every year, those in leadership should go somewhere where nobody knows them.
Arguments and problems
It will make them to remember that we are all the same, I drive and I go out incommunicado on my own, we all bleed, we all cry, we all have good days and bad days and we will all join our ancestors one day. Therefore, what we do in life is cherish what we have and people around us and stop the war, the arguments and problems, be your brother’s keeper, these things are part of my growing up and what made me who I am today.
There was a report then that the Oba of Benin took custody of you then, can you confirm this?
Certainly, you can imagine that the Oba of Benin and Ooni of Ife were quite instrumental with the government of the day in making sure that I was crowned. Many people do not understand that the relationship between Benin and Agbor kingdoms is a very ancient one.
We are direct blood brothers, so at that time, there was a lot of pandemonium, my life was at risk, the safest place for me then was to have stayed with my brother, the Oba of Benin. Therefore, I was there briefly before they finally took me abroad.
At what point in your life did you find out that you are a king?
From the moment I was born, I knew that I am a monarch to be, just like my son, he carries his royalty very well.
There was this succession battle while you were outside the country, how did it play out?
First, there was never anything like a succession battle, so you have two assumed facts that are very incorrect. We have a tradition here that dates back to 721 BC, which is our first dynasty of which I am the 19th monarch. From 1270 AD, the monarchy here is hereditary, so if you know that there is a hereditary monarchy and there was a vacuum, then there cannot be a succession battle. The interest then was simply a matter of the Regency Council; a regency council had to be in place to manage the affairs of the kingdom.
Of course, the regency council is just like an authority, an agency, it is something that happens whenever there is a vacancy anywhere in this country, so everybody was very interested, that was simply what it was.
Can you recall while in the UK how you carried yourself knowing you are a king?
The same way I have always carried myself with the knowledge and responsibility that I have people that are relying on me. It is the same way that I still carry myself knowing that if I embarrass myself, I embarrass my people.
Interest in parties
Anybody in a position of power should know that, I have always kept myself very quiet; I have never been interested in parties and going out with friends and or that. My interest is to serve my people and how best to promote Africa. We produce the resources; Africans feed the world, so it has always been very important to me that Africans should organize themselves so that we regain back our glory from the days of Egypt. Unfortunately, every nation goes through its bad stages. Africa has gone through its bad stage of slavery and it disorganized us. During slavery, they carried away the best and fittest of our people, they took them away to build Europe for them, build America for them, we are proud of these things, but at the same time, we, as Africans have to look back and start doing for ourselves what we have done for others.
Therefore, in England, I have my friends, I have my Indians friends and African friends too and I enjoyed it because it was a period of learning for me, just like any other young man at the time.
What are the odd things that you have had to go through in life?
Odd things, I have not had odd things in my life. As I said, I have always kept myself to myself; I try to stay away from contention and problem. From when I was very young, I have never really been with people of my own age because I find them talking about girls constantly, about cars and parties. It is quite boring to me, especially when people are dying and need help. I will rather be talking about how to rebuild Nigeria, how Nigeria can take pre-eminence in not only Africa, but in the international world.
We are hoping that our present President, Muhammadu Buhari will follow up on what former presidents of Nigeria have done and improve on it. I think here in Nigeria, we like to talk about negative things too much and when you talk about the negative too much, you will be surprised that you encourage the negative to happen, this is a great nation, and we have many things to celebrate, let us talk about the positive things in life and celebrate them.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to your in life?
The strangest thing that has ever happened to me in life, it to be in a country that is very rich and the people are very poor. The strangest thing I have ever seen is to have such a great nation, to have such a great people, Nigerians are very intelligent people, if you go anywhere in the world, check their great institutions and achievements, you will find that there are one or two Nigerians behind the feat.
Who played the role of father to you after the death of your father?
Once again, as you mentioned earlier, Oba of Benin has played that role for me, his cousin in London, Dr. Robert Obaze also played that role. Equally, the Ooni of Ife has played that role; the Emir of Kano has played that role. In current times as I always joke with him, I call him big bros; the Sultan of Sokoto has recently been a very big brother since he ascended the throne of his ancestors.
Chief Alex Duduyemi is another man that has been a great influence in my life, I cannot forget the former president of this country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is a great father to me. He is somebody that I turn to when I have difficulties or I need to discuss things, I enjoy his company, I enjoy his wisdom and I thank God that he is still willing and able to fight for this country the way he had fought.
Having spent a good part of your life abroad, what are you missing now you are in Nigeria?
I am missing good roads, instead of five hours from Lagos to Agbor, I would rather if the road is good want to spend two hours, I enjoy driving, I love powerful cars, it gives me pleasure but we do not have good roads. If we have, I will like to drive myself while my chiefs can follow me, although they might not like the fact that I am driving. However, somebody has to relax somehow; but certainly, I miss the fact that we do not have good roads because without good roads, we lose many lives.
I miss constant electricity, I feel sad that so many successful business executives in this country, rather than spend their profit on building a stronger company, they have had to dedicate so much of their profit to buying diesel and I think it is counterproductive. I also miss a lawful society, disciplined police force, but we are working towards that, I think everybody is sitting up now that we have a very strict president, we thank God for that. This is the follow up from President Obasanjo that we have always wanted.
How has it been occupying the sacred throne of your fathers for about 15 years effectively?
It has been challenging, I have been on the throne for about 36 years now, not 15 years effectively as you said. In Africa, the young ones are supposed to be seen and not heard, but circumstances have brought a situation where the young ones are now heard, many elders are not comfortable with this, many elders would prefer to talk to the young ones and be talked back at.
Huge potential
So I took the risk, I took it for the nation, for the good of all because I could see young men that were on a dying situation. Not understanding how to move forward was causing destruction and that destruc-tion would affect all of our lives, that was what inspired my trip to the creeks. I was very shocked when I got to the creeks, I went with one of my subjects, who is now a chief, Rear Admiral Elumah (retd), I thank God I had a naval man to help navigate the water. The other person, who is an army general, was not too comfortable on the water, but I thank God that we got there and I saw that there is huge potential in the creek. We can turn the creeks into Miami and California, it is beautiful there but unfortunately, oil has caused so much damage.
And indeed after hearing all the horror stories of kidnap and all that, as my boat was going this way, I saw Dokubo-Asari going the other way and I was wondering what have I gotten myself into, but while I was expecting to see a very huge leader of the militants, a very violent person, I was completely proved wrong. An amiable, respectful and soft spoken and humble Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, walked in and we sat down and discussed.
He told me what their grievances are and he took me to his house, which he had built to make a statement that it was possible to develop the creeks. After showing me the house, he asked me if the state government cannot do likewise and I remember that very clearly, his intention of building that structure was to prove that if he can do it, what is stopping government from doing it. In addition, he took me round several projects in the creek communities, which both the state and federal governments have been doing, many of which remain uncompleted.
I can tell you, these were what made the boys bitter and I took that away with me and until this day, I will never forget how they shouted, how they hollered, the Dein of Agbor in the creeks! Nevertheless, why not, is this country not my own as well. If Nigeria is embarrassed, will I not as a Nigerian abroad be embarrassed, I will not want them to single me out when I am travelling because I am a Nigerian to search me and suspect everything about my passport.
People see Tompolo from different perspectives depending on what they know of him, how do you see him which year was this famous voyage?
It must have been around 2007 or 2008 at the height of the problem. Many Nigerians I have noticed in the 15 years I have been here comment on people they have never met before. If I listened to people before I met Obasanjo, I would not have met him because I have heard all sorts of horrible things about him. However, when I met him, I found out that he loves Nigeria and is a good person. I have said this earlier.
The same thing with the young man Tompolo, he is fighting for his people, he might not necessarily be doing it in the best of ways, but his intention is simply struggling for his people. Now, can you imagine if we do what is correct, as President Obasanjo had tried to do, as Jonathan tried to continue and I am sure this present regime will also continue, will we not be able to tap minds like Tompolo, Dokubo-Asari instead of exerting their energy against the country? Tompolo is a man that is soft- spoken and respectful. My advice is not to judge people before you meet them and find out who they really are.
Brother’s keeper
Let us be our brother’s keeper. What happens if Dokubo-Asari with all his fire and strength is fighting to push Nigeria forward, I think we will all enjoy it, these are very strong people, let us not always give a negative picture of our people and the worst thing you can do in life is to judge somebody before you ever met him. We do it far too much, it is a very dreadful thing, discuss with somebody first. I did not know who I was going to meet when I ventured into the creeks and as I told you, I was very shocked at how quiet Tompolo is. I have never heard an angry word from him, he speaks with such a silent voice that you start to wonder that when a quiet person blows up, the world trembles.
Therefore, please Nigeria, Buhari is a very quiet person, let us not upset the man, when your brother does something that is wrong, do not embarrass him in public.
So, it has been a very interesting life, it has taught me one thing, we are all human beings, those in position of power and leadership are simply in a position of trust, our people trust us and we must dedicate our lives to serving them. Once again, being abroad taught me that even it is once every year, those in leadership should go somewhere where nobody knows them.
Arguments and problems
It will make them to remember that we are all the same, I drive and I go out incommunicado on my own, we all bleed, we all cry, we all have good days and bad days and we will all join our ancestors one day. Therefore, what we do in life is cherish what we have and people around us and stop the war, the arguments and problems, be your brother’s keeper, these things are part of my growing up and what made me who I am today.
There was a report then that the Oba of Benin took custody of you then, can you confirm this?
Certainly, you can imagine that the Oba of Benin and Ooni of Ife were quite instrumental with the government of the day in making sure that I was crowned. Many people do not understand that the relationship between Benin and Agbor kingdoms is a very ancient one.
We are direct blood brothers, so at that time, there was a lot of pandemonium, my life was at risk, the safest place for me then was to have stayed with my brother, the Oba of Benin. Therefore, I was there briefly before they finally took me abroad.
At what point in your life did you find out that you are a king?
From the moment I was born, I knew that I am a monarch to be, just like my son, he carries his royalty very well.
There was this succession battle while you were outside the country, how did it play out?
First, there was never anything like a succession battle, so you have two assumed facts that are very incorrect. We have a tradition here that dates back to 721 BC, which is our first dynasty of which I am the 19th monarch. From 1270 AD, the monarchy here is hereditary, so if you know that there is a hereditary monarchy and there was a vacuum, then there cannot be a succession battle. The interest then was simply a matter of the Regency Council; a regency council had to be in place to manage the affairs of the kingdom.
Of course, the regency council is just like an authority, an agency, it is something that happens whenever there is a vacancy anywhere in this country, so everybody was very interested, that was simply what it was.
Can you recall while in the UK how you carried yourself knowing you are a king?
The same way I have always carried myself with the knowledge and responsibility that I have people that are relying on me. It is the same way that I still carry myself knowing that if I embarrass myself, I embarrass my people.
Interest in parties
Anybody in a position of power should know that, I have always kept myself very quiet; I have never been interested in parties and going out with friends and or that. My interest is to serve my people and how best to promote Africa. We produce the resources; Africans feed the world, so it has always been very important to me that Africans should organize themselves so that we regain back our glory from the days of Egypt. Unfortunately, every nation goes through its bad stages. Africa has gone through its bad stage of slavery and it disorganized us. During slavery, they carried away the best and fittest of our people, they took them away to build Europe for them, build America for them, we are proud of these things, but at the same time, we, as Africans have to look back and start doing for ourselves what we have done for others.
Therefore, in England, I have my friends, I have my Indians friends and African friends too and I enjoyed it because it was a period of learning for me, just like any other young man at the time.
What are the odd things that you have had to go through in life?
Odd things, I have not had odd things in my life. As I said, I have always kept myself to myself; I try to stay away from contention and problem. From when I was very young, I have never really been with people of my own age because I find them talking about girls constantly, about cars and parties. It is quite boring to me, especially when people are dying and need help. I will rather be talking about how to rebuild Nigeria, how Nigeria can take pre-eminence in not only Africa, but in the international world.
We are hoping that our present President, Muhammadu Buhari will follow up on what former presidents of Nigeria have done and improve on it. I think here in Nigeria, we like to talk about negative things too much and when you talk about the negative too much, you will be surprised that you encourage the negative to happen, this is a great nation, and we have many things to celebrate, let us talk about the positive things in life and celebrate them.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to your in life?
The strangest thing that has ever happened to me in life, it to be in a country that is very rich and the people are very poor. The strangest thing I have ever seen is to have such a great nation, to have such a great people, Nigerians are very intelligent people, if you go anywhere in the world, check their great institutions and achievements, you will find that there are one or two Nigerians behind the feat.
Who played the role of father to you after the death of your father?
Once again, as you mentioned earlier, Oba of Benin has played that role for me, his cousin in London, Dr. Robert Obaze also played that role. Equally, the Ooni of Ife has played that role; the Emir of Kano has played that role. In current times as I always joke with him, I call him big bros; the Sultan of Sokoto has recently been a very big brother since he ascended the throne of his ancestors.
Chief Alex Duduyemi is another man that has been a great influence in my life, I cannot forget the former president of this country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is a great father to me. He is somebody that I turn to when I have difficulties or I need to discuss things, I enjoy his company, I enjoy his wisdom and I thank God that he is still willing and able to fight for this country the way he had fought.
Having spent a good part of your life abroad, what are you missing now you are in Nigeria?
I am missing good roads, instead of five hours from Lagos to Agbor, I would rather if the road is good want to spend two hours, I enjoy driving, I love powerful cars, it gives me pleasure but we do not have good roads. If we have, I will like to drive myself while my chiefs can follow me, although they might not like the fact that I am driving. However, somebody has to relax somehow; but certainly, I miss the fact that we do not have good roads because without good roads, we lose many lives.
I miss constant electricity, I feel sad that so many successful business executives in this country, rather than spend their profit on building a stronger company, they have had to dedicate so much of their profit to buying diesel and I think it is counterproductive. I also miss a lawful society, disciplined police force, but we are working towards that, I think everybody is sitting up now that we have a very strict president, we thank God for that. This is the follow up from President Obasanjo that we have always wanted.
How has it been occupying the sacred throne of your fathers for about 15 years effectively?
It has been challenging, I have been on the throne for about 36 years now, not 15 years effectively as you said. In Africa, the young ones are supposed to be seen and not heard, but circumstances have brought a situation where the young ones are now heard, many elders are not comfortable with this, many elders would prefer to talk to the young ones and be talked back at.
Huge potential
So I took the risk, I took it for the nation, for the good of all because I could see young men that were on a dying situation. Not understanding how to move forward was causing destruction and that destruc-tion would affect all of our lives, that was what inspired my trip to the creeks. I was very shocked when I got to the creeks, I went with one of my subjects, who is now a chief, Rear Admiral Elumah (retd), I thank God I had a naval man to help navigate the water. The other person, who is an army general, was not too comfortable on the water, but I thank God that we got there and I saw that there is huge potential in the creek. We can turn the creeks into Miami and California, it is beautiful there but unfortunately, oil has caused so much damage.
And indeed after hearing all the horror stories of kidnap and all that, as my boat was going this way, I saw Dokubo-Asari going the other way and I was wondering what have I gotten myself into, but while I was expecting to see a very huge leader of the militants, a very violent person, I was completely proved wrong. An amiable, respectful and soft spoken and humble Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, walked in and we sat down and discussed.
He told me what their grievances are and he took me to his house, which he had built to make a statement that it was possible to develop the creeks. After showing me the house, he asked me if the state government cannot do likewise and I remember that very clearly, his intention of building that structure was to prove that if he can do it, what is stopping government from doing it. In addition, he took me round several projects in the creek communities, which both the state and federal governments have been doing, many of which remain uncompleted.
I can tell you, these were what made the boys bitter and I took that away with me and until this day, I will never forget how they shouted, how they hollered, the Dein of Agbor in the creeks! Nevertheless, why not, is this country not my own as well. If Nigeria is embarrassed, will I not as a Nigerian abroad be embarrassed, I will not want them to single me out when I am travelling because I am a Nigerian to search me and suspect everything about my passport.
People see Tompolo from different perspectives depending on what they know of him, how do you see him which year was this famous voyage?
It must have been around 2007 or 2008 at the height of the problem. Many Nigerians I have noticed in the 15 years I have been here comment on people they have never met before. If I listened to people before I met Obasanjo, I would not have met him because I have heard all sorts of horrible things about him. However, when I met him, I found out that he loves Nigeria and is a good person. I have said this earlier.
The same thing with the young man Tompolo, he is fighting for his people, he might not necessarily be doing it in the best of ways, but his intention is simply struggling for his people. Now, can you imagine if we do what is correct, as President Obasanjo had tried to do, as Jonathan tried to continue and I am sure this present regime will also continue, will we not be able to tap minds like Tompolo, Dokubo-Asari instead of exerting their energy against the country? Tompolo is a man that is soft- spoken and respectful. My advice is not to judge people before you meet them and find out who they really are.
Brother’s keeper
Let us be our brother’s keeper. What happens if Dokubo-Asari with all his fire and strength is fighting to push Nigeria forward, I think we will all enjoy it, these are very strong people, let us not always give a negative picture of our people and the worst thing you can do in life is to judge somebody before you ever met him. We do it far too much, it is a very dreadful thing, discuss with somebody first. I did not know who I was going to meet when I ventured into the creeks and as I told you, I was very shocked at how quiet Tompolo is. I have never heard an angry word from him, he speaks with such a silent voice that you start to wonder that when a quiet person blows up, the world trembles.
Therefore, please Nigeria, Buhari is a very quiet person, let us not upset the man, when your brother does something that is wrong, do not embarrass him in public.
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