The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Lawan denies defection to PDP

    Lawan denies defection to PDP

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Saturday denied he has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He described a viral video portraying him as having dumped the ruling party as fake.

    The Special Adviser (Media) to the Senate President, Ola Awoniyi, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

    The statement reads: “We have seen on the social media a video clip in which the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, purportedly announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “The original video clip, which was mischievously edited to 26 secs, is a three minutes 30 seconds clip of the Senate President reading the letter by His Excellency, Senator Muhammad Adamu Ailero of Kebbi State, informing his Distinguished senator colleagues at plenary of his defection from the APC to the PDP over issues in the state chapter of the APC.

    Read Also: Lawan, Akpabio make list of senatorial candidates as INEC deadline expires

    “It is common knowledge that the Senate resumed from a recess on Tuesday and adjourned sitting on Wednesday to next Tuesday.

    “So how could the Senate President have made such announcement at plenary either on Tuesday or Wednesday without it being reported by journalists who covered the proceedings?

    “The fact is that, at the commencement of the session on Tuesday, the Senate President read out some correspondences, one of which was the said letter written by Senator Aliero.

    “Senator Aliero was not the only senator that officially announced his defection this week from one party to another.

    “It was the video clip of the Senate President reading out Senator Aliero’s letter that was doctored to give the wrong impression that Lawan has renounced his membership of APC.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Ahmad Lawan is a committed member of the APC and has no reason whatsoever to renounce his membership of the party.

    “Members of the public are hereby enjoined to discountenance the video in reference as it is the handiwork of mischief makers.”

  • Angel to fans: you can drag me but not my parents

    Angel to fans: you can drag me but not my parents

    Former BBN’s housemate, Angel Agnes Smith has slammed Twitter followers for asking if fellow housemate gave her parents money.

    The “Shine ya eye” season housemate has admonished fans not come up with stories in a bid to bully her parents as she might accede to dragging but not to her amazing parents

    “Y’all will bully my parents for literally nothing to fit into a narrative that doesn’t make any sense; you can drag me, but leave those amazing people out of it; it won’t fly around here,” she wrote.

    This response was generated as a result of question by a tweep with the username @bidemi_brooke.

    Read Also: Claiming married on BBNajia show was a strategy – Tega

    She said: “Cross gave Angels father and mother money?”

    Reacting to it, Angel wrote: “Are you out of your stupid ass mind??? Don’t try me this evening. My father and your boy did a charity case together and they donated to an orphanage. Cut that bs out.

    Reiterating on the need to being defensive about her parent, she added: “And let everyone call me angry and defensive; I do not care. Whatever narrative about me can fly but you see my parents? You will not dare label them as beggars.”

  • Group urges Rivers Govt to tackle soot menace

    Group urges Rivers Govt to tackle soot menace

    The Director of Programmes, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), an NGO, Mr Philip Jakpor, has appealed to Rivers Government to tackle soot menace for safety of residents of the state.
    Soot otherwise ashes, smudge, residue or sediments, is a term for particle pollution known as PM 2.5, which is a particulate matter 2.5 moctrometres in diameter or smaller.
    Soot is composed of a variety of chemicals and its composition, depends strongly on what is being burnt.
    Jakpor made the appeal at a-day media workshop organised by the Civil Society/Communities/on Soot Pollution on Friday in Port Harcourt.
    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that soot can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or via the skin and eyes.
    The toxic particles can cause breathing issues, including asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease and even cancer.
    Infants, the elderly and those who already have breathing problems are the most affected.
    Jakpor said there was need for government to tackle soot menace in Rivers State, adding that it was also being experienced in other parts of the Niger Delta.
    He urged Civil Society and Community groups to continue advocating for fair treatment of impacted communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    Read Also: ‘Rivers youths’ clash with PHEDC cause of Bayelsa power outage’

    Similarly, Mr Ken Henshaw, Executive Director, “We the People”, said that the Petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) had not protected the interest of impacted communities in the Niger Delta.
    According to him, PIA is supposed to be an opportunity to address the problem, but it failed woefully in addressing it.
    Henshaw said that PIA sought strategies to better protect the complex matrix of pipelines across the swamp creeks and rivers of the Niger Delta region.
    “What the PIA has done is to conclude that communities are the ones stealing crude oil.
    “PIA says any act that sabotages production, including disobedience, genuine protest by communities that block the entrance of an oil company can be interpreted by that oil company as disruption of production process and that can lead to loss of benefit aquarium from the PIA,” he said.
    Henshaw called on oil companies to take responsibility for clean-up of the pollution of their work environment than divesting to offshore, away from the polluted creeks of Niger Delta Region.
    He urged government to put frameworks in place to ensure that all companies diversifying and leaving the polluted areas, must clean-up their mess and restore the livelihoods of the people before they leave, otherwise they should be held accountable.

    (NAN)

  • Excited lady delivers art work to Obi Cubana

    Excited lady delivers art work to Obi Cubana

    A lady has been left ecstatic after being received by billionaire businessman, Obi Cubana in his office on Friday.

    Celesta Jonah took an art work she made of the Cubana Group CEO and wife.

    The art work, a black a white painting of the couple happily posing with their latest launched brand, was delivered to Obi Cubana as a gift from Jonah in celebration of his 14th wedding anniversary.

    Read Also: Obi Cubana, wife celebrate 14th wedding anniversary

    Excitedly posing for some shots with the nightlight boss, holding the portrait artwork in from of them, Celesta wrote: “It was really nice meeting Obi Cubana I’m happy he so much loves my art.”

  • Maplandi launches in Nigeria, offer massive incentives

    Maplandi launches in Nigeria, offer massive incentives

    The official launch of Maplandi group, a digital, marketing, networking and real estate firm, in Nigeria holds on Saturday, June 18.

    The launch is slated for The Pertinence Hall 2-7 Tinuola close off Egbeda/Akowonjo by 10am with the theme wisdom secrets for wealth creation.

    A statement by the group said it will unfold packages that will deliver real wealth to Nigerians and Africans in general in the areas of real estate, agriculture, technology and education among others at the launch.

    Some of these include free plots of land, discount of up to 50 percent and free registration as a member of Maplandi.

    Qualified members will also get quarterly incentives such as brand new TV sets, phones and wristwatches, among others.

    The MD/CEO of Resource Intermediaries Ltd Olusoji Oyawole will be the guest speaker at the launch. Others expected include Amos Yeboah, President of Maplandi; Mr Jonathan Okey, Vice President/CEO of FarmsMap Ltd and CEO Landmap Ltd Oluwasegun Oluwasanmi, among others.

  • Why I won’t be Peter Obi’s running mate – Aisha Yesufu

    Why I won’t be Peter Obi’s running mate – Aisha Yesufu

    Co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu on Friday put paid to speculation linking her as the Labour Party (LP) running mate for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 presidential election.

    Yesufu, 48, gave 10 reasons why she could not be Obi’s vice.

    Her response followed pressure by youths on the social media space since last Saturday, pushing the LP to pick her as Mr Obi’s partner in the presidential race.
    For instance, the Peter Obi Support Network (POSN) a mobilisation dragnet populated by young Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora pushed for their Principal to consider Yesufu as his running mate.

    “Campaign” posters of Obi and Yesufu also flooded Twitter and other social media spaces on Saturday.

    Obi, who is yet to choose a running mate, has been drawing strong support among the youth on social media and in his home Southeast.

    Aisha, who on June 10 endorsed the candidacy of the former governor of Anambra State. explained why she could not be his running mate in a tweet on her Twitter handle.

    She said: “For those who have been asking, here are 10 reasons I cannot be Peter Obi @PeterObi ‘s running mate!
    “1) I am not at a place to serve. Anything I do, I do with my heart, body and soul. Until I know I can serve Nigeria with everything and be accountable I wouldn’t!
    “2) I am from South-South, Peter Obi is South East (An all-Southern ticket is insensitive just like Muslim-Muslim one). For many who still do not know. I am from Agbede (Kukuruku empire) in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State!
    My coconut head comes from ancestors!
    “3) I am a very passionate person and unafraid to step on toes on issues of justice, accountability and human rights and there are people who love me dearly and also others who hate me passionately. At this fragile time, Peter Obi cannot afford to antagonise any group! Perception is key!

    Read Also: Okey Bakassi pledges vote for Peter Obi

    “4) So my support for Peter Obi will do more good than me being his running mate. Those who love me will jump on board. Those who hate me will be able to overlook it as I am only a supporter! (We have to think a million steps ahead)
    “5) I love campaigns! I can sell someone but I will not be able to sell myself. Vote for me because I am a better candidate! Who told me I am a better candidate?! I can say vote for him or her because he or she is a better candidate. Even in business, I can’t market my goods
    “6) I am not a process person and not too good with day-to-day management. I am more of a strategist. I can gauge a situation and see an angle people are not looking at or focused on or I can to an extent see how a situation will play out. I prefer working on where my strength is!
    “7) I will not make a good party person for now because I cannot keep quiet when a party does anyhow because it is my party. They will suspend me for anti-party activities
    “8) I love the freedom of controlling my time! As a public servant, or elected official or an appointee, I will give up that freedom. I will now have to go to the office daily and on time. I cannot travel out when I want and stay as long as I want if I am a public servant.
    “9) Also I will not be able to talk anyhow to people who come to my TL and do anyhow because they would be my bosses as per taxpayers! I love my mouth too much
    You people know I don’t subscribe to the ideology of if they go low you go high!
    “10) The last but not the least is that I will be forced to be politically correct. Not saying things that should be said but things that will make people feel good! No way! I am a person at peace because my outside matches my inside always. How I feel inside is what you see outside!”

    Obi announced on Tuesday that he was leaving for Egypt on a three-day to understudy the country’s power, education, planning and finance sectors.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for the submission of presidential candidates and the vice-presidential candidates was expected to end at 6pm on June 17.

  • Okey Bakassi pledges vote for Peter Obi

    Okey Bakassi pledges vote for Peter Obi

    Popular stand-up comedian-cum-actor, Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule aka Okey Bakassi has declared full support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi.

    Okey Bakassi speaking in a recent video shared on his Instagram page, said he’s been doing a lot of thinking on the forthcoming general elections and how to get it right as a people.

    The media personality took time to recount his presidential candidates through the years from the different geo-political zones.

    He eventually came to conclusion that he would cast his vote for the former Anambra Governor simply because, he’s the best candidate to move the country forward.

    Okey Bakassi said: “I’ve been thinking about Nigeria and our quest for good leadership.

    Read Also: Mbaka apologises for ‘stingy man’ comment on Peter Obi

    “I voted for Abiola. M.K.O Abiola, the very vibrant M.K.O. I voted for him. He was from the South-West.

    “I voted for Obasanjo, he’s also from the South-West.

    “I voted for Yar’Adua, he’s from the North. After Yar’Adua came Jonathan. I voted for Jonathan, from the Niger Delta.

    “I voted for Atiku Abubakar, from the North.

    “In 2023, let me just vote for Peter Obi from the South-East. I will vote for Peter. Not just because of balance. He’s the best candidate Nigeria needs to move forward.

    “Your own choice is yours. Bye!”

    “It’s my choice!#2023isimportant,” inthe video caption reads.

  • Police interrogate lady over alleged kidnap

    Police interrogate lady over alleged kidnap

    The police have detained Amira Safiyanu who claimed to have been kidnapped with 17 others at gunpoint on June 14.

    Though Amira Safiyanu has been found, the scenario surrounding the kidnap saga, according to the police, is still sketchy.

    Amira Safiyanu, who was an alleged kidnap victim, shared the location where she was being held on Twitter, claiming her abductors were dressed in police uniform and came with a van stating “they were four Yoruba and two Fulani men.

    The abducted victims, she said, were three pregnant women and two children.

    Read Also: Twitter user’s claim on kidnap of 17 suspicious – Police

    She tweeted allegedly from the kidnappers’ den: “The kidnappers have divided us into two vehicles, different vehicles heading towards Ilorin, Ibadan and Ikeja”.

    But a tatement on Friday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said: “Amira Safiyanu who claimed to have been kidnapped along with 17 others by some policemen at gunpoint on 14th June, 2022, has been found.

    “We have some suspicions about her claims as we debunk the kidnap of 17 others. We have some findings to make in order to get a clearer picture of the whole scenario and take proper decisions as and when due. We will keep the general public abreast of our findings as soon as possible. Thank you”.

  • Mbaka apologises for ‘stingy man’ comment on Peter Obi

    Mbaka apologises for ‘stingy man’ comment on Peter Obi

    Under fire Catholic priest and Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka on Friday apologised to presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi for maligning him and injuring his supporters.

    Mbaka on Wednesday described the former Anambra Governor as a stingy man, insisting that he would never become President.

    The cleric declared that Obi could only become the president when God ceases to exist, adding that the former Governor was cursed.

    According to the priest, it was better to have an old man as President than a ‘stingy young man’.

    Mbaka’s remarks drew flaks from various quarters, prompting the Enugu Catholic Diocese to immediately disown him.

    In a statement he personally signed on Friday, Mbaka said his intention was not to malign Obi’s image but to pray for him.

    “In any way, the supporters of Mr. Peter Obi feel offended by my utterances or however I was misunderstood by them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness.

    “As a servant of the Most High God, I pray that it shall be well with my people. I am an ardent supporter of good governance, justice, equity, love, and godliness.

    Read Also: Enugu Catholic Diocese disowns Mbaka over attack on Peter Obi

    “My intention is not to fight or malign Mr. Peter Obi. He is my friend and remains my friend and brother I love him and I wish him success. May God bless him and his good supporters. God’s will be done in his political endeavors.

    “The followers of Peter Obi are the same youths I am praying for, sacrificing for, fighting for, speaking for, and working for their integral well-being.

    “What the youths are passing through and their conditions give me sleepless nights. It is for this reason that I yearn for good governance and worthy leaders that will take care of them.

    “We are passing through indescribable, unbearable, and undeserved hardship in this country. I pray for Divine intervention.

    “I am not in any political party but I support good people and good governance. Any good person that God can give us is my choice candidate.

    ”I am a servant of God; For the sake of peace, I ask for forgiveness in any way I am misunderstood. And to Peter Obi himself, I ask God to bless him and manifest his will in his life. When God says yes, who can say no? And when God says no, who can say yes?”

  • Claiming married on BBNajia show was a strategy – Tega

    Claiming married on BBNajia show was a strategy – Tega

    Former “Shine Ya Eye” housemate, Tega Dominic has stated claiming she was married on the show was an after-thought strategy.

    At Thursday’s reunion show, the mother of one’s attempted to defend her entanglement with fellow housemate, Boma Akpore.

    Tega claimed her marriage to Ajeboh Krislawrence crashed in 2020, insisting she decided to play the married woman card to help her chances on the show.

    “For a fact, I didn’t go into the show as married. I went in as separated. In all my interviews, I clearly stated it. I went in as separated.

    Read Also: BBN reunion: I came ready for people who couldn’t get my name off their mouth-Beatrice

    “During our conversations and introductions, I just said well I’m married and I have a kid. That was supposed to be a strategy.

    “Getting deep into the show, I then discovered that this was doing something great in a bad way to me,” she said.

    On her affair with Boma, Tega said: “To me, everything that was going on between me and Boma was all a cruise.”

    Boma also corroborated Tega’s claim, noting she informed him her marriage had ended.

    He said he presumed he was dealing with a single woman during the show.