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  • 33 NYSC members get service extension, 25 abscond in Oyo

    The Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Eniola Ambekemo, on Thursday, said no fewer than 33 outgoing 2018 batch C NYSC members out of 4,716 in the state had received extension of service letters.

    Ambekemo, who made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, added that 25 of the outgoing members absconded from service.

    She said their offences ranged from absenteeism to abscondment in their places of primary assignments.

    “However, one of them, Adebanjo Diekolola, received state honours award for carrying out medical outreaches, market sensitisation on genotype, sinking of deep wells at Ogunrinde village, among others.

    “We have Fabunmi Tobiloba and David Adeyemi, who received commendation certificates: we are proud of you for your various efforts at developing your host communities; well done for exhibiting a high sense of discipline and resilience,” she said.

    She also urged them to balance their life experiences both at the university as well as that of their service year in order to face the challenges of life.

    Read Also: Corps members’ pay tied to minimum wage – NYSC DG

    Ambekemo advised them to always make a positive difference wherever they would be and make meaningful contributions to the society.

    The coodinator further warned the outgoing members to avoid the get-rich-quick syndrome, which might put most youths in horrifying and devastating conditions.

    She reminded them of the non-availability of white-collar jobs, which made the NYSC management to enforce skill acquisition on them right from the orientation camp.

    The coordinator also advised them to apply the skills they acquired in establishing meaningful ventures rather than searching for non-existing jobs.

    “That may be the skill that will transform your life, Oyo State people will forever be grateful for the selfless services you rendered them. I wish you outstanding success, God’s guidance as you face the world,” she said.

  • Bayelsa/Kogi polls: candidates not validly nominated disqualified — INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says that all the candidates disqualified for Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections were not validly nominated by their political parties.

    Mr Festus Okoye, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said this on Thursday during a “Youth Campus” sensitisation programme organised by the Commission at the Niger-Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa.

    Okoye was reacting to claims by the candidates that they were disqualified by INEC.

    The two-day programme, which started on Wednesday, was to enlighten the youth on the need to participate in electoral processes without causing disorder.

    Okoye, also a National Commissioner, blamed the political parties for presenting candidates who did not meet the minimum requirements as spelt out by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    “No qualified candidate was disqualified, so, since some of the political parties did not submit valid nominations, the commission decided not to put them on ballot.

    “In this process, the political parties cannot ask for substitution of candidates as their nominations are invalid in the first place.

    “It is expected that any political party that wants to sponsor candidates for elections must know the provisions of the Constitution.

    “For you to submit candidates, you must know the basics according to Section 172 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    “So, it is on the basis of the provisions of the Constitution that some political parties presented candidates that did not meet the minimum threshold for contesting for the election.

    “We say that their nominations were invalid and because of the invalidity of their nominations, we say that they will not be on the ballot.

    Read Also: ‘Lyon’s popularity alone can’t win Bayelsa for APC’

    “I must tell you that the commission did not disqualify any candidate and any candidate that submitted invalid nomination, it is deemed that no nomination was submitted.

    “And so if you did not submit any valid nomination, you cannot ask for a substitution because you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand,” he said.

    The two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday concluded the processes of producing candidates for the elections.

    In Kogi, the incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello emerged as the APC candidate, while Musa Wada, an engineer, emerged as PDP candidate.

    In Bayelsa, a senator, Diri Duoye, emerged as the PDP candidate while David Lyon emerged as APC candidate.

  • BREAKING: Senate passes MTEF/FSP

    The Senate on Thursday passed the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) submitted to it by President Muhammadu Buhari last week.

    This followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senator Solomon Adeola-led Senate Committee on Finance by the Red Chamber in Abuja.

    The upper chamber in the approved MTEF/FSP for 2020-2022 increased the Federal Government’s proposed expenditure for 2020 from N10.002trillion to N10,729.4trillion.

    The Senate also increased the oil benchmark from $55 per barrel to $57 per barrel, representing a $2 increase.

    The Senate also increased the 2020 revenue target by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by N557.4billion, that is, from N942.6 billion to N1.5trillion.

    It, however, retained the exchange rate at N305 per dollar and oil production benchmark at 2.18mbpd as proposed in the MTEF/FSP by the executive.

    The Committee also recommended the adoption of N1.5 trillion as the amount for new borrowing by the Federal Government in 2020, as a result of reduction of N200 billion which was sourced from the increase of revenue target of the Nigeria Custom Service.

    The Committee further called for an urgent review and amendment to the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA Act) and the various laws of the revenue generating agencies to align with current realities.

    This information form part of the recommendations of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance report on 2020-2022 MTEF/FSP which was considered by the Senate in Abuja on Thursday.

    The Committee’s recommendations which were approved by the Senate are as follows:

    “Following intensive engagement with NNPC and relevant information obtained during the session, the Committee recommends the adoption of 2.18mbpd as daily production output in 2020. In view of concerted effort by NNPC and security agencies the menaces of oil theft and vandalization, the 2.18mbpd would be realizable.

    “The Committee recommends the adoption of $57/barrel as crude oil benchmark price for the fiscal ear 2020.

    “The revenue target of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of N942.6 billion for 2020 should be increased to N1.5 trillion, as a result of the performance of NSC in last 9 months with 3 months still outstanding.

    “The NCS revenue as at September stood at N1 trillion against the budget figure of N969. 8 billion for the year 2019. The Joint Committee commends the NCS for exceeding the targeted revenue despite the global economic challenges and closure of the Nigerian borders.

    “The sum of N557.4 billion from the revenue increment of NCS be used to reduce borrowing by N200 billion and increase capital expenditure thereby decreasing the size of the budget deficit from N1.7 trillion to N1.5 trillion and also increase the total capital available to MDA by N357 billion, from N1.01 trillion to N1.367 triilion.

    “The exchange rate of N305/$ should be maintained for economic stability. While more work should be done by the Honourable Minister of Finance and all economic advisers and her team on improving the economic growth by increasing the GDP and reducing the inflation rate to single digit.

    “The saving on income accruing from the increase of the benchmark amounting to N172 billion which represent the Federal government potion of the $2 added to the benchmark be used to pay salaries and emolument of the proposed 30,000 new employees.

    “Proper investigation be carried out on the e-collection stamp duties domicile with Central Bank of Nigeria for the past years so as to show probity and accountability and of course increase the revenue base of the country.

    “Immediate amendment of the National Assembly Act on Production sharing Contracts (PSC) with lOCs. Proper investigation be carried out on NNPC so as to ascertain the actual cost associated with the Joint Venture agreements.

    “More Government Owned Enterprises budget be added to the nation’s budget to ensure proper checks and balances among all Federal Government agencies.

    “Debt Management Office (DMO) should put more efforts and strategies in managing foreign and local debts.

    “Total estimated expenditure of the Federal Government should be increased from N10.002 trillion to N10,729.4trillion.

    “National Assembly should expedite action on the passage of the finance bill which will be brought along with the National Budget into Law for easy implementation of the 2020 budget, most especially in the area of VAT.

    “The Committee calls for an urgent review/amendment to the FRA Act and the various Laws of the revenue-generating agencies to align with current realities.

    “The Committee recommends earmarking 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to be classified as Statutory Transfer.

    “The Committee recommends the adoption of N1.5 trillion as the amount for New Borrowing as a result of reduction of N200 billion which was sourced from the increase of revenue target of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “However borrowing must be project tied. ln borrowing more government must remain focused and ensure that it used to fund critical projects that will increase productivity and contribute to finance financing such debt.”

    The Committee in its findings observed that crude oil receipt accounted for over 50% of Federal Government revenue and about 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

    “Therefore crude oil production and export will continue to have important implication on Federal fiscal operation.

    “Over the last 3 years crude production average 1.92mbpd however, following consultations with stakeholders, crude oil production is estimated at 2.18mbpd, 2.2mbpd and 2.3mbpd in 2020, 2021 and 2022,” the committee said.

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    The committee also noted that oil prices had generally been rising since April 2016 as Bonny light crude oil price rose from an average of $43 per barrel in 2016 to $56.2 in 2017 and $72.1 in 2018 partly due to geographical tensions.

    It said that 2019, bonny light crude oil price increased steadily from January average of $60/barrel (to) a six-year high well above $70/barrel between April and May 2019.

    “It is noteworthy, that volatility of crude all markets and fluctuating price requires constant review and forecast.

    “The non-oil revenue for 2020, 2021 and 2022 is budgeted to be as follows: N1,836,693,720.000; N2,205,807,930,754 and N2,337,091,481,680 respectively,” the committee said.

    The Committee further said it observed during the public hearing on the 2020-2022 MTEF & FSP, that the salaries and remunerations for the proposed recruitment of 30,000 personnel in Police, Army, Immigration and Civil defence was not captured.

    It also said that the total VAT proposed in the 2020-2022 MTEF/FSP amounting to N23trillion can be realized only after the amendment of the Finance bill is passed into law by the National Assembly.

    The Committee however frowned at the attitude of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the under disclosure of the e-collection of stamp duties.

    The Committee further observed that the activities of NNPC as it relates to cost of production is shrouded in secrecy, “the direct deduction of cost from revenue without recourse to relevant agencies of government is unacceptable.”

    It also noted that 10 Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) budget would be presented along with the 2020 National Budget

    “These GOES include FAAN, NCAA, NlMASA, NPA, NAMA, Shippers Council, NDIC, NCC e.t.c.,” the Committee said.

    The findings read in part: “The Committee observed that the exchange rate of N305/$ is maintained over the past three years. Also noted that the GDP growth rate is currently standing at 2.93% and an inflation rate at 10.81%

    “That most of the revenue-generating agencies have failed to comply with relevant extant law of the Fiscal Responsibility Act which stipulates payment of 80% of Operational surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

    “The Committee observed that the Federal Government is stepping up investment in health and education to fill the skills gap in the economy, and meet the international target set under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “The Federal Government is earmarking 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Funds to finance the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to be classified as Statutory Transfer. Federal Government believes that investing in people is a core objective of ERGP.

    “Government is taking steps to enhance human capital development particularly in health, education and social intervention programs in other to reduce poverty.

    “Based on the joint IMF-World bank debt sustainability framework which has a Debt/GDP threshold of 56% for Countries in Nigeria’s Peer Group, Nigeria’s debt is expected to remain sustainable within the MTEF period.

    “This implies that Nigeria Debt/GDP ratio of 19.39% can afford it to expand its borrowing limits. As at 31st December, 2018 Nigeria public debt stock is valued at N24.387 trillion ($79.436 billion), rising at an average of 12.24% per annum.

    “With regard to 2020 fiscal year, the estimated budget deficit is N1.70 trillion and it will largely be financed through borrowing as it has been the tradition while also additional financing of N252.08 billion will be derived from Privatization Proceeds and N328.13 billion from loans secured for specific developmental projects.

    “The Committee further observed that Nigeria’s current debt profile is not alarming as expressed in some but within the threshold of 3% as contained in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.”

    Each of the recommendations were unanimously adopted by the Senate when they were put to voice vote by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan.

  • JUST IN: Osinbajo, Ndume meet in Aso Rock

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday met behind closed doors with the former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume.

    The meeting started few minutes past 1pm at the Vice President’s office.

    Ndume, had in June this year contested against Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who was the anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 9th Senate Presidency.

    Ndume lost to Lawan during the election in the Senate.

    The meeting with the Vice President was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Delta students to get N381m Bursary in 2019

    The Government of Delta has approved N381 million for the 2018/2019 bursary scheme for its students in higher institutions.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday in Asaba.

    Aniagwu, who was in company with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika said that the state government approved that over 17,000 students benefit from the assistance.

    “Government has approved the sum of 381 million naira for the 2018/2019 bursary scheme for students of Delta State origin in higher institutions in the country. Over 17,000 students will benefit from this scheme from the over 24,000 students that applied.

    He disclosed that government has also approved the recertification of all co-operative societies in the state to ensure that they meet best practices and they truly reflect the yearnings and aspirations of their members.

    Read Also; Councilor assassinated in Delta

    Aniagwu also disclosed that EXCO has approved the reorganization of the Ministry of Oil and Gas with the creation of additional six departments to ensure that the Ministry meet up its mandate of monitoring the activities of the oil sector in the state.

    While expressing government’s concern on environmental cleaning, the commissioner said that government would soon embark on the clearance of illegal structures on our highways to ensure safety of motorists and other deltans on these roads.

    On the palliative measures on ‘federal roads, he said that the state government would continue to carry out the repairs of the roads as they impact more on the state economy and the lives of deltans.

  • ‘Lyon’s popularity alone can’t win Bayelsa for APC’

    Ex-militant leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa,s State, Eris Paul, popularly known as Ogunboss, has warned leaders of the party against carefree attitude in their approach to win the November 16 governorship election.

    Ogunboss particularly urged the national and state leaders of the party not to underrate the Peoples Democratic Party and its state leader, Governor Seriake Dickson, ahead of the poll.

    Speaking in Yenagoa, the state capital, the ex-creek warlord insisted that winning the forthcoming election would go beyond the popularity and wide acceptance of the party’s candidate, Chief David Lyon.

    He said the APC must avoid nonchalant attitude, overconfidence and embrace hard work, early preparations by quickly setting up campaign structures in units, wards and the state levels.

    Ogunboss, who hails from Southern Ijaw observed that the APC has so far dominated the political stage of the state following the acceptance of its candidate and political errors of the PDP.

    But he said the APC should be serious from the beginning to the end and stop parading itself as if it had won the election.

    He said: I am shocked when some party faithful claim that we have gotten the crowd, the numbers and even the publicity is on our side. But that does not get the job done. The might, the crowd, the number and media publicity are good designs. A good design in politics is a great combination of common sense, but not enough to say you have already arrived

    “Yes, you have the chances and opportunity that are knocking on our door as APC, but the most common way people give out their chances is by thinking they have arrived when they have not.

    “Elections are won by structures not by number of defectors. The same way theatres and actors were required for the creation of the world, so are structures required to win a governorship election.

    ‘What are our structures? Where are our theatres and actors to win the elections? Good designs are not foundations of a map. A map is not the territory it represents, but the ground it occupied. Dickson is not an easy target in an election.

    Read Also: Post primary: Court orders substituted service on Lyon, running mate

    “I repeat, Dickson is not an easy fight during an election. You’re going to territories that were once structured by PDP and they are surviving like old monuments or quaint customs’.

    “This is time to break thumbs, smatch quaint customs, kick structures to build structures or its medicine after death. Efforts and courage alone is not enough to win an election, this is time for direction, know your job, go down and kickstart the job. You have a task that challenges your human excellence and definitiveness because no fixed purpose in any struggle is lost”.

    Ogunboss also called on the Chief Dikivie Ikhiogha Committee on peace and reconciliation to reach out to known party chieftains that may have become aggrieved before and after the Governorship primaries of the party to shealt their swords and work for the victory of the party.

    “Though every member of the party have the right to be aggrieved if wronged, the preparation of the party and the setting up of a peace and reconciliation committee should be seen as an indication to embrace dialogue and work for the victory of the party”, he said.

  • ‘Enormous’ economic potentials in Sapele, Warri other ports revival – Omo-Agege

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has described as “enormous,” the economic gains to be derived from reviving the Sapele, Warri, Burutu, and other ports in Delta state.

    He also harped on the need for oneness in Urhobo nation, urging its leaders to prioritize the interest of the ethnic nationality in their different dispositions.

    The DSP spoke at the inaugural public lecture of the Urhobo Renaissance Movement (URM), held Tuesday, at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun.

    URM, a group of professionals of Urhobo extraction, seeks to “rekindle the spirit of unity” and promote development across Urhobo nation.

    Represented by an aide, Chuks Erhire, Senator Omo-Agege said rebirthing the culture of Urhobo people will include developing the economic and social sectors of the land.

    “Your task in cultural renaissance, as you know, has to take into account the totality of our ‘Urhoboness’. It is in this context that I understand your earlier call on the federal authorities to resuscitate the six sea ports in Urhobo and adjourning lands that have since been abandoned or closed to commercial traffic. These include Sapele, Warri, Koko, Forcados, Burutu and Escravos ports.

    “There’s need for a concise, constructive and sustained follow-up on this until the desired results are obtained as we are aware of the enormous economic potential this holds. This is in terms of job creation, as well as the creation of ancillary industries, complete with the multiplier trails they leave in their wake.”

    Omo-Agege while recalling the efforts of the founding father of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chief Mukoro Mowoe, to ensuring unity across Urhobo land, posited that the establishment of the renowned Urhobo College, Effurun (UCE), in 1946 “is a reconciling symbol”.

    He further urged the organisation to use its various capacities to forge the much needed “unity of purpose and interest within the Urhobo leadership, and nation in general. We cannot be tired of calling for unity of purpose among our people since our nominal strength translates to divisions and clashes”.

    Meanwhile, in his lecture, Professor of Commercial and Industrial Law, Prof. Joseph Abugu, opined that keys to reviving the fortunes of Urhobo nation should be directed towards cultural, economic and political “resurgence”.

    Read Also; Nigeria, South Africa to review 32 agreements

    Calling for Urhobo leaders to be “vocal” in the agitation for Nigeria’s restructuring, he said, “the clamour for restructuring of this country will continue and only equity will cure it. Our independence will come when our leaders recognize there is inequality in the system.”

    Former Minister of Information, who chaired the occasion, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, had earlier commended the organization for remaining steadfast in its vision to ensuring the development of Urhoboland, urging those with “access to where decisions are being taken” to use it as an “asset”.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony include member representing UghelliSouth North/South/Udu Federal constituency Hon. Francis Waive, Convener of URM, Professor Hope Eghagha, traditional rulers, among others.

  • My wife subjects me to perpetual fear, man tells court

    Rahimi Ganiyu, a businessman, on Thursday, petitioned a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan to dissolve his 17-year-old marriage over his constant fear of his wife, Adijat Ganiyu.

    Ganiyu, a resident of Soka area in Ibadan explained before Chief Ademola Odunade, the President of the court that his wife whom he married in 2002 had become a terror by constantly causing him apprehension and discomfort.

    He added that the only option he had left was to seek legal intervention in getting Adijat out of his house or she might get rid of him any moment from now.

    “For some years now, my cohabitation under the same roof with Adijat can best be described as passive or servant-master relationship because of the fear my wife has instilled in me.

    “If there is any misunderstanding between both of us, Adijat usually aim at my life and she does this by threatening me with knife.

    “In fact, she recently got petrol in an attempt to set my house ablaze and it took the effort of well meaning people in the community to pacify her.

    “I cannot count how many times Adijat has willfully destroyed my personal wears including; clothes shoes and other properties.

    “Worst still, she damaged my car key and the windscreen and I cannot allow her to kill me before my time,” Ganiyu said.

    Read Also: 60-year-old arrested for defiling 9-year-old niece

    In her argument, the respondent opposed the suit and refuted all the allegations leveled against her.

    Adijat however, prayed the court to consider the four children between both of them in dismissing her husband’s divorce prayer.

    “My lord, none of the submissions made by Ganiyu against me is true, though we sometimes had quarrels.

    “He doesn’t even fend for the children, let alone their feeding or mine.

    “I even suggested to him that I can jointly shoulder the responsibility with him. He however, adamantly refused to do anything.

    “We quarreled because he never wanted to be responsible, he doesn’t like paying the children’s school fees,” Adijat stated.

    In his judgment, Odunade held that the court was convinced that the allegation of threat to life was well proven against Adijat.

    Consequently, he dissolved the union and granted custody of the first two children to the plaintiff and the last two to the respondent.

    The Arbitrator also directed Ganiyu to pay N10, 000 as the children’s monthly feeding allowance in addition to being responsible for their education and other welfare needs.

  • Ondo lawmaker, Yomi Akinrutan, celebrates love

    Proverbs 18:22 says: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD”. Hon. Prince Abayomi Akinrutan, is a happy man, whose joy knows no bound as he is still basking on the euphoria of immense blessings and favour marriage has thrown at him.

    The Ondo State Lawmaker representing Ilaje constituency 1 is in gay mood as he celebrates his 15th year of nuptial bliss with his delectable wife Olamide On October 2. The love birds tied the knot on the 2nd of October in 2004 ever since that moment, they have witness tremendous growth in every aspect of life till date as they are both blessed with three beautiful kids.

    The Olugbo of Ugbo crown Prince never ceased to show his flare for writing. He took to his social media where he eulogised the tenacity and doggedness of Olamide, stating how she stayed with him through hard times.

    Read Also: Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila’s large heart

    “Thanks for being the reason behind my smile, for making me look forward to tomorrow and for always pushing me towards success., Thanks for accomplishing me in this journey of my life and for being such an amazing person”.

    ABA, as he is fondly called, is a business man who has his hands tied on several business littered across the country ranging from; hospitality, Oil and Gas, Recreational Centre, Entertainment, Music business etc. He is the current parliamentary Secretary and Ondo State Chairman House committee on OSOPADEC.

  • Has Hon. Farouk Lawan ‘Mr Integrity’ faded into political oblivion?

    Those conversant with the political melo-drama in the National Assembly since 1999, would attest to the fact that the fear of the Hon. Farouk Lawan, a fierce legislator, witty in nature and politically sound, is the beginning of wisdom.

    The Kano state born politician was in 1999-2015 elected into the Green Chambers representing the Bagwai/Shanono, Federal Constituency Kano State.

    Lawan rose to his political crescendo after her served as the chairman House Committee on Finance under former Speaker Aminu Masari.

    Farouk galvanised some important issues, revealing some fraudulent activities. His fearless and uncompromising nature, despite wavering storm by strong political opposition, earned him the moniker ‘Mr. Integrity’.

    However, he formed a caucus in the House named the; ‘Integrity Group’. They opposed the first female Speaker Patricia Etteh, after being paraded for financial mismanagement, which led to her resignation before the emergence of Dimeji Bankole.

    After being elected for his fourth term in 2011, Lawan’s political odyssey nosedived, taking a negative twist. His sobriquet became the opposite.

    Lawan was bestowed with an appointment as the Chairman of House Committee to investigate the federal government on fuel subsidy. At that very moment, Lawan never knew the office that came as a blessing in disguise, would eventually sink his political dynasty.

    According to reports filed by Lawan and his committee members, lots of fraudulent activities were detected. A whooping $6.8million was paid for petroleum products subsidy that were never delivered.

    Farouk’s political career received a jab when the human in him came to the fore. His integrity was put to test when he allegedly solicited for bribe from Femi Otedola.

    Farouk reportedly demanded for $3m as kickback to cancel the name of Otedola’s companies from his report before presenting it to the House. He was later paid $500,000 by Otedola in cash.

    On collecting the slush funds, Lawan was caught on a planted secret camera. Afterwards, his political career crumbled like the biblical wall of Jericho.

    When Lawan, saw that he might be indicted by the footage, showing how he collected bribe from Otedola, he quickly played a fast one, claiming he collected the cash to expose blackmail and was going to inform the committee and House about it. He was arrested alongside his cohorts, suspected for bribery scandal and charged to court.

    Ever since his ordeal with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the political empire, he struggled to build over the years, failed to resurrect.

    His loyalists and followers deserted him. They withdrew their support for him as he failed to return to the Lower Chamber in 2015.

    According to a close source stated he is struggling with his dwindling political career.

    “Farouk has lost his political clout to misadventure and political misfortune. He is still struggling for political relevance. With the way things are going now, I’m not sure he can ever bounce back. That stain on him has crashed him politically,” the source stated.

    It was further gathered that the former legislator is desperate to bounce back from his political woes but every attempt has hit the rocks.