society_admin, Author at SocietyGazette.com

FIRSTBANK NEW WEBSITE IS BANKING MADE SIMPLE by Raheem Akingbolu

Raheem Akingbolu reviews the new FirstBank’s corporate website and reckons that it would go a long way in strengthening the ability of the bank’s patrons and other potential customers in addressing basic banking operations.

Outside the physical identity of any brand, the most accessible door into operations of a company in today’s market is perhaps the website. With digital technology taking the lead in today’s business environment, website has swiftly become the virtual meeting point for sellers and buyers.

As a result of the fact that website can make or mar companies, depending on its message and aesthetic look, companies are now evolving every day to communicate their ideals through their websites. Today, having a website and an online presence give brand promoter opportunity to market their products online.

For the management of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the new website represents the trending posture of the brand. In line with today’s business environment, the bank has continued to evolve and reposition to strengthening its operational skills. Though ageing, the FirstBank brand is ever young at heart. Through the website, First Bank has been able to present less cumbersome operations and by extension woos potential members of the public to join the FirstBank’s family.

Specifically, the website appears to have demystified online banking. Among other unique features, it allows self-registration of online banking; it makes provision for loan facility and encourages multiple transfers at once.

In a way, handlers of the FirstBank brand show through the friendly site that they are not ready to waste their customers’ time. They are aware that people don’t visit their website because they are looking for somewhere to spend their extra time. The promoters are quite aware that their customers simply want to get to things quickly and that is why the messages on the website speak to the specifics. Technically but smoothly, each category of the products displayed also parades key issues without confusing customers with irrelevant details.

Though an upgrade of the old one, the current website plays up features that are streamlined to reinforce its role in delivering seamless banking and technology solutions to its customers across the world.

The website is configured with modern design and improved functionality that eases customer experience whilst carrying out various activities on the site, including electronic banking. Non-customers are also able to open an account, putting them at an edge in the industry as they establish a relationship with the bank that puts its customers first.

For instance, many analysts have commended the fact that the bank adopts a fresh, magazine-style look and feel for easy navigation in order to promote the access to essential information for its customers, FirstMonie agents, prospective agents and the public. Another beautiful thing about the site is that the upgrade also guides an average customer to make well-informed decisions about one’s personal, business and private financial needs.

There is no doubt the fact that the bank keys into the popular theory that responsive websites are now the rule for institutions, not the exception.

Recent experience in the market place has shown that offering a seamless and consistent user experience, responsive design, allows a single site to serve audiences on all devices and orientations. However, if a company’s analytics show that the percentage of mobile traffic to the company’s site is at least 10% and steadily growing, responsive design is a must for your redesign.

The new FirstBank website is built on a powerful content management system that meets all of the bank’s needs. Meanwhile, some of many basic considerations for institutions, which the new website has explored are; ease of use, features, security and responsive design support.

In financial website, content is more important than ever to a financial website, offering visitors useful information, tools and resources to make better decisions with their money. Again, First Bank explores this maximally.

The bank’s messaging is simple and consistent, and organised in a scannable format for users to digest and take action. Additionally, like all great sites, the site focuses content around visitor’s needs, offering solutions and varied content types.

Being the first impression that its customers gets, website designers often advise that site design should be visually consistent with everything else the audience sees – from customer’s branch to his statement inserts to his emails.

In a way, the design of the FirstBank website is unique, uncluttered and well-planned so it can keep up with the institution’s changes. Another beautiful thing is that the site’s imagery feel distinct and appeal directly to First Bank’s geographic footprint and specific demographics, successfully balancing branded photography and promotional graphics. Each element of the design has a clear strategic purpose, align with the FirstBank brand promise, and send the right message to the bank’s customers.

Lack of Evidence: Baba Ijesha may be released Friday – Police source

A senior officer at the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed to PUNCH Metro that a directive had been given for the release of Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha, from custody.

The source said due to the ongoing strike by members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, courts had ceased from sitting and the suspect could not be detained indefinitely without trial.

The source, however, said investigation into the recent allegation against Omiyinka revealed that he did not defile the victim, adding that when she was questioned, the victim confirmed the same.

The senior police officer stated, “There was no case of defilement, people are just talking out of sentiment. They are not talking from the point of law. We interviewed all parties involved in the case for three hours today (Wednesday).

“The mother complained that her child was at the age of seven when she was defiled and the child pointed at Baba Ijesha. But the case was not reported until she was 14 years and under the law, the case has become statute-barred.

“Regarding this new case, the CCTV footage has been assessed and nowhere was it captured that Baba Ijesha defiled her. The footage only showed him touching the victim’s body but it never showed him having any sexual intercourse with the girl. The girl also confirmed the same thing.

“So, in law, it is a case of indecent assault and not sexual harassment, and it is open to bail. So, can we continue to keep him when the offence is subject to bail and when there is no court sitting? That is against his fundamental human rights and the police do not work on sentiments. Directives have been given out for his release on bail.”

– Punch

Fidelity Bank Plc Announces a 53.9% Growth in Profit Before Tax to N10.1bn For the 3 Months Ended 31 March 2021

Top Nigerian lender, Fidelity Bank Plc recorded a strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2021, posting appreciable growth in profits for the period ended 31 March 2021.

Details of the unaudited results, released at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) show that Profit before Tax (PBT) grew by 53.9% from N6.6bn in 2020 to N10.1bn for the corresponding period of March 31, 2021. Similarly, Net revenue in the period increased by 13.4% from N30.3bn in Q1 2020 to N34.4bn in 2021, just as the bank recorded growth in other performance indices.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc commenting on the results, stated that:

“We commenced the year showing impressive double-digit growth in profitability and improved performance across key efficiency indices whilst ensuring our business model continued to deliver strong positive results in line with our guidance for the 2021 financial year.

Gross Earnings increased by 7.7% YoY to N55.1bn on account of 66.7% growth in non-interest revenue to N12.1bn from N7.2bn in Q1 2020. In absolute terms, the increase in NIR came from FX related income, digital banking income and account maintenance charge etc. as total customers’ induced transactions across all our service channels increased by 30.4% YoY and 17.1% QoQ.

Net Interest Margin remained unchanged at 6.3% compared to 2020FY as the drop in average funding cost offset the decline in average yields on earning assets. Average funding cost dropped to 2.5% from 3.6% in 2020FY due to a combination of improved deposit mix and a slight moderation in average borrowing cost. This led to 26.2% decline in total interest expenses, which translated to 17.1% increase in net interest income to N28.8bn despite a 4.3% increase in interest bearing liabilities. We refinanced our 7-Yr N30.0bn Tier II Bonds issued in 2015 at 16.48% p.a. with cheaper 10-Yr N41.2bn Tier II Bonds priced at 8.5% p.a., which led to a 61bpts drop in average borrowing cost to 4.5%.

Operating Expenses increased by N1.3bn (6.2%) to N23.0bn largely driven by N4.3bn growth in regulatory charges (NDIC & AMCON Charges). Excluding the increase in regulatory charges, total operating expenses would have dropped by 13.8% (6.1% QoQ) to N18.6bn from N21.6bn in Q1 2020 (Q4 2020: N19.8bn).

Total Deposits increased by 3.1% YTD to N1,751.3bn from N1,699.0bn in 2020FY, driven by 5.5% increase in low cost deposits (Demand: 6.2% | Savings: 4.1%). Foreign currency deposits increased by 15.7% YTD (N46.9bn) and now accounts for 19.7% of total deposits from 17.5% in 2020FY, as we harness the benefits of our renewed drive in Diaspora Banking as well as the recent CBN Naira-for-Dollar Incentive Scheme for diaspora remittances to Nigeria.

Retail Banking continued to deliver impressive results as savings deposits increased by 4.1% YTD to N441.6bn and we are on course to achieving the 9th consecutive year of double-digit growth in savings deposits. Savings deposits was responsible for 32.9% of the absolute growth in total deposits and now accounts for 25.2% of total deposits compared to 25.0% in 2020.

Net Loans and Advances increased by 7.6% YTD to N1,426.3bn from N1,326.1bn in 2020FY. However, the actual growth was 6.8% while the impact of the currency adjustment (2020FY: N400.3/$ – Q1 2021: N407.6/$) accounted for a 0.8% YTD growth in the loan book. Cost of risk came in at 0.4% and the NPL ratio dropped to 3.6% from 3.8% in 2020FY.

Other Regulatory Ratios remained above the required thresholds with liquidity ratio at 33.9% and capital adequacy ratio (CAR) at 18.4% from 18.2% in 2020FY.

We are committed to sustaining our growth trajectory and achieving the long-term strategic aspirations of the Bank as we look forward to delivering another set of good results in the next quarter”.

Rising insecurity: Lawmakers send message to Buhari, tells FG what to do

With the rising cases of insecurity in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari must take some bold steps including proper rejigging of the country’s security architecture as well as a consideration for state police, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have said.

The lawmakers made their positions known on Tuesday when the majority leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, raised the issue under ‘matter of urgent public importance’ at plenary.

They also urged the federal government to get assistance from international organisations if that could help curtail the increased violence, kidnappings and attacks on communities across the country.

Though, they commended the Lagos government for sustaining the security and peace in the state, they urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to provide Close Circuit Television (CCTV) across the state.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, noted that there was an urgent need for President Buhari to address the security challenges facing the country with policies that should be friendly enough to attract foreign investments which would help create more employment for the youths of the country.

“We should start developing policies that have human face. The situation that the country’s youth are passing through should be of concern. We have men and women roaming the streets without jobs or anything to keep them going.

“We should do something substantial beyond giving out N10,000 to youths,” the Speaker said adding that the country must not be run in a way that would make any of its component part feel alienated as this would make the people feel like true stakeholders and reduce secessionist thoughts.

The Speaker said the challenge is huge and necessitates a further call for devolution of power.

Obasa commended the National Assembly for speaking out but added that talking alone would not solve the current situation.

He further suggested that the Lagos government should look at the commercial motorcycle operations in the state in view of recent violent clashes and the fact that some of the riders are foreigners whose identities are not known.

“We should increase the number of our security outfits in Lagos State. We should have CCTV around us to prevent what we don’t want in the state. We must be ahead of every situation in our state,” Speaker Obasa said.

Also speaking on the issue, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, said security challenge was multi-dimensional, adding that there was need for massive recruitment into the security agencies.

“We need security summits which should start from states and then national. We also need massive recruitments into our security agencies. This will reduce the number of people the hoodlums are recruiting and also provide employment for the youths.

“We can purchase arms and weapons from foreign countries and let them give us security intelligence reports,” he suggested.

Earlier, Hon. Agunbiade had lamented the recent rise in violence saying that no zone of the country was free.

“The level of insecurity and violence in our country is deepening. Road travels have become nightmarish, students and academic institutions have become target and are attacked with impunity. Even, our military formations are under attack. Villages and towns have been sacked. Community heads are being kidnapped unabated. It’s as if Nigeria is at war with itself.

“As a House, we have to condemn this rising level of insecurity in its entirety. We commiserate with all the states already affected by these attacks.

“We should call on President Mohammed Buhari, Commander in Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to show more concern by overhauling the security apparatus in a manner that will bring us together as a nation,” he said.

Contributing, Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Somolu 1), said the county was in a troubled state. He added that Boko Haram insurgency has spread beyond Maiduguri where it started from.

According to Olowo, it would be difficult to attract foreign investors to the country with this high rate of insecurity. He suggested that the security architecture of the country should be rejigged without sentiments.

“Boko Haram started from Maiduguri and now they have moved to Kaure in Niger State. Several women were kidnapped in a place some kilometres from Abuja. It started in the north, it is now in the South East, South South and South West,” he lamented.

He also noted the violence that occurred in Lekki and Ojo areas of Lagos on Monday recalling that one of President Buhari’s promises was to tackle insecurity.

“Mr. President is experienced as a military man. We need to rejig our security infrastructure. Also, our neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad and Cameroun are porous,” he said.

On his part, Hon. Lukman Olumoh( Ajeromi Ifelodun 1) lamented the proliferation of firearms into the country.

“Section 14 (B) of the constitution talks about security and welfare. We should look at the roles of West Africa and African Union in all of these.

“There is insecurity in Chad, Niger and other countries. I want to call on African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations to look into these,” he suggested.

Hon. Femi Saheed ( Kosofe 1) said that the country is in a precarious situation.

“There is crisis everywhere. I used to travel from Lagos to Kaduna by road as a student many years back and the people there welcomed me,” Saheed recalled adding that the situation is no longer the same.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), on his part, said: “Insecurity is everywhere, North, South, West, East. No place is safe. LASU/Iyana-Iba and Lekki were boiling yesterday. The Nigeria police is overwhelmed; they have also become victims. Even the Nigerian Army cannot cope.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria must find new ways, we cannot continue like this. Security and welfare of the people are the primary duties of the government. We are trying in Lagos State, but we need to do more. We need to increase the manpower of LNSC, we must give them more equipment.

“The private sector should donate to our security trust fund. We must motivate the security officers. We need to improve our registration agency. We should also have CCTV in strategic places,” he said.

Hon. Rauf Age-Sulaimon (Amuwo-Odofin 2) said to address the security challenges, government must redefine the national interest. He added that there was need to increase police personnel.

“The national interest must be redefined. The government ought to secure lives and properties. The interest of the state and national interest must be paramount.

“If we have enough police and the security institutions are empowered, it would be better. Security is the most important subject in Nigeria now,” he said.

Ecobank Group Declares Superlative Q1 Result; PBT Up 22% to N40.3 billion

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has released its Q1, unaudited results for the period ended March 31st, 2021 showing remarkable performance in all the key financial indices. The Pan African bank recorded a profit Before Tax (PBT) of N40.3 billion, representing 22% increase over the N33 billion reported at the same time in 2020. Profit After Tax (PAT) closed at N30.5 billion.

The result submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Monday indicated a Gross earnings of N214.3 billion representing 10% increase against N194.9 billion during the same period in 2020. Similarly, Revenue went up by 15 per cent to N 164.6 billion; Operating income before impairment losses up by 37 per cent to N 67.0 billion and Total assets went up 1 per cent to N 10.4 trillion. However, Loans and advances to customers went down by 1 per cent to N 3.6 trillion and Total equity also reduced by 2 per cent to N8 trillion.

Analysts linked this remarkable improvement in the Bank’s financials despite global economic challenges to its digital platform and innovative products and services. Ecobank Group CEO, Ade Ayeyemi had said “We are focusing on achieving execution momentum in our payment business, the sustained reliability of all our platforms, driving increased adoption of our products and services, bringing our NPL ratio low and exceeding the expectations of our customers to truly be the pan-African Bank that Africa trusts”. He noted that “these, together with all our investments and achievements to date, will enable us collectively grow revenues and generate long-term return of capital to our shareholders, despite the near- term challenges from COVID-19.”

Workers’ Day: Ecobank Nigeria to Host Webinar On Survival Tips Amidst Rising Inflation

Ecobank Nigeria Limited has concluded plans to host a digital conference as part of its commemoration of this year’s Workers’ Day. According to Korede Demola-Adeniyi; Head, Consumer Banking, the webinar which is scheduled for the 29th of April titled “Inflation and Your Money – Our role As Your Bank” is targeted at educating members of the public on how to manage limited resources at their disposal, stressing that it would also provide tips on savings, borrowing, investments and how Ecobank can be useful to the participants and general public amidst the rising inflation.

According to Mrs. Demola-Adeniyi, though Nigeria recorded early exit from the recession in the fourth quarter of last year, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to impact negatively on the revenues of many corporate entities, businesses and income of individuals; noting that this development has been further compounded by inflation. In her words, “Inflation rate has continued its upward trend to settle at about 18.1% in March with prices of goods rising significantly in the last six months. This, in turn has significantly reduced the disposable income and cash available to consumers.” Consequently, as a bank set up to contribute to economic development, we thought it important to facilitate a discussion during this period of Worker’s Day, that will provide some guidance to our customers and the general public on how they can manage their cash and resources through rising inflation.”

She disclosed that the webinar which will be hosted on the Microsoft Teams’ platform will converge important stakeholders who will discuss the realities of the economy of the country and also proffer solutions on how to stay afloat financially and better manage resources. Some of the speakers include Jimi Ogbobine, FCA – Head, Agusto Consulting Ltd; Fela Popoola, Managing Director, EDC Nigeria Limited and Daberechi Effiong, Head, Consumer Products, Ecobank Nigeria, amongst others.

While imploring members of the public to join the webinar, Mrs. Demola-Adeniyi maintained that “The webinar is bound to provide financial education and financial planning tips to our customers and every other participant. Participants will be informed about relevant investment opportunities to create wealth and most importantly, how the bank can be useful to them at this time. It is important to make an informed decision regarding how to manage your money”.

The Ecobank Digital Series is a virtual programme organised by Ecobank to educate and enlighten the public on crucial issues of public interest, especially as it relates to their financial freedom.

Kindly click https://bit.ly/3elcr5F to register for the webinar.

Imposition Of Monarch Not Part Of Our Tradition, Says Oloto Royal Family

The Oloto Royal Family of Iddo and Lagos Mainland recently urged politicians to stay away from their king-making process, adding that the imposition of monarchs on kingdoms by politicians is allien to their culture and tradition.

The call was made by chiefs of the ruling houses at a recent meeting held in Lagos.

Present were Chief Mohammed Bashir Ayinla Akinola, the Odofin Oba and Secretary of Oloto Royal Family; Chief Lamina K. Akinlolu, the Ojomo Oba and Head Baalo Ruling House; Chief Jubril Adebayo Oloto, the Aro Oba and Head of Olupejobi Ruling House, and Chief Shamusideen Adisa Pedro, the Eletu Oba and Head of Eru-Ifa Ruling House, all representatives of the three ruling house of The Oloto Royal Family of Iddo and Lagos Mainland.

The chiefs revealed that their call for politicians to stay away from their affairs follows speculations of an attempt by some very powerful persons in Lagos State to impose a monarch on the kingdom following the death of the last King, Oba Ganiyu Okeyide Odesanya who reigned between 1990 and 2016.

A statement signed by the Secretary of the ruling houses said “We are dismayed that persons are trying to impose a candidate from Olupejobi ruling house, which produced the past Oba.”

The statement further said “the act is not only against the culture and traditions of the Oloto Royal Family practised over six centuries ago, but against the express provisions of the aforementioned declaration which is an official record of the government of Lagos State.”

Chief Jubril Adebayo Oloto, the Aro Oba and Head of Olupejobi Ruling House while speaking noted that prior to the installation of Oba Okeyide Odesanya, the chiefs, kingmakers, branch heads and entire Oloto Royal Family identified three ruling houses in Otto namely Olupejobi, Baalo, and Eru-Ifa Ruling houses, with succession to the throne to rotate from Olupejobi through Baalo to Eru-Ifa ruling houses.

He further noted that the attempt at imposing a candidate on the kingdom is against the express declaration of late Oba Okeyide Odesanya whose wish and declaration was that a person from Baalo ruling house should succeed him.

According to him, the move to impose a candidate from the ruling house which produced the last Oba is one which if allowed to succeed will breed problems in Otto and distort the peaceful co-existence of the people in the area.

He thus urged people who are not familiar with the culture and tradition of the kingdom to halt their attempt at causing unrest with their planned imposition of a candidate outside the ruling house who is supposed to produce the next monarch, adding that the ruling houses are capable of handling their affairs.

YABATECH STARTS MUSIC CERTIFICATES COURSES

One of Nigeria’s foremost institutions of learning, the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has decided to meet the yearnings of many Nigerian youths by introducing the first of its kind music certificate courses.

The program which is the brain-child of YABATECH Consult Limited an entity of Yaba College of Technology in collaboration with Diamond Well Integrated Concepts Limited will be offering Basic Certificate in the following courses;

Music Production and Engineering
Music Law
Music Business.

This three months program is structured to address the pressing demand for courses that will solve problems ravaging Nigeria booming music industry in terms of Production and Engineering, Law and Business.

The program will also help tilt the exuberance of many Nigerian youths towards creative and marketable music.

For more information, visit our website http://yabatech.edu.ng/music

GAGE Awards 2020: REDTV’s TMC Named ‘Web Series of the Year 2020’

The Men’s Club (TMC), Africa’s highly anticipated online series powered by the United Bank for Africa’s Lifestyle and Entertainment channel, REDTV, has emerged the winner of Gage’s Awards’ Web Series of the Year 2020.

Following a thorough audit by the organisers of the awards, TMC which was nominated alongside four other popular online shows, clinched the highly coveted award, and was announced as the winner in an elaborate virtual event which was held on Saturday, April 24^th,2021.

Now in its third season, TMC is one of the top hits from REDTV, producers of other popular shows like Our Best Friend’s Wedding, Inspector K, Assistant Madams, RedHot Topics, Hotel Boutique and a host of other entertaining content.

The Men’s Club has enjoyed a huge following since its launch in 2018, taking viewers on a roller-coaster ride with Africa’s hottest screen men – Ayoola Ayoola, Efa Iwara, Daniel Etim and Baaj Adegbule. Their adventure filled with love, friendship, fear, betrayal and Romance has had viewers clamoring for more. The show also stars top actors like Sharon Ooja, Mimi Chaka, Folu Storms and features some of Nollywood’s finest legends like Sola Sobowale and Shaffy Bello.

Executive Producer, REDTV, Bola Atta, thanked the organisers of the Gage awards for the recognition as she elaborated on the mission of REDTV since it was birthed five years ago. She said, “REDTV was set up to support Africa’s creative industry. Developing and nurturing talent is what we are most focused on as we make available opportunities for creative people across the continent. We do this through the creation of compelling and positive stories about Africa and Africans’.

Acknowledging UBA’s continuous investment in REDTV and in SMEs, Atta who is also the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, said, “REDTV was birthed by the United Bank for Africa, to support the youths and the creative sector in Nigeria and across the African continent and for over five years we have been creating employment through entertainment. At UBA, we aim to empower talented and creative professionals in the pursuit of their dreams whilst they contribute to economic growth.

She disclosed that the online platform will be launching more pan- African content in the next few weeks, which she stated, will further connect African talent to the world, providing the best in entertainment and storytelling to its teeming fans.

Organisers of the awards, said the aim of the Gage Awards, which is in its second year, is to recognise institutions that have added value towards making the internet a haven for the development of African content.

REDTV is a fast-paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by UBA, the network aims to entertain and inform through rich and engaging content that feature the very best of Africa focused on fashion, news, music, sports, drama, travel and much more.

REDTV collaborates with the most talented visionaries and creative minds who dare to believe in a New Africa, putting together content that reflect its vision.

Cleric Chides Garba Shehu, Warn Gov. Hope Uzodinma

The leader of INRI evangelical spiritual church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has released a strong message for the governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma regarding the unfortunate events that has been happening in Imo state for some time.

We recall that yesterday, the country home of the governor was attacked and razed by fire, with properties and vehicles getting burnt to ashes.

Primate Ayodele in a live session revealed that Governor Hope Uzodinma is being fought by forces of Imo land and that they want to ensure the state is ungovernable for him.

The man of God made it known that this is happening because Hope Uzodinma became governor in a wrong way, and that he is not meant to be governor of the state, hence, the coming together of forces to fight him.

He however stated that the solution for peace to return to Imo state is returning Emeka Ihedioha as governor of the state, if not, the forces will continue to attack.

‘’ It’s unfortunate that this happened to Hope Uzodinma who has been working well to see that everything goes well in his state.

The fact is the forces are fighting the governor and that is why the state is being ungovernable for him. There is a conspiracy in his government and the forces of the land are fighting him. This happens when something that doesn’t belong to you is given to you; forces will come together to fight you, forces are fighting him, let them do what is right by restoring Emeka Iheadioha back as governor of the state for peace to reign’’

Also, the man of God blasted the SSA On media to President Buhari, Garba Shehu for his comments on Isa Pantami’s travails.

Garba Shehu had said that Isa Pantami, a minister of communications was young when he made some statements that encouraged terrorism, and that he has changed his orientation now.

Also, he compared the situation of Isa Pantami to that of Kemi Adeosun who resigned due to some discrepancies in her NYSC ceritificate. The presidential aide noted that Kemi Adeosun’s case is higher than Isa Pantami’s.

Primate Ayodele in his reaction maintained that Garba Shehu is one of the people misleading this government, and that he needs to think deeply before saying anything.

‘Garba shehu is one of the people misleading Buhari’s government, I am not sure he thinks very deeply before commenting on issues, Kemi Adeosun’s case doesn’t even warrant resignation because it was not totally her fault, but she willingly resigned because she is a woman of integrity, honour and note when she discovered that her certificates are not in order

But what Pantami has done is related to terrorism, it involved terrorist groups, its shameful, he doesn’t even need to say anything, the first thing is to resign before anything if he is an honorable person, this position they are dragging is just for the main time, why stain yourself forever for a post that won’t exceed eight years? Garba shehu also needs to be investigated for supporting Isa Pantami in such way, With Isa Pantami in this cabinet, it’s a disgrace to Nigeria, this will cause chaos, conspiracy in his government, why must he still be there, on what account? Are they serving the nation or their pocket? Someone who is serving the nation will leave with honour and not wait till anyone to molest him because as it is now, he has been molested by this act. This also berates out DSS, Senators who did screening for him’’

Furthermore, He adviced the government to beef up the security in nigerian universities because the terrorists are everywhere in the country.