“A former deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has denied seeking an appointment under President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he is too old for such aspirations.

However, the politician mentioned that if approached or offered such an appointment, he would only assist in nominating competent candidates from his party.

Despite being a vocal critic of Tinubu, George revealed in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday that he resolved his differences with the President, not for personal gain, but to promote peace and as a sign of respect to those who mediated in the matter at Tinubu’s request.

Emphasizing the resolution of the longstanding dispute after senior indigenes of Lagos State and a delegation from the All Progressives Congress visited him, George expressed that he had no greater desires at his age than to offer his support to the Tinubu administration.

He stated, “People are merely spouting nonsense about my desire for an appointment, and they need to be quiet. Tinubu is just getting started, and we said my party’s case was still in court. They requested that we let bygones be bygones. The Bible is clear that vengeance belongs to God Almighty, and you do not continue fighting when everyone has convinced you that it is enough.”

“All those suggesting that I want an appointment do not know what they are talking about. What do they expect to happen to the younger generation? I have forgiven him. We had an issue, and people resolved it for us, and I have moved on.”

When asked if he would accept a government appointment if offered, he responded, “I will recommend individuals who possess the party’s knowledge as I have managed the party for years. If he asks me to help him find someone, there are millions of young people who have the energy to contribute and not me.”

“It is not for me because I am not seeking a job. But if he contacts me, we will discuss it with the party leaders, brainstorm, and nominate a young, capable individual from our side who can bring value to this country.”

George clarified that he could not congratulate or visit Tinubu at the villa while his party, the PDP, was still in court challenging the presidential election’s outcome. He believed doing so would betray his party’s interests.”

The post I Can Help Tinubu If Approached : Chief Bode George Offers To Nominate Candidates appeared first on The Ancestral News.

Asari Dokubo Urges Tinubu Not to Release Nnamdi Kanu, Advocates for Lawful Action

Niger Delta leader Asari Dokubo has called on President Bola Tinubu to refrain from releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Speaking after a meeting with President Tinubu, Dokubo emphasized the need for Kanu to face the legal consequences of his alleged actions and instigations.

Since his re-arrest in 2021, Nnamdi Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while standing trial for terrorism. While Kanu had been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja back in 2017, he violated the bail conditions and subsequently fled the country, leading to his re-arrest. The change in government has brought fresh calls for his release.

Dokubo firmly believes that releasing Kanu would be rewarding criminality and condoning the violent actions that have resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he stated, “He should face the law for the actions and instigations he has carried out.” The Niger Delta leader highlighted the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the country, particularly in the South East, where he claimed that the IPOB/ESN is engaged in a full-scale war against the government, causing the abandonment of communities, closure of schools, and shuttering of hospitals.

Beyond the issue of Kanu, Dokubo raised concerns about crude oil theft in Nigeria, accusing the military of being involved and implicating influential individuals operating from Abuja. However, he expressed gratitude that President Tinubu had promised to investigate these allegations and put an end to the illicit activities. Furthermore, Dokubo offered the assistance of his group in combatting crude oil theft, showcasing his belief that President Tinubu can effectively address the challenges facing the nation.

In summary, Asari Dokubo, a Niger Delta leader, has urged President Bola Tinubu not to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB. Dokubo emphasized the importance of Kanu facing the legal consequences of his alleged actions. Additionally, Dokubo expressed concerns about crude oil theft and alleged the involvement of the military and powerful individuals from Abuja. He commended President Tinubu for his commitment to investigating these issues and offered his group’s assistance in tackling crude oil theft.

The former Niger Delta militant has shredded Nnamdi Kanu and his Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), calling him a scammer, devil, demented who has destroyed Igboland with terror.

He said Kanu and his followers have destroyed Igboland with the sit-at-home order. Dokubo specifically mentioned the trading cities of Onitsha and Aba. He also said IPOB had disrupted life in Igbo villages.

Dokubo accused IPOB of arming young men and turning them into demons and claimed the group practices some cannibalism. He said contrary to IPOB propaganda that Fulani people are attacking Igboland, Dokubo said it is IPOB and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network, that are committing all the atrocities

Dokubo wondered why some Igbo elites are supporting Kanu and IPOB. He called such supporters Igbo idiots, he envisioned a day the Igbo will challenge IPOB and in his words, kill every IPOB member.

“They are worse than the devil”, Dokubo said as he also wished the ESN would one day kill families of IPOB supporters, the way Dora Akunyili’s husband was killed. According to Dokubo, Nnamdi Kanu should not be freed. To Dokubo, the Nigerian state should execute him, not once, but several times over.

“He should be executed severally for the people he is killing. Execute him once, bring him out, execute him, bring him out, execute him again”.

The post Do Not Release Kanu , Execute Him 3 Times : Dokubo Tells Tinubu appeared first on The Ancestral News.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, to appear before the commission regarding the recent launch of Nigeria Air. The EFCC has also questioned officials of the Nigerian Air in relation to the airline’s launch in Abuja.

The minister was expected to appear before the commission within the week to address inquiries regarding the launch of Nigerian Air, which had utilized an Ethiopian aircraft adorned with Ethiopian colors. The EFCC has already interrogated individuals claiming to be officials of the national carrier. When contacted, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the ongoing investigation but was unable to provide further details.

The commission’s investigation will scrutinize the alleged N3 billion investment into the project, although some stakeholders assert that over N80 billion was expended. The decision to present an Ethiopian airline as Nigeria’s national carrier upon its landing in Abuja drew outrage from stakeholders. The minister had defended the move, stating in a recent interview that it was a marketing strategy.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently announced that the airline was still in the initial stage of a five-phase process to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial operations. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have consistently opposed the concept on various grounds.

In response to the situation, the spokesperson for AON, Obiora Okonkwo, warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against succumbing to blackmail and accepting a venture that would ultimately harm the Nigerian economy and result in the loss of millions of existing jobs.

An anonymous source mentioned that an ongoing investigation was indeed underway, revealing that Nigerian Air officials had already been questioned and that Hadi Sirika had been invited to appear before the EFCC within the week.

The post Nigeria Air : EFCC Summons Former Aviation Minister Over Alleged N80. Billion Expended appeared first on The Ancestral News.

BREAKING : Tension In Aso Rock As Tinubu Suspends Assistant Director In Charge Of IPPIS, Others In OAGF For Salary Padding

An Assistant Director at the OAGF in charge of staff’ salary was alleged to have connived with some staff to pad up the salaries of unspecified number of lower level staff.

Tinubu Suspends Assistant Director In Charge Of IPPIS, Others In OAGF For Salary Padding Many civil servants across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) including the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) have been suspended for alleged salary padding on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). The allegation was confirmed by RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Bello Shehu, who said those identified had been placed on suspension pending investigation.

The affected workers were found to have manipulated the IPPIS system to pad their salaries above their threshold. An Assistant Director at the OAGF in charge in charge of staff’ salary was alleged to have connived with some staff to pad up the salaries of unspecified number of lower level staff.

The scheme was discovered when a level 7 officer whose salary should be in the range of N60,000 was paid over N400,000, which was in the range of a salary package of a Director. The salary padding racket had been on for a while among a small clique of civil servants in different MDAs with the IPPIS office in the OAGF as the epicentre.

Reacting to the development, the OAGF in a statement said it was, “in receipt of enquiries over alleged ‘salary padding’ on the IPPIS involving some unspecified MDAs.”

“In the meantime, a staff suspected to be connected with the breach has been suspended to allow for thorough investigation. “

“All necessary steps are being taken to strengthen the controls around the IPPIS payment platform and an independent forensic audit of the entire payroll system is underway to ascertain if the reported breach is isolated or widespread,” Shehu said.

He said if the indicted officials were found culpable of the salary padding allegations, they would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

The post Tension In Aso Rock : Pres.Tinubu Sacks Director In Charge Of IPPS, Others For Misconduct appeared first on The Ancestral News.

Mr. Mohammed Umar is now the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Umar has been directed by President Bola Tinubu to take over the affairs of the commission being the Director of Operations after the suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa as its Chairman.

On Wednesday evening, President Tinubu suspends the EFCC Chairman indefinitely following what is described as weighty allegations of abuse of office.

Hours to his suspension, Bawa had a meeting with the President today at the State House. The President had earlier today suspended indefinately , Mr Bawa as the overall boss of Nigeria’s most funcional financial and economic crime investigative institution .

The post Breaking: Tinubu Appoints New EFCC Boss, Mohammed Umar Steps In appeared first on The Ancestral News.

President Bola Tinubu has suspended Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This was announced in a statement by Willie Bassey, Director, Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR, has approved the indefinite suspension from office of Mr. AbdulRasheed Bawa, CON, as the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office.

“This follows weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him. Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

Bawa’s suspension, according to a statement by the Director, Information, SGF Office, Willie Basse, is to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office.

The statement reads, “This follows weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.

“Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

The post Just In : Pres. Tinubu Suspends EFCC Chairman , Orders Immediate Handover. appeared first on The Ancestral News.

Nnamdi Kanu’s ‘Disciple’, Ekpa writes UN, Announces Himself As Prime Minister Of Biafra Government In Exile, Lists Other Ministers, Office Holders

 Simon Ekpa , the self-proclaimed disciple of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu has described himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).

Ekpa, in a letter to the United Nations General Assembly, dated April 13, 2023, which he personally signed, urged the global community to recognise Biafra Republic Government in Exile, which he said was established to undertake the political and administrative governance of the ‘Biafra nation’ from outside of ‘Biafra’ territory.

He also appealed to the UN to prevail on the government of Nigeria to unconditionally release Nnamdi Kanu and all ‘Biafrans’ held captive in any dungeon in Nigeria, and conduct a peaceful referendum to enable a peaceful and bloodless exit of Biafra from Nigeria.

According to the letter obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, Ekpa stated that the indigenous people of ‘Biafra’ set up the exile government in their determination to exit the Nigerian state, while enumerating a plethora of reasons why IPOB wants the South-East region to exit from Nigeria.

He said the Biafra Government in Exile will “undertake diplomatic and foreign relationships, arrangements and agreements, negotiations and pacts with other nations and interest organisations of the world on behalf of Biafra People”.

“They are to be accorded all diplomatic privileges as due to any government official of their respective level. Biafra people, through their government in exile are sourcing for supports from all nations of the world to assist it exit Nigeria peacefully,” he added.

According to the letter to the United Nations General Assembly, an election was conducted and “Mazi Simon Ekpa was elected as the Prime Minister together with other Biafra Government in Exile officials, namely; Head of Finance –Mazi Ogechukwu Nkere; Deputy Head of Finance –Hon Lady Azuka Charlesnwankwo; Defense Minister –Hon. Lady Azuka Charles Nwankwo; Home Land Liaison –Dr M O & Prof C. O. N; Diplomatic & Foreign Affairs –Dr Sam Agubosim. Deputy Prof Anthony Nwannebuike Nwiboko; Coastal Region Orientation Coordinator-Madam Anirejou Josephine Erewa”.

Others are Group Secretary –Victor Adim/ Dr Ruby Nnadi; Dept. Of Planning & Strategy –Paul Adinam; Information/ Media & Communication –Dr. Florence Agie & Mazi Ralph Chiamaka Ajere; Secretary to World Igbo Union –Madam May Ndirika; Military –Prof Anthony Nwannebuike Nwiboko/Mazi Solomon Nkwocha; Ministry of Health –Dr Ngozi Orabueze, Dr Offorma, Dr Sam and Dr Mora; Education –Dr Ruby Nnadi; Oil & Gas –Dr Ngozi Orabueze & Emma Maduabu; Pharmacy & Laboratory Science, Board of Nursing –Dr Benedict / Dr Florence Agie and Transport & Logistics –Amobi Eneh.

The post Samuel Ekpa Declares Self- Prime Minister Of Biafra, Lists Other Ministers appeared first on The Ancestral News.

By Aare Oba Oladun Hassan / Pres. Yoruba Council.

Re: Otoge Endorsement of Patrick Rhodes Vivour By Chief Olabode George Led Group, A Comical Charade Taken Too Far.

We are aghast beyond comprehension to see a group of misguided elders regrouping under another hang-rope organization: Omo Eko Pataki endorsing the Lagos Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate, Chinedu Patrick Rhodes Vivour in what is seen as a last kick of a dying horse by the so called frustrated Elders.

To many reasonable right thinking members of the society, this chameleonic disgruntled groups now deceitfully marauding from Ayo Adebanjo Afenifere Group to Lagos Elders to Rhodes Vivour Family clan to PDP-LP amalgam group of same bloodline of mischiefs.

We are not surprised to see the remnants of the Lagos PDP; a divided house of commotion and jesters abandoning their own PDP party man and Guber Candidate of same characters; Abdulazeez Adediran Jandor for Chinedu Patrick Rhodes Vivour of the Labour Party.

Regrettably, this macabre dance of shame is premeditated in pursuit of a wild goose chase to whip up ethnic sentiments and cause unnecessary inter ethnic strife and bigotry between the Yorubas and Igbos in Lagos State.

We are proud to state unequivocally that the Igbos in Lagos are more humane, friendly and wiser to vote for the APC continuity in Lagos State, the Ohaneze Ndigbo leaders, Non- Indigenous groups, youths, Students, Market women and stakeholders of the various markets have all spoken unequivocally; Alli Baba, Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest have all spoken widely to the high heaven in support of the real Omoluabi Eko Pataki- Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat’s re-election as the Executive Governor and Deputy Governor of Lagos State.

We reiterating with all sense of decorum that Lagosians have decide and resolved to massively re-elect and vote for Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for second term as the Executive Governor of Lagos State alongside all APC House of Assembly candidates in Lagos State come Saturday 18th March, 2023.

We are aware Chief Olabode George is most notoriously renowned pathological lier and his penchants for deceits is second to none, having serially admitted to go on self exile since 2015 and 2019 after President Muhammadu Buhari won his Presidential Election, now he resorted to same gimmick of charades when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as President-elect, till date he is yet to fulfill his promised decision to board the next available “korope” to the neighboring Cotonou Benin Republic for his resting exile, unfortunately only for “Baba Go Exile” to stay behind causing monumental confusion unabatedly.

We know for sure Patrick Rhodes Vivour of the Labour Party is going now where, except to join his felllow Anambra kinsman Peter Obi in thier self-driven illusions.

We appeal and implore all Lagosian to vote for a greater Lagos, accelerated economic growth, aesthetic infrastructural development, uncommon health care delivery, succinct education sector, youth and women empowerment to mention a few.

Vote early, Vote massively, Vote wisely, Vote for Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s re-election on Saturday 18th March, 2023.

We have emphatically Spoken.

Signed:

Aare Oba Oladotun Hassan, President, Yoruba Council Worldwide.

The post Re: Otoge Endorsement Of Patrick Vivours By Chief Bode George Led Group appeared first on The Ancestral News.

Yoruba Council Worldwide Backs Sanwo – Olu’s Second Term

The Yoruba Council Worldwide has thrown its weight behind the second term ambition of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo -Olu and solicit for Lagosians’ support for him in the Saturday Governorship Election.

Yoruba Council made their position known at a press conference it addressed in Lagos Wednesday, saying the achievements of the Governor in the last four years should be crowned with another term.

Speaking on behalf of the Council at the media parley, the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Oba Oladotun Hassan said the Council comes out to endorse Sanwo – Olu because it wants a continuation of good developments of the last four years.

” We cannot keep quiet. Lagos is the pride of all of us and should not be placed in the hands of low minds. Lagos is not meant to be controlled by people of low character. That is why we are stating categorically and in my capacity as the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide that on behalf of Yoruba globally and with the support of all our traditional rulers in Lagos State Sanwo -Olu should be returned for a second term.

” We plead with all Lagosians to come out en-masse and vote for the governor on Saturday. Whoever that feels offended should for the sake of democracy forgive the governor and let all of us rally round him“.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a man of exceptional dynamism, a listener, and a good crisis manager. The steady and self-assured way he has been piloting the affairs of Lagos State cutting across every sector with characteristic skills and sobriety is commendable. His great exploits in the areas of infrastructure , development, youth empowerment, education, health, direct foreign investment, and transportation (rail and land transportation) among others are enormous”, he said.

Hassan who was also a Lagos East People’s Democratic Party, PDP Senatorial aspirant used the occasion to announce his defection from the party to the ruling party in the state, the APC .

He said his movement into the APC is to Mobilise for the success of Sanwo -Olu on the coming governorship election.

The post Lagos Guber: Yoruba Council Worldwide Backs Sanwo-Olu For Second term. appeared first on The Ancestral News.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections to March 18, 2023.

INEC’s decision is coming a few days before the March 11 date which was earlier scheduled for the state elections.

A top INEC official who made the disclosure known to our correspondent in Abuja today revelaed that the postponement was due to the inability of the commission to commence the re-configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used for the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, to enable their use for the state elections.

Recall Vanguard had on Monday exclusively reported that the elections could be postponed, except the appellate court reversed itself on relief it granted the Presidential Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party LP counterpart, Peter Obi.

The post INEC Postpones Gov. Election By One Week , Mar. 18th The New Date appeared first on The Ancestral News.