Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu

Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed how he and other close allies convinced President Bola Tinubu to reject an offer to serve as Minister of Finance during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Speaking during an interview on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu recounted how Tinubu had enthusiastically informed him of the offer.

According to Ojudu, Tinubu had called him with the words, “Congratulations to me,” prompting a curious response.

“Congratulations for what?” Ojudu said he had asked, to which Tinubu replied, “President Yar’Adua has invited me to serve as Minister of Finance.”

Ojudu explained that he immediately advised against the move, warning Tinubu about the potential political risks involved.

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He reminded Tinubu of the tragic fate of Bola Ige, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was assassinated under mysterious circumstances while serving in the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“You are in the Action Congress. Are you not a student of history? Have you forgotten what happened to Bola Ige? You would be digging your political grave if you accept that type of job,” Ojudu recalled saying.

The warnings did not come from Ojudu alone. Rauf Aregbesola, a close ally of Tinubu and former Governor of Osun State, also argued that accepting the position could harm Tinubu’s long-term political aspirations.

A businessman, who was part of the discussion, reportedly offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that the role could benefit Tinubu and others. However, Ojudu stood his ground, warning about the dangers of the offer.

Ojudu further warned that such a move could lead to Tinubu being arrested, tried, and politically neutralized, mirroring what happened to Bola Ige.

“Our dream for him was bigger than a ministerial position in Yar’Adua’s government. Nine months down the line, they would have arrested him, tried him, and finished him off—just like Bola Ige,” Ojudu said.

Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu

Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Daniel Onyejekwe, a 30-year-old man, for allegedly stabbing his neighbor, identified as Christian, to death during a dispute over rice.

The incident occurred on New Year’s Day in the Ogwanja area of Sapele, Delta State. Reports indicate that an argument between the two escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the tragic loss of life.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development on Thursday, saying, “It is confirmed, and the suspect is in custody. The two were fighting and injured themselves badly. Unfortunately, one, Christian, died.”

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Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro that the altercation started when rice was being shared along Boyo Road in Ogwanja. An argument ensued between Onyejekwe and the deceased, leading to a physical fight.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Christian and Daniel started dragging the rice, and during the fight, Daniel picked a bottle and stabbed Christian multiple times. The vigilante rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.”

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary, while the police have launched an investigation into the incident.

SP Edafe assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after the investigation was concluded.

Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta

Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has sidelined his predecessor and estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, in the hierarchy of influential figures in the state.

During the 2025 New Year State Banquet at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara lauded former Governor Peter Odili as the alpha and omega of Rivers politics.

Addressing prominent political figures and stakeholders, Fubara assured Rivers people of his administration’s commitment to good governance and its determination to thwart any attempts by detractors to disrupt the government’s agenda.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Nelson, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude for the support of key political figures, including former governors Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sir Austin Opara, and former deputy governor Sir Gabriel Toby.

He credited them and others with laying the foundational structures of Rivers politics and emphasized their continued influence in shaping the state’s future.

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“This year, we will protect the integrity of this state at all costs. We won’t allow anybody to take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight; we will address issues firmly,” Fubara stated.

Fubara dismissed his opposition’s capacity to challenge his administration effectively, saying: “The beginning and the end of politics in this state is Sir Peter Odili. If he is with us, alongside other respected leaders, who do they have?” he questioned.

The governor described Odili as the “right face and image” of Rivers State, commending his contributions and those of other distinguished leaders in shaping the state’s legacy.

He criticized the opposition for relying on superficial displays of support, contrasting it with the organic backing his administration enjoys.

Reflecting on 2024, Fubara acknowledged the challenges faced by his administration but maintained that the successes outweighed the setbacks.

Reiterating the “Rivers First” policy, he vowed to prioritize the safety and welfare of the state’s residents while raising the bar for governance.

“We will continue to protect lives and provide essential services. Raising the bar is our way of showing that we are undeterred by distractions. God sometimes allows the activities of evil people to keep righteous people vigilant,” he noted.

Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers