Author: GANUX

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has explained why he did not support the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general elections.

 

Speaking in a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Wike stated that he did not believe Obi had a realistic chance of winning the presidential contest, describing him as a “social media candidate.”

 

“No, he has no chance to win election,” Wike said. “I don’t go to where you see people like this kind of social media candidates. I don’t do social media candidate.”

 

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, emphasised that as a politician, he focuses on analysing candidates with the capacity to win, rather than those perceived to be popular online.

 

“I said I see that as a politician, and I analyse the candidate who is likely to win,” he said.

 

According to Wike, winning elections in Nigeria involves more than just being the most qualified or popular on social media platforms.

 

“In politics, it’s not always the right that oh, this is the best candidate. No, no, no,” he said. “You see Nigerians today, in politics, so many factors come in.”

He also referenced the challenges faced during the 2023 elections, including the naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity, which he said created a turbulent environment.

 

“It was very very turbulent for Tinubu to get to that election,” Wike stated. “It is one party administration. You could see people don’t want to speak the truth before that election.”

 

Wike commended the eventual winner of the election, President Bola Tinubu, for navigating the difficulties imposed by administration policies at the time.

 

“No party in government would at that time bring some policy when you know you’re running an election,” he said. “But everything was done and he survived. he survived it.”

 

He concluded by acknowledging the political experience and strategy that helped Tinubu emerge victorious.

 

“So that’s how you know that there are people, first of all, God is on their side. Two, they also know this game. You must give it to them.”

Officials in the Trump administration could face criminal contempt charges for ignoring a US judge’s order that stopped the deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members.

 

The judge said the government showed a “willful disregard” for his March 15 ruling, which stopped the deportations to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

 

Many lawyers and families of the migrants say those deported are not gang members and never had a chance to challenge the government’s claim that they were.

 

On Wednesday, US District Judge James Boasberg said there was enough reason to hold officials in contempt for not following his order.

 

This ruling is the closest any court has come to punishing the Trump administration since it returned to office in January. It also increases the conflict between the judicial and executive branches.

 

The U.S. Justice Department has appealed the decision to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

Boasberg said the administration could avoid contempt charges if it allowed the migrants to challenge their deportations in court.

 

He gave them until April 23 to explain how they plan to follow the ruling or to identify the officials who ignored the order so they can be prosecuted.

 

The judge also mentioned a tweet from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele shared a news story about the judge’s order and said, “Oopsie…Too late.” Boasberg said this tweet suggested the officials had deliberately ignored the court’s order.

 

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the administration would seek an immediate appeal.

 

A Justice Department spokesperson called the judge’s actions a “power grab” and said they would fight it.

 

The Trump administration is facing over 150 legal challenges to its policies. Some legal experts say the government is ignoring court orders, which raises concerns about its willingness to defy the judicial branch.

In Maryland, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis is investigating whether the administration violated another order to return a man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador.

 

The Justice Department has also appealed that ruling.

Boasberg’s order goes further. If the administration doesn’t fix the issue, he may require officials to give sworn statements or face questioning under oath. He could also assign a government prosecutor or appoint someone else to act as a prosecutor if the government refuses.

 

“This is a strong rebuke to the administration,” said Professor Jonathan Hafetz from Seton Hall University School of Law.

 

Trump has called for Boasberg’s impeachment for blocking the deportations, but U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts said disagreements with court orders should be handled by appeals, not impeachment.

 

The Trump administration has also targeted other independent institutions like universities and law firms.

 

The case is related to Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, which was famously used during World War II to deport Japanese, German, and Italian Americans. Some were U.S. citizens.

 

Lawyers for the deported migrants said they haven’t been able to contact or find out what’s happened to their clients.

 

“Today’s decision shows the government’s actions are unlawful and a threat to our Constitution,” said Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, a group representing the migrants.

 

It’s uncertain whether the threat of contempt charges will force the administration to follow the judge’s order, but usually, government officials comply when faced with such threats. However, the president has the power to pardon those convicted of criminal contempt.

 

In 2017, Trump pardoned Joe Arpaio, a former Arizona sheriff convicted of criminal contempt for ignoring a court order in a racial profiling case.

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered five illegal crude oil dumps in the Jahi/Katampe axis of Abuja.

 

This is contained in a statement issued by the NSCDC Spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, on Thursday in Abuja.

 

The corps also confirmed the arrest of seven suspects linked to the illegal crude oil production and distribution.

 

The NSCDC said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad also recovered trucks loaded with stolen Automotive Gas Oil from the suspects.

 

The corps said one white truck with three compartments fully loaded with 45,000 litres of AGO with an unverifiable waybill seen at the illegal dump, four Mercedes-Benz short peddler trucks, and several other vehicles were impounded.

Pumping machines, different-sized hoses, Mikano generator, approximately 23 surface metallic constructed tanks with some containing large quantities of suspected AGO, a container shelter amongst other exhibits, were also impounded.

 

The NSCDC said that the arrests made by the CG’s SIS showcased the dedication of the corps to relentlessly crack down on crude oil thieves across the federation.

 

He said that the suspects would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other criminals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A touching video of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo praying for her daughter, Priscilla, is warming hearts across social media as the young bride prepares for her traditional wedding to Tanzanian musician Juma Jux today, April 17.

 

In the now-viral clip, Priscilla is seen kneeling before her mother, holding her hand while Iyabo offers heartfelt prayers. The intimate moment, filled with emotion, beautifully captures the sacred bond between mother and daughter on one of life’s most significant days.

 

The video comes just days after Priscilla and Juma shared their stunning pre-wedding portraits — five captivating photos that lit up the internet.

 

The couple described their union as “two hearts united as one soul, on a mission to forever.”

 

Their love story has been nothing short of magical. In February, the pair held a private wedding introduction in Tanzania, attended only by close family and friends.

 

Then, just two days before Valentine’s Day, Juma Jux proposed to Priscilla again — this time with a ring twice the size of the first. The romantic moment, captured in a video shared online, showed Juma reaffirming his love and commitment in the presence of her loved ones.

The following day, the couple sealed their love with a civil wedding ceremony, graced by celebrity guests including Toyin Abraham, Chioma Good Hair, and her best friend, Enioluwa

The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called on African nations to put an end to the export of raw materials if the continent is to overcome poverty and underdevelopment.

 

According to data from the Office of US Trade Representative and other multilateral institutions, Africa accounts for less than 2 per cent of global manufacturing.

 

In a post shared on Thursday via his official X handle, Adesina stressed the need for Africa to shift from being a supplier of unprocessed commodities to a producer of value-added goods.

 

“Africa must end the exports of its raw materials. The export of raw materials is the door to poverty. The export of value-added products is the highway to wealth. And Africa is tired of being poor,” he wrote.

Despite Africa being home to the world’s most sought-after raw materials, its share of global trade remains under 3%. Efforts to change this narrative have gained momentum in recent years. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area are designed to enhance intra-African trade, boost manufacturing, and encourage value addition across sectors.

Adesina has consistently advocated for policies that promote agro-industrialisation, energy expansion, and improved infrastructure as a foundation for transforming Africa’s economies.

 

Last week, Adesina criticised the disproportionate allocation of the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights, revealing that Africa received just $33 billion, only 4.5 per cent of the $650 billion issued globally.

 

The AfDB president stressed that the distribution model of the SDRs failed to reflect the urgent financial needs of Africa, which bore some of the deepest economic scars from the pandemic, with limited fiscal capacity to implement a robust recovery plan.

 

To address this imbalance, Adesina disclosed that the AfDB, in partnership with the African Union, spearheaded efforts to rechannel unused SDRs from wealthier nations to African economies. Leveraging the AfDB’s AAA credit rating, a new framework co-developed with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has now been approved by the IMF Board.

NCDMB, Renaissance Energy Commit to Collaboration, Local Content Developmen

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Wednesday expressed total support for the vision and long-term plan of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, a consortium that concluded acquisition of onshore oil assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in March 2025.

Addressing a high-powered delegation of the company in his office at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) in Swali, Yenagoa, Engr. Ogbe said indigenous oil and gas companies are ever assured of an enabling environment by the Board, and that its Management team would be willing to engage with their counterparts from the Renaissance Group whenever the need arose.

He commended the company’s emphasis on Nigerian Content and plans to establish a foothold in other countries across Africa, assuring the delegation that NCDMB would provide their company with “double enabling environment” in support of its growth in Nigeria and abroad.

The NCDMB boss noted that Renaissance Africa Energy Company has a promising future, given the very competent hands in its employ who had held responsible positions in companies with track records of performance in the oil and gas sector.

Earlier the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Tony Attah, had thanked the Executive Secretary for the warm reception, assuring him and the NCDMB Management, “We are ourselves Nigerian Content – we’re wholly Nigerian.”

On the company’s long-term plan, he said, “We invest in Nigeria, but represent Nigerian Content across Africa…. Our mission is to be the African leader in energy but most importantly to enable energy security, to enable industrialisation.”

In his own remarks, the Chairman of the Renaissance Group, Dr. Layi Fatona, recalled that the NCDMB had been very supportive to the SPDC in the past, and that it was their expectation that the new company which has acquired the assets of the Anglo-Dutch giant would continue to enjoy the same relationship.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination of the NCDMB, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, in a brief comment noted that the vision of the NCDMB aligns with that of Renaissance, and that the two organisations would be able to collaborate productively to advance local content.

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited is a consortium comprising four leading indigenous oil companies, namely, ND Western Limited, Aradel Holdings, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), and Waltersmith Group, and an international energy company known as Petroni.

 

 

 

The distinguished Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, His Excellency, Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, has extended warm congratulations to Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

 

In a heartfelt message, Senator Daniel praised Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing for his outstanding dedication and immense contributions to the Nigerian housing sector. He described the celebrant as a shining example in the business community, whose passion and commitment have left an indelible mark on the real estate industry across Nigeria.

 

“You are indeed a source of inspiration to your generation and a shining example within the business environment. There is no doubt that you had written your name in an indelible ink across Nigeria and most especially among the real estate developers,” he wrote.

 

Senator Daniel also acknowledged Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing’s conferment as the ‘Otun-Asiwaju of Remo Christians’ by the Ogun State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as a reflection of his God-fearing nature, philanthropic spirit, and commitment to humanity.

 

The senator offered prayers for good health, greater accomplishments, and many more remarkable years ahead for the business mogul.

 

He concluded by affirming his highest regards and admiration for the celebrant.

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has declared the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly illegal and unconstitutional.

 

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro nullified the House’s proceedings and resolutions of January that led to Obasa’s ouster.

 

Obasa had filed a suit against the Lagos State House of Assembly and Mojisola Meranda, who was named the new Speaker, challenging the legality of the process that resulted in his removal.

 

Represented by his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, Obasa argued that the decision to remove him was taken by 36 lawmakers while the Assembly was on recess and he was out of the country

He maintained that the session was invalid, as it was convened without his authority or a formal delegation of power, in violation of the House’s procedures.

 

The suit was based on nine grounds, referencing relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

 

Details later…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has dissociated itself from the ongoing circulation of false, misleading, and criminal messages targeting candidates who registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

 

The JAMB spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, said the messages were being disseminated by suspected fraudsters to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

 

Benjamin noted that the perpetrators had exploited the numerical variant of UTME, 8863, and merged it with the Board’s short code, 55019, to create a deceptive code that mimics JAMB’s official messaging system.

 

According to him, through this fraudulent scheme, they have been sending misleading messages to candidates, falsely claiming to detect manipulations in their JAMB details and urging them to contact certain individuals who would “assist” in resolving these fabricated issues.

“We want to emphasise that these messages are not from JAMB. Security agencies have been notified and are actively tracking the perpetrators behind this scam.

 

“Candidates are strongly advised to ignore such messages. This is a common tactic employed by fraudsters who seek to exploit the examination period to deceive and defraud innocent candidates.”

 

He, therefore, urged the general public to remain vigilant and critically assess the messages they receive, adding that any communication that does not align with JAMB’s official channels or uses suspicious language or instructions should be treated as fraudulent.

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot).

 

“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X.

 

“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”

 

In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso.

 

“Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added.

 

Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences.

 

“It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted.

 

Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” an investigation is underway to establish the facts.

 

Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs.

 

In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020–21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

 

Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January.

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot).

 

“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X.

 

“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”

In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso.

 

“Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added.

 

Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences.

 

“It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted.

 

Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” an investigation is underway to establish the facts.

 

Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs.

 

In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020–21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

 

Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January.