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Bayo Onanuga will pay for insulting Obasanjo, says Bode George

Published

4 months ago

November 28, 2024

Chief Olabode George

Bayo Onanuga will pay for insulting Obasanjo, says Bode George

Bode George, a former deputy national chairman (south) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has warned that Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, will face repercussions for allegedly insulting former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo, during his address at the Chinua Achebe leadership forum at Yale University on November 16, criticized the 2023 general election as a “travesty.” He pointed to Nigeria’s deteriorating state, highlighting “widespread corruption, poor leadership, and immorality,” which have fueled insecurity and underdevelopment. The former president also described the situation under the “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan” reigns as chaotic, with “Emilokan” referring to a phrase popularized during President Bola Tinubu’s election campaign when he asserted it was his turn to lead the country. Obasanjo also called for new and credible leadership for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore trust and prevent corruption.

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In response to Obasanjo’s comments, Onanuga attacked the former president, accusing him of leaving unresolved problems for the country and presiding over the most fraudulent election in Nigeria’s history. Onanuga criticized Obasanjo for publicly sharing his views on leadership and governance, claiming the ex-president continued to blame those who served after him for Nigeria’s challenges despite his own flaws. Onanuga also referred to the flawed 2007 election, which was later acknowledged by beneficiary Umaru Yar’Adua and led to calls for electoral reforms. He suggested that Obasanjo’s tenure had contributed to the country’s current economic crisis due to poor economic choices.

However, George took issue with Onanuga’s remarks. Speaking in an interview on Nigeria Info FM, George stated that Onanuga would face consequences for ‘insulting’ an elder, pointing out that Yoruba culture does not permit such behavior. He expressed disapproval over Onanuga’s treatment of Obasanjo, noting that the former president was old enough to be his father.

“An old man who could be Bayo Onanuga’s father said something, and you took him on by blasting him right, left, and centre,” George said, adding that Onanuga had previously shown similar disrespect towards him.

George further emphasized the importance of respecting elders, stating, “Even if you want to react, the Yoruba culture does not allow that insult from him. Someday he would pay back, because there would be a day after, and that’s more important.” George also suggested that Onanuga should be cautious in his actions, as “it’s possible for him.”

Bayo Onanuga will pay for insulting Obasanjo, says Bode George

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Ex-LG chair challenges El-Rufai’s claims on council funds

Published

6 hours ago

March 23, 2025

Trends Admin

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai

Ex-LG chair challenges El-Rufai’s claims on council funds

Former Secretary of the Association of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, Alhaji Kabiru Jarimi, has refuted ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that he never interfered with Area Councils’ funds during his tenure.

Jarimi, who served under El-Rufai’s administration, described the claim as misleading, stating that funds were routinely deducted from councils’ allocations under various guises by the previous government.

The ex-ALGON State Secretary, who is also the former Chairman of Kaduna South local government, disclosed this in an interview over the weekend.

“I was shocked by El Rufai’s comment because local government funds were deducted without our approval. Most of the deductions targeted Southern Kaduna LGAs.

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“We never got our full allocations under El-Rufai. His government kept introducing policies to deduct funds unnecessarily. I even considered resigning. At times, we had no funds for overhead costs after paying salaries,” he recalled.

Jarimi, who said that El-Rufai justified the deductions as necessary to settle workers’ salaries, further noted that the state government also employed various means to withdraw additional funds.

The former Council Chairman cited the creation of the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority, Zaria Metropolitan Authority and Kafanchan Municipal Authority as a means of shortchanging local governments.

“Salaries were shared 60–40 between the capital territories and LGs around them. In Kaduna South, deductions were made in the name of sanitation, forcing us to remit funds to the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority (KCTA) every month,” he stated.

The former Chairman further alleged that the funds of local governments outside the capital territories were also deducted without explanation, citing deductions for security and ‘riot damage.’

Ex-LG chair challenges El-Rufai’s claims on council funds

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Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra

Published

6 hours ago

March 23, 2025

Trends Admin

Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona of St. Patrick Church, Ichida, has been reportedly abducted by gunmen in Anambra State.

According to a report by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday when four armed men, operating in a white Lexus 330 SUV with an unknown registration number, intercepted the cleric and whisked him away along with his Toyota Highlander SUV.

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A joint team of security operatives and local vigilantes (AVG) were said to have responded swiftly to the attack, pursuing the assailants and engaging them in a gun duel at a road intersection between Oraeri and Akwaeze villages.

Though the criminals managed to escape, their Lexus SUV sustained significant damage, including a shattered rear windshield.

The Anambra Police Command is yet to release a statement on the abduction of the priest.

Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra

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Adeleke University didn’t suspend Muslims for praying – MSSN

Published

6 hours ago

March 23, 2025

Trends Admin

Adeleke University didn’t suspend Muslims for praying – MSSN

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University Branch, Ede, Osun State, has described as “fake news” a statement credited to MURIC which alleged the suspension of a Muslim student of the university over Friday prayers.

The association, in a statement signed by its Ameer, Imran Adigun AbdulHakeem, on Sunday, said MURIC’s reports circulated on social media were a misrepresentation of happenings within the university, saying “our faith is respected by the management.”

In another letter, the association apologised to the director and facilitator of the university, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, whom the association credited with providing a conducive atmosphere for Muslim students to practise their faith.

The letter reads: “On behalf of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University Chapter, [I] write to address the ongoing misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms regarding the suspension of Muslim Students for praying on Campus.

“On the 14th of March, 2025, we were temporarily suspended from observing our Night Ramadan Prayers (Taraweeh) and Jummat prayers on campus on the orders of the Director of Security Service (DSS).

“However, on the 18th of March, we met with Dr. Mrs. Modupe Adeleke regarding these challenges.

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“She provided us with a place where we could observe Ramadan, Jummat prayers, and the five daily prayers which we accepted. As a result, the suspension has been lifted, and we have resumed prayers at the new location provided by the university on the orders of Dr Modupe Adeleke.

“At no time have Muslim Students been forced to change their beliefs. While challenges may arise in any diverse academic institution, the university management has always been open to dialogue, and we have continued to receive support in practicing our faith.

“Adeleke University has provided a peaceful and respectful environment for all faiths, and we continue to practice our religion freely.

“We urge the public to disregard the misinformation that may have been spread regarding this matter as they do not reflect the reality of our experiences,” the letter to the university management noted.

The letter of apology to Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke-Sanni reads: “As-salamu alaykum (peace be upon you). On behalf of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University Chapter, I apologize for any distress caused by the false social media reports.

“We assure you that we had no hand in spreading the misinformation. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support, guidance, and kindness towards us.

“Your commitment to our well-being and academic success is invaluable, and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us. May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly for your good deeds. Jazakumullah khairan (may Allah reward you with goodness).

“Thank you for being an exceptional Mother and mentor. We are blessed to have you,” the letter added.